A recent study by Seth Werfel at Stanford University found that people who report taking personal energy-saving actions are less likely to support government efforts to address environmental issues. This effect occurs regardless of political ideology and may have implications for other issues as well.
Researchers have determined the origin of the 1586 Sanriku tsunami that hit Japan, tracing it to a mega-earthquake in the Aleutian Islands. The study used coral fragments dated to the 16th century and found a precise age of 1572±21 years.
A team of scientists found that dehydration of minerals deep below the ocean floor influenced the severity of the 2004 Sumatra earthquake. The researchers used ocean drilling samples to understand the process and its potential impact on other subduction zones.
Research published in Science journal found that sediment warming contributed to the severity of the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami, killing over 250,000 people. The study suggests a similar mechanism could be at play in other subduction zones worldwide.
A new report by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre presents the state-of-the-art in disaster risk management, highlighting the importance of science in preventing disasters and saving lives. The report identifies knowledge gaps and needs for further research to improve responses to natural hazards.
A new study warns that natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and tsunamis could wipe out the world's only population of Javan rhinoceros. The authors urge establishing additional rhino populations away from disaster zones to increase survival odds for at least part of the population.
Researchers from Caltech discovered that fast ruptures along thrust faults can cause one side of the fault to twist away from the other, opening a gap that then snaps shut. This mechanism has the potential to change our understanding of how tsunamis are generated.
Researchers at Nagoya University and their colleagues studied historical seismic events to shed light on the mechanisms behind earthquakes at a plate boundary. They found that stronger earthquakes involved ruptures at different sites, providing new insights into risk prediction tools for assessing earthquake likelihood and intensity.
The Kaikoura earthquake triggered widespread slow slip events, producing simultaneous patches of slip in other areas. Ground faulting was complex, rupturing at nine to 12 faults with multiple orientations, resulting in a combined rupture length of about 180 kilometers.
The study successfully detected three magnitude 5 earthquakes since December 2016 without false alarms. Individual smartphones and 'smart' appliances could be part of a crowd-sourced network for earthquake early warnings in the future.
A study of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake reveals a lack of knowledge among Portuguese citizens about tsunamis, yet most recognize the importance of learning more. The authors advocate for including historical and scientific issues in geosciences programs to address seismic risks and responses.
Acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations among those aged 18 to 64 years increased from an average of 141,474 per year in 2003-2004 to 171,386 per year in 2011-2012. The study confirms the importance of focusing on prevention in younger adults.
A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.
Researchers from the University of Warwick have developed a new theory explaining how raindrops and spilt coffee splashes occur. A minuscule layer of air trapped between the liquid and surface can prevent the liquid from spreading, leading to a splash.
A massive undersea landslide has been revealed on the Great Barrier Reef, spanning approximately 30 kilometers and featuring a debris field of large blocks and smaller knolls. The discovery provides new insights into the reef's complex landscape and poses concerns for tsunami hazard to the Queensland coast.
Researchers propose firing deep-ocean sound waves at oncoming tsunamis to dissipate energy and reduce amplitude. This process could minimize damage and save lives, but poses technical challenges including devising accurate frequency transmitters.
A new paper reviews nutritional considerations for healthy aging and reduction in age-related chronic disease. The authors emphasize the need for dietary resilience, protein requirements, and biomarkers to understand the impact of advancing age on muscle mass and nutrient absorption.
Researchers at Rice University and Kazan Federal University have found a way to extract radioactivity from water using oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) material. The OMC is highly efficient at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, making it a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.
A comprehensive review of post-disaster mental health issues found high rates of PTSD and depression in Japan earthquake survivors. The study highlights specific risk factors, such as resettlement and small social networks, and emphasizes the need for long-term support.
Scientists discovered that large bumps and mounds on the sea floor can cause sudden slip of tectonic plates, triggering giant earthquakes. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, could lead to more accurate models for forecasting where megathrust earthquakes are likely to occur.
Researchers at the University of Miami have identified margin collapses and submarine landslides along the Great Bahama Bank that could generate tsunamis in the past and potentially again. The study suggests that these events could pose a risk to Florida and Cuba, with tsunami waves potentially several meters high.
