KNIGHT WATCH

IS SCIENCE MAKING MORE SENSE?

Our DNA determines our preference in perfumes. Previous research found the MCH (major histocompatability complex) genes are related to being sexually attracted to someone else’s scent. In a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 116 volunteers – male and female – were asked to smell 10 scents commonly found in perfumes including rose, cinnamon, cedar and moss. Although they smelled them in different concentrations and settings, the volunteers’ previously tested variations in MCH genes correlated with the perfumes they liked best. I’m guessing it won’t be long before a perfume manufacturer markets a line of perfumes called “Geneius”.

Talking about an event helps us remember it. In a study published in the journal Child Development, 46 children ages 27-51 months played with a toy for 2 days. On day 3 the children were asked if they remembered the toy and how to use it. Six years later they were shown a medal they’d received for their participation and asked if they remembered why they got it. Twenty percent remembered. They were the children who had talked more about the toy after the study. Talking about something shortly after it happens helps memory develop – unless the researchers are “toying” with us.

Birds are singing differently. According to research published in the journal Behavioral Ecology, city noise pollution is causing birds with low-pitched songs – like gray catbirds and robins – to sing at a higher pitch. Birds with high-pitched songs – like Northern cardinals – are singing at a lower pitch because buildings absorb and refract their songs. Bird song – like human speech – is learned. Science has already discovered birds hear subtle differences in their songs when choosing a mate. Because city and country birds of the same species will have different songs, “birds of a feather may no longer fly together”.

When trees branch, the smaller branches have an exact mathematical relationship to the branch they came from. Leonardo DaVinci knew that in the 1500’s. In 2011 a French physicist stated “Leonardo’s rule” mathematically. The sum of the surface areas of the two daughter branches is equal to the surface area of the mother branch. According to the French physicist, if you wanted to design a tree that was best able to withstand high winds, it would branch according to Leonardo’s rule. However, trees seem to have figured that out on their own. That information is obviously part of the “tree of knowledge”.

 

IS TECHNOLOGY THE ONLY ANSWER?

A “Bikestation” for 130 bikes, lockers and a small repair shop opened outside Washington, D.C. in October 2009. It is conveniently located next to the Metro subway exit at Union Station for use by commuters who want to cycle in the city. For an annual membership or a daily usage fee, the system provides secure storage for bicycles, reduces traffic and encourages exercise. An annual survey of Bikestation users in California showed that 30% previously commuted by car. Comparable facilities in Germany and Japan handle 3,000-4,000 bicycles. Obviously, the idea of Bikestations has been “peddled” better outside the U.S.

Not every good idea, however, involves new technology. California winemakers have tried a variety of ways to scare off grape-loving starlings at harvest time. Because shotguns and propane cannons scared the birds away only temporarily and netting rows of grapes is expensive, winemakers are turning to falconry. Falcons can spot starlings half a mile away and can fly 150 mph in pursuit of their prey. Many prominent vineyards – including E&J Gallo – have hired falconers. Releasing 1 falcon twice a day keeps the starlings away from the grapes. Solving this problem just needed a bird’s-eye view.

Many states are looking for ideas to prevent prison inmates from using cell phones to participate in illegal activities. A maximum sentence of 5 years and a $15,000 fine isn’t enough to stop them and under current law the FCC allows only federal agencies to jam cell phone signals. As a result, New Jersey and Virginia are using specially trained dogs to sniff out phones. Phones have been found in light fixtures, Bibles and body cavities. Some phones have been hidden in jars of peanut butter to fool the dogs, but these dogs have a nose for their job.

Nutrition and economic experts are promoting the idea of a 1 cent tax on every ounce of sweetened beverages. This “soda tax” would discourage people from consuming extra calories while generating needed revenue. Thirty-three states tax soft drinks, but the average tax is 5.2% - only 5 cents on a 12 ounce can costing $1. The proposed soda tax would be 12 cents. A national soda tax would generate almost $15 billion its first year and an average 2-pound weight loss for soda drinkers. Because many people aren’t aware that sugared beverages are a major cause of weight problems, the soda tax would help them “pay” attention.