This month's rundown of the biggest science news spans fisheries management, some mind-bending biomedical advances, and evidence that it's harder than ever to understand scientific papers. Here's the skinny from Nature Podcast co-host Kerri Smith:
Or you can read it for yourself:
- Confirmed: catch shares management slows down fishing:A new study of multiple fisheries (including New England's cod and other groundfish) finds that, as intended, catch shares slows down the pace of fishing. It doesn't address many of the other socioeconomic impacts of catch shares that have made it so controversial in the northeast.
- Young fish poo helps old fish live longer:Don't go asking your grandkids for a fecal sample just yet, but this study adds to the ever-mounting evidence that the bacteria in your gut may be affecting everything from your mood to your immune system, even your lifespan.
- "Menstrual cycle on a chip" could help fill gaps in understanding female physiology:This model of the human female reproductive system fits into the palm of your hand and could reduce the demand for animal experimentation and help address questions scientists couldn't previously hope to answer.
- Scientific papers are getting harder to read: It's not just you (or me). Researchers say scientists' writing is becoming heavier on jargon and acronyms, making it difficult for even other scientists to understand. And that could be a stumbling block for scientific advancement.