Researchers found that a single gene in symbiotic bacteria determines aphid thermal tolerance. The gene's mutation affects heat-shock protein production, leading to reduced reproduction and survival in hot conditions. This discovery highlights the critical role of symbiotic bacteria in insect ecology.
Researchers found that food scarcity is the primary driver of bird migration, contradicting previous theories. The study also revealed that flock foraging is less likely to lead to migration.
Astrophysicists discovered a mechanism that produces high-energy gamma rays from the Milky Way's black hole, accelerating protons to unprecedented speeds. The process creates high-energy gamma rays through collisions between accelerated protons and hydrogen gas.
A team of researchers, led by Alyson Thibodeau and David J. Killick, used physical sciences techniques to analyze archaeological artifacts at the La Isabela settlement. They found that the silver-bearing ore brought from Spain was extracted using an improvised smelting process, contradicting earlier historical accounts.
The discovery suggests that modern humans migrated out of Africa and occupied parts of eastern Europe as early as 45,000 years ago. The findings are based on the analysis of stone tools, beadwork, and other artifacts found at the Kostenki site in Russia.
Researchers found that gas giants either form within the first 10 million years of a sun-like star's life or not at all. The study suggests that gas giant planets must form early in a star's history, offering insights into planet formation.
Researchers argue that movie exhibitors can increase profits by adopting variable pricing, which would allow for price differentiation based on event movies, weekends, and holidays. The study suggests that consumers welcome discounts but may resent surcharges, making it easier for exhibitors to implement variable pricing.
The Cassini spacecraft has imaged the tallest mountains ever seen on Saturn's moon Titan, with peaks reaching nearly a mile high. The mountains are topped with bright, white material that may be methane or other organic 'snow,' suggesting a unique geology and potential for life.
A new climate model predicts that the Southern Ocean's absorption of heat and carbon dioxide will slow the rate of global warming. The ocean's ability to sequester heat and carbon dioxide could lead to sea level rise, but also change the chemistry of the water, making it less habitable for some marine organisms.
A space sunshade, proposed by University of Arizona astronomer Roger Angel, could balance the heating effect of a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The constellation of small spacecraft would form a long, cylindrical cloud with about 10 percent of sunlight diverted away from Earth.
The University of Arizona has received a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve advanced math education and train more professionals. The VIGRE program will vertically integrate mathematics training, increasing collaborations between students and faculty across different levels of training.
Researchers will catalog microbial inhabitants, study tourism impact and investigate microorganisms' role in cave formation. The team hopes to find microbes for medical, industrial and biotechnology applications.
Scientists found that the bacterium Carsonella ruddii has the fewest genes of any cell, with only 182 protein-coding genes in its tiny genome. This discovery provides new insights into bacterial evolution and suggests that some genes may have been transferred to the insect's genome.
The HiRISE camera took a remarkable picture showing the entire 800-meter Victoria crater and the rover down to its tracks and shadows. The images reveal a distinctive scalloped shape to the crater's rim, layered sedimentary rocks, and sand dunes on the floor.
Researchers from the University of Arizona found that the same mathematical equation describing stalactite shapes also applies to icicles, regardless of size or growth conditions. The discovery provides new insights into the physics of natural formations and their underlying math.
The University of Arizona has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase women's participation in science and engineering careers. The five-year project aims to address subtle discrimination that hinders women's advancement in these fields.
Researchers found that bird moms alter the birth order of eggs to shield sons from mites, speeding up their growth and survival. This strategy allows both males and females to thrive despite increased mortality risk from parasites.
The Cassini spacecraft has detected a massive ethane cloud surrounding Titan's north pole, contradicting previous assumptions of extensive ethane clouds and surface liquids. The discovery suggests that ethane may be 'snowing' onto the surface, forming methane lakes below.
Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new type of transistor that uses quantum mechanics to regulate current flow in single molecules. This breakthrough could enable the creation of incredibly powerful, compact computers and medical devices.
Researchers have found direct proof of dark matter's existence in a study using state-of-the-art telescopes. The team observed two merging galaxy clusters, revealing massive amounts of non-luminous matter that don't interact with normal matter.
Physicist Andrei Lebed has discovered exotic superconductivity where electron pairs exhibit both rotating and non-rotating behavior, breaking down conventional symmetry laws. This phenomenon is observed in strong magnetic fields and has significant implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics.
Researchers have found that velvet worms, ancient creatures thought to be similar to ancestors of modern arthropods, share brain structures more closely related to those of spiders and scorpions than initially thought. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of these fascinating animals.
The project aims to evaluate the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP) on the Cienega de Santa Clara's water quality and ecosystem. Researchers will collect baseline information and monitor water samples monthly for a year from 17 locations within the cienega.
Scientists have discovered that an enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is needed for paramutation, a phenomenon where one version of a gene can order another to act differently. This finding has significant implications for breeding better crop plants and unraveling complex genetic diseases, including some human health conditions.
Recent research found that climate change is strongly linked to increased frequency and severity of large forest fires in the western United States. The study analyzed wildfire data from 1970 to 2003, finding a significant correlation between warmer temperatures and earlier snowmelt, leading to drier conditions and longer fire seasons.
Researchers used tree-ring records and gauged streamflows to reconstruct historic Colorado River streamflows, dating back to 1490. The reconstructions suggest that droughts more severe than the recent 100-year period occurred in the past, with at least eight droughts similar in severity to the 2000-2004 drought.
