A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder has shed new light on the Great Unconformity, a mysterious gap in the Grand Canyon's rock record that covers hundreds of millions of years. The research suggests that a series of small faulting events may have caused rocks and sediment to wash away, creating the missing window of time.
Three new fossil mammal species, including Beornus honeyi, Miniconus jeanninae, and Conacodon hettingeri, have been discovered at an ancient riverbed site in southern Wyoming. The species lived after a mass extinction event and were ancestors of today's hoofed animals.
A recent study found that print media have achieved a 90% accuracy rate in covering climate change over the past 15 years, with most outlets presenting factually accurate information. However, conservative media outlets were found to be less accurate in their coverage, highlighting ongoing biases in the industry.
A team of engineers discovered that the unique design of fish fins, with layered structures made up of stiff and soft materials, enables them to achieve remarkable dexterity and flexibility. This finding could lead to new materials and technologies for robotic applications and aircraft design.
A new platform can quickly identify common mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing for the development of stronger COVID-19 boosters and universal vaccines. The tool uses genetically modified baker's yeast to map resulting mutations that form and escape neutralizing antibodies.
A new study suggests that small single-celled organisms may have formed larger multicellular life forms to better navigate icy waters. This shift in size allowed for increased propulsion and access to a wider range of food sources, giving early organisms an ecological advantage.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder have developed a blood test that can assess the timing of an individual's internal circadian clock, potentially leading to personalized medicine breakthroughs. The study found that analyzing a combination of molecules in a single blood draw can determine the timing of a person's biological ...
Research found that tree mortality in subalpine Colorado forests more than tripled since the 1980s due to warmer and drier summer conditions. Climate change is expected to increase this trend, making it difficult for new trees to take root.
Researchers found that stronger early-life social connections and maternal care correspond to lower adult stress hormone levels and fewer DNA modifications. This study suggests that early experiences have a lasting impact on health and stress response in wild animals.
Researchers at CU Boulder's ATLAS Institute have developed shape-changing objects inspired by origami that can bend, wiggle, and flutter using artificial muscles. The 'Electriflow' designs utilize hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuators to create paper-thin, fast-moving, and almost silent objects.
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that political anger can lead to more anger in ordinary citizens. The study discovered that when people read about an enraged politician from their own party, they were more likely to report feeling mad themselves and get involved in politics. On the other hand, moderate v...
Researchers created self-propelled nanoswimmers that can escape maze-like environments 20 times faster than passive particles. These tiny synthetic robots have potential applications in cleaning contaminated soil and water, as well as delivering drugs to targeted areas.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that a 5-minute daily workout can lower blood pressure and improve vascular health, comparable to traditional exercise or medication. The ultra-time-efficient maneuver, known as High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST), was developed for breathing muscles a...
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that Toxoplasma-infected hyena cubs are more bold and approach lions from closer distances, leading to a higher risk of death. The parasite has a direct and detrimental impact on hyena fitness.
A team of researchers developed a novel mathematical model to determine the optimal student loan repayment strategy. Combining elements of quick payment and income-based repayment plans can save borrowers money. The model takes into account individual circumstances, including balance size and compounding interest rates.
Researchers used climate models to demonstrate that climate change can alter Antarctic marine ecosystems, but natural variability can mask human-driven trends. Understanding both is crucial for planning and managing krill harvest limits.
Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of obesity and related diseases. Hispanic mothers who lived in areas with high levels of pollutants had babies who grew unusually fast, gaining excess fat that puts them at risk of obesity later in life.
Researchers have developed a computational tool to better understand and manage the conversion process in fuel cells, which convert hydrogen and oxygen into water. The new models exceed the accuracy of current quantum methods by over 10 times and enable predictive simulations of complex reactions.
Twice a day, a faint layer of metals sinks down through the atmosphere at 90 miles high above Boulder, Colorado. The discovery provides a window into the high-altitude region where interactions between the sun, earth, and magnetic field can create conditions for surface life to thrive.
A large genetic study suggests that going to bed earlier may be associated with a lower risk of major depression. The study found that one-hour earlier sleep timing corresponded to a 23% lower likelihood of having a major depressive disorder. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect and how shifting sl...
Researchers at CU Boulder discovered that a sudden change in slushy iceberg aggregates can trigger calving events up to an hour before they occur. The findings may help scientists predict future sea-level rise scenarios and understand the forces determining how much ice discharges into the ocean.
Researchers have designed optical rectennas that can capture excess heat and turn it into usable electricity, achieving efficiencies 100 times higher than previous tools. The devices use a phenomenon called resonant tunneling to pass through solid matter without losing energy.
A new study suggests that the pet trade in bushbabies could be causing genetic changes within their wild populations, affecting their ability to adapt to human expansion. Researchers analyzed DNA samples from bushbabies across South Africa and found unusual gene mutations that may indicate secret animal trafficking.
A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that invertebrate immunity can prevent disease transmission, offering insights into COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases. Researchers observed that some plankton can stop fungal spores from entering their bodies, while others clear infections within a limited window after exposure.
