A group of ecologists and economists propose a new approach to valuing nature's worth. They suggest assigning an economic price tag to ecosystem services, such as pollination and water purification. By doing so, they hope to create financial incentives for protecting these vital resources.
A new study by Stanford University researchers finds that global aquaculture production has more than doubled in the past 15 years, but it also adds to the world's supply of fish. However, the growing demand for carnivorous species like salmon and shrimp threatens the sustainability of ocean fisheries.
Expansion of methadone programs would reduce the spread of HIV to the general population, resulting in significant health benefits. The study estimated that expansion of methadone treatment capacity would cost between $8,200 and $10,900 for every quality-adjusted life year gained.
A Stanford study supports a U.N. proposal to give rich nations an economic incentive to finance tropical forest conservation programs in poor countries. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) plan aims to help protect the planet from global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Stanford researchers used atom interferometry to measure the force of gravity on individual atoms with unprecedented accuracy. Their findings strengthen the likelihood that previous neutron interferometry experiments were incorrect, validating the power of atom interferometry as a precise measurement tool.
Researchers create device that harnesses thermal fluctuations to separate membrane-associated molecules, providing a novel approach for studying cellular processes. The invention builds upon previous work on Brownian ratchets and utilizes microfabrication techniques to manufacture the device at an affordable cost.
Two Stanford University scientists argue that large amounts of water ice are unlikely on the Moon, suggesting an alternative explanation involving the reaction of lunar dust with hydrogen and oxygen. They propose that the Lunar Prospector crash could produce a plume of water vapor and hydroxyl ions without ice being present.
Researchers at Stanford University used optical tweezers to study the microscopic properties of magnetorheological fluids, finding that they behave in unexpected ways. The materials can form long chains and exhibit lateral aggregation, leading to a greater-than-expected range of behavior with varying magnetic field strengths.
Researchers at Stanford University have invented a quantum electron pump, a device that operates according to the laws of quantum physics. The pump uses slight changes in shape created by electrostatic forces to push electrons through it, allowing for the movement of electrons without relying on voltage differences.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new way to study the chemistry of life using tiny, cell-sized containers called vesicles. These vesicles allow for the creation of minuscule chemical reactions that can mimic the conditions found inside living cells.
A new theory called inflationary cosmology suggests that the universe may have begun as a fractal, with an exponential expansion period. This theory provides answers to several questions about the origin of the universe and its structure.
The Digital Michelangelo Project aims to create highly realistic, three-dimensional images of Michelangelo's statues, allowing for interactive viewing from any perspective. The project will also enable the restoration of damaged areas through virtual reconstruction and the creation of accurate physical replicas.
The Europa Orbiter mission aims to find evidence of a liquid ocean on the moon, which could support life. If confirmed, Europa and Earth would be the only two worlds in the solar system with liquid water.
Some smelter slags produce toxic elements like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper when exposed to natural weathering conditions. Researchers have found high levels of these elements in slag dumps, contaminating nearby water sources.
Researchers at Stanford University have observed the detailed structure of red sprites, finding thousands of vertical and tilted streamers with branching patterns. The findings suggest that electrostatic charge buildup in the atmosphere creates these spark channels, which ionize air molecules and produce glowing red streamers.
A new study confirms that magma is forcing Long Valley Caldera to rise, which could lead to a volcanic eruption in the future. The researchers used precise gravity measurements to distinguish between magma and water, finding a systematic increase in mass beneath the resurgent dome.
Researchers found a clear difference in brain activation between boys with ADD and those without, specifically in the striatal region involved in motor control. Ritalin improved impulse control in both groups but had different effects on brain activity in those with and without ADD.
Researchers Norman H. Sleep and Cindy J. Ebinger find that a single giant plume of magma rose from Earth's mantle 45 million years ago, shaping Africa's striking geological features such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ethiopian plateau.
A powerful gamma-ray and X-ray burst from a distant star caused significant changes in Earth's upper atmosphere, leading to increased ionization levels and reduced radio signal range. The event has implications for our understanding of the ionosphere and its interactions with external energy sources.
Physicists at Stanford University developed a new optical detector capable of measuring individual photons' energy, arrival time, and location throughout the spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in dark matter detection and improved astronomical observations.
Researchers at Stanford and Harvard have identified specific brain regions responsible for predicting memory recall. Neural activity in the medial temporal lobe system, particularly the parahippocampal cortex, was found to predict whether a person would later remember a photograph or word.
A new satellite tagging technology has resolved the mysteries of tuna migration, revealing that bluefin tuna can move up to 1,670 nautical miles in 90 days. The tags, deployed in 1996 and 1997, have high survivorship rates and provide valuable information for managing giant bluefin tuna populations.
Physicists have achieved head-on collisions between electrons and positrons at the Asymmetric B Factory, a $177 million particle collider. The dual-ring machine will help researchers study the differences between matter and antimatter.
A panel of scientists concludes that some UFO sightings are accompanied by physical evidence deserving scientific study. While the panel was not convinced of an extraterrestrial explanation, it highlighted potential health risks and noted that rare natural phenomena can cause similar effects.
