Researchers used a new survey method to detect Eastern spadefoots in Rhode Island, finding 42 individuals over 10 nights, contradicting previous assumptions of their rarity. The study also revealed sub-adult frogs were common, and the species' social structure is more complex than previously thought.
New data on Anak Krakatau volcano flank collapse provides a clearer picture of the event, which triggered a devastating tsunami in Indonesia. The research used synthetic aperture radar images, field observations, and aerial photographs to create a more accurate model of the volcano before and after it collapsed.
Researchers have developed sensors that can detect explosive materials, particles from deadly viruses, and illegal drugs at the part-per-quadrillion level. The technology has a wide range of applications, including monitoring wounds in soldiers and detecting roadside IEDs.
A recent study by URI researchers shows that the Gulf Stream's position relative to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland can predict rapid warming of the Northwest Atlantic Shelf. The team used satellite data to observe the mechanism behind these changes, which block the southwestward transport of cold water and lead to marine heat waves.
Researchers discovered that microbes in ancient sediment below the seafloor are sustained primarily by chemicals created through the natural irradiation of water molecules. This radiation-fueled ecosystem is one of Earth's largest and has significant implications for understanding life on Mars.
A new technology that can quickly remove and destroy hazardous PFAS compounds from soil and groundwater has been developed by a team of scientists at the University of Rhode Island. The process, called XCT OxyZone, uses a combination of a sugar molecule and chemical oxidation to break down the compounds.
A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island discovered single-celled microorganisms living in sediments at 120 degrees Celsius, where they didn't expect to find them. The study found evidence of metabolism and temperature regimes that make these environments habitable.
A recent study mapped microbial diversity in marine sediment, revealing a rich ecosystem with diverse microbial communities. The research found that bacterial diversity exceeds archaeal diversity and is comparable to surface biomes.
A recent study by a URI graduate student found significant concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seabirds from offshore areas, including Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Fear. The research highlights the environmental persistence of these compounds, which can remain in animal tissues for many years.
A previously unrecognized ocean current was discovered transporting water to the Faroe Bank Channel Overflow in the North Atlantic Ocean. The research team identified a new path for cold and dense water flowing at depth, which led to this exciting finding.
Scientists revive ancient deep-sea microbes from 100 million-year-old sediment, showing life can persist in nutrient-limited environments. The findings suggest that microorganisms can survive for geological time scales and even multiply under the right conditions.
A new study warns of rising invasive species threats due to increased pathways and trade, causing significant environmental losses and economic damage. The research highlights the need for urgent action to prevent, detect, and control invaders at local and global levels.
Researchers found that birds consuming dietary antioxidants before and during fall migration can reduce their endocrine stress response. This reduction in stress may be a major benefit for birds, allowing them to perform better during long-distance flights.
A University of Rhode Island researcher warns that climate change is causing increased conflicts between fishermen, fishing nations, and managers. Shifting fish populations and changing maritime boundaries are creating new challenges in global fisheries management.
A special issue of Biological Invasions co-edited by Laura Meyerson and Daniel Simberloff offers a comprehensive framework for a national early detection and rapid response program to address the growing threat of invasive species. The papers outline technical guidance for implementation, including technology advancement, risk screenin...
A clinical trial is underway to develop a cost-effective biomarker panel that can identify people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. The study uses retinal screening processes and aims to create a gold standard reference database for early detection.
The Antarctic Broadcasts: Broader Impacts Through Telepresence project invites the public and classrooms to interact with polar scientists conducting critical research in Western Antarctica. The Inner Space Center will broadcast live 'Polar Stories' sessions, providing real-time feeds from ships and remote stations.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a link between prenatal HIV exposure and reduced infant immunity. The study found two clusters of HIV-exposed but uninfected infants, one with a significantly reduced immune repertoire, which may explain their increased risk of morbidity.
The University of Rhode Island is leading a team studying coral reef evolution and adaptation with a $3 million NSF grant. Researchers will explore how changes in nutrition and energy through symbiosis influence epigenetic changes in corals, shedding light on the impact of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
Roxbury will use carbon nanotubes to examine living cells and study their interactions, with applications in detecting diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cancers. The research aims to develop non-invasive sensing methods.
A long-running study on premature infants found that stress from birth can lead to cognitive limitations, social struggles, and increased risk of health issues. Researchers will continue the 30-year study to understand how to limit NICU stress and mitigate its impact throughout life.
Researchers found a significant increase in tourism on Block Island after construction of the offshore wind farm, with occupancy rates rising by 19% and monthly revenue increasing by $3490. The study suggests that curiosity about renewable energy drove the interest, but may not persist long-term.
The Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute will survey an estimated 3 billion acres of US ocean territory over five years, utilizing next-generation instruments like ROVs and AUVs. The institute's telepresence technology will allow the public to interact with scientists in real-time, improving the efficiency of ocean exploration.
A group of invasive species experts warns of the economic and environmental risks posed by biological invasions in the US, citing climate change as a major factor. The Trump Administration's budget cut is seen as reckless and inadequate to address the growing threat.
A University of Rhode Island scientist has determined the temperature at the boundary of the Moon's core and mantle, finding it to be between 1,130 and 1,470 degrees Celsius. This discovery will help create a temperature profile through the Moon, allowing researchers to better understand its internal structure, composition, and evolution.
