Think you have thick skin? You’re literally right.
Human skin is tougher than you might think, SYFY reports. When Binghamton researchers created artificial skin to see what it took to break, they found that they needed huge amounts of pressure from sharp and blunt weapons. Read more
This spider can breathe underwater for 30 minutes
To make the underwater trick work, the tropical spider Trechalea extensa used its own hydrophobic hairs to help create a “film of air” that kept the air-breathing spider safe while in survival mode, Binghamton biologist Lindsey Swierk tells Popular Mechanics. Read more
Research tells us why psychopaths can succeed in society
A new study highlights an important link between the trait of psychopathy and charisma. The research, conducted by Binghamton’s Emma-Clementine Welsh, argues that a higher level of charisma in psychopathic individuals may make them more successful, Forbes reports. Read more
LGBTQ people face ‘groomer’ accusations and trolling as culture war rages on
The rising tide of online abuse is challenging as the internet has become an essential place for young people to learn about LGBTQ identities and connect with community members. Data from the social media platform Reddit analyzed by Jeremy Blackburn, an assistant professor of computer science at Binghamton University who studies online extremism, found about a 100 percent increase since the beginning of the year in discussion of “grooming” in conjunction with various LGBTQ slurs starting in early March, NBC news reports. Read more
Off the Page from WSKG: The Weeping Time
The largest slave auction in American history took place in 1859, but it’s been largely forgotten by history. Binghamton University historian Anne Bailey joins Crystal Sarakas of WSKG in this podcast for a conversation about race, the erasure of slave auctions, and the healing that families are doing as they trace their history back to the auction block. Read more
Funding to clean up orphaned oil, gas wells is on the way
Two Binghamton University professors have been working to solve the problem of tracking down abandoned wells with newly developed drone technology, Sierra magazine reports. Read more
Friendliness, trustworthiness matter when forming teams
What gets you selected for a team project may be a surprise. Binghamton leadership expert Cynthia Maupin explains which traits are most sought after in this “Academic Minute” interview with WAMC. Read more
