Researchers used DNA barcodes to narrow down the possible sources of introductions of an invasive banana skipper butterfly, finding evidence of aircraft-borne introductions in Japan and potentially in Mauritius. The study suggests that gravid females may be attracted to airport lights, increasing the risk of spread to new areas.
Researchers have developed a new, low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that harnesses the power of tacky tape to generate electricity. The device produces up to 53 milliwatts of power and can light over 350 LED lights or power a laser pointer.
If the Summerville phenomenon is an earthquake light, it might be that shallow earthquakes in the area released water-soluble gases like radon or methane, which were then ignited by static electricity or rock movement. Gas detectors could potentially test this hypothesis.
A new study found that 34% of the Arctic-boreal zone is now a source of carbon, with fires and microbial activity contributing to emissions. The research provides a comprehensive assessment of carbon fluxes in the region, highlighting the importance of monitoring these processes.
The DAVD display enhances Navy divers' visibility in dark, low-visibility environments, improving their productivity and safety. The system uses real-time information sharing, high-resolution imagery, and augmented-reality displays to help divers navigate and communicate with surface teams.
A new study reveals that northern pike are colonizing freshwater habitats in Southcentral Alaska through marine corridors, challenging existing conservation efforts. Researchers analyzed otoliths from caught fish and found isotopic signatures matching upper Cook Inlet water, suggesting the fish had occupied the inlet at some point.
UCalgary scientists reveal a whitish grey patch associated with aurora borealis, suggesting a heat source and more complex aurora dynamics. The discovery uses advanced camera technology to capture true color images of the night sky.
The unusual magenta color of this year's aurora over Japan was discovered through a massive citizen science effort, which collected data from over 775 grassroots submissions. The researchers found that the preheating of the atmosphere due to solar activity, combined with high-altitude ionized molecular nitrogen, created a unique optica...
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
New research reveals that 'cool' white lights used in modern car headlights cause moths to fly erratically and be more likely to collide with cars. By switching to warmer-coloured LEDs or different LED technology, the impact on moths can be dramatically reduced.
Researchers develop counterillumination technology to trick great white sharks' visual systems, making them less likely to attack humans. By using LED lights in specific patterns and brightness, the device disrupts the shark's silhouette, reducing the risk of bites.
Thirteen new species of Ramaria fungus were identified in Shanxi Province, northern China, through multigene phylogenetic analysis. The species are characterized by intricately branched and vividly colored basidiomata, and were described and illustrated in the study.
The ancient town of al-Natah in northern Arabia provides insights into early urbanization, characterized by a central district, residential districts, and protective ramparts. The site represents a transitional stage between mobile pastoralism and complex urban settlements, with estimated 500 residents.
Researchers used 16 years of radar weather data to monitor bird migration patterns from Tasmania to northern Queensland, finding millions of birds migrate each year. The study revealed unique patterns, including variation in migration direction, timing, and intensity compared to Northern Hemisphere birds.
A recent study using seismic imaging has found that the removal of lithospheric mantle beneath the northern Tibetan Plateau leads to post-collisional magmatism, thickening the crust and driving the plateau's northward growth. This process is supported by correlated melting in both the crust and upper mantle.
Research in San Diego reveals a decrease in bat species richness attributed to increasing artificial lights, urbanization, and unmanaged land use. Specifically, Townsend's big-eared bat is found to be particularly vulnerable to these threats.
Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.
Researchers found that artificial light at night altered the behavior of female zebrafish, causing them to swim less, stick closer together, and exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. These changes were also observed in their offspring, even after they had never been exposed to light pollution themselves.
A new study found that flickering light can cause standing waves of brain activity, leading to hallucinatory patterns. Researchers used high-speed cameras to track mouse brain activity while exposed to flashing lights, revealing waves of neural activity that resembled ripples in a pond.
Researchers at UW have created a flexible, durable electronic prototype that converts body heat into electricity, powering small electronics like batteries or sensors. The device is also resilient and can be used in various applications, including wearables and data centers.
