New research by University of Alberta biologists reveals the Stone's sheep population is 20% less common than previously estimated. Genetic analysis shows significant overestimation of certain subspecies due to misclassification, leading to a more accurate estimate.
Researchers at UAlberta developed a new technique for storing quantum information in ultracold rubidium atoms, enabling efficient quantum communication and scalable technologies. The novel method uses clouds of atoms to store pulses of light, with significantly reduced technical requirements.
The study examines four decades of research on large mammals in Yellowstone National Park, revealing the influence of wolves on elk calf survival, bear relationships with hunters, and vegetation recovery
Researchers at the University of Alberta and Quantum Silicon Inc. have developed an atomic ultra-efficient electronics technology, enabling bespoke atomic patterns to control electrons. This innovation simulates neural networks, potentially training AI models more rapidly and accurately.
Researchers found that rapidly thawing permafrost in the western Canadian Arctic is enhancing mineral weathering, driven by sulfuric acid. This process releases substantial CO2 into surrounding water and air, contributing to climate warming.
New research shows that the timing and order of introduction of gut bacteria after birth significantly impact the development of the microbiome. This discovery could eventually allow doctors to establish beneficial gut bacteria in infants right after birth, potentially warding off serious chronic diseases.
Researchers found that iron-silica particles in ancient seawater helped cyanobacteria survive and thrive, paving the way for oxygenation. However, UV stress still limited their growth, contributing to the slow accumulation of atmospheric oxygen.
Researchers have identified four biomarkers, including a new chemical called verruculotoxin, that may predict signs of first-trimester stillbirth. By analyzing maternal blood, scientists can develop tools to screen for preventable illnesses affecting both women and children.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new, atomic-scale rewritable memory that can store 45 million songs on the surface of a quarter. This breakthrough technology can withstand normal temperatures and is road-ready for commercial use, promising to revolutionize data storage and archival.
The discovery of a Cambrian-age banded iron formation in western China pushes back the timeline for iron-rich seawater conditions by millions of years. This finding supports the presence of oxygen-enriched environments, which were previously believed to limit complex life evolution.
Researchers discovered a neural circuit in parrots that may underlie their intelligence, similar to the pontine nuclei found in primates. The medial spiriform nucleus, located in birds, is comparable in function to the pontine nuclei and plays a key role in higher-order processing and sophisticated behaviors.
Researchers found that creating a mild inflammatory response improves a rat's ability to relearn motor skills after a spinal cord injury. This discovery could have significant impact on treating nervous system injuries in the future.
University of Alberta biologists developed a new imaging technology to study plant diversity and evolutionary history using light spectroscopy. The method allows for quick assessment of biodiversity changes over large landscapes, providing a practical tool for addressing ecosystem function and climate change.
Researchers have developed an automated atom fabrication process using machine learning, paving the way for mass production of atom-scale devices. This breakthrough aims to reduce energy consumption by 1000 times and increase computation speed a hundredfold, making it a game-changing technology for the information age.
A new study published in PeerJ found that scientists who communicate their research through social media, particularly Twitter, tend to receive more citations. This positive correlation suggests that science communication can help increase the reach of scientific discoveries.
Two newly discovered subglacial lakes beneath the Devon Ice Cap in the Canadian Arctic are thought to be the first isolated hypersaline lakes in the world. The lakes, containing water four to five times saltier than seawater, exist at temperatures below freezing and have the potential to support microbial life.
A one-degree temperature increase led to drastic changes in Lake Hazen's ecology, including increased glacial meltwater and fine sediment, affecting light penetration and biological productivity. The findings document an unprecedented shift in the lake's ecosystem, challenging scientists' expectations of its response to climate warming.
A new study predicts that half of Alberta's upland boreal forest will disappear by 2100, replaced by young deciduous forests and grasslands. The research, conducted by University of Alberta biologists, took into account wildfire disturbance and climate change over a 100-year period.
Researchers have discovered a diamond containing the fourth most abundant mineral in Earth, calcuim silicate perovskite, at the surface. This finding suggests that oceanic crust is recycled into the lower mantle, with potential implications for our understanding of Earth's core.
A review of 118 peer-reviewed studies on fall detection devices found gaps in testing, user acceptance, and caregiver input. The technology is not properly tested for real-world use, leading to unreliable results.
Paleontologists from University of Alberta discover new species of fish in Colombia with the aid of a curious tourist who spotted a fossil shape in flagstones. The fossil, 90 million years old, is the first 'lizard fish' from Cretaceous period found in tropical South America.
Researchers recorded laboratory-quality brain activity measurements outdoors using portable equipment, revealing differences in brain processing stimuli compared to indoor conditions. The findings suggest the brain may be compensating for environmental distractions, which could inform the creation of safer public spaces.
ProjectDR enables clinicians to see patients' internal anatomy displayed right on the body, using motion-tracking and projection technologies. The system has vast applications in teaching, physiotherapy, laparoscopic surgery, and surgical planning.
Researchers found highly oxidized iron in garnets from diamonds at a depth of 550 km below the Earth's surface, contradicting expectations about iron oxidation in the mantle. This discovery suggests that molten carbonate may have oxidized rocks to form diamonds.
