A new UNM-led study combines ancient sand grains and fish DNA to reveal the Colorado River's gradual formation between 8-4.8 million years ago through Grand Canyon. The research team found that the river emerged as a series of smaller proto-rivers linked together over approximately 3 million years.
Researchers discovered that ancient farmers used animals like turkeys as biological 'protein concentrators' to access concentrated maize-derived lysine, allowing for high-quality animal protein. This groundbreaking study suggests that maize cultivation and animal management developed together much earlier than previously recognized.
The TESS mission has discovered a planet orbiting a distant star through microlensing, revealing a world about 1.63 times as massive as Jupiter at an orbital distance similar to Jupiter's. This finding suggests additional microlensing planets may be hidden within archived TESS observations.
Researchers studied the TOI-201 system, finding that the planets' orbits are tilted relative to each other, causing them to slowly change orientations. The team used multiple observational techniques to confirm the system's existence and predict future transits.
A new study suggests that the Moon's surface record sets a hard limit on the possibility of late meteorite delivery being the dominant source of Earth's oceans. The researchers analyzed oxygen isotopes in lunar regolith samples, finding that even generous assumptions about impactor flux would only supply a small fraction of Earth's water.
Researchers used satellite data to study the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, which struck along a geologically 'mature' fault. The study found that the energy released by the earthquake was highly focused and came right to the surface, potentially leading to more intense ground shaking near the fault line.
Researchers found that the risk from airburst-sized near-Earth objects (NEOs) might be larger than currently estimated. A concentration of larger objects in a swarm could be observable by telescopes in 2032 and 2036, increasing Earth's impact risk.
A team of researchers at UNM used a peculiar prehistoric plant to reconstruct ancient climates. The study found that water traveling through horsetails undergoes intense natural distillation, resulting in oxygen isotope ratios similar to those found in meteorites or extraterrestrial materials.
A new UNM-led study provides conclusive evidence of the Queen Charlotte fault system's seismic hazard, confirming its potential to produce catastrophic events. The research used advanced geophysical tools to map the deep structure of the ocean floor, revealing a fault zone with the potential to generate powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.
A new UNM study finds a connection between the Grand Canyon landslide and the Meteor Crater impact 56,000 years ago. The team used multiple dating methods to confirm that the lake deposits in the Grand Canyon were triggered by the meteor impact.
The University of New Mexico team confirmed the existence of a new gas giant exoplanet, TOI-4465 b, with the help of citizen scientists across 10 countries. The planet is approximately 400 light-years from Earth and has a mildly elliptical orbit, leading to a temperature range of 375–478 K.
A team of researchers found world-record concentrations of PFAS in birds and mammals at Holloman Lake, a natural laboratory for studying environmental behavior. The study highlights the risk of toxicity on reproduction, development, and transgenerational contamination.
A new study published by UNM Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Jeremy Hogeveen and colleagues found that adolescents who experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed no significant increase in depression compared to those without a history of TBI. The study, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Developmen...
Researchers attached miniature tracking devices to giant hummingbirds and discovered they migrate up to 13,000 feet in elevation, pausing for days to acclimate. The team found two distinct species of giant hummingbirds, one living year-round in the high Andes, after analyzing DNA from 154-year-old specimens.
A recent study suggests that 55 Cancri e's atmosphere may be composed of carbon-rich vapor, contradicting its initial uninhabitable status. The discovery was made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope and demonstrates the potential for future telescopes to study distant rocky planets in detail.
A new study by University of New Mexico scientists reveals that night-migrating birds are at greater risk of colliding with buildings lit up with high levels of blue light. Pittas were found to be particularly sensitive to blue light pollution, and future shifts to white LED streetlights may increase collisions.
Researchers discovered exceptionally high levels of PFAS in birds and mammals at Holloman Lake, contaminating thousands of species. The study found that even low concentrations of PFAS can cause harm to animals and people, highlighting the need for environmental action.
Researchers analyzed an ancient stalagmite from a Grand Canyon cave to understand the relationship between global warming and the strength of the North American Monsoon. They found that increasing moisture during the early Holocene period may lead to greater summer rainfall on the Colorado Plateau and intensifying monsoons in the future.
International scientists discovered that cloud aggregation impacts water vapor distribution and greenhouse gas emissions. In aggregated clouds, the atmosphere tends to be drier with more enriched deuterium, while unaggregated clouds are moister with depleted deuterium.
Researchers from University of New Mexico and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have detected two long-period giant planets orbiting an early K dwarf star. The exoplanets, TOI-4600 b and c, have orbital periods of 82.69 days and 482.82 days, respectively, making them the longest-period planets found by TESS to date.
A new study by UNM researchers found that patients who reported feeling 'high' experienced 7.7% greater symptom relief, but also a more than 20% increase in negative side effects. The study suggests that feeling 'high' may be an unavoidable component of using cannabis medicinally.
Bitcoin mining's climate damages far exceed its market value, with damages peaking at 156% of the coin price in May 2020. The study concludes that Bitcoin does not meet any sustainability criteria, highlighting the need for potential regulation to make mining sustainable.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that cannabis legalization decreases the stock market value of major pharmaceutical firms, with annual sales reductions estimated at almost $11 billion. This effect is more pronounced with recreational legalization, suggesting a larger impact on the broader population.
A recent study published in Science Advances provides an unprecedented picture of sea level over the past 4,000 years, highlighting that modern sea level rise is anomalous and likely driven by greenhouse gas warming. The research uses precise uranium-series dates on speleothem samples to estimate global mean sea level during this period.
