Scientists have identified a new mammal species in Australia, the short-eared possum, which is morphologically and genetically distinct from the mountain brushtail possum. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts for these two species, which require old-growth forests to survive.
A study analyzing cases of first stroke among young people in Northern Manhattan found that young blacks and Hispanics were more likely to experience a stroke, with the risk being 2.4 times higher for blacks and 2.5 times higher for Hispanics compared to whites. Young men were also more likely to have intracerebral hemorrhage than women.
Scientists are developing a new space weather model that can mimic solar explosions, auroras, and geomagnetic storms. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will provide a computer model of Earth's upper atmosphere to aid the effort.
Researchers discover helicity, a twisted structure within the Sun's magnetic field, causing coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can affect modern technology and the northern lights. Understanding CMEs is crucial for predicting space weather.
A new test for cyanobacteria toxins in freshwater systems could simplify testing, but results show the survival probability of female northern right whales is declining. The model suggests that preventing two female deaths per year could prevent extinction by 2202, with only about 300 northern right whales remaining.
Researchers used bat hibernation physiology to predict climate change effects, finding that warmer winters will allow little brown bats to expand their northern ranges. The study's findings highlight the importance of basic physiological processes in understanding ecosystem changes.
Researchers found that glaciers in the tropical Andes Mountains retreated several thousand years earlier than North American glaciers during a wet period, indicating temperature change was the primary cause of glacial retreat. This challenges conventional wisdom that high northern latitudes drive global climate change.
Researchers discover widespread hybridization between introduced rusty crayfish and native species, altering ecosystems and leading to population displacement. The study highlights the significant impact of non-native species invasions on biodiversity.
A recent discovery of buried impact craters on Mars indicates that the planet's northern lowlands formed very early in its history, possibly as a result of a shallow ocean. This finding provides crucial insights into the origin of Mars' crustal dichotomy and challenges traditional theories about the planet's geological evolution.
A recent study by NASA researchers analyzed global weather stations and satellite observations to identify minimal local human influence. They found larger warming at urban stations on average, but used rural stations to adjust the records for a more accurate climate change measure.
Kansas State University researchers have created blue micro LEDs that can be used in smaller items like cell phone displays. The new technology increases efficiency by 60 percent compared to conventional LEDs, which can lead to significant energy savings worldwide.
The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.
The University of Ulster will launch a 'green' power research centre with a £600,000 grant from the UK-based Science Research Investment Fund. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research into renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaics, and small hydro schemes.
Researchers found a strong correlation between the Arctic Oscillation's negative phase and near-record cold days and snow storms over a broader region of the hemisphere. The Arctic Oscillation has been linked to wide-ranging climate effects in the Northern Hemisphere, preventing freezing temperatures from extending as far south.
A female Northern Right Whale has been tracked every step of her journey between northern feeding grounds and southern breeding grounds using a satellite tracking tag sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The successful tracking demonstrates a critical tool in the conservation efforts of this endangered species.
Professor Shuji Nakamura of University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the 2000 Honda Prize for his inventions of blue, green, and white light emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy-efficient white LED will replace incandescent lights, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
The tiny Sandia laser can generate white light, replacing gas-filled fluorescent tubes in offices and homes, with a lifespan of five to ten times longer. The technology also aids in detecting bioweapons and E. coli bacteria, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 350 million tons per year.
The US Navy is adopting new green LEDs in traffic lights that can deliver up to 10 times more power at microwave frequencies as traditional silicon semiconductors, promising improved radar systems performance. Gallium nitride-based materials are being used to replace vacuum tubes in high-power military microwave systems.
A new model of the northern Hayward Fault in California's San Francisco Bay Area suggests that a major earthquake along that portion of the fault may be less likely than previously suspected. Aseismic creep has been relieving strain on the northern part of the fault, making a large earthquake on this segment unlikely.
Researchers found that the northern Hayward fault slips at a rate of 5-7 millimeters per year, similar to the surface, indicating it is not locked and releasing built-up strain. This reduces the threat of a major quake on this segment, but other hazards remain high.
