A University of Colorado researcher proposes that ancient Aboriginals' systematic burning of vegetation may have altered the Australian monsoon, leading to the continent's arid interior desertification. The study suggests that human activity had a significant impact on the climate and ecosystems.
Scientists have discovered oxygen locked in ice on Callisto, a moon of Jupiter, with sunlight playing a key role in separating hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Meanwhile, the Galileo team has found that sulfur dioxide emissions from Io are caused by both volcanic activity and frost sublimation.
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team found that Earth is alternately peppered by extremely high-energy electrons from the sun and Jupiter. These 'killer electrons' are accelerated to energies thousands of times higher than usual near Earth, posing a threat to spacecraft and satellites.
The home features a complex system of sensors and actuators that monitor temperature, light, sound, and motion to anticipate occupants' needs. This AI-powered system adapts to the household's lifestyle, maximizing comfort while minimizing energy waste.
A new MIT study suggests that a rapid reduction in global ocean circulation 118,000 years ago may have thrown the climate system back into an ice age. The finding has important implications for understanding the potential impact of increased greenhouse forcing on the oceans.
Researchers found a substantial genetic component underlying differences in fear response, particularly on chromosome 1, which may contain hundreds of genes. This discovery has implications for developing new pharmacological agents to target human genes implicated in fear-related disorders.
Researchers have discovered fossilized termite nests in the sandstone pillars of New Mexico, with some reaching depths of over 120 feet. The ancient structures contain interconnected galleries and chambers similar to those found in modern social termite nests, providing insights into past biodiversity conditions.
A new study suggests that an individual's control over exercise intensity and duration can affect the immune system. Voluntary exercise was found to strengthen the immune system without stress, while forced exercise led to suppression.
The CU instrument package will study Saturn's spectacular ring system, moons and atmospheric gases. It will analyze the atmosphere of Titan, a moon with conditions similar to early Earth.
A team of researchers estimated that the moon formed in a year or less after a massive collision between Earth and a rogue 'protoplanet'. The study, published in Nature, suggests that only about half of the debris from the collision coalesced into the moon, with the rest falling back to Earth.
The Mars Global Surveyor mission will spend nearly two years collecting data as it maps Mars' surface and atmosphere. The spacecraft will use aerobraking to trim its path around the planet, allowing for a global portrait of Mars' topography, mineral composition, and interior.
A research team has discovered a key gene in the human telomerase enzyme, which could aid in diagnosing cancer. The discovery also provides opportunities for developing new treatments by inhibiting the enzyme.
A study published in Environmental Geology suggests that a magnitude 5 or 6 earthquake could raise the water table by up to 750 feet at the Yucca Mountain storage site, leading to potential flooding. The researchers used computer modeling based on geological data and historical quakes to make their predictions.
The Bluff Great House in Utah has yielded new insights into the Chaco culture, with CU-Boulder students playing a key role in excavations. The site, linked to the mighty Chaco culture, features a great kiva and prehistoric roads.
The Hayward Fault's southern end has moved at double the rate of its northern portion, causing rocks to be 'piled up' on one side and stretched on the other. This increased strain suggests a magnitude 6 earthquake could occur in the near future.
Researchers analyzed seismic data to determine cause of 1993 event in Australian outback. An iron meteorite over 3 meters in diameter is suggested as possible cause.
Researchers have identified a key protein in the telomerase enzyme that is selectively activated in many cancer cells. The discovery may lead to the development of new anti-cancer agents, including variants of existing pharmaceuticals.
Researchers will test the effects of microgravity on plant species known as sweet wormwood and rosy periwinkle, which naturally produce pharmaceutically important compounds. The goal is to develop new drugs or lower production costs.
A CU-Boulder professor is developing artificial habitats for captive-born Aruba Island rattlers to promote fear of predators and rattle behavior. He's also studying lab-raised Aruba rattlers' ability to locate suitable temperature and humidity conditions in the wild.
Researchers have developed a new theory that can pinpoint more black hole candidates in distant space by analyzing data from the NASA Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite. The team used this approach to identify a black hole candidate at GRS 1915+105, suggesting that others may exist before the year is out.
Researchers have created genetically modified nematodes with human genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, sparking the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in their muscle cells. The study aims to speed up the search for drugs to treat the disease by identifying potential treatments using these unique 'dual-transgenic' worms.
A new study suggests that dramatic temperature drops associated with glaciations at the poles and in the Northern Hemisphere reached around the globe. The research team analyzed fossil eggshells of large birds, finding a significant temperature shift in Australia's sub-tropical interior.
Astronomers predict that the debris cloud from Supernova 1987A will continue to expand and brighten over the next decade, reaching its final stage by 2007 A.D. The ring of hydrogen gas surrounding the supernova is expected to increase in brightness by a factor of 1,000.
Observations by NASA's Galileo spacecraft indicate that UV radiation is breaking down Ganymede's ice into atomic hydrogen and atomic oxygen. This process could lead to the formation of molecular oxygen and ozone, which may be trapped in the ice or form a thin atmosphere above Ganymede's surface.
The discovery provides evidence of a thriving agricultural practice before the village was buried by volcanic ash 1,400 years ago. The remains of the first chili bushes ever discovered at a Mesoamerican archaeological site reveal the villagers used sophisticated techniques and had a high biodiversity of crops.
Aperlae, a 2,400-year-old Mediterranean port city, was established in the 4th century B.C. to harvest Tyrean purple dye, despite its harsh coastline and lack of fresh water. Archaeological evidence suggests the city's residents used large tanks to manufacture and store the valuable dye.
Recent insect fossil discoveries show that beetles and ants played a crucial role in recycling nutrients in Jurassic ecosystems. The findings, published by University of Colorado at Boulder researcher Stephen Hasiotis, provide new insights into ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A team of US researchers has cracked the three-dimensional atomic structure of a large RNA molecule, achieved after four years of research. The new image shows the densely packed and highly organized double-helix-shaped regions of the molecule, with magnesium ions providing 'glue' for its organization.
Tiny laboratory tornadoes may hold clues to detecting tornadoes earlier, a potential breakthrough in warning systems. Researchers have discovered an inverse relationship between vortex size and sound wave frequency.
A CU-Boulder research team has identified two yeast genes, SAS2 and SAS3, closely linked to a family of human genes associated with severe leukemia and HIV-1. The discovery may help researchers better understand the causes of acute myeloid leukemia and AIDS.
A University of Colorado research team is testing the skies over northern Peru with a large balloon and kite to measure greenhouse gas emissions in the Amazon rainforest. The team will track levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone, as well as hydrocarbons emitted from vegetation.
Scientists worldwide are building equipment to replicate the discovery of a new state of matter, known as the Bose-Einstein condensate. The condensate's properties have been studied extensively, with researchers making breakthroughs in understanding its behavior at extremely low temperatures.
A new study confirms the Bering land bridge was not inundated by rising seas until about 11,000 years ago. The study reveals that the vegetation at the time consisted primarily of tundra plants and shrubs, unsuitable for long-term habitation by large grazing mammals.
The excavation, led by CU-Boulder and the Southwest Heritage Foundation, aims to answer questions about how the Chacoan system operated and how these sites were established. The Bluff Great House appears to be architecturally similar to great houses at Chaco Canyon.
A new study led by a University of Colorado astrophysicist suggests that dust grains dominating Jupiter's peculiar ring may have lifetimes of just hours or days. The study indicates the swelling of the inner ring is caused by positive electrical charges on the dust grains resulting from solar radiation.