A recent study suggests that cannabis consumption is associated with increased levels of prosocial behavior and empathy among healthy young adults. The researchers found that participants who had recently used cannabis scored higher on standardized measurements of prosociality, empathy, and moral decision-making.
New research from a stalagmite reveals that the Pueblo cultural development coincided with drier climatic conditions in the southwestern US. The study suggests that climate change played a significant role in shaping the region's cultural history, challenging previous assumptions about the impact of megadroughts on civilizations.
Researchers discovered a previously unnoticed mathematical property that could allow for a faster expansion rate while preserving other predictions. This finding suggests the existence of a 'mirror world' with similar but invisible particles interacting only through gravity.
The article suggests that zoos and museums can share data and specimens to improve our understanding of animal life history, behavior, and health. This collaboration could provide valuable insights into species decline, disease pathogenesis, and conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that ancient Maya people originated from south-to-north migrants carrying maize, which became a staple food. The discovery sheds light on the origins of intensive farming in the Maya region and its impact on the development of large communities.
Researchers discovered a 150-million-year-old dinosaur with evidence of an avian-style respiratory infection, providing insight into ancient diseases. The study suggests that sauropod dinosaurs may have been susceptible to fungal infections similar to aspergillosis.
AI/AN communities enacted a swift and inclusive response to COVID-19 vaccination, prioritizing community and leveraging traditional assets. Vaccination rates among AI/AN populations were 14% higher than non-Hispanic White persons for first-dose vaccination.
UNM scientists found climate-driven tree mortality and fuel aridity are increasing fuel availability, leading to bigger, more intense wildfires. This is due to drought stress, insect outbreaks, and temperature increases causing large areas of tree mortality and rising temperatures drying out forest fuels.
Researchers at UNM are working on a DOE-funded project to develop low-cost sensors for detecting natural gas pipeline leaks. The sensors can quantify methane concentrations and identify sources of emissions, helping to pinpoint the origin of methane emissions in the US.
Researchers found that private prison companies tend to donate to lawmakers who cosponsor punitive immigration legislation. This fuels a cycle of increased deportations and immigrant detention, with the private prison industry profiting from it. The study highlights the financial payoffs for politicians who support such policies.
Researchers used full-dimensional quantum dynamics to investigate the non-adiabatic quenching of OH radicals by H2, finding good agreement with experimental results and resolving a theoretical flaw. The study highlights the importance of accurate modeling in understanding complex chemical reactions.
The newly discovered exoplanet, TOI-1231 b, has a substantial atmosphere making it an attractive target for atmospheric studies. Its similarity in size and density to Neptune suggests it may have a large, gaseous atmosphere.
Scientists have developed a new method to assess earthquake and tsunami hazards in offshore subduction zones, finding that hazards might be systematically underestimated. The study's findings have important implications for the mitigation of risk in affected areas worldwide.
Researchers developed a chip that rapidly and accurately sequences viral genomes for COVID-19 diagnosis, eliminating false positives and negatives. This technology enables faster tracing of COVID-19 cases and prevents future pandemics.
A University of New Mexico study analyzed data from four US cities and found that as vaccination rates increase, it becomes economically advantageous to relax social distancing measures and open businesses. The study suggests a gradual relaxation of restrictions can minimize economic costs while reducing public health risks.
Researchers found a pattern where carnivorous dinosaur communities lacked medium-sized species between 100-1000kg, with juvenile megatheropods filling the gap. This discovery suggests that growth and development played a significant role in shaping ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico have found that combining certain polymers and oligomers with UV light can almost completely kill the coronavirus. This method provides a fast-acting and highly effective coating that reduces virus concentrations by five orders of magnitude.
Researchers measured the spectrum of a rare hot Neptune exoplanet, revealing evidence of molecular absorption in its atmosphere. This detection provides clues on the origin of the planet and how it managed to hold onto its atmosphere.
Recent research shows that chimpanzees, like humans, increasingly prioritize mutual and equitable friendships with others as they get older. Younger adults tend to form lopsided relationships, while older chimpanzees focus on maintaining smaller, fulfilling networks of close friends.
New research reveals ancient human skeletons show transition from pre-maize hunter-gatherer diets to increasing reliance on corn. Maize made up less than 30% of people's diets by 4,700 years ago, rising to 70% 700 years later.
An international team of researchers has discovered that ancient carbon stored beneath thick continental crust is released as CO2 during break-up. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on the source of high CO2 fluxes in rift zones.
Researchers at UNM demonstrated that legal cannabis hemp oil reduced mechanical pain sensitivity by 10-fold in mice with chronic post-operative neuropathic pain. The study's findings suggest that hemp oil can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, offering a natural and relatively safe alternative to conventional drugs.
Researchers found varying oxygen isotopic composition depending on lunar rock types, suggesting minimal mixing between the Moon and vapor atmosphere. The data imply Theia formed farther from the Sun than Earth.
Research by the University of New Mexico team reveals contraction of the ITCZ leading to drying of the Neotropics, affecting billions worldwide. This study combines new data with existing records to resolve conflicting models on ITCZ variability, highlighting implications for rainfall-dependent agriculture and food security.
Researchers found that classical laws of gas mixture behavior fail to apply in the presence of shock waves, affecting combustion, explosions, and supersonic jets. Further study is needed to explore the scope of the problem and develop a new theory explaining the observations.
The research found that cryptocurrency mining is associated with worse air quality and increased CO2 emissions, impacting communities nationwide. The study estimates that in 2018, every $1 of Bitcoin value created was responsible for $0.49 in health and climate damages.