A study of over 2,000 adult U.S. smokers found that those who perceive light and ultra light cigarettes as safer and producing milder sensations are less likely to quit. Researchers advocate for targeted cessation messages addressing these misconceptions to promote quitting efforts.
A new study published in Nature magazine suggests that warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are affecting the growth rates of white spruce trees in Alaska. The researchers found that drought-like conditions are inhibiting tree growth, leading to a reduced capacity for these trees to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
A new power company software suggests that major power emergencies like California's statewide conservation alert might be averted if the industry adopts predictive software. The software would simulate load flow, dispatch options, weather factors, and contingencies to help power plant operators predict the future.
A University of Florida research team discovered parts of the Antarctic ice sheet were unstable during Northern Hemisphere warming spikes. The findings suggest polar ice can undergo huge and rapid changes tied to climate, implying potential future instability.
A recent DOE study suggests adopting new command and control software to predict future energy demand, potentially averting major power emergencies. The software tools would include various mathematical models to simulate load flow, weather factors, and contingencies, helping to stabilize the grid and prevent outages.
Researchers found that an anti-smoking media campaign in Massachusetts increased awareness of the dangers of light cigarettes and decreased beliefs that they pose a lower risk to public health. The study suggests targeted advertising can correct misinformation about smoking.
A NASA study reveals that urbanization can reduce annual photosynthetic productivity in some areas by up to 20 days. However, research also shows that human activity can increase productivity in resource-limited regions through land transformation.
The new circular configuration increases the conversion ratio without adding volume or weight, advancing the field of piezoelectric transformers. The devices use a lead, zirconium, titanium ceramic doped with manganese and cerium, providing increased efficiency and higher conversion ratios.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that certain inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex use electrical synaptic connections to coordinate their activity. This allows for highly synchronized firing and synchrony similar to blinking lights.
A robotic caterpillar, Moccasin II, has been developed to navigate through gas, water, and sewerage pipes in buildings damaged by earthquakes or explosions. The robot can successfully navigate multiple 90-degree bends and is equipped with lights, a video camera, and microphones to detect survivors.
A recent study highlights the dangers of communications towers for migrating birds, which mistake tower lights for the moon and collide with structures. The Cornell University meeting brought together experts to discuss solutions, including co-location rules and reduced lighting in tall buildings.
Northern Hemisphere winters have warmed by up to nine degrees Fahrenheit over the last 30 years, likely due to human activities increasing greenhouse gases. Warmer winters will bring more wet weather to Europe and Western North America.
Researchers at Columbia University have found a link between the greenhouse effect and warmer winters in the northern hemisphere. They used a NASA model to suggest that increased greenhouse gases are causing stronger winds to carry warmer air from oceans to continents, leading to colder continental air near the oceans.
A new study reveals that global surface temperatures have increased by 14.6 degrees Celsius, with the warmest years on record occurring in the 1990s. Most of the warming has occurred over the northern continents during specific seasons.
Behavioral factors can contribute to extinction, such as electrocution from roosting on electric wires or flying into lights. Biologists are using decoys and mimicry to reestablish colonies and attract species.
A new imaging spectrometer developed at the University of Illinois helps scientists study auroras and their effects on Earth's atmosphere. The instrument characterizes spatial distribution of auroral emissions across different altitudes.
Researchers detected intense X-rays in seven bursts, each lasting for half an hour, emanating from the Earth's upper atmosphere. The high-energy bursts were recorded during the day with no auroral activity overhead, posing a scientific mystery that scientists are struggling to explain.
Researchers have developed a new polymer-based LED that can change color with ease, making it suitable for flat-panel computer and television screens. The device outshines traditional materials in terms of brightness and efficiency, offering potential power savings in traffic lights.
Researchers will monitor auroral displays simultaneously from space, jet aircraft, and the ground to gain detailed measurements of the northern lights. The Fast Auroral Snapshot (FAST) Explorer satellite guides this three-dimensional study as it gathers data about the aurora while orbiting high above the polar north.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory find auroras occur predominantly in darkness, between sunset and midnight, and mainly during spring, winter, and fall months. Their study provides strong support for an existing theory explaining aurora formation, which correlates to ionospheric electrical conductivity.