The Northern Forests Futures Project reports a 28% increase in forest coverage in the northern US, benefiting from carbon emissions collection and forestry jobs. However, threats to forests in the coming decades could undermine these gains due to invasive plants and diseases.
Researchers found at least 10 species of water fleas in northern lakes and ponds, including a new species from Alaska's Seward Peninsula. The discovery sheds light on the unique biodiversity of subarctic regions with vanishing waters.
Cyclone Irina is strengthening in the Mozambique Channel, with cloud top temperatures growing colder and indicating more strength. The storm is expected to make landfall north of Maputo, Mozambique on March 3, 2012.
System 92S is a low-pressure area that has been watching by NASA satellites for days, with cloud temperatures cooling and storms intensifying as it moves over northern Madagascar. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts a high chance of development into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology suggests that Arctic sea ice decline is driving snowier winters in the Northern Hemisphere. The research found a link between diminishing Arctic sea ice and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to increased cold surges and heavy snowfall in Europe and the US.
Researchers from UNH's Space Science Center launched a NASA rocket into the Aurora to measure electric and magnetic fields in Earth's upper atmosphere. The mission aims to shed light on the physical processes that create the northern lights and understand how energy from the sun accelerates aurora production.
The International Polar Year created a new model for northern research, where communities define research questions and use traditional knowledge. Community members, including elders and youth, are now taking up the mantle to sustain research efforts.
Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.
Researchers from Penn State and Hallym University developed a system that uses LED lights to provide locational information, enabling shoppers to quickly find items in large stores. The hybrid system combines radio frequency transmitters with overhead LED lights to provide accurate location data.
Researchers from Kansas State University have found that LED lights can prolong the shelf life of certain beef products, making them more appealing to customers. This cost-saving solution could result in significant revenue for retailers and tax gains for the state.
Researchers found that cold periods in the Northern Hemisphere are associated with increased precipitation in the Amazon Basin, while warm-cold climate oscillations influence South American rainfall. This study provides new insights into the relationship between Antarctic temperatures and Southern hemisphere rainfall cycles.
Raising seedlings with blue light increases crop yield and quality by boosting phenolic compounds. Studies found that blue light-treated seedlings had higher leaf areas, shoot fresh weight, and antioxidant activity compared to those grown under red or white fluorescent light.
A Princeton University study found that nighttime-lights imagery can pinpoint disease hotspots in urban areas with migratory populations. The technique accurately indicates fluctuations in population density, which is linked to the risk of epidemic.
A NASA study using satellite data from Landsat missions has confirmed that warming temperatures in northern Quebec have resulted in an increase in shrubs and grasses over the past 20 years. The study provides a detailed view of how warmer temperatures are influencing plant distribution and density in northern areas of North America.
Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered mechanisms that enable the brain to focus by efficiently routing relevant information. The study found that sensory signals with high contrast evoke large sensory responses, disrupting focus.
The study investigates the mechanical characteristics of mortise-tenon joints in southern Chinese traditional timber frame buildings. Key findings include differences in joint thickness, configuration, and style between northern and southern regions.
The US Forest Service's Northern Research Station is part of an international team sequencing 1,000 fungal genomes as part of the DOE's Community Sequencing Program. This project aims to create an encyclopedia of all fungi, which will help researchers understand their roles in ecosystems and develop new products.
Researchers suggest looking for artificial illumination on distant planets as they orbit their stars, which could provide a measurable signal. This technique relies on the assumption that intelligent life uses Earth-like technologies and could potentially spot alien cities using future generations of telescopes.
A study published in BMJ Open found that if the UK population adopted the average English diet, around 4,000 deaths could be prevented every year. The research suggests that a poor diet high in saturated fats and salt contributes to higher death rates in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compared to England.
A new study by University of Guelph professor Merritt Turetsky and colleagues found that draining northern wetlands leads to severe peatland wildfires, releasing nine times as much carbon into the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of cumulative impacts on peatland ecosystems and their role in the global carbon cycle.
A recent study conducted by Sandia National Laboratories found that diode lasers can produce high-quality white light comparable to LEDs, which may lead to new lighting technologies. The research used a test involving volunteers and different lighting sources, including LED bulbs, incandescent lights, and diode laser combinations.