Researchers urge universal recognition that respiratory infections can be prevented by improving indoor ventilation systems. The researchers propose a paradigm shift in combating airborne pathogens, demanding more action on controlling hazards of airborne transmission.
A new study published in Science Advances found that increased access to birth control in Colorado led to a 14% decrease in the percentage of young women who left high school before graduating. The program, which expanded access to more forms of contraception, also showed improvements in graduation rates among Hispanic women.
A massive flare from Proxima Centauri, the star closest to our sun, has been detected, shattering previous records. The flare was observed for 40 hours using nine telescopes and produced a wide spectrum of radiation.
Researchers created a platform that can develop effective peptide nucleic acid therapies against bacteria in just one week. The Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform enables speedy identification and testing of molecules targeting new mechanisms in pathogens.
Common generalist plants and pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and serving as buffers against climate change impacts. A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that these species can persist over time and across landscapes, supporting robust communities and resilience to local extinctions.
A University of Colorado Boulder study reveals that tau aggregates interfere with RNA splicing, leading to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The findings provide new insights into the mechanism of action of tau tangles, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.
A new assessment published in the Lancet journal finds that SARS-CoV-2 is predominantly transmitted through the air, with silent (asymptomatic) transmission accounting for at least 40% of all cases. The study suggests that public health measures should focus on reducing airborne transmission to protect against COVID-19.
Researchers confirmed that doubling CO2 levels roughly doubles the risk of transmission. The model considers infection numbers in the local community but not air flow through rooms. Low CO2 levels can minimize COVID-19 risk, regardless of space activity.
A new analysis of 40 years of data found that winter snowmelt is increasing in all cold season months, affecting water resource planning and management. This shift in water delivery timing could also impact wildfire seasons and agricultural irrigation needs.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led research team found the Iberá Seedeater, an endangered songbird, used genetic shuffling instead of new mutations for speciation. The bird's unique behavior keeps it apart from closely related species.
Researchers discovered that honeybees use pheromones to pass messages along, creating a complex communication network. The bees closest to the queen catch her scent and then transmit it to other bees in the colony, forming a chain of communication.
Scientists analyzed ancient lake sediment in the Arctic Ocean and found evidence of a shrub native to northern Canadian ecosystems that was once widespread. The findings may provide insight into the potential future of the Arctic's vegetation as it warms due to climate change, with implications for thawing permafrost and sea level rise.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that even if ecosystem services themselves aren't directly threatened, they can become vulnerable to secondary extinctions when surrounding species go extinct. This highlights the need to protect key species that support these services to mitigate indirect threats.
Researchers have found a curious signal that could be the first known world around Vega. The alien planet would orbit close to Vega and rank as the second hottest world known to science.
Specialized proteins called cadherins join forces to make cells stick together, forming bonds 30 times stronger than individual strengths. This discovery could lead to more life-like artificial tissues and tumor-busting drugs.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led study found record melting on Antarctica's northern George VI Ice Shelf during the 2019-2020 summer season. The extreme melt coincided with record-setting stretches when local surface air temperatures were at or above freezing point, posing a threat to ice-shelf break-up and sea-level rise.
Despite family-leave offerings, women in academia experience a 20% drop in productivity after having children, while men generally do not. The study found that fathers publish more than mothers and that parental leave is crucial for women to maintain their careers. Institutions with gender-neutral policies can help close the gap.
In a new study, researchers found that small mammals in the Rocky Mountains are shifting their ranges upward by over 400 feet due to climate change. The golden-mantled ground squirrel and other species are climbing higher to escape warming temperatures, with some moving up by as much as 1,100 feet.
Researchers use innovative technique called 'quantum squeezing' to dramatically speed up the search for dark matter in the lab. The team hopes to find axion particles, which are likely billions of times smaller than electrons and could explain the existence of dark matter.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a low-cost wearable device that turns the human body into a biological battery. The device generates electricity by converting body heat into thermoelectric energy, making it a potential power source for wearable electronics.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed liquid crystals with complex symmetry structures, similar to those found in minerals and gems. The breakthrough could lead to new types of smart windows and displays with enhanced energy efficiency.
A new study finds that severe spruce beetle outbreaks followed by wildfires can lead to permanent damage in high-elevation forests. Aspen trees, however, have a higher chance of regrowing from their root systems and may dominate these forests.
Researchers have found that a horse discovered in Utah was actually domesticated by Native peoples around 300 years ago. The study provides valuable insights into the relationships between Indigenous groups and horses in the Americas.
A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that existing PARP inhibitors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers may not work as intended. The research reveals a previously unknown interaction between the PARP protein and HPF1, which could lead to more effective treatments by targeting this co-protein.
A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that the ocean's surface layer is becoming shallower, making it easier to warm and increasing the likelihood of extreme marine heatwaves. This thinning can lead to drastic swings in ocean temperatures, threatening sensitive marine ecosystems.
A new study suggests that prioritizing older adults for COVID-19 vaccination can save the most lives, with an estimated reduction of 23% in mortality rates over three months. The research also highlights the importance of a fast vaccine rollout and other public health measures to control the spread of the virus.