Research shows that larger ants are better at carrying seeds far from their mother plants, but invasive species like Argentine and fire ants pose a threat to native plant populations. The study found that smaller ants cannot disperse seeds as efficiently, leading to reduced seedling survival.
Researchers have developed a faster and more environmentally friendly polishing slurry using green tea extract, which can save hard-drive manufacturers millions of dollars in disposal costs. The new slurry works by binding to tiny particles on the surface of read-write heads, making them easy to remove with water.
Researchers sequenced genetic material from a new strain of SIV in chimpanzees near Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo. The new strain is not related to HIV-1 and confirms that HIV-AIDS did not originate from oral polio vaccines.
Jonathan I. Lunine, a renowned planetary scientist, will testify before the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy about detecting other Earths around nearby stars. He suggests developing medium-sized optical and infrared space telescopes, the Terrestrial Planet Finder, which could discover habitable ...
The web-based program calculates thermal radiation, seismic shaking, ejecta deposition, and air-blast effects based on user input distance from impact site. It provides detailed descriptions of damage severity, including ignition times for grass and wood, shaking intensity levels, and debris particle sizes.
Astronomers have successfully detected their first two near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) using a refurbished telescope at the Australian National University's Siding Spring Observatory. The discoveries, made on March 29, include an 100-meter and 300-meter asteroid that pose no direct threat to Earth.
University of Arizona mathematicians have developed models to reproduce fingerprint patterns and explain the arrangement of repeated units in plants. The research found that patterns in nature, such as those seen in fingerprints and cacti, are influenced by forces imposed during ridge formation.
Researchers have developed a new biological sensor platform that uses phospholipids to detect specific ions and molecules in real-time. The sensors can safely hold water-soluble dyes and enzymes, allowing for detailed analysis of cellular chemistry.
Lunar experts from the University of Arizona will testify about the benefits and challenges of an extended human presence for scientific exploration and mining. The hearing will focus on using water as a resource for propulsion, life support, and fueling return trips to Earth.
Researchers found that caustic soils at Hanford can trap radioactive cesium and strontium, forming stable minerals like zeolites and feldspathoids. This discovery may aid in remediation efforts by slowing down the migration of toxic waste into groundwater.
Jeanne E. Pemberton's research reveals that changing the electrical charge on electronic paper affects how well ink sticks, enabling the development of reusable tablets. The study uses the 'emersion' method to analyze molecular interactions at the interface between liquids and solids.
Researchers found that heating and cooling alone can create spiral patterns on Mars, contrary to previous theories. The model suggests that differential melting and refreezing cause the spirals' unique shape and spacing.
The International Multiproxy Paleofire Database merges tree-ring evidence and lake sediment records to study past fires, with over 450 tree-ring and 50 sediment-based records anticipated. Researchers aim to connect paleodata to modern data for forest management and climate change analysis.
A new Web site allows users to compare greenness from one year to the next, between years, against a 14-year average and at two-week intervals. This information is invaluable for making long-term land management decisions, enabling natural resource managers to monitor vegetation dynamics through time and across landscapes.
Science teacher training should focus on understanding how students learn, rather than just teaching strategies. Recruiting talented undergraduate science majors as teachers can significantly improve the preparation of science educators.
Scientists plan to deploy the Huygens probe to study Titan's lakes, seas, and climate. The moon's thick atmosphere and liquid hydrocarbons will provide a unique environment to understand oceanographic processes and predict climate changes.
A team of astronomers has discovered 13 distant quasars, providing valuable insights into the early universe. The most ancient quasars are thought to have formed right along with supermassive black holes, suggesting a rapid transition from the cosmic dark ages to the cosmic renaissance.
Researchers observed Bacillus subtilis bacteria moving through fluid in a coordinated pattern, creating swirls and jets that stir the fluid and may aid bacterial detection. The 'self-concentration' phenomenon has potential applications in biotechnology, particularly in mixing minute quantities of solutions.
Researchers in Hawaii have developed a way to grow the complete life cycle of long ogo, an edible red seaweed, without needing to harvest starter plants from the ocean. The sustainable system for growing fresh long ogo is unique in the United States and provides additional income for 40 farmers.
Researcher Charles Sanchez finds perchlorate in lettuce foliage, mainly in discarded frame and wrapper leaves. The study aims to assess the extent of perchlorate accumulation in soils and groundwater sources.
A team of University of Arizona geoscientists found that movement along faults created huge blocks of rock, lifting them 9,000 feet into the air to form Tucson's skyline. This discovery challenges previous theories on mountain formation in the western United States.
Astronomers have detected a lensed quasar more than twice as wide as any previously reported, offering insights into dark matter and its distribution. The discovery provides evidence for the presence of massive galaxy clusters, which can be used to study dark matter.
University of Arizona researchers used Love's equation to calculate tidal deformation in various spheres, discovering that under specific conditions, the shape of a planet could change dramatically. This may have regulated the size of planets, preventing their formation.
Researchers using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites have developed a new technique to collect unprecedented accurate weather data, every hour of the day, for anywhere on Earth. This breakthrough could lead to greatly improved weather forecasts within months.
Experts argue that global change research should focus on predicting rainfall patterns rather than temperature changes. Changes in rainfall can have significant effects on human activities and structures, such as road design and agriculture. By prioritizing rainfall prediction, researchers can help mitigate severe floods and droughts.
A sports nutrition program has been adopted by top US women's heptathlon athletes, credited with improving performance and hydration. The program emphasizes fluid replacement and eating small, frequent meals to optimize fuel for high-intensity exercises.
Researchers analyzed sediment layers deposited by tides to study the moon's retreat from Earth. The study found that a day on Earth was approximately 18 hours long 900 million years ago, with the moon moving away at a constant rate. The analysis also revealed changes in tidal patterns over time.
A new theoretical study reproduces actual observations of the confirmed brown dwarf Gliese 229 B, providing insights into its atmosphere and formation. The research helps accelerate searches for brown dwarfs and giant extrasolar planets, shedding light on their composition and formation processes.
A new study reveals the significant human impact on the Grand Canyon over the past century, with changes in plant distribution and debris flows being documented. The study, which used rephotography of historic images from the 1889-1890 Stanton Expedition, found stability mixed with large amounts of human-caused change.
Researchers are assessing the audiological and educational benefits of the DigiFocus, a revolutionary device that adjusts automatically to different noise levels. The study aims to show that children with hearing loss will benefit from this technology and accelerate their speech, language, and social development.