A genomic study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers identifies a newly discovered bird species evolving with its food source in southern Idaho. The South Hills crossbill has evolved unique dependencies on the Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine tree over 6,000 years.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that slower snowmelt in the western US is reducing streamflows and impacting downstream water availability. The research found that areas with significant snowfall are most sensitive to changes in snowmelt rates, with some regions experiencing more significant decreases in strea...
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have successfully reduced salmonella bacteria in ground poultry, pork, and beef by up to 90% using bacteriophages. The study's findings offer promising results for improving food safety in the meat industry.
Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno are developing a wearable robotic device that combines vision, tactile, force, temperature, and audio sensors to help blind and visually impaired individuals identify and grasp objects. The device aims to provide greater independence and ability to navigate daily tasks.
Researchers at UNR are developing software to connect autonomous vehicles with NASA's traffic management system for safe low-altitude operations. The University is part of the first phase of the NASA UTM project to enable safer drone delivery and humanitarian applications.
Scientists are continuing their research in the Himalayas to understand the seismic hazard along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust Fault. The team is searching for ground ruptures that may help quantify the potential for additional earthquakes in the magnitude 8 or 9 range after a devastating earthquake hit Nepal.
Researchers analyzed data from over 7,500 species of insect herbivores and found that most species specialize on a single type of plant, contradicting the assumption that generalist feeders are more common. This study has important implications for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.
The University of Nevada, Reno has partnered with Renown Health to bring new functional MRI technology to northern Nevada. This partnership will enable researchers to study neural activity patterns in the brain, revolutionizing neuroscience and leading to new discoveries about brain function and its impact on injury or disease.
Scientists propose a novel method to detect dark matter using GPS satellites and atomic clock networks. The approach compares times from the clocks and looks for discrepancies, which could indicate the presence of dark matter.
A new study published in the journal Geology challenges traditional views on tectonics by showing that Pacific plate deforms and contracts horizontally due to cooling. The research suggests a significant shortening of the oceanic plates, which can lead to intraplate earthquakes.
Rising geothermal water temperatures threaten the Devils Hole pupfish population, with a shortened recruitment period and reduced food availability. Climate change could lead to further decline of this rare species, which has numbered as few as 35 individuals.
A 70-foot-long, 52-ton concrete bridge survived multiple simulated earthquakes in the University of Nevada, Reno's lab, exceeding design standards. The experiment showcased the new rocking bridge-bent accelerated bridge construction system, developed to reduce earthquake damage and speed up construction.
The University of Nevada, Reno has won a $10 million COBRE grant to study brain and neurological disorders. Researchers are using visual illusions like the Dynamic Ebbinghaus illusion to gain insights into sensory perception and the visual brain.
A recent study published in Nature found that draining of the aquifer for agricultural irrigation in California's Central Valley results in upward flexing of the earth's surface and surrounding mountains. The research also correlates with seismic activity on the San Andreas Fault.
The University of Nevada, Reno is partnering with NevadaNano to develop a robotic flying vehicle that can be used for environmental health and safety monitoring of large areas. The project combines the university's autonomous systems expertise with NevadaNano's unique sensor technology for chemical sensing.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Iowa discovered that agricultural anabolic steroids can persist in aquatic environments through a reversion mechanism. The study found that these substances can regenerate themselves at night, up to 70% of their initial mass, after rapid breakdown in sunlight.
Scientists analyze data collected from a spring 2011 cruise to determine the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on deep-water communities in the Gulf of Mexico. The study found severe reduction of biological abundance and biodiversity impacting an area around 9 square miles around the wellhead.
Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno propose a new method to detect gravitational waves from the far reaches of the universe. The device, which uses optically levitated sensors, has the potential to exceed existing detectors' sensitivity by an order of magnitude.
Scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno have found a new mechanism for guiding nerve growth that involves cell-death machinery. This discovery may lead to therapeutics designed to keep neurons alive after injury, potentially stimulating re-growth or sprouting new connections.
A long-term climate monitoring network in Nevada is being expanded to include hazard monitoring, providing researchers, educators, and the public with access to real-time data and tools. The network aims to support sustainable research and education, as well as inform community planning and disaster preparedness.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have developed a product based on their enzymes, discovered in bark beetles from trees in the Lake Tahoe area. The enzymes have potential applications in pest control and chemical production.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have developed a self-healing coating for aluminum that provides corrosion protection and can replace carcinogenic chromate coatings. The new molybdate-based coating shows exceptional performance and can be applied to all aluminum products.
A multi-institutional research project aims to develop water-use efficient biofuel crops by altering the photosynthesis process of plants. The goal is to produce biomass that can be readily converted to biofuels while minimizing competition with food crops.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded a $308,000 grant to support the development of a new treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The therapy, which involves a highly potent protein, aims to prevent or reverse disease progression after onset.
A new rapid test to diagnose melioidosis, a difficult infection to treat, is being optimized and tested by University of Nevada School of Medicine researcher David AuCoin. The test has shown encouraging results in regions where the disease is endemic, such as Thailand and Australia.
A new study by University of Nevada, Reno's Glenn Biasi and colleagues at GNS Science in New Zealand found that the Alpine Fault has been experiencing relatively regular magnitude 8 earthquakes for at least 8,000 years. This extends the known seismic record from 1000 years ago to 8,000 years ago.
Researchers at the University of Nevada School of Medicine review the impact of MG53 protein therapy as a treatment option for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study found that MG53 facilitates rapid membrane repair to prevent damage to normal muscle, suggesting potential synergy with other therapies.
A study by University of Nevada, Reno scientists found that female black brant geese experience a 16% decline in survival after losing their mate. Only the fittest females with better body condition can re-pair and reproduce again.
The University of Nevada, Reno is supporting the commercial harvesting of invasive crayfish at Lake Tahoe to improve clarity and take away a food source for other invasive species. The estimated 220 million crayfish could be harvested, stimulating local tourism and providing a new market for restaurants.
Research confirms long-lasting severe droughts in western US throughout history, including 200-year megadroughts in the Sierra Nevada. Scientists used advanced sonar tools and tree-ring analysis to determine precipitation levels over the past 12,000 years.
Researchers created Navatar, a low-cost accessible navigation system that uses digital maps and smartphone sensors to navigate users with visual impairments. The system combines probabilistic algorithms and user input to detect landmarks and provide step-by-step instructions.
Researchers use satellite-based data to measure crustal uplift at unprecedented accuracy, indicating a relatively fast rise of 1 to 2 millimeters every year. This data challenges previous estimates and suggests the modern Sierra Nevada could be formed in less than 3 million years.
Researchers found that tiny fragments of plaque can provide clues about ancient diets by analyzing stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. This new method avoids the need for destructive methods like analyzing bone or hair, which are often too expensive or perishable.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno found that antibiotic tetracycline reduces sperm viability in male pseudoscorpions and passes this effect to their sons. The study suggests a similar impact on humans and other species may occur.
The University of Nevada, Reno's GPS technology will be used by NASA to monitor strong earthquakes along the West Coast. The system can detect changes in ground positions greater than 10 centimeters in real-time.
A University of Nevada, Reno economist found that employer-sponsored workers on temporary visas who acquire green cards increase their annual incomes by about $11,860. This is due to the six-year wait period for green card approval and employers' willingness to hold workers over 'a barrel,' limiting job opportunities and wage growth.
A recent study by a University of Nevada, Reno geophysicist presents evidence that the Cascadia fault line could experience stronger ground-motions than observed in Japan's Tohoku earthquake. The risk is a grim reminder for those living in the Pacific Northwest to be prepared for an earthquake and tsunami.
The University of Nevada, Reno is using a new fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing system to monitor sea and ice temperatures in Antarctica. The system will provide continuous data on the effects of climate change on glacial ice and sea levels.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have licensed a new diagnostic test through IMMY for early detection of cryptococcosis, a fungal meningitis that causes AIDS-related deaths in developing countries. The CrAg Lateral Flow Assay is now available globally, enabling immediate treatment and saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
A new study by University of Nevada, Reno professor Deborah Verstegen analyzes public education finance systems across the United States, highlighting funding policies for populations with special educational needs. The research provides valuable insights into accountability and equity issues in US education finance systems.
The University of Nevada, Reno has received a $10 million NIH grant to enhance biological sciences research and collaboration. The project aims to understand cell communication and its role in human neurological diseases.
The University of Nevada, Reno has received a grant to explore how video games can be played without visual feedback to help visually impaired adolescents increase their physical activity. The project, VI Fit, aims to develop novel interaction techniques that utilize the user's body as a display device.
Researchers used a 16-foot-high steel bridge and four hydraulic shake tables to test the seismic behavior of a curved bridge with vehicles in place. The results will be used to frame changes to current codes and lead to safer bridges during strong earthquakes.
The FDA has cleared a new diagnostic test that detects the cryptoccocal antigen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis. The rapid blood test, known as the CrAg Lateral Flow Assay, is designed for resource-limited settings and can be administered in just a few minutes.
Scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno conducted a series of earthquake tests on a 5-story building in Japan to demonstrate the effectiveness of seismic isolation technology. The goal is to make critical facilities safer and more resilient to extreme earthquakes, such as those that occur every 2500 years on the West Coast of the ...
Researchers at the University of Nevada School of Medicine discovered that caffeine inhibits the actions of pacemaker cells in Fallopian tube walls, reducing egg movement and potentially leading to infertility. This finding provides an explanation for why women with high caffeine consumption tend to take longer to conceive.
A $1 million University of Nevada, Reno project is providing a catalogue of favorable structural elements and models for geothermal systems to enhance exploration methodologies and reduce the risk of drilling nonproductive wells. The research aims to identify potential geothermal sites in the Great Basin with 3-D imaging.
A recent Nevada study found that over two-thirds of respondents approved using therapeutic cloning and stem cells to cure cancer or treat heart attacks. For treatment of less-serious conditions, approval rates were lower but still significant. The study suggests a strong public support for stem cell research in the US.
A year-long study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers found a significant decline in native fish species density at Lake Tahoe since 1951. The team recommends establishing a management plan to protect the nearshore zone habitat critical to native fish populations.
A study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers finds that underemployment is a complex phenomenon with broad effects on individuals, organizations, and society. The study identifies eight dimensions of underemployment, affecting up to one in three employees, with difficult situations like the recession leading to its occurrence.