Paleobiologist George Poinar Jr. presents an early record of an ant-mimicking spider in fossilized resin, shedding light on defense strategies and evolutionary processes. The specimen, Myrmarachne colombiana, has developed a remarkable transformation to resemble ants, with adaptations including modified body parts and behavior.
A product used to control pest slugs on farms is deadly to the least one type of native woodland snail endemic to the Pacific Northwest. The study found that the product's effects depended on concentration and snail size, with all 90 snails killed in exposure groups versus 30 in a control group.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new metric to measure water storage in snowpacks, which reveals a 22% drop in annual storage over the past four decades. This finding is important for water managers as it can help make long-term planning decisions for adjusting infrastructure options.
A new study reveals that marine heat waves disrupt the ocean food web in the northeast Pacific Ocean, shifting energy and impacting predators and prey. Gelatinous zooplankton thrive during heat waves, drawing energy out of the ecosystem and potentially affecting fish and marine mammals.
A new study reveals that gun manufacturers have shifted their marketing strategy to appeal to women, portraying them as responsible and capable gun owners. The study found that the 'serious student' framing became popular between 2016 and 2020, depicting armed American women as pursuing expertise with firearms through focused training.
The Global Hemp Innovation Center is working with 13 Native American Tribes and other partners to spur economic development through sustainable supply chains and education. The project aims to create jobs in the emergent biobased economy and explore industrial uses of hemp.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a metal-organic framework that can completely remove and break down glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The material, Sc-TBAPy, shows faster adsorption and photodegradation of glyphosate compared to other MOFs.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing genetic treatments for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss. They created a new type of lipid nanoparticle, called Thio-lipids, that can deliver therapeutic payloads to the lungs and retina.
Oregon State University researchers have documented the first-ever sighting of a hoary bat flying over the open ocean, highlighting the need for further studies on threats bats face at sea. The sighting occurred in an area leased for potential offshore wind energy development.
A new study reveals that ringtails prefer tree cavities in mature and older forests, rather than oak woodlands. Researchers found that the presence of fishers did not influence where ringtails chose to rest, providing important guidance for forest managers seeking to conserve these trees.
A new study predicts that cooler, wetter parts of the Pacific Northwest will experience increased fires due to climate change. The region's highly productive forests are vulnerable to larger and more frequent blazes, which could impact drinking water sources, timber resources, and biodiversity.
A recent study found that even extremely low levels of pesticide exposure can cause lasting behavioral changes in fish, extending to offspring never exposed firsthand. The impact also raises concerns for all vertebrates, including humans.
Scientists at Oregon State University have made a significant advance in capturing carbon dioxide from the air using vanadium peroxide molecules. The technology has been shown to react with and bind carbon dioxide effectively, making it a promising candidate for improving direct air capture methods.
A team of researchers at Oregon State University has demonstrated that a swarm of over 100 autonomous ground and aerial robots can be supervised by one person. The study used virtual reality interface I3 to enable high-level control, allowing the commander to deploy systems without manually driving each individual vehicle.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a spray coating for grapes that can prevent off-flavors caused by wildfire smoke. The coatings, made with cellulose nanofibers and chitosan, block or capture wildfire smoke compounds, protecting wine quality.
A study examined nearly 800 large-diameter Douglas-fir trees to determine the most effective methods for creating standing dead trees. The results showed that chain-saw topping is the best way to create snags with significant decay within two decades, while mechanical wounding and fungal inoculation have limited efficacy. This research...
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that marine heat waves trigger earlier reproduction and high mortality in early life stages of Pacific cod. The study found these changes persisted in subsequent years, potentially impacting the future of Gulf of Alaska's Pacific cod population.
A novel dataset is used to propose a 'restorative' pathway through which humanity can avoid the worst ecological and social outcomes of climate change. The scenario emphasizes social and economic justice as well as environmental sustainability, and offers a contrast to other climate scenarios that may be more aligned with the status quo.
Researchers have discovered vitamin B1 in river sediments, which could supplement early life stages of Chinook salmon suffering from thiamine deficiency complex. The finding has potential implications for reducing health impacts on naturally spawning salmon populations affected by the emerging threat to West Coast salmon populations.
New research by Oregon State University scientists reveals that forests on the west slope of Oregon's Cascade Range experienced frequent fires between 1500 and 1895. The study found that these historical fires were relatively small and had no strong link with dry air, suggesting Indigenous fire stewardship.
Research by Oregon State University scientists found that some coral species can adapt to marine heat waves by remembering past events. The study suggests that the microbial communities within corals play a key role in this process.
Researchers used genetic information from 104 aardvark poop samples to study their distribution and movement across the African landscape. They found regional divisions and larger home ranges, but also restricted movement through arid areas due to climate change.
Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the chia genome, identifying genes associated with improving nutrition and human health. The study found 29 genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and 93 genes that aid gel-forming properties of chia seeds.
The university has received $1 million to advance wildfire risk science and train scientists to translate findings into tangible outcomes for communities. A new graduate program will combine civil engineering and forest engineering, resources and management.
Oregon State University scientists used forest modeling to determine that a site's productivity is the main factor in maximizing above-ground carbon sequestration. The study found that 60-year rotations with low-intensity thinning are optimal for highly productive stands, while longer rotations of 80-120 years are better for less produ...
