A seven-year study found that translocating bighorn sheep in Arizona increased genetic diversity without eroding ancestral lineage. The research suggests that targeted translocations can maintain or enhance genetic outcomes, contrary to previous studies indicating 'genetic bottlenecks'.
A new study published in Ecological Monographs provides insights into the survivability of the desert yellowhead, a rare Wyoming plant. The research found that negative density dependence and diversity in the plant's responses to environmental factors have allowed it to persist in small numbers.
New research finds elk in Wyoming's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest avoid beetle-killed areas during summer months. Elk strongly avoid these areas due to the need to expend significant amounts of energy to walk over downed logs and cool themselves.
New data reveals a distinct Zealandia-Antarctic mantle domain, formed by deep mantle upwelling and volcanism after Gondwana breakup. The Australian-Antarctic Ridge has isotopic compositions unique to this newly defined domain.
Research finds that religiosity affects the selection of diet-minded foods, while sustainability-minded food consumption is driven by moral foundations of care. Marketers can leverage this knowledge to design products and marketing communications tailored to specific religious groups.
A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...
A study by the University of Wyoming research team found strong population genetic structure among California mountain lions, with some populations exhibiting extremely low levels of genetic diversity. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further fragmentation and ensure connectivity among habitats.
A study published in Nature Communications found that separating male and female mice leads to differences in their olfactory sensory receptors. As a result, the mice may perceive odors differently. This research has implications for understanding sex-specific differences in human olfactory function.
Researchers developed a computer model that accurately identifies animal species in camera-trap images from across the US with a 97.6% accuracy rate, surpassing human volunteers.
Mule deer migration routes in Wyoming reveal a strong link between fitness and nutritional condition. The research identifies landscape features that facilitate movement and access to forage, while also highlighting the importance of avoiding human disturbance.
The atlas uses state-of-the-art data and cartography to visualize the finely choreographed movements of migratory big-game species. The maps reveal how animals have perfectly tuned their movements to landscapes and seasons, highlighting the challenges faced by conservation efforts.
A team of scientists found that big game animals like bighorn sheep and moose learn to migrate by passing cultural knowledge across generations. The researchers used GPS tracking data to show that translocated animals took decades to learn how to navigate their new habitats, and those that did became more likely to migrate.
Research suggests that smarter animals are more likely to cause conflicts with humans as they learn to exploit resources and evade deterrents. This includes learning to avoid human-made barriers and accessing restricted areas.
A new study uses deep learning to automate wildlife data collection, improving the ability to study and conserve wildlife. The technology can accurately identify species, count individuals, and describe behavior, saving significant volunteer time.
A team of researchers studied the narrow-footed Hygrotus diving beetle native only to central Wyoming, discovering its unique habitat in small streams with high salt concentrations. The study found that maintaining hydrologic integrity of prairie streams is vital for the conservation of this rare species.
A team of researchers analyzed effective population size measures to reveal crucial considerations for recovering the southern sea otter population. The findings highlight the importance of accurate estimates to ensure species recovery.
A study found that larger reserves and species similarity are key to effective conservation, but not all species receive equal protection. The research highlights the need for targeted attention for certain species in sagebrush country.
Researchers found mice engineered with Huntington's disease have excessive mitochondrial iron accumulation, leading to dysfunction and neuronal death. This study identifies a pathway for the neurodegenerative disease and has implications for related disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Research found that older tropical forests can access deeper soil layers during droughts, while younger forests struggle to survive due to shallower root systems. This study has implications for reforestation efforts and understanding forest responses to climate change.
Researchers discovered that biomass smoke from South Africa significantly enhances the brightness of low-level clouds in the southeast Atlantic Ocean, creating a cooling effect. This process helps counteract the greenhouse effect and results in substantial climate cooling.
The study confirmed two major migrations through southeastern Europe, with early farmers from Anatolia spreading westward and a steppe population replacing northern Europe's population. The region remained a genetic contact zone between East and West until the Bronze Age.
A new climate study found that recent temperatures across North America and Europe are unusually high, exceeding past decade highs by 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and have few natural precedents over the last 11,000 years. The research suggests that human activity has significantly contributed to this warming trend.
A University of Wyoming researcher led a study on cloud seeding, demonstrating direct observation of cloud seeding for the first time. The research, dubbed SNOWIE, took place in Idaho and provided quantifiable observations of cloud seeding processes.