Researchers have captured sub-adult male northern elephant seals returning to a deep-sea cabled observatory off Canada's British Columbia coast. The footage provides new insight into their fish foraging behavior at depth.
Researchers from Sweden and Spain have identified an endogamous community in northern Iberia that remained relatively isolated despite centuries of turbulent regional history. The study also revealed the presence of the variola virus, which can offer a new explanation on how smallpox entered Iberia.
A new technology uses autofluorescence imaging to detect bacteria in wounds, allowing for early detection and removal of harmful microorganisms. The study reveals that this method can identify bacteria in approximately 9 out of 10 patients that traditional assessments miss.
Researchers at Uppsala University studied Northern krill and found extensive genetic variation critical for adaptation to different climates. The study identified hundreds of genes associated with heat and cold sensitivity, nutrient uptake, and reproduction.
A uniquely powerful geomagnetic storm led to unprecedented changes in the upper atmosphere, including location and spread of particles, composition, and temperature. These changes may pose significant risks to satellites and GPS systems, as well as impact navigation and communication technologies.
Research at the Yumin site in northern China's farming-pastoral zone found evidence of agriculture dating back to around 8,000 years ago. The gradual improvement of hydrothermal conditions since the beginning of the Holocene created an appropriate environment for dryland farming.
Researchers predict a rise in clear air turbulence over most northern mid-latitude regions due to climate change, particularly in North Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East. The study found that the probability of clear air turbulence will increase with each degree of warming, posing a significant threat to aviation safety.
A genomic analysis overturned the leading hypothesis on firefly light origin, revealing that lucibufagins, a toxic compound, evolved after bioluminescence development. Fireflies' ancestors diversified during a period of rising atmospheric oxygen levels, suggesting a similar path to glowing millipedes.
A new UC Riverside study found that boreal forests in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of cleaning up aerosol pollution. Reducing levels of human-made aerosols causes an increase in wildfires, especially in northern hemisphere forests.
Researchers used flicker stimulation to treat patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, reducing IEDs in the brain and modulating brain waves. The study found that flicker can induce gamma oscillations in mice and has potential implications for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
The study found that the climate during the mid-Holocene warm period was warm and humid, while the medieval climate anomaly was warm and dry. The modern warm period showed a trend of warming and humidification, with future changes expected to intensify regional wet/dry patterns.
Researchers reconstructed Emperor Wu's face using DNA from his remains, finding he had brown eyes and dark to intermediate skin. The study also suggests the emperor's death at age 36 may be linked to a stroke.
A new traffic signal concept, known as the 'white phase,' uses autonomous vehicles to expedite traffic flow at intersections. The concept has been shown to improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially when autonomous vehicles make up a higher percentage of traffic.
Research reveals that rapid-range shift in fish populations is often a sign of impending decline. The study analyzed data from over 2,500 species and found that those shifting at high velocities show marked declines, while core range populations remain relatively stable.
New research reveals that the northern elephant seal's reproductive and foraging success has been impacted by a population bottleneck, which nearly caused their extinction. The study found lower female and male reproductive success, as well as reduced dive performance in individuals affected by the bottleneck.
Researchers used fMRI to assess brain responses to lights stimulating only cone cells in dogs with different types of retinal diseases. The study found that gene augmentation therapy restored response in cortex to black and white stimulation, making this disease a promising one for photoreceptor cell replacement treatment.
Research from Drexel University found that toddlers exposed to more screen time may exhibit disengaged and disinterested behavior, seeking intense stimulation, or being overwhelmed by sounds and lights. This could have implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the colour of light has a limited impact on the human internal clock and sleep. The researchers exposed volunteers to different coloured lights, including blueish and yellowish lights, to determine their effect on the body.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed blue phosphorescent OLEDs (PHOLEDs) that can maintain 90% of their blue light intensity for 10-14 times longer than other designs, making them potentially commercially viable. This breakthrough could enable the widespread use of blue PHOLEDs in OLED displays and lighting.