The research aims to find strategies to control sprouting in organic potato systems, replacing traditional chemical treatments. Scientists are exploring natural products and technologies to manage sprouting, with the goal of prolonging storage life and reducing financial losses.
A new study found that wildfires and drought have led to a 10% reduction in the value of private timberland in three Pacific states over the past two decades. Climate change is attributed as the primary cause of this damage, with large wildfires causing an additional 8.7% loss.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded Oregon State University $6.5 million to advance the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System. The funding will support research at the new Geospatial Center for the Arctic and Pacific, which aims to improve resilience to coastal and seismic hazards through en...
The study highlights the importance of protecting the Tongass and Chugach national forests in Southern Alaska, which provide habitat for iconic species like bald eagles, brown bears, and gray wolves. Increased protections for these forests are seen as key to mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
The Klamath River dam removal project is expected to aid salmon populations by restoring habitat and reducing pathogens. However, researchers caution that disease outbreaks may still occur, and thoughtful restoration efforts are necessary.
Scientists have observed wolves directly hunting and consuming sea otters and harbor seals in Alaska's Katmai National Park. This new evidence challenges previous assumptions about wolf behavior and diet. The study highlights the unique role of wolves in nearshore ecosystems in Alaska.
A study led by Oregon State University has identified the mechanism behind omega-3 supplements' effectiveness in combating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome. Betacellulin, a protein growth factor, plays a crucial role in the disease's progression and scarring.
The report highlights alarming patterns of climate-related variables and disasters, including unprecedented carbon dioxide emissions from Canadian wildfires. Scientists urge a global economy prioritizing human well-being and curtailing overconsumption to address ecological overshoot and mitigate existential threats.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales experience extreme population swings due to changing Arctic Ocean conditions. Long-term monitoring data reveals a bumpy ride in response to variable ocean conditions.
Researchers at Oregon State University are exploring new ways to design and build long-lasting, high-efficiency electrical components for harsh-environment applications. The project aims to address heat management challenges through a co-design methodology and fluid-based heat management structures.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a novel genus and species of micro-wasp with mysterious, bulbous structures on its antennae. The discovery, published in the journal Life, provides new insights into the biology and ecology of ancient insects.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered a novel strain of Paenibacillus bacteria with probiotic qualities that could help alleviate canine inflammatory bowel disease. The bacteria can digest complex carbohydrates and has antimicrobial properties, promoting anti-inflammatory immune responses in the gut.
A study from Oregon State University found that commercial whaling in the 20th century led to a loss of maternal DNA lineages among blue and humpback whales, potentially resulting in cultural memory loss. Whale populations near South Georgia Island have begun to recover, but the genetic diversity remains low.
Researchers found that a compound derived from hops, TXN, can combat metabolic syndrome by reducing the population of Oscillibacter species in the gut microbiome. This reduction leads to reduced inflammation in adipose tissue and improved glucose metabolism.
A new study reveals that people with high social vulnerability are more exposed to wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with the number of exposed individuals tripling between 2011 and 2021. The study highlights the need for tailored wildfire preparation and response strategies for individual communities with different risk factors.
Oregon State University economist Bill Jaeger concludes that 30 years of international treaties on climate change are insufficient due to long delays between cost reduction and benefit realization. Courts recognizing climate rights could add leverage, giving voice to future generations.
The new facility will enhance the lab's capabilities to study the impact of chemicals and nanomaterials on human health, with applications in areas like toxicology and disease prevention.
A collaborative effort between ecologists and art historians has demonstrated that historical artwork can reveal valuable information about forests and landscapes from eras prior to modern scientific investigation. The study, published in Ecosphere, examines the use of 19th-century landscape paintings to advance environmental science.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that glacier ice melts twice as fast with pressurized air bubbles than without them, which could explain part of the observed melting rate difference. This discovery has significant implications for climate models and predicting ice melt rates.
A study by Oregon State University found that forest thinning is enhancing native biodiversity and improving the resilience of older trees on federal lands in eastern Oregon. The research, led by James Johnston, involved long-term monitoring and partnerships between OSU, the US Forest Service, and local groups.
A study published in Ecology and Evolution found that bison bulls in northern Yellowstone are breaking aspen saplings, preventing them from growing into trees. The researchers suggest that this behavior may be related to displays of aggression, and could hinder the recovery of aspen stands.
A recent study found that the FDA approved 65% of novel drugs in 2022 based on a single clinical trial, while only half of the available studies were classified as randomized clinical trials. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the completeness of the approval process and patient access to accurate information.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new approach using VOCs to detect toxic cyanobacterial blooms in waterways. The method shows promise for predicting the start and end of bloom events, potentially reducing economic losses attributed to these harmful algae blooms.
Research from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute reveals that gray whales feeding off the Pacific Northwest coast are shorter than their counterparts in the Arctic. The females average 3 feet and males average 1.5 feet shorter, with slightly smaller skulls and flukes.
An Oregon State University study found that young adults not in college became more frequent users of cannabis and met criteria for cannabis use disorder after state legalization. The prevalence of frequent cannabis use increased by 5 percentage points among non-college young adults, while college students saw a smaller increase.