ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

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• Mammalian bone gene may be repurposed to fuel cognition in humans
• Skin pigment could help strengthen foams, fabrics
• Personality tests for fish could help boost reproduction rates
• Young birds less honest when competing against siblings

Mammalian bone gene may be repurposed to fuel cognition in humans Posted: 09 Nov 2016 10:36 AM PST A gene that regulates bone growth and muscle metabolism in mammals may take on an additional role as a promoter of brain maturation, cognition and learning in human and nonhuman primates, according to neurobiologists.

Skin pigment could help strengthen foams, fabrics Posted: 09 Nov 2016 08:44 AM PST Melanin is the natural molecule in animals' skin, hair and the iris of eyes that gives them color and helps protect them from ultraviolet light. Someday soon, the pigment could be found in unexpected places such as sofa cushions or clothing -- but not for its hue. Scientists have found that adding a small amount of melanin to polyurethane makes it far stronger than the material by itself.

Personality tests for fish could help boost reproduction rates Posted: 09 Nov 2016 06:03 AM PST Aquaculture experts have found the way fish, Senegalese sole, cope with stress is determined by their personality and remains consistent regardless of the situation they are in.

Young birds less honest when competing against siblings Posted: 08 Nov 2016 05:58 AM PST Chicks that are competing with siblings or whose parents are likely to die or switch partners tend to be less honest when begging for food, research into sibling rivalry in birds has found.

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