Researchers from LSU and the University of Texas at Tyler excavated the earliest ancient Maya salt works in southern Belize, revealing a small salt-making site with ties to nearby communities. The discovery provides insight into the local enterprise and trade connections of the ancient Maya during the Early Classic period.
Researchers at LSU and Smithsonian Institution found that ants began farming fungi after an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago. This behavior is still exhibited by some ant species today.
A LSU study found that chronic relative sea level rise combined with short-term weather-related shocks, such as droughts and hurricanes, led to the decline of Phragmites-dominated stands in the marsh. The study suggests elevating marsh beds with sediment can improve resilience.
The LSU Quantum Photonics Group has made significant advancements in quantum plasmonics by isolating multiparticle subsystems and revealing new behaviors for surface plasmons. This research holds promise for developing more sensitive and robust quantum technologies, including sensors with heightened precision.
A new LSU-led project will install up to eight high-frequency radar systems along the Louisiana coastline, providing near-real-time monitoring of ocean surface currents. The system will contribute data to NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System, enhancing marine forecasts and safety in coastal waters.
A study published in Science reveals that six different African baboon species have more genetic similarity than expected, highlighting the fluid nature of their genomes. Researchers analyzed mobile elements in over 200,000 genetic samples from 225 individuals across 19 geographical sites.
A new study published in Ecosphere finds that newly created tidal marshes in Barataria Bay rapidly become indistinguishable from natural marshes, supporting the state's plans to rebuild its coastline. The research reveals similar biodiversity in both created and natural marshes.
Researchers found that levee building and subsurface resource extraction account for 40% of land loss in the Mississippi River Delta. A new sediment diversion project may help reverse land loss by releasing sediment into the Barataria Basin.
A new coupled computer modeling approach can accurately predict compound flooding events, such as the one caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018. This technique combines ocean and river models to better capture the interactions between storm surges and rain-induced flooding.
A recent LSU study found significant land formation in two freshwater diversions on the state's coastline, including a 2-4.8 sq km increase in area over 17 years. The Davis Pond Diversion showed a dynamic environment with dramatic change, while the Caernarvon Diversion had no meaningful detectable changes.
A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that potatoes are filled with key nutrients and can aid in weight loss. Participants who incorporated potatoes into their diet lost weight and showed improved blood glucose levels compared to those following a diet with beans and peas.
Dr. Daijiang Li is building Phenobase, a global database on plant phenology using AI and machine learning to extract information from millions of images and existing records.
A US team, led by Louisiana State University scientist Jun-Hong Liang, is studying air-sea gas exchange in the Labrador Sea to develop accurate formulas. The research aims to improve estimations of biological production and carbon dioxide/oxygen sequestration in deep oceans.
A multi-institutional team led by LSU researchers will investigate factors affecting natural methane emissions in Louisiana's coastal wetlands. The study aims to improve understanding of methane cycling processes, which are poorly understood and affect the conditions creating methane emissions.
Invasive house mice on Southeast Farallon Island consume and compete with native species for food, leading to significant impacts on the island ecosystem. The study found that mice are highly opportunistic eaters whose diets vary throughout the year in response to changes in food availability.
A study by LSU found that elite student-athletes could safely return to practice and play football after COVID-19 isolation, with their immune system returning to baseline levels. This contrasts with older adults with comorbidities, who are at higher risk for serious side effects.
New research shows that up to 50% of residences in Houston's Harris County would not have been flooded by Hurricane Harvey if it weren't for climate change. This equates to about 50,000 fewer homes damaged and billions of dollars saved.
The Louisiana State University campus mounds are the oldest known man-made structures in North America, with construction beginning at approximately 11,000 years ago. The mounds were built by ancient indigenous people and feature a coordinated alignment with the brightest star in the night sky.
A new computer model developed by Louisiana State University oceanographer Giulio Mariotti shows that barrier island retreat will accelerate by 50 percent within a century due to rising sea levels. The model challenges the common assumption that barrier islands respond instantly to sea level rise, revealing a lag between the two.
A new study warns of the devastating effects of nuclear war on the Earth's systems. Global temperatures would plummet by 13 degrees Fahrenheit, causing crop failure worldwide. Ocean temperatures would drop quickly, leading to a 'Nuclear Little Ice Age' and disrupting marine ecosystems.
Global warming is expected to destabilize Caribbean coral populations, leading to bleaching and extinction. Coral reefs support the seafood industry, coastal communities, and tourism, with a net economic value estimated in tens of billions of dollars.
Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.
Chronic skin wounds and biofilm infections pose significant challenges in healthcare. A new NIH-funded project aims to develop a novel class of molecules targeting bacterial iron homeostasis to combat these infections. The researchers have identified proof-of-concept small molecules that can inhibit the BfrB-Bfd protein-protein interac...
Researchers have leveraged quantum information theory techniques to amplify entanglement in the Hawking effect, a process previously difficult to test due to the faint nature of Hawking radiation. By illuminating event horizons with appropriately chosen quantum states, they can tunably stimulate entanglement production.
A study led by LSU researchers has found that a natural plant extract called Artemisia scoparia can increase the lifespan of roundworms by 40% and improve their metabolic health. The extract, which is native to Asia, was fed to worms in various doses and showed significant effects on fat regulation and stress resistance.
