Noted

Alex Eben Meyer

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Two new species of small, colorful freshwater fish recently discovered by Yale biologists are already known to be imperiled.

Found in short stretches of creeks and streams in central Alabama, the two new species—the Gurley darter and the Birmingham darter—are among the most endangered species of darters. Their restricted ranges and the fact that those ranges overlap with intensive urban and agricultural development make them vulnerable to extinction. 

The researchers say that the methods used to identify and differentiate these species—genomic sequencing, physical analysis—are essential to conservation efforts and protecting the planet’s biodiversity. “We can’t protect threatened species if we haven’t named and described them,” they note. 

You probably plan your clothing choices and surroundings to create a positive impression during a video interview. Now, a Yale psychologist has found that you should consider the quality of your microphone as well.

In a series of experiments using different genders and accents, participants listened to a short speech recording and then evaluated the speaker. Half listened to a clean recording that sounded as if delivered through a high-quality microphone. The other half heard a distorted version that mimicked the metallic, hollow sound of poor-quality microphones. The words were identical and the distortions did not affect the comprehensibility of the messages.

Participants gave higher ratings to the recordings with the more resonant tones, perceiving those speakers to be more credible, desirable, and intelligent—and hirable. The researchers note that a thin, tinny voice caused by a low-quality microphone can engender negative judgments.