Climate change is expected to suppress the growth of Florida's coral reefs due to their inability to migrate north. The warming seas and increasing frequency of water-cooling cold snaps will make it difficult for corals to adapt and survive, leading to further decline and potentially extinction.
The Amazonian rainforest is racing toward a tipping point as unregulated fires and climate change accelerate deforestation and habitat destruction. If temperatures rise by another 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit, the ecosystem could transition to savanna within decades.
A Florida Tech student discovered systemic design flaws in several internet-connected doorbell and security camera systems, allowing malicious actors to retain access to camera systems indefinitely. The vulnerabilities could lead to substantial invasions of privacy or instances of electronic stalking.
A new study found that megadroughts in the Andes led to widespread deforestation and maize farming in the Laguna de los Cóndores region. However, as climate conditions normalized, forests reclaimed the area, and sediment samples showed an improvement in water quality.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that coral reefs near the equator are less affected by ocean warming than those at higher latitudes. Corals in these regions were found to be more tolerant of high temperatures, with some even able to withstand temperatures that would bleach corals elsewhere.
A new species of dogfish shark, Genie's Dogfish (Squalus clarkae), has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic Ocean. The species was identified through genetic testing and morphology, and is named after Eugenie Clark, a pioneering female shark biologist.
Marine reserves have been shown to improve the growth rate, body size, and reproductive success of fish species. By providing a safe haven for fish to mature and reproduce, these protected areas help replenish depleted stocks and promote more sustainable fishing practices.
A team of scientists has confirmed a new species of sixgill sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, based on genetic testing. The discovery was made using mitochondrial genes and found significant differences between the Atlantic and Pacific/Oceanic species.
Researchers have discovered a fundamental energy field guiding formation of complex patterns in materials that crystallize, altering current understanding of metal solidification. This finding has the potential to improve casting and welding processes, leading to stronger alloys and improved metallurgical process control.
Researchers have discovered that young roots take chemical snapshots to detect obstructions and coordinate their paths, outsmarting seemingly random root patterns. This process relies on compounds similar to those used in traditional photography, improving understanding of plant immunity and potential crop yield boosts.
A study analyzing 18 years of coral-disease data found that three common diseases spike during El Niño years, mirroring the cyclical patterns of these climate events. This alarming association may indicate an increase in disease intensity due to climate change, with potential consequences for coral reefs.
A $205,000 grant is funding a study to identify optimal habitats for coral survival in the Florida Reef Tract. The research aims to improve coral reef restoration and conserve endangered species by understanding the factors that affect coral growth.
A genetic mutation in whale eyes impairs their ability to see in bright light, making them more susceptible to fatal entanglements in fishing gear. This study may also provide insight into how vision works in other mammals, including humans.
Scientists capture lightning flash using high-speed camera at 7,000 frames per second as part of research on thunderstorm dynamics. The camera will be used to study upward electrical discharges from starters, jets and gigantic jets.
A new space imaging technique, using charge injection devices, may help scientists directly image exoplanets next to bright stars. This technology has been successfully tested, enabling the detection of objects 70 million times fainter than the host star's light.
New research from Florida Institute of Technology scientists suggests that moderate levels of turbidity can lower stress on corals by shading them from high light. This could be a refuge for coral species in a warmer climate.
A Florida Tech-led study refutes the theory that Amazonian rainforests were created through ancient managed landscapes. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, suggests that pre-European human activity had a limited impact on the ecosystem.
Researchers found no barriers to prevent king crab populations from arriving on the shallow continental shelf if the water becomes warm enough. The arrival of these crustaceans could radically alter the ecosystem and diminish marine biodiversity globally.
Researchers found an O-type star, NGC 1624-2, has the largest known magnetosphere, trapping gas and creating a massive aura of hot, dense plasma. The star's powerful stellar winds are up to 100,000 times denser than our Sun's solar wind.
A new study from Florida Tech suggests that well-managed coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean can keep up with sea-level rise through vertical growth, but only if carbon dioxide levels stay below 670 parts-per million. If emissions exceed this threshold, even healthy reefs will struggle to adapt.
A new study by Florida Tech researchers has improved our understanding of sprites, which are fireworks-like electrical discharges in the upper atmosphere. The research found that specific atmospheric conditions can lead to exuberant and luminous sprite displays above thunderstorms.
A Florida Tech study has identified 12 climate refuges worldwide where corals are likely to survive at least until 2100 due to minimal temperature change. These areas, including the Indian and Pacific Oceans, could be essential for coral conservation and should receive protection.
A new study from Florida Institute of Technology finds that ocean warming has played a significant role in the decline of iconic elkhorn and staghorn corals. The research suggests that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could support the recovery of these critical reef-building corals.
Scientists at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a physics-based model to calculate radiation doses from intense gamma-ray bursts in thunderstorms. The model suggests that these bursts, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, emit high-energy particles that can pose a radiation hazard to airplane passengers.
A Florida Tech researcher has been awarded a $400,000 NSF grant to develop ferrates, which can effectively remove cyanotoxins from drinking water. The project will explore the use of ferrates in both laboratory and field settings to combat the growing problem of cyanobacteria in water reservoirs.
Researchers used mapping technique to examine disease clustering and determine the cause of recent coral disease increase in the Caribbean. The study found that coral diseases are stress-related and likely caused by warming seas due to climate change.
