A recent study found that climate change has led to the establishment of moose and snowshoe hares on Alaska's North Slope, with warmer temperatures supporting denser vegetation. The shift in ecosystem is attributed to the increased growth of shrubs, which provides a habitat boost for these animals.
Wildfires on Arctic tundra can contribute to permafrost thaw, changing ecosystems and affecting downstream waters. Researchers used lidar data to document thawing in the Anaktuvuk River fire's footprint, observing thermokarst and irregular topography.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that wildfires on the Arctic tundra can cause significant permafrost thaw, with about a third of the fire's footprint experiencing thawing. This effect is similar to those observed in boreal forests where burns are more common.
A 20-year study in Arctic Alaska examines how woolly mammoths and other ice-age animals handled climate change. The study found that rapid climate changes during the ice age were beneficial for megafauna when rapid warming allowed grasses and forbs to spread.
Scientists used UAF's Parallel Ice Sheet Model to estimate the impact of fossil fuels on Antarctica's ice sheet. The study found that releasing 10,000 gigatons of carbon could raise global temps by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, melting the Antarctic ice sheet and causing sea levels to rise by over 160 feet.
Researchers have described a new hadrosaur species, Ugrunaaluk kuukpikensis, which grew up to 30 feet long and lived in darkness for months during the Cretaceous Period. The discovery provides evidence of a distinct, polar fauna in what is now northern Alaska.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered 11,500-year-old chum salmon bones indicating Ice Age humans in North America used salmon as a food source. The findings suggest ancient Beringian diets were broader and human colonization of North America may have been influenced by salmon fishing.
Researchers found that warmer summer temperatures in Interior Alaska led to a decline in white spruce tree growth, while Western Alaska saw increased growth rates. The study, which analyzed over 540 tree cores, suggests the boreal forest is shifting towards higher elevations and the western part of the state.
A team of scientists developed a model to quantify the effects of plant biodiversity loss on ecosystem productivity, finding that conserving species diversity can help maintain ecosystem services. The study provides new insights into the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Scientists predict a gradual, prolonged release of greenhouse gases from permafrost soils in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. The rate of release is likely to be similar to current tropical deforestation levels, emphasizing the need for climate models to incorporate this factor.
Researchers found that underwater noise from melting glaciers exceeds ocean noise levels generated by all other sources. The loud sounds are short-lived, but consistent melting of ice creates a persistent noise generator. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between underwater noise levels and the fjord ecosystem.
The discovery of two Ice Age infant remains at the Upward Sun River site in Alaska offers a rare glimpse into the lives of early human societies. The burials, dated to around 11,500 years ago, include grave offerings such as hafted compound weapons and provide insights into funeral practices and social organization.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will launch a new undergraduate program to engage students from diverse backgrounds in biomedical research, focusing on rural Alaska and promoting interest and success in biomedical careers. The five-year program aims to attract students from underrepresented groups and provide them with training, men...
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a $18.8 million award from the National Institutes of Health to fund statewide biomedical research and student training in Alaska. The five-year award will support research networks across three university campuses, focusing on health, disease, and environmental factors.
Researchers discovered that Alaska wood frogs can survive colder temperatures for longer periods than previously thought due to higher glucose levels in their tissues. The frogs accumulate glucose through repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which helps protect them against cell damage.
Researchers found that arctic thermokarst lakes switch from a net radiative warming to a net cooling climate effect about 5000 years ago. The lakes' carbon uptake rates are among the highest in the world due to the fertilization of mosses and other plants by thawing permafrost.
Research found that wolf pack fate and reproduction are affected by breeding female deaths, with smaller packs more vulnerable. The study suggests wolves can compensate for breeder loss through rapid replacement or increased reproductive success.
Dr. Kelly Drew, a University of Alaska Fairbanks neuroscientist, has been awarded the Sidney A. McNairy, Jr. Mentoring Award for her outstanding work in biomedical research and mentorship. She is recognized for successfully mentoring students from under-represented groups, including those from Alaska Native communities.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Institute of Arctic Biology is welcoming European Union scientists to conduct research at the Toolik Field Station and Barrow Environmental Observatory. The scientists will study various topics, including climate change, biodiversity, and carbon cycling in Arctic environments.
Caribou populations in climatically stable areas have the greatest genetic diversity, but climate change is expected to reduce viable habitat and lead to population isolation and fragmentation. As a result, caribou will lose the ability to adapt to change and become more vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers found that the East Siberian Arctic Shelf is releasing at least 17 teragrams of methane into the atmosphere each year, doubling previous estimates. The rapid release of methane from the seafloor threatens to exacerbate global warming and create a positive feedback loop.
Research suggests that moonlight affects prey species differently depending on their sensory systems, with some using vision as a backup defense. Moonlight benefits visually oriented prey, while negatively impacting predators' hunting success.
Researchers measured undersea current of warm water driven by fresh water from the melting glacier. The measurements will be used with physical and computer models to predict future changes in the ice shelf and glacial melt rates.
Despite its severity, the 2007 Anaktuvuk River fire in Alaska's North Slope surprisingly allowed vegetation to recover and potentially return to pre-fire conditions. Researchers found that post-fire plant succession resulted in a mixture of shrubs and sedges similar to those before the fire.
A recent review of research reveals that declining Arctic sea ice is leading to the greening of coastal areas, altering marine and terrestrial food chains. The study finds that changes in sea-ice cover are affecting animal migration patterns and plant growth, with some areas showing cooling trends and declines in vegetation productivity.