A University of Michigan-led team is mapping surface ruptures and earthquake-triggered landslides in New Zealand using a combination of satellite imagery, drone footage, helicopter observations, and on-foot data collection. The high-resolution maps will help response teams assess landslide threats and prepare for future large earthquakes.
After the 2011 tsunami, Japanese researchers found that small fish with short lifespans recovered first, followed by larger fish with longer lifespans, stabilizing populations and increasing body lengths. The study also discovered a brief invasion period, but ultimately, cold-water species began to prey on invading species.
Researchers propose an integrated strategy for managing and analyzing global neuroscience data to maximize return on investments. The plan includes standardizing data descriptions, developing hardware and software ecosystems for archiving and sharing data, and collaborating with mathematicians to develop new approaches for data analysis.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that elderly people displaced by disasters may experience increased symptoms of dementia. Those who lost touch with neighbors and reported depression had the highest levels of cognitive decline.
The collaboration aims to refine national seismic hazard models by sharing expertise and research topics. The focus section discusses different modeling approaches and primary audiences, providing insights into the consequences of similar megathrust earthquakes in each region.
A new mechanism explains how great earthquakes cause coastal uplift worldwide, highlighting the potential for future damaging earthquakes and tsunamis at active subduction margins. Paleoshorelines reveal that recent uplift is often greatest in periods with clustered large-magnitude earthquakes.
Researchers used genetic profiling to predict osteoporosis risk in individuals with high accuracy, improving classification by 12% compared to traditional clinical risk factors. The findings have the potential to revolutionize bone disease management and treatment for Australia's 1.2 million osteoporosis sufferers.
A new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation identifies 10 major care gaps that are preventing early assessment and treatment of osteoporosis. The report highlights the need for better case finding, communication, and public awareness to tackle the global healthcare crisis arising from fragility fractures.
A study by mathematicians at the University of Strathclyde found that intense Atlantic storms coincide with high spring tides to cause devastating flooding in the Firth of Clyde. The research used a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model to simulate sea-level surges during storms, revealing the highest risk of flooding occurs when storms...
A new Kyoto University DNA test can identify disaster victims and confirm relatedness between distant relatives like second cousins with nearly 100% accuracy using a simple swab sample.
Researchers found that seawalls higher than 5 meters reduce damage and death from tsunamis, while coastal forests also play a protective role. The analysis showed a significant decrease in destruction rates with increased seawall height and a reduced risk of death and destruction in areas with extensive coastal forest coverage.
A study from the University of Edinburgh found that older people in Japan were less likely to experience a deterioration of existing chronic conditions after the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear meltdown. In contrast, urban dwellers showed a higher decline in managing their blood sugar levels.
Scientists have identified a subduction zone beneath Bangladesh, where two tectonic plates are slowly thrusting under each other. The resulting strain could lead to an earthquake magnitude of up to 9, affecting over 140 million people in the region.
A Kyoto University study shows tsunami-borne EM fields can extract key information about earthquake hypocenters, including fault dip direction, which helps with early warning systems. This discovery could lead to improved tsunami forecasting and timely evacuations.
The study projects that by 2040, there will be 26.1 million cancer survivors in the US, with 73% aged 65 or older. Increasing age increases the chance of comorbid conditions, and gaps exist between men and women in older age groups.
A major international review found that radiation levels in oceans are decreasing, except near the Fukushima plant where ongoing releases remain a concern. The report highlights the need for continued radiation assessment to understand changing risks.
A team of international scientists developed a simple mathematical explanation for rogue ocean waves, which can cause catastrophic damage. Their model uses nonlinear effects and constructive interference to predict the formation of these massive waves, allowing for improved forecasting and safety measures.
Scientists have discovered a 'space tsunami' that creates the third Van Allen Belt, a region of intense radiation in space. This finding helps mitigate the effects of extreme space weather and has significant implications for satellite operations and human exploration.
Scientists at the Australian National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict tsunamis by analyzing real-time ocean sensor data. The Time Reverse Imaging Method takes data from sensors to recreate what the tsunami looked like when it was born, allowing for better predictions of its trajectory.
Scientists found evidence of two mega-tsunamis on Mars, triggered by meteorite impacts, which formed cold salty oceans conducive to sustaining life. The research reveals ancient ocean characteristics, including icy lobes with briny waters, providing a potential refuge for life in extreme environments.
