ENVIRONMENT
Credit: Maciej Olszewski | 123rf
WEEVILS THWARTED BY LEAVES’ COMPLICATED GEOMETRY
The leaf shapes of certain species of the Isodon group of flowering plants act as deterrents against a leaf-rolling weevil. Female insects, which cut leaves and roll them up to provide shelter for their eggs, appear to prefer simpler shaped leaves. Credit: National University of Singapore
Japanese geochemist Katsuko Saruhashi (22 March 1920 – 29 September 2007) developed the first method and tools for measuring carbon dioxide in seawater, which became known as Saruhashi’s Table. Her work showed that the Pacific Ocean releases twice as much carbon dioxide as it absorbs, indicating that global warming could not be substantially mitigated by seawater’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Saruhashi also developed a sensitive method for measuring the amounts of radioactive isotopes Cesium-137 and Strontium-90 in seawater. Her research on the radioactive fallout from nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll helped to determine limits for oceanic nuclear testing. Her childhood fascination with rain coupled with her parents' encouragement towards technical knowledge and financial independence led to her earning a degree from the Imperial Women's College of Science, now known as Toho University. Later, she was the first woman to obtain a PhD in chemistry from the University of Tokyo and the first woman elected to the Science Council of Japan. She established the Society of Japanese Women Scientists as well as the Saruhashi Prize, which is awarded yearly to a female scientist who serves as a role model for younger women scientists.
GIANTS IN HISTORY
SMARTPHONE DEVICE DETECTS HARMFUL ALGAE IN 15 MINUTES
Scientists have created a highly sensitive system combined with a smartphone that detects the presence of toxin-producing algae in water within 15 minutes.
MEASURING THE OCEANS' CAPACITY TO PROTECT THE PLANET
ASIA RE SEA RC H N EWS
Credit: Tadasu K. Yamada et al., Scientific Reports
NEW WHALE SPECIES IDENTIFIED ALONG THE COAST OF HOKKAIDO
The new beaked whale species Berardius minimus, which had long been called Kurotsuchikujira (black Baird’s beaked whale) by locals, is smaller than other Berardius species.
202 0 Credit: Toho University
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