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have discovered a novel biomarker that can accurately measure long-term sugar intake from a single blood or hair sample. This breakthrough tool is distinct in corn and sugar cane, which are sources of nearly all sugars found in sugar-sweetened beverages.
Two UAF scientists contributed to a global study on glacier mass losses and their impact on rising sea levels. Their findings suggest that Alaskan glaciers alone explain one-third of the current sea-level rise, making Alaska a top contributor to global sea level.
A UN report warns that thawing permafrost could significantly amplify global warming due to the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. The report notes that permafrost covers nearly a quarter of the northern hemisphere, holding 1,700 gigatonnes of carbon.
A new four-year program aims to draw young artists into science careers by integrating art, biology, and physics. The project, Project STEAM, offers summer academies, science cafés, and activity kits to inspire interest in science among art-interested students, particularly girls.
A proposed state-based national conservation-support network aims to improve coordination of resources and planning among states, regions and nationwide. The network would facilitate the resolution of large-scale conservation challenges and advance collaborative conservation.
Researchers found a carbon-dioxide-sensitive neural circuit in ancient fish that likely evolved into the lungs of vertebrates. This discovery sheds light on the origins of air breathing and its role in vertebrate evolution.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute has received a $1.8 million grant to expand a program encouraging Native middle-school students to pursue science and technology careers. The PREPARES project will provide professional development and mentoring to educators, enabling them to incorporate climate research into thei...
Permafrost thaw could release approximately the same amount of carbon as deforestation, but with a greater impact due to methane emissions. The study estimates that by 2100, carbon released from permafrost will be 1.7-5.2 times larger than previous models.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Toolik Field Station will receive a $16.3 million award from the National Science Foundation to improve its infrastructure and services. The funding will support upgrades to housing, utilities, meals, communications, and lab space for hundreds of scientists and students working at the station.
A record-breaking tundra fire in Alaska's North Slope released as much carbon as the tundra stored in 50 years, according to scientists. The study highlights the rapid impact of climate warming on tundra ecosystems.
Scientists report that the world's forests store approximately 2.4 gigatons of carbon per year, with boreal forests accounting for nearly 22% of total stored carbon. A warming climate may reduce the capacity of forests to sequester carbon, highlighting the importance of understanding their role in the global carbon cycle.
Researchers Richard Boone and Pat Marsteller propose enhancing the NSF's GK-12 program, which has placed 10,000 graduate students in over 6,000 schools. The revamped program aims to strengthen science education for K-12 students and improve teaching skills for graduate students.
University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist Don Hampton analyzed the comet Hartley 2's nucleus, revealing a dynamic mass of ice and dust emitting gases through cracks. This research provides valuable insights into the composition and unique behavior of comets, shedding light on their role in the solar system's history.
The article discusses the complexity and influence of Alaska glaciers, highlighting the need for integrating field observations and glacier simulation models to better understand process changes. Rapid mass loss of Alaska glaciers since the mid-1990s poses a significant threat to coastal communities, particularly in developing countries.
In a 26-year study, marine invertebrates in Port Valdez have stabilized to resemble an undisturbed glacial fjord. This recovery was facilitated by the dominant species Capitellidae, known for their opportunistic nature.
The discovery of Xaasaa Cheege Ts'eniin, a three-year-old child cremated around 11,500 years ago, sheds light on ancient burial practices and daily lives of Ice Age people. The site provides rare insights into the burial practices of Ice Age people and their daily lives.
Black bears experience large decreases in metabolism during hibernation, with metabolic rates remaining suppressed for several weeks after emergence. This finding has significant implications for potential applications in emergency medicine, such as reducing metabolic demand in patients experiencing stroke or trauma.
Researchers found that colder temperatures in the Bering Sea led to an increase in larger zooplankton, such as copepods and krill, which pollock prefer to eat. This shift may impact the growth and survival of younger pollock fish.
The Census of Marine Life has completed a ten-year initiative to describe ocean life distribution and diversity, with UAF scientists contributing significantly. New species have been discovered in the Arctic Ocean and coastal regions, shedding light on climate change impacts.
Researchers are studying how genetic code affects warfarin breakdown in Yup'ik Eskimos to develop personalized drug prescriptions. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for Alaska Natives with limited access to healthcare.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has secured funding to test and evaluate payloads on small unmanned aircraft. The program will also expand its fleet of Insitu ScanEagles to include new models that can fly in remote and extreme conditions.
A team of scientists has found that permafrost temperatures have warmed by as much as two degrees Celsius over the past 20-30 years. The expansion of the monitoring network allows for large-scale analysis and potential early warnings for policymakers on climate change impacts in permafrost regions.
Underwater gliders are being tested for tracking tagged fish in Alaska, providing a new method for scientists. The technology allows researchers to follow the movements of tagged fish over long distances and gather oceanographic information simultaneously.
Researchers from UAF and New Mexico Tech have set up a lightning-mapping array near Eyjafjallajokull to study the volcano's electrical conditions. The team has already observed unusual phenomena, such as upward-propagated lightning into the ash plume.
Scientists confirm asteroid ended the age of dinosaurs through a review of geological evidence, including the Chicxulub crater. The research group rejects an alternate hypothesis that long-term volcanic activity caused mass extinctions.