Researchers have discovered a slow-slip event that lasted two weeks, resulting in 15-20 centimeters of movement along the fault. The finding increases understanding of the relationship between slow slip and normal earthquakes, highlighting the potential for using offshore monitoring systems to predict damaging earthquakes.
A slow slip event in New Zealand's Hikurangi margin showed that subduction plates may be accumulating much more stress and strain than previously thought. This finding helps assess earthquake occurrence risk in coastal areas near subduction zones, especially at locations of shallow depth.
Scientists are evolving plans for managing tsunami risk on the US Pacific coastline, using historic data and new technologies like camera-bearing drones. California officials are refining their response playbooks after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, while geologists search for evidence of past tsunamis to better estimate risks.
A 20-year study found a significant drop in dementia incidence among men in the UK, driven by reduced risk factors such as smoking and improved vascular health. The study suggests that targeted public health measures may help prevent future increases in dementia cases, contradicting global projections of a looming 'dementia tsunami'.
McMaster University has received $3.3M in funding to address auto industry and nuclear safety challenges through two research projects, the CaNRisk program and CREATE Program in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain Design and Development.
The global population has more than doubled since 1960, with over 20% of people aged 60+ in developed countries by 2030. Healthcare systems must adapt to cope with the impact of ageing populations, including reducing hospital beds and reallocating budgets.
Researchers have created a statistical model to forecast extreme waves, which are large and spontaneous ocean waves that can be deadly. The model uses joint statistics of multiple points in time or space to capture wave heights and turbulent air flows, greatly reducing complexity and obeying the Fokker-Planck equation.
Researchers pinpoint stress factor behind 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake by analyzing geological rock formations offshore of Japan. The study provides new insights into the hazard potential of large earthquakes at subduction zones.
Japanese researchers are urging increased interdisciplinarity and internationalization in Japanese energy and environment research to provide effective scientific advice. The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami killed over 15,000 people and crippled the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant five years ago.
Researchers at MIT have developed a general theory that connects gravity waves and acoustic waves, finding that surface-gravity waves can generate powerful acoustic-gravity waves under certain conditions. This energy exchange could play a role in water transport, carbon dioxide distribution, and sustaining a healthy marine environment.
A new study suggests that real-time GPS data can be used to estimate how an earthquake deforms the sea floor, cutting tsunami warning times by nearly 20 minutes. This allows for more accurate warnings to be issued within two to three minutes, potentially saving lives.
Researchers found diverse communities inhabit plastic debris with barnacles creating complex habitat, similar to trees or corals. This could allow foreign species to invade natural coastlines, compromising biodiversity.
The €1,000,000 ASCENT project aims to improve research capacity and develop ways to make societies more resilient to disasters in vulnerable Southeast Asian countries. The three-year project will focus on preventing disasters and procedures for recovering from them.
Scientists Matthew Tarling and Christina Rowe used dry lentils to explore the formation of 'scaly fabrics' found at the base of landslides, faults, and glacier beds. The lentils exhibited a tendency to shift constantly against each other when shearing, prohibiting long-lasting fault development.
University at Buffalo engineers are developing hardware and software tools to improve underwater telecommunication, increasing data transmission rates by up to 10 times. The technology has potential applications in monitoring pollution, military and law enforcement work, scuba industry, and energy industry.
Scientists have discovered geological evidence of frequent large tsunamis in the Aleutian Islands, posing a new hazard to the Pacific basin. The study reveals that a creeping section of the Aleutian Subduction Zone fault could generate earthquakes great enough to trigger devastating tsunamis.
A new analysis helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances to save money and water. Meanwhile, a Himalayan glacial lake threatens to flood a Buddhist holy city due to melting ice and rock barriers. Ocean sounds are also being used to measure stratospheric winds with precise data analysis.
The Great Barrier Reef is proving to be a valuable natural defense against landslide-induced tsunamis, according to new research. The reef's ability to absorb wave energy has been shown to reduce the impact of such events on coastal communities.
Researchers propose a novel way to create robust electron waves by exploiting magnetic ions to bind together electron's direction of movement and its spin. This could drive advances in data- and energy-storage technologies.