Abby Tabor
Have you been on vacation and missing your science news? Catch up on the latest MyScienceWork subjects, from sunscreen and water pollution, to competition on the savannah.
This week at MyScienceWork, we answered the question on everyone’s mind:
Elephant vs Rhino: Who is king of the savannah?
In this head-to-head matchup, South African scientists collected samples of fresh poop and analyzed their contents to determine the diet of these megaherbivores. The results show, for the first time, that black rhinos and elephants compete for food – a fact that has to be taken into consideration in conservation strategies.
Tourists visiting the wildlife parks of Africa to see such endangered species will be well aware of the need for sunscreen. But how many of us realize that, when we slather ourselves in the protective cream and then go for a swim, the chemicals in sunblock may be polluting the sea? A team of Spanish researchers set themselves the task of evaluating the potential effects of sunscreen on the environment, and came up with some surprising results. Read the whole story in:
Sunscreen, while protecting skin, pollutes water
But before or after hitting the beach this summer, you may well have traveled internationally. Ever wondered how, exactly, customs control works? How do they identify fraudulent products or brand new drugs? Find out in:
Scientists at the Border: identifying counterfeit products, detecting future drugs
Enjoy your holidays, if they’re yet to come. If you’re already back at work, console yourself with some summer science reading!
The MyScienceWork team