A WSU study suggests chain hotels are more likely to adopt energy-efficient light bulbs, train staff to reduce waste, and educate guests on water conservation. This trend may give independents a competitive disadvantage in attracting customers. Hotels can save up to $6.75 per day by implementing greener practices.
Researchers confirm that coyotes migrated eastward via two main routes, one through the northern US and another through the south, before interbreeding with Great Lakes wolves. This hybridization supports the presence of wolf-like coyotes in Virginia, which may help control deer populations.
A fleet of 120 vehicles is testing a system that alerts drivers to hazards, including traffic blocks and emergency situations. The simTD project aims to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and lower CO2 emissions through real-time information sharing between vehicles and infrastructure.
Researchers focus on Northern Bettong to understand climate change impact. Short-term weather events reveal clearer insights into animal movements and range boundaries than gradual climate changes.
The study reveals regional and temporal variations in organ donation across the UK, with Wales consistently outperforming its neighbors. England and Scotland have lower organ donation rates, while Northern Ireland surprises with high lung donation rates.
Typhoon Nesat is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines, bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and dangerous surf. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 80 knots (92 mph/148 kmh) and is forecast to cross Luzon and move into the South China Sea.
A recent study by the USDA Forest Service estimates that non-native forest insects, such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, are causing significant economic damage to urban trees. The study reveals that homeowners and local governments are bearing the greatest share of costs associated with these insects.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a novel manufacturing process for quantum dot-based LEDs, reducing production costs and improving efficiency. The breakthrough enables the large-scale commercialization of these energy-efficient lights, potentially replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that Toxoplasma-infected male rats exhibit altered brain activity in response to cat urine, suggesting a manipulation of fear and attraction pathways. The parasite benefits from this alteration, as infected rats become less fearful and more drawn to cats.
Egyptian fruit bats use an internal map to locate individual trees based on visual landmarks like lights or hills. The bats can bypass familiar trees to reach their favorite feeding site, suggesting a large-scale navigational mechanism beyond simple visual cues.
A randomized controlled trial found that narrative exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in former child soldiers in Uganda compared to other therapies. The treatment was conducted by community-based lay therapists without a mental health background, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.
Tropical Storm Muifa strengthened in the western North Pacific Ocean on July 28, with highest thunderstorms located on its eastern and southern sides. A nearby high-pressure area is preventing evaporation in the storm's northern quadrant, weakening its convection.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals that black holes' movement, including lateral motion and spin, fuels massive jets of energy known as quasars. The study confirms a long-held theory while introducing a new component: that black holes' lateral movement also powers these jets.
The US phase-out of 100-watt bulbs is driving growth for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which have become ubiquitous in everyday life. LEDs now replace fluorescent lights as backlights in cell phones and laptops, and are poised to become an alternative to incandescents and fluorescents in home lighting.
The Hubble Space Telescope has taken anniversary pictures of Neptune, revealing high-altitude clouds in the northern and southern hemispheres composed of methane ice crystals. The images also show that cloud activity is shifting to the northern hemisphere, with seasons lasting about 40 years.
A new report by University of Manchester researchers highlights the link between alcohol misuse and high suicide rates in Northern Ireland, particularly among young people. The study found that alcohol dependence was a factor in 60% of patient suicides, with mental health patients also struggling with substance misuse.
Researchers used clinker deposits and U-Th/He isotopic dating to determine the pace of recent evolution in the Powder River Basin. The study found that the basin has experienced increasing incision and topographic relief over the last million years, with rates of up to 0.3 km/million years.
Researchers from UGA found a significant relationship between autumn snow extent in specific regions of Eurasia and temperatures across North America during the subsequent winter. Years with extensive autumn snow in northwest Eurasia were associated with winter temperatures seven degrees lower near the center of North America.
Researchers at Northern Illinois University have discovered a simple method for producing high-yield graphene using a new process that converts carbon dioxide into few-layer graphene. The technique is cost-effective and green, offering a promising alternative to existing methods.
Increasing ocean acidity poses significant threats to northern abalone populations, with exposure to higher CO2 levels killing 40% of larvae and reducing their size. This could limit population growth and have cascading effects on coastal ecosystems.