New research from the University of Alberta reveals strong winds surrounding black holes throughout bright outburst events. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on mass transfers to black holes and their environmental effects.
Researchers identified specific factors causing seismic activity in Alberta's Duvernay play, finding that increased hydraulic fracturing fluid volumes in susceptible locations trigger earthquakes. The study aims to improve earthquake prediction and mitigate induced seismicity in the region.
A study by the University of Alberta found that reimbursing ranchers for livestock killed by predators supports conservation efforts. The compensation program helps maintain wildlife habitats on private lands, with a notable increase in claims due to rising wolf populations.
Scientists have found that urban road dust reacts with sunlight to produce singlet oxygen, a reactive form of oxygen that can influence other chemical reactions. The study aims to understand the impact of these reactions on human health and the environment.
A recent study by Clayton Lamb and colleagues found that higher road density in British Columbia leads to lower grizzly bear density, compromising the species' recovery. Closing roads can reduce the negative impact of roads on habitats, allowing bears to recolonize and recover.
Researchers uncovered the secrets behind snapping shrimp's ability to break water, attributing it to millions of years of evolution and adaptation. The study reveals a series of small changes in claw form led to the development of ultrafast movements.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new way to produce high-density DC current, vastly improving over existing triboelectric nanogenerators. The discovery enables continuous flow of electricity from nanoscale movement and vibration, opening up potential applications in sensors, wearable devices, and more.
Researchers have identified multiple misfolded pathways and intermediate states in the protein superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), a key player in ALS. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
A team of historians refutes Oxford's findings on the Bakhshali manuscript, dating its zero to a later period. The manuscript contains 'true' zero with calculations and proves early Sanskrit author thought about zero numerically.
A new study at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine found no relation between biomechanical stiffness and reported feelings of stiffness in participants. Instead, researchers suggest that people may experience a protective construct created by their nervous system when describing stiffness.
A recent University of Alberta study reveals that wolves in the Athabasca Oil Sands region are undeterred by tailings ponds and pit mines when hunting moose. In fact, low human activity areas like these provide effective hunting grounds for wolves.
Research from the University of Alberta found that female squirrels who predict abundant food years have more pups that survive to maturity. This is due to their ability to recognize mast seeding years, which occur once in a few years and provide an abundance of food.
Research identifies Nitrospira inopinata, a microbe that can outcompete others in oxidizing ammonium, potentially reducing greenhouse gas effects and improving environmental balance. The discovery has significant implications for climate change research and may lead to practical applications such as wastewater treatment and soil purifi...
The University of Alberta has acquired a new optical brain-imaging tool called Imagent, which measures brain activity and blood flow non-invasively. This technology allows researchers to study brain function in real-time, with potential implications for job training, professional development, and artificial intelligence.
A new discovery in Dinosaur Provincial Park reveals the existence of two previously unknown species: Latenivenatrix mcmasterae and Stenonychosaurus inequalis. These findings challenge current understanding of the Troodontid family tree in North America.
Scientists have developed a way to delete and replace out-of-place atoms in silicon chips, correcting communication pathways and enabling the creation of perfect patterns. This breakthrough allows for the production of ultra-low power atomic circuitry at room temperature, revolutionizing the field of electronics.
Researchers have identified a rare pterosaur pelvis in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park, showing that these ancient reptiles were well adapted for walking on land. The study provides evidence that azhdarchids likely used their powerful hindlimbs to transport themselves on the ground.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Alberta predicts HIV growth and progression in the brain, revealing a viral reservoir. The model enables scientists to backtrack the development of HIV infection, informing treatment strategies and potential nasal spray therapies.
A University of Alberta research team found that patients with obesity have a higher risk of infection within 30 days after heart bypass surgery, and 88% of these patients received non-surgical PCI. This increased risk may be due to the fact that patients with obesity are more likely to receive PCI.
New UAlberta research reveals female elk adapt their behavior to avoid hunters as they get older, showing social learning plays a key role. After 10 years, female elk become almost invulnerable to hunting, adjusting their movements and behavior to safer areas.
A new discovery at the University of Alberta found that chronic ischemia after spinal cord injury disrupts blood flow, leading to poor oxygenation and motor dysfunction. Elevating oxygen levels improved blood flow and restored function in rat models.
Researchers at the University of Alberta successfully reunited a headless Corythosaurus skeleton with its skull, previously collected in 1920. This discovery highlights the growing field of study in paleontology and showcases new methods for matching specimens.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that sea scorpions likely used their serrated tail spines to kill ancient early vertebrates. The study suggests that these prehistoric predators could slash their tails from side to side, using a horizontal slashing motion to capture and dispatch their prey.
Researchers found that polar bears use crosswind movement to detect seals, with best conditions at night during winter. Climate change projections suggest increased winds may hinder this ability, impacting hunting success.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a photocleavable protein that breaks into two pieces when exposed to light, allowing scientists to study and manipulate activity inside cells in new ways. This tool has vast potential applications in various fields of research, including development biology and gene-editing techno...
A $14-million research collaboration aims to improve understanding of how oil and gas flows in naturally fractured reservoirs, crucial for maximizing production and sustainability. The partnership will apply new technologies, including 3-D printing, to study geomechanical processes impacting fluid flow.