Scientists analyzed long-term data from seven sites in the US and found a substantial increase in water-use efficiency in temperate and boreal forests. This adaptation could enhance timber yields and improve water availability, but may also lead to reduced evapotranspiration and increased continental freshwater runoff.
Researchers developed a control concept that reduces travel time by about a minute and waiting time by up to seven seconds, increasing intersections that can be passed without stops from 60% to almost 100%. A driver information system was also created to provide speed recommendations to vehicles, resulting in improved traffic flow.
The new IPOS sensor combines camera and computer vision technologies to detect human presence, illuminance levels, and other variables with high accuracy. It can control lighting and ventilation in real-time, providing more efficient energy savings and flexibility in office spaces.
Researchers found that aerosol pollution from the Northern Hemisphere cooled the region, shifting tropical rain bands and leading to drought in central Africa. The study used decades of historical observations and climate models to determine this global impact. The discovery highlights the remote climate effects of air pollution.
University of Washington researchers have developed WiSee technology that leverages Wi-Fi signals to detect specific movements without needing sensors or cameras. The system accurately classifies nine different gestures with a high accuracy rate, paving the way for a smart home reality.
The NASA-NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite captured an image of the Powerhouse Fire in California at night. The high-sensitivity instrument detected the fire using illumination from natural and man-made sources, revealing its large impact on city lights and surrounding landscape.
Researchers from the University of Louisville have developed new materials and production methods for commercially feasible quantum dot LEDs, increasing efficiency and color range. The innovative inkjet printing technique enables mass production, making these green lighting devices potentially affordable.
Tropical Cyclone Jamala and newborn Tropical Cyclone 01B are both intensifying in the Indian Ocean, with Jamala forecast to reach hurricane strength and make landfall on May 14 or 15 in northwestern Burma and eastern Bangladesh.
Researchers used a microwave oven to produce a nanocrystal semiconductor for more efficient photovoltaic solar cells and LED lights, biological sensors, and systems to convert waste heat to electricity. The method produces the material quickly and uses less toxic metals than other semiconductors.
A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.
The Northern Hemisphere monsoon has intensified, with a 9.5% increase in rainfall, due to natural climate swings rather than global warming alone. Natural long-term climate swings, such as the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, contribute significantly more to this intensification.
A solar storm was triggered by a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) approaching Earth, causing a mild geomagnetic storm with weak power grid fluctuations and minor impact on satellite operations. Aurora may be visible at high latitudes in northern US states such as Michigan and Maine.
Research suggests that combining numeric calorie labels with symbolic labels, such as traffic lights, is a more effective way to influence patrons to select healthier options. The study found that the combination label reduced total calories ordered by about 69 calories on average, while numeric labels alone had less impact.
A study found that tobacco companies have evaded the FDA's ban on 'light' cigarette descriptors by adding color-coding to 'light' packs, allowing smokers to still identify their brands. The companies also failed to apply for approval for these products as required by law.
A NASA-funded study reveals that higher northern latitudes are getting warmer, leading to a shift in the growing season and changes in vegetation growth. Temperatures at northern latitudes now resemble those found 250-430 miles south, with large patches of vigorously productive vegetation spanning over 3.5 million square miles.
Researchers discovered a significant reduction in temperature and vegetation seasonality in northern latitudes, with temperatures increasing at different rates during the four seasons. This has led to increased plant growth productivity, covering over 9 million km2 of land.
A recent study published in Natural Climate Change reveals a significant reduction in temperature and vegetation seasonality over northern latitudes. As snow and ice cover diminished, temperatures increased at different rates during the four seasons, causing this region to resemble areas farther south in terms of vegetation patterns.
A study by Queen's University Belfast found that psychotropic drug dispensing increases dramatically on entry to care homes, with antipsychotic use more than doubling from 8.2% to 18.6%. The high rate of psychotropic medication in care homes cannot be explained by continued community use, highlighting the need for routine medicines rev...
The VISIONS mission aims to study the auroral wind by launching a sounding rocket into the Northern Lights. The rocket will observe oxygen atoms flowing out of the atmosphere and provide insights into how they gain energy to escape Earth's gravity.
