Science of the Week, 6/19/15

Here are some of the most interesting science news articles I read this week:

Low birth rates can actually pay off in the U.S. and other countries

Asian, European languages not so different under the hood

Re-examining the "first impressions" adage
(This article is especially interesting for writers because it discusses what kinds of information make people reverse their initial impressions of fictional characters.)

A dearth of nutrition in school lunches

Origami robot climbs inclines, swims, and carries loads twice its weight

Interventions among healthy people save the most lives

New type of drug can target all disease-causing proteins

FDA approves brain implant to help reduce Parkinson's, essential tremor symptoms

Arctic Ocean rapidly becoming more corrosive to marine species

What's on the surface of a black hole?
(Potential source of SF story ideas here.)

Researchers discover first sensor of Earth's magnetic field in an animal

Do social insects share brain power?

Viewing cat videos boosts energy and positive emotions
(So there is reason to post cat videos on Facebook!)