The NTU School of Art, Design & Media building has received the Green Mark Platinum Award for its significant energy and water savings. The building features various eco-friendly features such as high-efficient lights, retrofitted air-conditioning systems, and rainwater collection with sensors.
A 2,300-year climate record reveals sharp drops in tropical monsoon rainfall since 1900, leading to severe droughts and water shortages. The study suggests that rising Northern Hemisphere temperatures are drawing the Intertropical Convergence Zone north, reducing rainfall on which tropical areas rely.
Tropical Storm Errol has strengthened overnight and developed into a well-defined center of circulation, with strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, rough surf, and gusty winds along the northern coast of Western Australia.
A study found that late cancer diagnosis is a major factor in hospital cancer deaths in Northern Ireland, where over half of patients prefer to die at home. The study highlights the importance of early recognition of cancer symptoms and improving community services to support patients' wishes.
Researchers at Caltech found that warm ocean waters off the eastern coasts of these continents heat the air above it, forming atmospheric waves that draw in cold air from the northern polar region. This process explains why the northeastern United States and eastern Canada experience colder winters than similar latitudes in Europe.
Research reveals northern peatlands do not fully account for the initial 10,000-year-old methane increase, with tropical wetlands instead being a likely driver. Northern peatlands still play a crucial carbon-capture role but also emit significant amounts of methane.
Wonyoung Kim's new device can reduce power usage of modern processing chips by shutting off unused parts, enabling longer battery life and lower energy bills. The on-chip voltage regulator also enables faster performance by quickly adjusting power supply.
Researchers at UC Irvine found that low-intensity red LEDs contained up to eight times the allowed amount of lead, while high-intensity bulbs had more contaminants. White bulbs had the least lead but high amounts of nickel, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and stricter testing regulations.
Scientists have genetically modified a trial crop of banana plants to survive Tropical Race Four, a fungus that has wiped out plantations in the Northern Territory. The modified plants have been inserted with a gene that starves the fungus, preventing it from attacking the plant.
Researchers have proposed a new model to explain how the Neolithic front slowed down as it moved towards northern Europe. The study suggests that the farmers' dispersal and reproduction were limited by the high density of hunter-gatherers in the region.
Researchers discovered that bright light from sports stadiums and urban street lights can boost daytime ozone levels, a key air pollutant in many areas. Cities may need to consider the unexpected effects of night-time lighting on air quality.
Two Cluster satellites encounter a natural particle accelerator above the northern hemisphere, mapping its electrical landscape. This discovery sheds light on the generation of auroras and provides new insights into space plasma.
A new shellfish marker developed by University of California, San Diego researchers enables the detection of toxin-producing dinoflagellates in shellfish. The marker reveals fluorescent tags on dinoflagellates, indicating potential food poisoning risks, and can be used to develop early warning systems for aquaculturists.
A new study reveals that climate change is causing northern wildfires to burn more fiercely and release more carbon into the atmosphere than previously thought. The research found that fires in Alaska's interior have become more severe over the past decade, pumping out more greenhouse gases and accelerating permafrost loss.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System found significantly reduced vitamin D levels in patients with metabolic syndrome living in Northern California. The study suggests that supplementation with vitamin D may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, contradicting previous assumptions about adequate sun exposure in sunny latitudes.
A team of international experts has discovered the world's oldest ground-edge stone tool in northern Australia, dated to 35,000 years ago. The find provides evidence of modern human technology and innovation dating back to this period, challenging previous estimates of axe use among early hominid ancestors.
More intense storms will occur in the Southern Hemisphere year-round, while the Northern Hemisphere will experience stronger storms during winter and weaker ones in summer. Global warming's effects on storm patterns can lead to increased air pollution and changes in ocean circulation.
Physicists and engineers have installed a radar system on the Falkland Islands to monitor upper atmosphere activity that creates the Southern Lights. The radar station, part of the international Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, will help climatologists understand the link between the upper and lower atmospheres.
Research highlights include colorful connections in the brain, disease-detecting lights for osteoporosis monitoring, and direct laser cooling of molecules. New techniques like Raman spectroscopy and two-photon microscopy are also being showcased.