The University of Nevada, Reno has received an $890,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national community-user facility for environmental sensing. This facility will provide state-of-the-art fiber-optic distributed temperature (DTS) instrumentation and equipment to researchers nationwide.
The University of Arizona is building a network of soil moisture probes to improve short-term and seasonal weather forecasting, with funding from the National Science Foundation. The project aims to provide more accurate forecasts by measuring low-energy neutrons produced when cosmic rays hit the soil.
A team of experts will dive into the sacred pools of Cara Blanca in central Belize to investigate their cultural significance and environmental history. The expedition aims to determine if these cenotes have similar sacred qualities as other Maya sites.
Research found that DOC losses from tile drains were not affected by crop management practices, but drainage hydrology and manure application played a role. The study highlighted the importance of understanding DOC contributions to surface waters in agricultural watersheds.
Researchers discovered the large blue butterfly's extreme dependence on a single ant species led to its demise. The study reveals how habitat overgrowth caused soil temperatures to drop, resulting in diminishing ant numbers and ultimately, the butterflies' decline.
The study reveals that human impacts, such as dams and agriculture, are the main cause of sediment accumulation in Catalan rivers. Global warming also exacerbates the problem by reducing river discharge.
Research finds that atmospheric pollution has enhanced global plant productivity by up to a quarter since 1960, leading to a 10% increase in carbon stored by the land. This unexpected effect occurs due to increased diffuse radiation reaching the Earth's surface under hazy conditions.
Researchers found that bacteria in the soil and sediment of river basins in Asia convert iron and arsenic into a form that readily dissolves in water, contaminating groundwater. This discovery has significant implications for policymakers trying to reverse the mass poisoning crisis.
New research finds hemlock woolly adelgid is killing hemlock trees faster than expected, altering the carbon cycle of these forests. The study suggests that infrequent frigid winter temperatures may not be enough to suppress adelgid populations, leading to rapid decline and mortality.
Researchers found that translocation to climatically-suitable areas can help butterflies survive beyond their northern ranges. The study showed that assisted colonisation can play a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for rare species and those with limited mobility.
New research reveals a connection between water pollution and declining male fertility, with anti-androgenic chemicals identified as key players. The study suggests that exposure to these chemicals may contribute to reproductive problems in humans, particularly those affected by testicular dysgenesis syndrome.
Researchers have developed a numerical model to recreate the Rhône Glacier's state in 1874 and predict its future evolution. The model predicts a significant increase in equilibrium line altitude due to climate change, leading to a 50% loss of volume by 2060 and complete disappearance by 2100.
The American Society of Agronomy has recognized five individuals with prestigious awards for their excellence in agronomic education, extension, and service. Lee Burras received the Agronomic Resident Education Award for his outstanding teaching skills, while William J. Cox was honored with the Agronomic Extension Education Award for h...
A study found that extreme flood events in 2002 had a significant impact on carabid beetle and mollusc populations, but not on plant species. The vegetation was the least affected by the flood, with some species benefiting from the increased water.
A study suggests that flooding wetlands can lower methane gas emissions by half compared to steady flow conditions. Researchers found that pulses of water through wetlands resulted in lower average emissions over the course of the year.
Researchers observed a dramatic increase in adult guillemots attacking and killing unattended chicks due to food shortages. The study highlights the previously unsuspected parental dilemma of balancing protection with foraging, leading to brutal attacks on chick populations.
Researchers have installed a sophisticated monitoring array near the Hanford Site to investigate uranium plume contamination. The array will enable comprehensive characterization of the subsurface and provide insights into the processes contributing to persistent groundwater contamination.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that urbanization's impact on surface hydrology can disrupt nutrient cycling in native ecosystems. The alteration of stream flow and water availability has been linked to increased nitrogen levels, harming riparian species and coastal dead zones.
The September 2008 issue of BioScience features research on the molecular biology toolbox, permafrost carbon vulnerability to climate change, urbanization impacts on aquatic ecosystems, warfare ecology, sociality in bats, lab-computation collaboration, deforestation and vectorborne disease, and more.
New research links human-driven changes in westerly winds to hotter and drier springs in the US Southwest. The shift in winter storm tracks has resulted in less precipitation and warmer conditions earlier in the year, affecting snowpack, hydrology, and water resources.