Researchers have successfully imaged cells growing on spherical surfaces using a novel class of substrates. This technique has potential applications in cancer detection and treatment, as well as stem cell differentiation and tissue engineering.
Climate change is expected to lead to a major ecological upheaval in Antarctica as predatory king crabs potentially invade the continental shelf. The invasion could disrupt the primeval marine communities that have lived there for millions of years, leading to a loss of unique biodiversity.
Researchers found that climate change led to a collapse of coral reefs in the eastern Pacific for 40% of their total history, spanning 4,000 years. The study suggests that similar collapse could occur again due to current climate patterns.
Researchers analyzed soil cores from 55 locations in central and western Amazonia, finding that early inhabitants lived near rivers but had little long-term impact on outlying forests. The study challenges the popular idea that the Amazon was a culturally altered landscape before European arrival.
Biologist Robert van Woesik is studying contagiousness of coral diseases, testing for clustering and transmissibility in two Caribbean locations. Understanding the etiology can inform human intervention to reduce disease prevalence.
Researchers analyzed Caribbean coral extinctions during Plio-Pleistocene era and found strong relationships between past regional extinction events and modern coral vulnerability. The study suggests that extinction events depend on biological characteristics of the coral species, improving the accuracy of extinction-risk assessment.
A study by Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Hawaii aims to provide early alerts of volcanic ash in the atmosphere using infrasonic signals. The research uses a sophisticated signal processing method to extract the infrasonic signature of volcano eruptions, allowing for estimates of ash column heights.
A three-year NSF grant is supporting research on the mechanisms of infrared imaging in pit vipers and pythons. Graduate students are studying the proteins responsible for this ability, while undergraduate researchers are training Burmese pythons to perform complex behaviors in response to thermal signals.
Researchers at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a streamlined process for synthesizing the chemical compound CDNI-Glu, reducing production time from 150 hours to 24 hours. The licensed technology will be commercially available through Tocris, enabling neuroscientists to study brain neural networks more efficiently.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series found that cleaner water improves the resilience of coral reefs to climate change in the Florida Keys. Corals living in cleaner waters with fewer nutrients were shown to be more resistant to warming and bleaching, while those in dirtier water became sick.
Researchers find threespot damselfish kill slow-growing head corals due to habitat needs. Restoring staghorn coral populations can alleviate pressure on other corals and help mitigate the damage.
Researchers found that the supermassive black hole at the center of M87 is displaced from its expected position, likely due to a previous merger or the iconic jet's push. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.
Researchers at Florida Institute of Technology are awarded a four-year, $1.024 million NIH grant to continue their studies on cell growth regulation and its implications for human health. The funding will support the development of novel inhibitors that could be used to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases and treat cancer.
A $453,000 NSF grant is funding a research expedition to investigate the return of predatory crabs to Antarctica due to climate change. The team will use advanced technologies to explore the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas and understand how warming waters are promoting the invasion of these species.
Ciguatera poisoning, caused by eating large carnivorous reef fish, may have prompted Polynesian migrations out of paradise. Researchers propose that climate change and ciguatera outbreaks led to historical mass migrations of Cook Islanders from Rarotonga to New Zealand, Easter Island, and possibly Hawaii.
Florida Institute of Technology professors Ming Zhang and Hamid Rassoul receive a $411,000 NASA grant to investigate the physics of particle transport in the distant heliosphere. The IBEX spacecraft mission will observe particles from beyond Pluto's orbit, providing insights into cosmic rays and future human space travel.
Researchers at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a virtual simulation tool that assesses the impact of crowd formation patterns on survival and injury rates during a suicide terrorist attack. The study suggests that following specific crowd formation patterns can reduce fatalities by 12% and injuries by 7%.
Climate change is causing Antarctic sea life to face an invasion of predatory king crabs and exotic species, potentially devastating the region's unique ecosystem. Rising temperatures are allowing these species to expand their habitats, disrupting delicate ecological relationships and putting the world's last truly wild places at risk.
Researchers aim to understand the structure and dynamics of the heliosphere using cosmic rays to probe its outer environment. The project has potential implications for space weather forecasting and keeping astronauts safe from hazardous space radiation.
Researchers will use chromospheres to measure star ages by studying sunspots and solar cycles. The team aims to extend the activity-age relation for solar-type stars up to the Milky Way's age, about 10 billion years.
A national survey reveals that nearly one in four parents believe vaccines cause autism, leading to fewer vaccinations and a growing number of measles infections. The study's findings highlight the lingering fear and confusion surrounding vaccines, despite overwhelming scientific evidence debunking the link.
Researchers are investigating SEP transport in 3D heliospheric magnetic fields to understand why some events occur without magnetic connection to the Sun. The goal is to assess cross-field diffusion's role in charged particle transport.
A team led by Professor Richard Ford is awarded a $1.85M contract to continue researching biologically-inspired tactical security infrastructure (BITSI) for military computing and disaster relief operations. The project aims to build computers that can protect themselves when under attack, using biological systems as inspiration.
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $589,000 continuation grant to Florida Tech associate professor Marcus Hohlmann for his research on using subatomic particles to detect hidden nuclear materials in cargo. The project uses muon radiography and a novel micro-pattern particle detector to identify potential threats.