Researchers have discovered how carbohydrates interact with lignin in plant biomass, revealing new information on the organization of lignin-carbohydrate interfaces. This discovery can help advance technology for using biomass as a renewable resource for energy and materials.
Research from LSU and University of Florida found a correlation between lunar phases and shark attacks, with more incidents occurring during periods of higher illumination. The study analyzed global data from the International Shark Attack File and suggests that lunar forces may play a role in shark behavior.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have identified 14 new endemic species of shrews on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a significant milestone in understanding the island's extraordinary biodiversity. This discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy in understanding and preserving life.
Scientists have discovered a way to extract monthly and weekly ocean temperature records from the shells of tiny surf clams, revealing clues to Earth's past climate. The study uses a species of short-lived clam that has not been used before, allowing researchers to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and past climates with precision.
Researchers from Louisiana State University discovered the molecular architecture of fungal cell walls and how they respond to stresses, paving the way for new antifungal compounds. The study's findings reveal the structural role of each major carbohydrate in the cell wall and provide a revised model of fungal cell wall organization.
Researchers from Louisiana State University uncover salt workers' residences and outdoor areas where fish were salted and dried. The discovery sheds light on the organization of the salt industry and its importance to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization.
Amazon Rainforest birds have reduced body mass by an average of 2% every decade since the 1980s, with most species losing about 27.6 grams on average. The birds' bodies and wings have also changed to become more energy-efficient in flight, with longer wings and lighter bodies adapted to hotter and drier conditions.
A new study found that exposure to particulate matter pollution and social factors such as race and socioeconomic status contribute to higher rates of community acquired pneumonia in children. Researchers used satellite data to identify high- and low-risk areas for the disease, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.
The LSU College of the Coast & Environment is conducting research to identify how climate change affects the Florida stone crab fishery. The team will investigate and model how changing ocean temperatures and acidity impact stone crab larval development, behavior, and dispersal.
Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a nanoscale system that can create different forms of light by manipulating photon distribution. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum technologies and may lead to more efficient solar cells.
A study by Louisiana State University found that over 44 million people in the US continued to fish during the pandemic, with many citing stress relief and social bonding as motivations. The economic impact was also significant, with a positive ripple effect for the economy and fisheries management.
Measurements of iron spectrum in cosmic rays reveal that hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen nuclei travel through the galaxy similarly, but iron arrives differently. The findings provide a measurement of the galaxy structure and particle propagation through observations of element abundances and energy spectra.
A preserved ancient bald cypress forest was discovered underwater in the northern Gulf of Mexico, providing clues about the region's climate history. The forest is estimated to be between 42,000 and 74,000 years old, offering insights into the rapid changes in sea levels and climate that occurred during the last Ice Age.
The Octo-Tiger code simulates stellar mergers with superior speeds and accuracy, allowing for more detailed simulations and exploration of new parameter space. The research demonstrates the code's performance on Australia's fastest supercomputer, showcasing its potential for tackling complex astrophysical problems.
Researchers at LSU discovered a vast network of ancient Maya salt kitchen buildings, indicating the salt was produced on a large scale. Salt cakes were standardized units, potentially used as currency, and played a crucial role in the economy.
The LSU Veterinary School has received a $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to create a Center for Pre-Clinical Cancer Research, which aims to develop more effective anti-cancer treatments. The new center will provide specialized core facilities and training opportunities for researchers.
Researchers found significantly higher Asian tiger mosquito populations and habitat availability in a low-income neighborhood with high levels of environmental blight. The study highlights the need for blight reduction efforts to mitigate public health risks from mosquito-borne diseases in vulnerable communities.
Researchers from Louisiana State University have developed a smart quantum technology to correct distorted spatial modes of light at the single-photon level using artificial neural networks. This technique boosts channel capacity in optical communication protocols, enabling secure communication and enhancing sensing capabilities.
A 100-year record of water quality trends in the lower Mississippi River was reconstructed by LSU Professor R. Eugene Turner, revealing significant improvements in bacterial concentrations and oxygen content after the Clean Water Act went into effect.
Researchers found that biodiversity hotspots like the Amazon rainforest are formed through gradual accumulation of species over time, while coldspots provide more opportunities for rapid diversification. This study reveals a paradox in diversity formation, challenging previous assumptions.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the militarization of local law enforcement through military equipment does not reduce crime rates. Researchers discovered significant discrepancies in the federal government's tracking of surplus military equipment and incomplete records, making it difficult to draw firm concl...
A study by Louisiana State University researchers found that social distancing measures significantly reduced COVID-19 infection rates in heavily impacted states. The analysis showed a substantial drop in infection rates following public policy measures like stay-at-home orders and mask mandates.
Researchers found that Christian nationalist values among non-churchgoers were strongly tied to voting for Trump. In contrast, churchgoers' support for Trump was not influenced by their level of Christian nationalism. The study challenges the idea that the religious vote for Trump was driven by Christian leaders and institutions.
A recent study by Louisiana State University researchers found that the Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in biodiversity, with certain bird species showing significant drops in population. The study, which analyzed data from over 35 years and 55 sites, suggests that climate change may be driving this trend.
Researchers at LSU have developed a method to remove quantum backaction in gravitational wave detectors, improving sensitivity and enabling deeper astrophysical observations. The new technique uses a mirror the size of a human hair and shows promising results, with potential implications for LIGO and future GW detector upgrades.