The MIBBI initiative brings together grassroots standardisation groups to create a unified framework for high-throughput biology. By sharing minimal information standards, researchers can increase data reproducibility and analysis power.
A study by the University of Tennessee investigates the temporal patterns and statistical persistence of total coliform bacteria in a stream. The research found that short-term persistence is dominated by runoff events, while longer-term persistence is likely related to baseflow, or groundwater supply.
In southern Yemen, archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient transitions from hunting and herding to irrigation agriculture around 5,200 years ago. The research team used GIS mapping and studied contemporary land and water rights to understand the development of expert knowledge of hydrology among early farmers.
Researchers demonstrate that a simple method using river network geometry and rainfall data can accurately predict fish species diversity patterns in the Mississippi-Missouri basin. The model, which uses just four parameters, captures complex biodiversity patterns without referencing individual fish species.
Climate scientists warn that reducing sulphur dioxide emissions from coal burning could lead to increased sea surface temperatures in the tropical north Atlantic, causing droughts in the Amazon rainforest. The study estimates a heightened risk of drought every other year by 2025 and nine out of ten years by 2060.
Donald R. Nielsen, University of California-Davis professor, is recognized for his groundbreaking work in linking theory with field measurements and spatial variability of agricultural soils. He has guided 37 students through graduate degrees and authored over 300 scientific publications.
A new study reveals that the slightest environmental perturbation can tip an ecosystem's balance, with unpredictable and irreversible consequences. Icelandic midges provide a unique model to assess these dynamics, highlighting the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of understanding their responses to human-induced changes.
Global climate models project significant changes in water availability due to anthropogenic warming, with regions like high latitudes and Mediterranean basin expected to experience substantial decreases. Non-stationarity must be accounted for in water resources planning to ensure effective management.
Researchers found that farming practices, such as liming and changes in tile drainage, are responsible for the majority of increased water and carbon dioxide in the Mississippi River. The study's findings highlight the significant impact of agricultural activities on the river's chemistry and ecosystem.
A study by LSU and Yale researchers found that farming practices are responsible for the majority of increased water and carbon in the Mississippi River. The research team analyzed data on precipitation and water export to demonstrate the effects of excess water on river chemistry.
Scientists investigate Hanford's vadose zone to understand contaminant migration and develop remediation solutions. They find complex pathways for nuclear waste travel, affecting composition and speed, impacting the environment and people downstream.
The Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory will investigate how soils form from bedrock, affecting water movement and groundwater flow. Researchers will conduct field experiments and implement high-performance computers to predict weathering rates and model the impact of forest regolith on local water resources.
Scientists have identified the toxin produced by Phragmites australis as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, which causes structural protein disintegration in neighboring plant roots, leading to their death. The exotic strain releases higher concentrations of the toxin than native strains, contributing to its invasive success.
New research from Cardiff University reveals that acid rain recovery is much slower than anticipated, with many UK streams still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor, harming fish and other aquatic life.
Researchers are analyzing the likely effects of climate change on the state's health over the next century. They will recommend strategies to mitigate and prevent anticipated public health problems, including heat-related illnesses, air and water quality issues, and disease migration.
A UC-Riverside hydrologist will study the ecological impact of climate change on mountain lakes, focusing on atmospheric deposition of nutrients. The research aims to understand how nutrient enrichment affects lake productivity and ecology, with potential implications for regulatory agencies setting air quality standards.
A new study published in Nature finds that increasing surface ozone near the Earth's surface can lead to significant reductions in regional plant production and crop yields. This could undermine the ability of plants and soil to slow down global warming, as they currently store about a quarter of human carbon dioxide emissions.
The loss of eastern hemlocks may lead to significant changes in streamflow, forest structure, and soil moisture. Eastern hemlocks play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of mountain ecosystems, providing critical habitat for birds and other animals.
Climate researchers predict salt marshes in Venice Lagoon may not survive future climate changes due to increased sea-level rise. Meanwhile, scientists have observed high-speed streams of charged particles called sprites, which blaze at incredible brightness and brief duration. The Amazon rainforest also emits large amounts of methane,...
Leslie R. Brunell, a lecturer at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been named ASCE Educator of the Year for her energy and care in the classroom. Her success in arranging student project sponsorships and internships with major engineering firms is also recognized.