A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Carbon Balance and Management suggests that afforestation can lead to cooler summers and wetter conditions in regions like Europe. Planting trees can provide localized benefits by making the surrounding air moister and cooler, sequestering carbon and protecting biodiversity.
The four-year study aims to collect data on eastern brown pelican migrations, demographics, and reproductive success. Researchers will gather data using satellite and GPS transmitters, as well as physical examinations and blood-chemistry profiles to assess body condition and health.
A new study reveals that human activities in cities alter atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant warming in northern Asia and North America. The study found that the 'waste heat' generated by urban areas can widen the jet stream and increase temperatures across large distances.
A recent study found that only 22% of participants who reported certain triggers developed a migraine attack after exposure. The research suggests that people may no longer need to avoid suspected triggers if they don't experience a headache episode within three months.
A study from the University of Copenhagen found that a drought in the Horn of Africa led to a delayed arrival of European songbirds in northern Europe, causing them to stay longer in Africa. This delay resulted in a late breeding year, but researchers believe it may not have affected population size.
Scientists at Wake Forest University have developed a flicker-free and shatterproof lighting solution using field-induced polymer electroluminescent (FIPEL) technology. The new lights produce soft white light without the yellowish tint of fluorescents or bluish tinge of LEDs.
A study published in Genetics Society of America's journal found that Native Americans and Northern Europeans are more closely related than previously thought. The research used statistical tools to show that Neanderthals mixed with modern humans also revealed a common ancestor between Native Americans and Northern Europeans.
Researchers found artificial light from industrial areas influences the foraging behavior of common redshanks, allowing them to forage more efficiently at night. This contradicts previous studies that reported negative effects of light pollution on wildlife.
The North American Oak Skeletonizer has invaded Europe on planted Northern Red Oaks since 1989. The moth's arrival is attributed to air transport of cocoons from NATO aircraft, leading to the discovery of this previously unknown species in Europe.
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on NASA/NOAA's Suomi NPP captured a composite image of Hurricane Sandy just hours before its historic landfall. The satellite's day-night band sensor revealed city lights and clouds illuminated by the full moon, providing a unique view of the storm's structure.
Tropical Storm Son-tinh made landfall in northern Vietnam and is curving to the northeast, tracking over southern China. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are reaching high into the troposphere, dropping heavy rainfall at rates of 50 mm/2 inches per hour.
Tropical Storm Son-tinh is moving into the South China Sea after affecting the Philippines. The storm is expected to cross the sea and make landfall in northern Vietnam on October 27.
Researchers found that silvery fish have evolved a multilayer structure in their skin containing two types of guanine crystals, allowing them to maintain high reflectivity and conceal themselves from predators. This adaptation could lead to better optical devices, such as LED lights and low-loss optical fibers.
The boreal forest in northern Alberta showed increased biodiversity up to 50% human disturbance, but then plant species decreased. Researchers found native species were replaced by invasive weeds from Europe and other alien ecosystems.
The Suomi NPP satellite observed a geomagnetic storm on October 8, 2012, resulting in beautiful displays of northern lights across Canada. The satellite's 'day-night band' sensor detected visible light emissions from energetic particles raining down from Earth's magnetosphere.
A Yale University study found that most Northern conifer species emerged within the past 5 million years, with mountainous environments driving the formation of new species. The researchers also discovered significant differences in conifer evolutionary dynamics between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
A collaboration developed and studied a community-based first response training program in a remote Indigenous community in northern Canada. The program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Northern Ontario Academic Medical Association, improved emergency care outcomes.
Researchers found that the northern map turtle population in Missouri has not recovered from a 50% decline caused by harvesting in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of monitoring river turtles as indicators of water quality, which affects both humans and the environment.
Researchers found that half of drivers make the stop-go decision three seconds before the stop line and few can clear the intersection before the light turns red. The study also revealed that people over 60 years old react slower to yellow lights due to longer perception-reaction times.
International experts warn about the adverse effects of exposure to light at night, particularly LED lighting, on circadian rhythms in nature and human health. The panel highlighted the harm caused by short-wavelength illumination to various species, including mammals, birds, and plants.
Hurricane Isaac is expected to bring heavy rain and storm surge to the northern Gulf Coast. The large storm system poses a threat for flooding due to its slow movement over Louisiana, and residents are bracing for the arrival of the hurricane.