Scientists discovered massive sand dunes on Saturn's moon Titan, formed by tidal winds and unique atmospheric conditions. The dunes, similar to those in Namibian Deserts, suggest that Titan's atmosphere can create surface winds powerful enough to sculpt sand.
The new movies released by NASA's Cassini mission provide a realistic experience of the Titan landing. The images taken by Huygens' Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer (DISR) during its plunge into Titan's atmosphere have been converted into movie format, showcasing the probe's descent and the changes it observed in the environment.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that biotech cotton produces similar yields to traditional cotton with fewer pesticides used. The study, which examined 81 commercial cotton fields in Arizona, revealed that growers using Bt cotton needed fewer applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.
A 10-year study of wild finches reveals that female birds choose mates based on genetic diversity, not flashy traits. This helps explain why elaborate ornaments evolve despite potential inbreeding risks.
Scientists are using lead isotope analysis to study ancient copper artifacts from sub-Saharan Africa, providing insights into the spread of Islam and trade patterns across the Sahara Desert. The analysis reveals that merchants traded gold from regions like present-day Niger for copper from North Africa via camel caravans.
New research suggests that polar melting could accelerate global sea level rise by at least 20 feet, exceeding previous predictions. The study links Arctic and Antarctic melting during the Last Interglaciation, indicating a potential future sea level rise of four-to-six meters.
The Amazon rainforest grows in greenery and lush vegetation during the dry season, contrary to the general pattern of plant growth. This phenomenon is observed only in undisturbed forest areas, where trees' deep roots allow them to reach water even during dry periods.
Robert Downs is almost halfway to creating a library of spectral fingerprints for all the Earth's minerals, with over 1,500 cataloged so far. The associate professor of geosciences is collaborating with colleagues to develop a pocket-sized Raman spectrometer for use on Mars and handheld instruments for identifying gemstones on Earth.
The Tree of Life Project, a massive collaboration among scientists worldwide, is growing its database of life on Earth. With the help of Katja Schulz's new system, researchers and non-scientists alike can now easily upload data, allowing for new connections and insights into biological patterns.
The Valles Caldera Trust employs science-based adaptive management to monitor natural resources and adjust management activities in response to changing conditions. This approach, pioneered by forest ecologist Thomas Swetnam, aims to improve the long-term sustainability of federal lands like national parks and forests.
The state-and-transition model better explains ecosystem changes, but outdated science can cause serious problems. Scientists need to learn how to spread new knowledge widely through cooperative extension efforts and early adopters.
A landmark study published in JAMA found that children fare better than adults in surviving pulseless cardiac arrests with over 27% of children and 18% of adults surviving hospital discharge. The research, based on data from the National Registry of CPR, also highlights a need for refining emergency cardiovascular care procedures.
Researchers found elevated tungsten and cobalt levels in Fallon's air, differing from nearby towns. The findings suggest a possible environmental cause for childhood leukemia cases in the area, prompting further research to examine the relationship between these metals and cancer development.
The University of Arizona and BIO5 Institute have received a $29 million federal grant to sequence the maize genome, enabling faster improvement of agronomically important traits in cereal crops. The goal is to unravel the complete DNA sequence of the maize plant and determine its genetic makeup.
A team of scientists from the University of Arizona found no net increase in resistance to Bt crops, with a decrease in resistance reported instead. This is contrary to experts' predictions when these crops were first commercialized. The use of refuges has driven pesticide use to historic low levels, saving growers $80 per acre.
Radiocarbon dating reveals that New Guinean art is significantly older than previously thought, with some pieces dating back to 600-800 years ago. This challenges the assumption that such objects are ephemeral and were only used for a few generations, suggesting a more complex and long-lasting cultural tradition.
Research revealed that a massive pinyon pine die-off in the Southwest was caused by hot and dry conditions, which are predicted by global climate change models. The study found that temperatures coupled with drought led to tree mortality, affecting ecosystems for decades.
Researchers have developed a new approach to predicting flooding in the West, combining computer simulations with satellite imagery and field data. The method provides more accurate hazard information and could have significant economic impacts on rapidly growing Southwest cities.
Researchers use atom interferometer to confirm idea that atomic wave shortens and lengthens depending on distance from surface. The measurement tells nanotechnologists how small devices can be before van der Waals interaction becomes a concern.
Scientists have discovered that P-bodies play a crucial role in regulating the translation of mRNA molecules into proteins. The study found that P-bodies can store and recondition pre-used mRNA molecules, allowing cells to control protein production. This new understanding may provide insights into diseases like cancer.
Bumblebees are twice as likely to choose green flowers over orange flowers when they watch others foraging on them. This is the first demonstration of insect social learning, where bumblebees learn by observing other insects.
Scientists at the University of Arizona have created melanotropin-based drugs with improved properties that can selectively target specific receptors. These compounds show promise in treating various conditions, including cancer, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a theory explaining why nanowires thin away at non-zero temperatures. The discovery reveals that higher surface tensions stabilize the wires, making them suitable for repeated use. Copper is identified as the best metal for creating stable nanowires.
Aphids vary in their resistance to wasp parasitism, but new research suggests that the difference lies in the symbiotic bacteria carried inside them. Carrying these bacteria reduces parasitism by up to 40% and demonstrates a heritable form of acquired resistance.