A feedback mechanism between North Atlantic and tropical hydrology of Central America amplifies the effects of climate change on oceanic circulation. This mechanism, highlighted by scientists at CEREGE1, shows that changes in oceanic circulation influence global water cycle patterns and climatic equator shifts.
A long-term ecological study of stream chemistry in Appalachians shows unexpected changes due to reduced sulfur emissions from acid rain. Researchers are seeing rising amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide in streams, which could impact the forest ecosystem and carbon balance.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a satellite radar technique to measure water levels in vegetated wetlands. The study found rising and dropping water levels in selected sites over a decade, including changes caused by seasonal rainfall.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that cougar predation has a significant impact on the environment, leading to severe ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in Zion National Park. The 'trophic cascade' effect, where the decline of a major predator leads to changes in herbivore populations and behavior, is ev...
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $15 million to the Earth Institute at Columbia University to advance scientific research and efforts to end poverty, disease, and hunger in Africa. The grant supports a dynamic strategy for achieving sustainable development in some of the world's poorest countries.
Researchers discovered that releasing reservoir water to recharge natural aquifers can help cities survive droughts with full production from municipal wells. This technique may become crucial for areas experiencing reduced inflow due to changing water uses or climate change, such as the city of Las Vegas, NM, and parts of California.
Researchers study the impact of changing river hydrology, exotic pests, land development, and sociopolitical and economic factors on tupelo honey production. Beekeepers face difficulties in producing honey, with some colonies losing up to 50% due to infestations.
A new study using ancient climate data reveals a two-way feedback loop where greenhouse gases increase with temperature, accelerating global warming. The research suggests that ignoring this effect could lead to revised estimates of future warming by up to 50%.
Park Grass study demonstrates the value of long-term experiments in ecological studies, revealing new insights into plant biodiversity, competition between plants, and climate change effects. The experiment has inspired new ecological theory and has helped ecologists recognize its importance.
A hydrological mapping study found that the Judea Group Aquifer in Israel's desert has an average yearly volume of 100 million cubic meters, with only 20% currently used. The remaining water could supply 5% of Israel's total freshwater needs and meet the potable water needs of several towns at a lower cost.
Researchers discuss challenges and potential solutions for restoring Iraq's depleted wetlands, including hydrology, soil quality, and species preservation. Iraqi ecologists present first comprehensive data set on the marshes' current state.
A study analyzing government census data finds that housing growth in and around US national forests is threatening biodiversity and ecosystem health. The number of housing units within national forest boundaries increased from 500,000 to 1.5 million between 1950 and 2000, largely due to private land ownership.
Scientists confirm that bacteria follow ecological laws similar to those of plants and animals, with significant implications for medicine, agriculture, and pollution control. The discovery may allow researchers to predict fundamental diversity patterns of bacterial communities and engineer them to perform useful tasks.
Researchers found that neutral grasslands recover faster than chalk grasslands, which take at least 50 years to re-establish. Soil compaction and vehicle damage contribute to the long-lasting damage, highlighting the need for effective control measures to manage these areas.
Researchers found that between 2-6% of recipient mosquitoes acquired the virus in experiments, with a single bite from an infected donor mosquito infecting two out of 87 recipient mosquitoes. This new transmission method could accelerate disease spread by bypassing the need for high viremia levels.
Researchers Drs. Melanie Vile and David Velinsky are studying the effects of sea level rise and saltwater intrusion on tidal marsh ecosystem services in the Delaware Estuary. Tidal marshes provide crucial functions such as storm buffering, shoreline stabilization, and fish nursery habitats.
A recent study found that desert vegetation can maintain dry conditions in the soil, minimizing leaching of wastes into underlying aquifers. This has important implications for radioactive and hazardous waste disposal, as well as water resources management.
Research shows that contemporary irrigation projects have diverted river basins, introducing excess fresh water that disrupts mangrove tree species composition and ethnobiological relationships. Early detection of such changes is essential for preventing further mangrove degradation and protecting vital ecosystems.
A study by Kevin Svitana found that an underground aquifer containing toxic chemicals is being kept trapped beneath old riverbeds, preventing them from reaching the Ohio River. The unique interaction between the aquifer and river appears to be due to the presence of permeable sands and gravels in the subsurface geology.
Research suggests that rainfall and snowfall in distant mountains can significantly impact river levels years later, highlighting the importance of water table recharge. This phenomenon has significant implications for development in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainability.