Geologist John Hooke estimates that humans move approximately 45 gigatons of soil and rock annually, surpassing the movement of rivers, glaciers, and oceans. This significant displacement has environmental implications, including acid mine drainage and river sedimentation, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.
Researchers from the University of Maine have found evidence suggesting that changes in Peruvian fisheries occurred centuries before modern fishing practices. The study used archaeological data from ancient fish processing sites and correlated these shifts with El Nino climate patterns.
A research team led by University of Maine scientists has documented that treating a watershed with additional acids accelerates the loss of critical nutrients calcium and magnesium. The experimentally induced nutrient depletion highlights the impact of acid rain on Maine's forests.
A study monitored sun exposure, diet and blood levels of vitamin D in 23 teenage girls from ages 10 to 13 years old. The results showed that almost half of the Bangor area girls had insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood, with 17% having low levels in September.
Researchers found that wild blueberry-enriched diets helped relax arteries, reducing blood pressure and potential damage to the endothelial layer. The study suggests that high concentrations of antioxidants in blueberries may preserve nitric oxide bioavailability, aiding in maintaining arterial relaxation.
Dalton's study reveals farmers value plant height, days to maturity, and processing characteristics over yield increase. He used a hedonic model to derive economic values of crop traits, aiding breeders in creating technology.
Researchers are developing a sensor to monitor carbon-carbon composite materials in structures. The team uses ultrasound to identify degradation mechanisms and contamination effects, enabling them to quantify the impact on material integrity. They expect to complete a prototype sensor system by 2003.
Roscoe's research on New Guinea tribes suggests that revenge-driven wars are fueled by humans' unique ability to model actions and manipulate emotional states. This allows for the de-humanization of enemies, making it easier to justify violence.
New England waters show little net change in acidity despite Clean Air Act reductions, researchers say; further changes expected as nitrogen regulations take effect.
Researchers collected and analyzed a record-breaking ice core in the St. Elias range, providing insights into the North Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The PDO is a 20-30 year climate cycle affecting weather across North America, with cool and warm phases centered in the North Pacific.
A team of scientists from the University of Maine discovered a slow-growing sea urchin variety that never reaches legal size for harvesting in Maine's coastal waters. This finding suggests that harvesting legal-sized urchins could cause a shift in the population towards non-harvestable stocks.
A University of Maine professor has developed a classification system to help weather forecasters and the public understand the likely impacts of winter storms. The system assigns an intensity index and category score based on air pressure and forward speed, providing insights into storm strength and duration.
Researchers found that water molecules can move through tiny carbon nanotubes in short bursts, with changes in interaction causing the tube to empty or fill. This dynamic behavior has implications for understanding how water is conducted in biological channels and may contribute to developing new sensors.
The EU's database protection law could limit access to information, hindering scientific progress and innovation. The US Congress should consider the potential impact on trade and the economy before passing similar legislation.
The University of Maine will receive DuPont's papermaking technology, which aims to increase efficiency and environmental performance in paper mills. The school will conduct research to implement the technology at an industrial scale.
The study highlights the loss of large predatory fish as a key factor in altering marine food webs, leading to changes in ecosystem composition. Historical records suggest that fishing impacts may have begun thousands of years ago, contributing to current ecosystem level changes.
Scientists have detected early indications of a lobster decline in the Gulf of Maine, with juvenile lobsters showing a 40% decrease in Penobscot Bay. The research team's approach to monitoring three stages of lobster life suggests widespread declines at least west of Penobscot Bay.
A new analysis found that population growth affects coastal ecosystems in a particularly damaging way, threatening endangered species. The study used data from the US Forest Service and climate data to identify areas most at risk.
A University of Maine team found that zeolite and sunlight can rapidly break down pesticides in contaminated water. The researchers used malathion, a toxic insecticide linked to lobster deaths, to test the method.
A new technique developed at UMaine uses free-radicals to break down toxic dyes in industrial wastewater, producing a dramatic color reduction. The process has been used to clean up toxic waste sites and protect organic compounds from damage by free-radicals.
The Foundation for Exploration and Research on Cultural Origins (FERCO) has funded eight research projects on ancient civilizations in Asia, North America and Europe. These projects include studies of early maritime adaptations, trade networks and the distribution of obsidian, among others.
A team of researchers led by Susan Brawley discovered that aquatic organisms are highly sensitive to environmental cues such as water motion and salinity. They found that plants release gametes only when the carbon supply begins to run out, allowing for high fertilization success rates
Researchers are finding ways to repurpose old tires by using them in the construction of roads and retaining walls. Tire chips have been used successfully in three major new bridges in southern Maine and sections of three Maine roads, showing significantly less frost heave than conventionally built sections.