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University of Arizona


Early trauma cuts life short for squirrels, and climate change could make matters worse

A new study led by the University of Arizona finds that early-life struggles can cut adult lifespan in red squirrels by at least 14%, but a natural food boom may buffer against these effects. The researchers suggest that climate change could disrupt this dynamic, potentially affecting animal resilience.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

How the moon turned itself inside out

Researchers at the University of Arizona used computer simulations and spacecraft data to study the moon's geology, finding that a dense layer of titanium-rich material sank into the interior and rose on the near side. The findings suggest that the moon 'turned itself inside out' during its formation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

James Webb Space Telescope captures the end of planet formation

A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first-ever image of a planet-forming disk's gas dispersal, providing insights into how planets form in our solar system. The observations reveal that the inner disk of T Cha is evolving on very short timescales, differing from earlier spectra detected by Spitzer.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

New wearable communication system offers potential to reduce digital health divide

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) system that enables wearables to transmit health data long distances without cell coverage. The system, called biosymbiotic, has the potential to improve remote monitoring in underserved communities and make digital medicine more accessible

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2023

UArizona researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone

A new study by UArizona researchers found that solitude does not correlate with feelings of loneliness unless a person spends 75% of their time alone. The study also highlights the importance of social connections for human health and introduces a new method to measure social activity using a smartphone app.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Creative people enjoy idle time more than others

A University of Arizona study found that creative individuals are more likely to engage with their thoughts during downtime, using association and free-flowing ideas. This allows them to generate innovative concepts and enjoy idle time without feeling bored.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCreativity Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023

Scientists develop new way to measure wind

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed an algorithm to measure wind by analyzing water vapor movements, providing a novel solution for forecasting extreme weather events. The method uses data from two operational satellites of NOAA and achieves higher resolution than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create a communication network allowing robots to explore subsurface environments independently, deploying miniaturized sensors as they traverse caves. The 'breadcrumb-style' system enables swarms of individual robots to navigate convoluted environments without losing contact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2023

3D radar scan provides clues about threats to iconic Alaskan glacier

Researchers used a 3D radar scan to reveal that Malaspina Glacier is undercut by channels, making it more vulnerable to melting and potentially contributing significantly to global sea level rise. The glacier's bulk sits below sea level, and its coastal barrier erodes, allowing ocean water to access the glacier and accelerate its retreat.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create autonomous vehicle system that allows robots to scout out underground habitats on other planets. The 'Breadcrumb-Style Dynamically Deployed Communication Network' paradigm enables robots to work together without human input, addressing NASA's space technology grand challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

The ants go marching … methodically

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that rock ants follow a methodical search strategy, combining systematized meandering with random movement to efficiently explore new areas. This unique behavior may provide insights into the evolution of exploration strategies in other species.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

How your mood affects the way you process language

A study by the University of Arizona found that when participants were in a negative mood, they were more careful and analytical, scrutinizing what was stated in a text. In contrast, a happy mood led to a less analytical state, with participants relying on default world knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Machine learning reveals how black holes grow

Using supercomputers and machine learning, researchers created simulations of millions of computer-generated universes to test astrophysical predictions. The study found that supermassive black holes grow in the same way as their host galaxies, revealing a long-elusive relationship.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

Bright colors in the animal kingdom: Why some use them to impress and others to intimidate

Research at the University of Arizona found a strong link between bright color use and ancestral day-night activity patterns. Species that use bright colors for sexual signals were descended from diurnal ancestors, while those using aposematism had nocturnal ancestors. This pattern holds across land vertebrates with over 40,000 species.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEvolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2022

Maps of the past may shed light on our climate future

Researchers created global temperature maps of Earth during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a time period similar to our own future under climate change. The study found that the climate was more sensitive to carbon dioxide increases than previously thought, with sensitivity between 5.7 to 7.4 degrees Celsius per doubling.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2022

Scientists identify potential source of 'shock-darkened' meteorites, with implications for hazardous asteroid deflection

Researchers have identified a potential source of shock-darkened meteorites, which could explain discrepancies in how near-Earth asteroids are classified. The asteroid, 1998 OR2, is about 1.5 miles wide and shows characteristics that suggest it has undergone shock darkening.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

More than meets the eye: How patterns in nature arise and inspire everything from scientific theory to biodegradable materials

A University of Arizona-led study uses bacteria to understand how natural patterns form through mechanical interactions. The findings suggest that just four different adhesive molecules are sufficient to create any possible tiling pattern, with implications for understanding complex multicellular life and creating biodegradable materials.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022