A solar flare on July 9, 1996, generated a massive seismic wave that resembles those created by terrestrial earthquakes. The seismic wave contained about 40,000 times the energy released in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
Riemann's concept of curved space was pivotal in Einstein's explanation of gravitation, while his abstract surfaces inspired modern math and physics. His ideas continue to influence contemporary theories like string theory.
Scientists are using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to study subtle phenomena such as volcano deformations before eruptions and gradual buildup of stress over years. SAR is also being used to map the flow of ice sheets and glaciers, and gather data on land subsidence issues related to fluid withdrawal.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that even identical polymers can unfold in various ways when exposed to the same conditions. This finding challenges long-standing theories and provides new insights into polymer behavior.
Linguistics professor John Rickford presents evidence that black and white vernaculars in America exhibit distinct differences, even in island enclaves with frequent contact. He argues that limited social interaction and powerful social norms contribute to these divergences, which have been developing over centuries.
Researchers studied how embryos cope with stress, finding unique mechanisms such as toxin-repelling proteins and heat shock protection. These adaptations help embryos survive environmental insults, but may come at a cost in delayed development or growth restrictions.
A group of prominent scientists, including Harold Mooney and José Sarukhán, are launching the International Biodiversity Observation Year to address the urgent need for information about biodiversity. They propose short-term international projects to fill gaps in data and promote research on fundamental aspects of biodiversity.
Researchers at Stanford University found a 28.4-day cycle in solar neutrinos using data from the Homestake neutrino detector. The discovery challenges the standard model of particle physics and may help explain the universe's missing mass, with neutrinos potentially playing a key role.
Research by Stanford University finds that L.A. smog's filtering effect reduces both UV radiation and ozone levels, benefiting skin cancer prevention and respiratory health. The study identifies specific chemical compounds in smog as responsible for this phenomenon.
Scientists predict small-scale spark channels form at the breakdown points, propelled upward with velocities as fast as one-tenth of the speed of light. The new model explains recent observations of sprites, including intense bursts of blue light and radio waves in the extremely low frequency band.
A new study found that people with dyslexia exhibit lower brain activity in the visual cortex, which may predict their reading speed. The researchers used functional MRI imaging to measure differences in brain activity between dyslexics and non-dyslexics.
Physicist John Lipa's Shuttle Experiment could revolutionize electronics miniaturization. The experiment aims to measure the confinement effect on materials in ultra-low temperatures.
Researchers calculate that populations are going extinct at a rate three to eight times faster than species loss, with significant implications for ecosystem services and human dependence on nature. The study reveals the often-overlooked benefits of individual populations, including genetic material and crop production.
A team of Stanford scholars presents a comprehensive study on the forces that shaped Asia during the Mesozoic era, revealing the dynamic processes that formed mountain ranges and volcanic island arcs. The research provides new insights into the region's geology and its potential for oil and gas reserves.
A Stanford doctoral student has developed a dynamic control system that uses Global Positioning System signals to actively control errant oscillations in large space structures. The system can detect centimeter-level precision and automatically fire thrusters to compensate for wayward motions, allowing for stable structure operation.
The Stanford team perfected a system to control tractors at all speeds with centimeter-level precision, exceeding the best human drivers' accuracy. This technology has potential applications in autonomous tractors and smart roads, improving farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Researchers create unnatural polyketides with anti-bacterial properties by altering enzyme feedstocks, promising to multiply the power of combinatorial biosynthesis and generate hundreds of new compounds for lead molecule discovery
Researchers found that individual polymer vibrations can be accurately described by a linear theory, similar to the vibrations of a musical string. The study used DNA strands and optical tweezers to analyze their movements, finding a high accuracy rate of over 1 percent up to the eighth harmonic.
Researchers caught Kilauea's erupting volcano in a net by analyzing GPS data, revealing the ground stretching and expanding before the rift opened. The team predicts that future analysis of similar events could enable quick warnings for lava flows, allowing people to evacuate in time.
Stanford researchers have successfully used native bacteria to reduce TCE levels in groundwater by 96-98% through in situ bioremediation. This method conserves water and reduces pumping costs, but requires hydrogen peroxide as a catalyst.
Researchers at Stanford University have identified two separate clusters of neurons in the hippocampus involved in encoding and retrieving memories. These findings provide insight into the neural basis of memory and could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers at Stanford University propose using tiny jet turbines to create a system that prevents aircraft wings from stalling. This approach uses massively parallel mechanical systems, enabling the creation of large numbers of small devices for improved power density and reliability.
Researchers from Stanford University and IBM's Almaden Research Center successfully measured forces of infinitesimal magnitude for the first time using a new method called magnetic resonance force microscopy. The technique enables the detection of atto-newton forces, which are one billionth of a billionth of a newton.
Stephen Schneider proposes a 'meta-institution' to evaluate scientific assertions and urges citizens to ask experts for information. He recommends asking three questions: What can happen, what are the odds, and how do you know?, to help navigate complex decisions.
Stanford University's Technology Ventures Co-op program accelerates the transfer of technology and science into the economy by teaching engineers entrepreneurship skills. The nine-month program places students in summer jobs with top Silicon Valley startups, providing on-the-job experience and exposure to high-tech products.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a process to make polypropylene, a stiff plastic, that can flex like a rubber band. The elastic polymer has potential applications in various industries, including the production of disposable diapers and automotive dashboards.