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Ronan the Sea Lion keeps the beat going for research purposes

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) -- A new study from UC Santa Cruz studied human rhythm-keeping skills and animals, with Ronan the sea lion aiding in research.

The sea lion went viral in 2013. Ronan could nod her head along to not only the beat of the song, but could also change her nods to the tempos.

The new study was published on May 1 in the "Nature" journal, "Scientific Reports," showing Ronan's synchronization was as good, if not better, than humans.

The study shows that Ronan's synchronization was more precise and consistent with every tempo tested, which includes 112 beats per minute, 120, and 128 bpm.

Ronan, now 16, is also aiding in showing how her age and her experience in keeping a rhythm have helped with her cognitive behavior.

"It’s not just a test of rhythmic performance. It reflects her cognitive behavior and her ability to remember and refine it over time," UCSC Penniped Lab's Senior Research Scientist Dr. Collen Reichmuth said in a press release.

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Sergio Berrueta

Sergio Berrueta has been in the news for quite awhile going from studying print media to entering the realm of broadcast.

Originally from Bell Gardens, California, in Southeast Los Angeles. Berrueta started his professional news career in Eureka as a newscast producer for North Coast News (now The Northstate’s News) at KAEF ABC 23 in 2022. He pivoted a year later in 2022 going from behind-the-scenes to in front of the camera as a multimedia journalist for Redwood News Channel 3 (KIEM/KVIQ) also in Eureka.

Berrueta studied journalism at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) earning his Bachelor’s Degree. Berrueta was a staff writer, page editor, social media manager and editor-in-chief of the university’s El Lenador, the only bilingual publication in all of Humboldt County.

Before moving to the North Coast, Berrueta had earned his Associate’s Degree at East Los Angeles College in 2019 after beginning his educational journey in 2012. He also was on staff for the ELAC’s publication, ELAC Campus News, having been a staff writer, page editor, and online editor.

Outside of news experience, Berrueta has also been in education as an AmeriCorps tutor in East Hollywood from 2017 to 2019 and served in a government role as a National Hometown Fellow for Lead for America with the City of Arcata in 2021.

When not focusing on news, Berrueta is an avid amateur cinephile having written about films in free time. He also writes poetry, attempting to get through a backlog of video games, enjoys visiting new places along the California Coast, and trying to keep up with the latest music and podcasts.

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