This month in science:
Ronan the rhythmically trained sea lion returns; ripple effect of small earthquakes near major faults revealed; Beth Shapiro elected to National Academy of Sciences, and more.
Animal research on biomusicality, which looks at whether different species are capable of behaving in ways that show they recognize aspects of music, including rhythm and beat, remains a tantalizing field at the intersection of biology and psychology. Now, the highly trained California sea lion at UC Santa Cruz who achieved global fame for her ability to bob her head to a beat is finally back: starring in a new study that shows her rhythm is just as precise—if not better—than humans.
UC Santa Cruz astronomy and astrophysics major Klaus Stephenson, along with students across the UC system, describe the value of hands-on learning and research opportunities for undergraduates. “The question of what to do after graduation is a lot smaller for me because I've had this experience,” Stephenson says.
UC Santa Cruz student Piramon Kumnurdmanee showcases inclusivity in astronomy by featuring indigenous stories and practices on her self-produced website, Culture in the Cosmos.
She is a member of Earth Futures Institute’s donor-funded program, Frontier Fellows, which awards stipends to undergraduates pursuing research for the betterment of Earth’s future.
The museum is partnering with the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute for a month of molecular marvels. Meet the scientists behind cutting-edge discoveries, ranging from decoding dire wolves to bombastic banana slugs. From lectures to workshops, citizen science to field trips, June is jam-packed with exciting offerings.
