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University of Vermont


Getting hot and wet in Vermont

A new study by University of Vermont scientists predicts increased precipitation and temperature in the Lake Champlain region, leading to more extreme weather events and potential flooding. The forecast suggests a rise in average temperatures by mid-century, with some ski resorts experiencing a 50% decline in annual snowfall.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateSep 12, 2014

Whales as ecosystem engineers

New research reveals whales have a powerful impact on oceans, global carbon storage, and commercial fisheries. The recovery of great whale populations may buffer marine ecosystems from climate change threats by recycling nutrients and enhancing productivity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 3, 2014

The science of school lunch

The Johnson Lab is developing state-of-the-art digital imaging to measure consumption, which has been validated by a paper in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers are exploring ways to employ the method, including training non-researchers to collect data.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 27, 2014

Two new US turtle species described

Researchers have discovered two new US turtle species, the Suwannee and Apalachicola alligator snapping turtles, which are found in the southeastern United States. These ancient reptiles were previously thought to be a single species, but genetic analysis reveals deep evolutionary divisions between them.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 24, 2014

Will plug-in cars crash the electric grid?

A team of University of Vermont scientists has developed a novel solution to manage the growing fleet of plug-in electric cars, allowing them to charge in smaller chunks and distribute demand over time. The approach uses smart meters and computer algorithms to smooth out supply and demand, protecting grid overload.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·DateFeb 21, 2014

Scientists construct visual of intracellular 'zip code' signaling linked to learning, memory

Researchers have visualized the mechanism of mRNA localization in cells, revealing how a unique 'zip code' signal ensures protein production at the right place and time. The study provides new insights into cellular function and has potential applications for understanding diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 15, 2013

Kinks and curves at the nanoscale

New research finds that coherent twin boundaries in metals contain tiny kink-like steps and curvatures, making them stronger but also more electrically resistant. This discovery challenges previous understanding of these materials and could lead to improved engineering designs for high-strength applications.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 19, 2013

Sea mammals find US safe harbor

Research reveals many marine mammal populations are increasing, with some recovering to near carrying capacity. The MMPA's strong protections against commercial and accidental killing have contributed to these recoveries.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2013

Baffling blood problem explained

A team of scientists from the University of Vermont and France has discovered the tiny protein SMIM1, which causes the rare 'Vel-negative' blood type. This breakthrough allows for fast DNA-based tests to identify Vel-negative individuals, enabling them to receive life-saving transusions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 20, 2013

Chameleon star baffles astronomers

Researchers observed a pulsar that dramatically changes its radio and X-ray emissions, defying existing theories on star emission. The study reveals the pulsar switches between two extreme states, one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by organized radio pulses.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Need an expert? Try the crowd

A team at the University of Vermont discovered that crowdsourcing can effectively predict user behavior, such as body weight and electricity use. The experiment showed that self-directed questions and answers by visitors to websites led to computer models that accurately predicted these outcomes.

Blood mystery solved

Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for the Langereis and Junior blood types, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery. The discovery may improve treatment options for breast cancer patients and enhance blood transfusion safety for rare blood type carriers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2012

We may be less happy, but our language isn't

A new study found that the English language is strongly biased towards being positive, with popular sources like Twitter and music lyrics showing a preponderance of happier words. The research complements a previous study on global happiness trends, suggesting short-term average happiness has dropped but the fundamental positivity of t...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 12, 2012

GDP up, happiness down

A team of scientists from the University of Vermont measured global happiness using Twitter data over three years. The trend shows a gradual downward trend, with drops in happiness following major events and weekly patterns. The researchers propose a tool for real-time monitoring of collective emotions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2011

The first true view of global erosion

A new study by University of Vermont geologists provides the first broad, standardized view of pre-human erosion rates, measuring 1599 measurements from 87 sites worldwide. The study reveals that slope is a key driver of erosion, contradicting previous assumptions about rainfall's role.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGSA Today·DateJul 27, 2011

Forest fungus factory

A University of Vermont scientist has developed a bio-pesticide using an insect-killing fungus and sweet whey to reduce the growth rate of hemlock woolly adelgid. The treatment showed promising results in trials, with a 50% reduction in pest population in infested trees.

For robust robots, let them be babies first

Researchers created simulated and actual robots that evolve their body forms while learning to walk, resulting in faster adaptation and improved resilience. The evolving robots developed a more robust gait than fixed-body robots, enabling them to better deal with disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2011

Why it's hard to crash the electric grid

A study published in Chaos found that traditional topological models, which rely on abstract network connections, are less accurate than physics-based models when assessing the vulnerability of the US electric grid. The researchers conclude that the grid's unpredictability makes it difficult to identify potential attack points.

Whale poop pumps up ocean health

Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2010

Slicing proteins with Occam's Razor

Researchers have developed a new way to peer into the inner workings of proteins and detect specific atoms at work. By analyzing myoglobin's structure and motion, they identified the critical amino acid controlling oxygen binding, with implications for custom-crafted proteins and biotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 30, 2010

Cow vaccines go vroom

Researchers are developing a new vaccine technology using MHC tetramers to accelerate bovine vaccine creation, promising faster and more accurate development of vaccines for East Coast fever and foot-and-mouth disease. The goal is to provide basic science insights needed for better disease control in developing countries.

Spherical cows help to dump metabolism law

Researchers challenge long-held 3/4-power law of metabolism with new paper, finding support for 2/3 exponent in geometry and network analysis. Empirical evidence from animal studies also aligns with 2/3 exponent, suggesting a potential universal scaling law for metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 2, 2010

Species down, disease up

New research suggests that biodiversity loss and habitat destruction can increase the incidence and distribution of infectious diseases in humans. Studies show that extinction of plant and animal species can lead to a rise in new diseases, such as West Nile Virus, and even re-emergence of diseases thought to be in decline, like malaria.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalBioScience·DateDec 3, 2009

If you're happy, then we know it

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created a 'hedonometer' that measures global happiness by analyzing millions of online blog posts. The study found that Election Day 2008 was the happiest day in four years, while the death of Michael Jackson was one of the unhappiest. The method uses a standardized scale to assign happines...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 24, 2009

Your brain on -- and off -- caffeine

Researchers studied brain electrical activity and blood flow during caffeine withdrawal, finding increased brain blood flow and changes in EEG that relate to common withdrawal symptoms. The study also showed no net beneficial effects of chronic caffeine administration.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateMay 1, 2009

Buckminster Fuller takes on big coal

John Todd's proposal outlines a four-stage recovery and development plan for Appalachia, using biological processes to restore degraded land and return atmospheric carbon to the soil. The plan aims to build a dynamic sustainable economic basis for lasting renewal and increase carbon storage in soils around the world.

Peace parks work

Researchers from the University of Vermont argue that peace parks can be a powerful tool in war zones, effectively resolving conflicts between Ecuador and Peru, Tanzania and Mozambique. By focusing on shared environmental concerns, such as desertification or water depletion, peace parks promote cooperation and mutual respect.

Mellow in Europe, crazy in America

A UVM study reveals that reed canarygrass's invasive power comes from its history of multiple introductions and interbreeding with European strains, allowing it to adapt quickly to new conditions. This phenomenon has significant implications for the potential invasiveness of other horticultural and agricultural plants.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2007

Fungal factories may save hemlock forests

Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a 'whey-based fungal micro-factory' to combat the eastern hemlock tree's decline due to an exotic pest. The approach involves spraying a sweet whey solution with targeted fungus into infected forests, promoting self-replication and reducing pesticide use.