A new University of Rhode Island nursing study found that delayed cord clamping in healthy infants increases iron stores and brain myelin, leading to improved early-life functional development. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, challenges the practice of immediate cord clamping.
Researchers created a model of the volcanic flank collapse caused by the eruption, predicting maximum wave heights and impact zones. The study aims to improve tsunami preparedness in the United States with advanced models and simulations.
Researchers found that slight changes in oxygen levels can push zooplankton beyond their limits, leading to potential population crashes and cascading effects on food webs. The study's findings highlight the importance of monitoring ocean oxygen levels due to climate change.
A URI researcher found that oyster aquaculture can limit the spread of disease among wild oysters. Aquaculture operations can reduce disease by filtering parasites from the water and holding oysters long enough to prevent their development. Intensive oyster aquaculture, when done correctly, can be beneficial for wild populations.
A University of Rhode Island professor has discovered that lizards with shorter hind legs are more likely to survive hurricanes due to their ability to cling to vegetation. This unexpected finding suggests that natural selection may be at play, favoring traits that enhance survival during extreme weather events.
A simpler and quicker method for detecting the impurity in heparin has been developed by Jason Dwyer, associate professor of chemistry at the University of Rhode Island. The technique uses a sensing method proven in DNA sequencing and can fingerprint heparin to detect contaminants.
A study by University of Rhode Island and Brown University researchers found that ADHD medications did not improve cognition in healthy college students, but instead impaired working memory. The medication did show attention and focus improvements, but these effects failed to translate to better performance on neurocognitive tasks.
A new device inspired by origami design safely traps soft-bodied sea creatures and releases them unharmed. The Rotary Actuated Dodecahedron (RAD) sampler has been successfully tested in the ocean at depths of 1,600-2,300 feet, capturing squid and jellyfish without causing harm.
The East Coast Oceanographic Consortium will operate a new oceanographic research ship with improved science labs and state-of-the-art technologies. The vessel will support scientific studies, educational opportunities, and outreach to the public, enhancing the nation's Academic Research Fleet.
A new clinical trial tests a medication blocking ghrelin levels in patients with alcohol use disorder. Researchers found a statistically significant reduction in craving and food cravings in 12 patient volunteers. The study aims to further assess the drug's efficacy in a larger placebo-controlled trial.
Scientists have discovered an active volcanic heat source beneath the Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica, which plays a critical role in the glacier's movement and melting. The finding is significant as it suggests that volcanism is an additional factor contributing to ice sheet instability, alongside climate change.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in soil are structured by plant lineage, not environment. This discovery helps understand how invasive species succeed and affects ecosystem fitness.
A team of researchers has established a molecular link between Fanconi anemia and the PTEN gene, strongly associated with uterine, prostate, and brain cancer. The discovery improves understanding of Fanconi anemia and could lead to improved treatment outcomes for some cancer patients.
A team of international researchers led by University of Rhode Island Professor Christopher Kincaid found that severely deformed and defunct pieces of a former mantle plume caused volcanism in the Yellowstone area. The study suggests that circulation currents driven by tectonic plate movement at subduction zones affected the plume, pro...
A University of Rhode Island researcher has discovered that orlistat strongly alters the therapeutic potential of anti-cancer drugs and blood thinners like aspirin. The drug's inhibition of a key enzyme can lead to severe toxicity in internal organs such as the liver and kidney.
A University of Rhode Island graduate student is using ocean waves to study the geologic structure beneath the Earth's surface. By analyzing seismic wave velocity near an underwater plateau, scientists can infer its formation process.
Researchers found average wind speeds declined by 15% inland while remaining steady on the coast. Climate change and urbanization are potential factors contributing to this trend.
Researchers found four well-preserved ships and an ancient harbor structure from the Hellenistic period, shedding light on a lesser-known era of history. The discoveries suggest that additional remains may be found in the coastal sediment before storms destroy them.
Researchers observed phytoplankton fleeing from zooplankton and even from chemical scents of predators. Fleeing helps the alga survive and makes a difference between life and death.
A study by University of Rhode Island oceanographers and colleagues found drastically lower values for total biomass in marine sediments, reducing the estimated mass of all life on Earth by about one-third. The researchers collected sediment cores from open-ocean areas to obtain more accurate data.
Human pregnancy length is limited by a mother's metabolism, not birth canal size, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The EGG hypothesis suggests that babies are born when their mother cannot put any more energy into gestation and fetal growth.
A deep-sea squid species has been observed using a unique defensive strategy where it counter-attacks and then leaves its arm tips attached to the predator. This behavior allows the squid to create a diversion and escape from predators.
A University of Rhode Island oceanographer is leading an effort to partner with the global shipping industry to collect detailed ocean data on commercial vessels. The proposed OceanScope initiative aims to fill observational deficiencies in the ocean, particularly below the surface, where satellites cannot measure properties.
A team of scientists developed a new method to calculate the pace of life in deep sediments, using amino acid signatures to determine microorganism activity. They found that metabolism occurs at a much slower rate in the deep seabed compared to other ecosystems.
Researchers found that genetic and morphological traits were influenced by both natural selection and founder effects in castaway lizards. The study shows how these mechanisms interact with each other, resulting in differences between populations adapting to new environments.