Researchers propose that parallel electric fields in the upper atmosphere could produce the colorful emissions of Steve and the picket fence. This unusual process has implications for understanding energy flow between Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere.
A fast urban micro-meteorology model was developed to assess regional weather and human comfort index in the central Beijing region. The model captured fine spatial structures of wind, air temperature, humidity, and comfort index, revealing blockage effects on wind fields and sun lights.
A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
Researchers developed indoor solar panels to power smart home devices, identifying efficient PV materials and minimizing heat production. Gallium indium phosphide shows promise but is expensive, while perovskite minerals and organic films offer a cost-effective solution.
A new study found that mountain lions avoid areas with artificial light, even during the day, which can impact their habitat selection and distribution. The research adds to concerns about the species' extinction within decades due to human activities.
New research from MIT found that germicidal UV lights can produce potentially harmful compounds in indoor spaces. The study suggests that the lights should be used with appropriate ventilation to minimize health risks. Researchers emphasize that the new UV lights are not a replacement for ventilation but rather a complement to it.
Researchers found that subalpine forests in the Northern Rockies consistently recovered from wildfires over 4,800 years, with lake sediment cores providing a detailed record of past ecosystem responses. The study suggests that these forests are resilient to fire now, but future climate change may alter this resilience.
A new study synthesizes marine light pollution science, revealing the impact of artificial light on coastal ecosystems and species such as sea turtles. The research highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of artificial light at night on marine life.
Sperm and northern bottlenose whales frequently feed on live halibut escaping from a deep-sea trawler net. The study found that these whales were only spotted when the catch was Greenland halibut, not redfish or thorny skate.
Researchers have found a 20,000-year-old refugium for orcas in the northern Pacific, where pods settled during the last ice age. Genetic analysis reveals high diversity among these orcas, suggesting they may not fit neatly into one species.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.
Stanford researchers developed a technique to boost PeLEDs' brightness and efficiency, but it comes at the cost of reduced lifespan. The additive doubles efficiency and triples brightness, extending lifespans from under 1 minute to 37 minutes.
A recent study reveals a massive section of the Andes experiencing significant greening, defying climate zone expectations. The researchers found that this area, stretching from northern Peru to northern Chile, has seen its vegetation growing significantly over the past 20 years.
The BioRescue project has made significant progress in creating cryopreserved northern white rhino embryos, with a recent collection yielding five new embryos. The consortium is also identifying and selecting wild southern white rhino females as potential surrogate mothers to support the breeding efforts.
A comprehensive dataset of neurotransmitter receptors has been made publicly available, revealing potential role in distinguishing internal thoughts and emotions from external influences. The study's findings have exciting implications for understanding brain function and developing new treatments.
Researchers discovered COVID-19 causes brain cells to fuse, initiating malfunctions that lead to chronic neurological symptoms. This cell fusion process has not been seen before and may be a major cause of neurological diseases.
The study defines the northern boundary of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) over the Tibetan Plateau, indicating its position and variability. The results show that the northern boundary roughly coincides with the boundaries of endorheic and exorheic basins and is characterized by changes in wind patterns and precipitation.
The Zhurong rover has provided direct in-situ evidence of ancient oceans in the northern plains of Mars, with sedimentary structures forming during the regression of a paleo-ocean. The discovery sheds new light on the early history of Mars and its habitability.
Xiayun Zhao receives $657,610 NSF CAREER Award for her research in photopolymer additive manufacturing. She aims to develop a smart digital light processing method that uses two wavelengths to control curing and curb exposure, improving the accuracy and strength of printed parts.
Scientists at UvA have created a new, highly improved bright red fluorescent protein called mScarlet3. This variant combines maximum brightness with fast and complete folding, making it an ideal tool for researchers studying cellular processes.
A study using a Chinese atmospheric inversion system found that satellite CO2 retrievals underestimate the global net terrestrial carbon sink, but still provide consistent results with other inversions. The system refines our understanding of flux partitioning between northern and tropical regions.