Researchers trained detection dogs to locate northern spotted owl pellets and feces, achieving a 87% detection probability compared to 59% for vocalization surveys. The cost-effective approach has potential as a complementary method for spotting owls in forests invaded by barred owls.
Tropical Storm Kai-tak continues to drop heavy rainfall and move toward a landfall in China, with NASA tracking its progress using infrared data from the Aqua satellite. Forecasters warn of potential intensification to typhoon strength before landfall near Hong Kong.
A new communication system will connect 120 cars in real-life testing to optimize traffic routes, detect obstacles, and reduce energy consumption. The simTD consortium's system will also provide drivers with real-time recommendations on the best route and alert them to imminent hazards.
Researchers at Disney Research developed a new virtual ray lights technique to simulate realistic smoke, dust, and participating media effects. The approach leverages photon beams to generate images, reducing the need for particles and increasing efficiency.
Research suggests that active management of forest lands in high-fire-risk areas can improve forest health and reduce the threat to the northern spotted owl. The study found that over a long-term period, managing sites with high fire hazard would be more favorable for spotted owl conservation.
Scientists located auroral sounds near ground level, about 70 meters above the surface. The research reveals that energetic particles from the sun create sound closer to the ground than previously thought.
A US Department of Agriculture study found that using lights on aircraft makes them more visible to birds, reducing the risk of collisions. Researchers tested Canada geese's response to radio-controlled model aircraft with different lighting conditions, finding that geese respond more quickly to aircraft with lights on.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals substantial increases in plastic pollution along the northern Pacific coast, with 92.5% of beached northern fulmars found to contain plastics
Researchers at Tufts University found that female fireflies prefer males with larger nuptial gifts after mating, leading to higher reproductive success. This discovery challenges the conventional view that flash duration is the primary cue for female choice in firefly courtship.
Researchers question Greenland ice core data on Northern Hemisphere temperatures during the Younger Dryas, a period of rapid cooling and warming. The study suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may have played a role in modulating temperature changes.
A multidisciplinary team at MIT developed a new mathematical approach to simulate noncrystalline materials, which could lead to more efficient solar cells and organic LED lights. The method uses free probability applied to random matrices, achieving accurate predictions with great precision.
Researchers found nearly half of students with poor sleep also reported a fear of the dark. To treat this condition, new approaches may be needed to address the underlying phobia rather than just treating insomnia symptoms.
University of Iowa professor Jack Scudder and colleagues have observed a milestone discovery in astrophysics: the first experimentally resolved site of collision in magnetic reconnection. This process links magnetic field lines from the sun to the Earth's core, allowing charged particles to cross previously forbidden boundaries.
Research by the University of Exeter finds that light pollution is transforming communities of insects, with more predators and scavengers found near artificial lights. This could have a knock-on effect on entire ecosystems, including birds and mammals that rely on these species for food.
A group of researchers at the University of California, Riverside developed a technique to lower hot spots in GaN transistors by introducing graphene multilayers, increasing device lifetime by a factor of 10. The new approach represents a transformative change in thermal management.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that over 6 million birds die every year at communication towers during migration, primarily due to getting caught in cables. Replacing steady-burning lights with blinking ones on approximately 4,500 towers could potentially reduce mortality by 45%.
A new study reveals how climate change affects permafrost conditions across northern Canada, with varying factors influencing the thawing process. The research highlights the need for Canadians to adapt their northern infrastructure to accommodate changing ground temperatures.
Research conducted by Oregon State University reveals that the loss of predators in the Northern Hemisphere has led to an increase in populations of moose, deer, and other large herbivores. This surge in population density is crippling young tree growth and reducing biodiversity, contributing to deforestation and reduced carbon sequest...
Research from University of Guelph uncovers how monarch butterflies recolonize northern breeding grounds in spring, with 10% coming directly from Mexico and most born in central US. This knowledge aids conservation by identifying highly productive regions that fuel the migration further north.
Tropical Cyclone Lua has strengthened to a minimum tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots, while System 96P is getting organized in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Both systems are affecting coastal areas in northern Australia and are expected to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough surf.