Researchers found that dust-derived nutrients can be vital to mountain ecosystems, even when nutrient supply from bedrock is substantial. This phenomenon is not limited to the Sierra Nevada and has been observed worldwide.
Researchers discovered low genetic diversity in domestic ferrets globally, making them more susceptible to diseases and disorders. The study highlights the importance of incorporating genetically diverse ferrets from other countries into breeding programs to minimize inbreeding and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
A new mapping tool helps wildlife and livestock managers prioritize prevention efforts in high-risk areas to minimize disease transmission. The model predicts an average of 700 elk abortions per year, with higher transmission risk at lower elevations during heavy snow years.
A new study by University of Wyoming researchers finds that mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachia degrades water quality and causes dramatic increases in salinity, leading to more perennial streamflows. The study's findings have significant implications for the region's ecosystem and future environmental changes.
A team of scientists has documented early, permanent human settlement in the Andes dating back to around 8,000 years ago. The findings suggest that hunter-gatherers adapted to high-elevation life and survived year-round despite harsh conditions.
Researchers found that migratory mule deer closely time their movements to track the timing of early spring green-up, allowing them to access high-quality forage. The study's findings highlight the importance of habitat corridors in enabling animals to move between winter and summer ranges.
Researchers have quantified the economic value of biodiversity in grasslands for enhancing carbon storage capacity. Increasing plant species diversity from one to ten resulted in twice the carbon storage value compared to increasing it from one to two species.
A new study led by University of Wyoming researchers reveals that dust is a crucial factor in mountainous forest ecosystems, dominating nutrient budgets despite continuous erosion. The study found that dust contains plant-essential nutrients like phosphorus, which is more abundant than nutrients from bedrock.
Researchers discovered five previously unknown active hydrothermal vents and a new vent site, featuring unique creatures thriving in extreme conditions. The vents emit hot water and particles, supporting life forms that rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for food.
Researchers found that tree encroachment in hirola habitats reduced grasslands, impacting the antelope's primary food source. Overgrazing, loss of elephants from poaching, and lack of fires also contributed to the decline. Solutions like elephant conservation and grass reseeding offer hope for hirola recovery.
A University of Wyoming researcher and her team have discovered that the rapid evolution of Lake Victoria cichlids was facilitated by earlier hybridization between two distantly related species. This phenomenon has resulted in over 700 species of fish evolving in just 150,000 years.
A new study has determined that the first Paleoproterozoic global glaciation and significant step change in atmospheric oxygenation occurred between 2,460 and 2,426 million years ago. The rise of atmospheric oxygen was characterized by significant oscillations before irreversible oxygenation of the atmosphere 2,250 million years ago.
New research published in Science suggests that humans established permanent settlements on the Tibetan Plateau around 7,400 years ago. The findings contradict previous estimates of 5,200 years ago, and are consistent with genetic adaptations to high-altitude environments dating back at least 8,000 years.
Researchers tracked white-tailed deer east of Casper for eight years, finding that CWD drastically reduced annual survival rates, especially in females. The population declined 10% annually over the study period, which could lead to localized extinctions in less than 50 years.
Researchers found that seven of ten populations selected high-quality forage in early stages of growth, while others favored leading or trailing edges. This study provides insights into how animals track plant growth and will aid in understanding impacts of climate change on big game habitats.
Researchers used ancient granite to understand modern magma chambers, finding uniformity in biotite granite and subtle isotopic variations. The discovery could shed light on the volcanic-plutonic connection at supervolcanoes.
Scientists used mafic dikes to determine the connection between northern Laurentia (North America) and southern Siberia for over a billion years. The study reveals new arrangements of continental blocks within Nuna-Columbia and Rodinia, with potential economic implications for mining companies.
Researchers found that more fossil bones have been lost in regions like the continental US and South America compared to Alaska and areas near the Bering Strait. This variation complicates population size estimates of extinct species across the Americas.
Scientists have discovered evidence of ancient continental collisions in the Teton Range, dating back 2.68 billion years, providing new insights into the early history of plate tectonics. The study found significant differences in the composition of the ancient crust compared to modern plates.
A study by Sarah Benson-Amram and colleagues found that carnivore species with larger brains relative to their body size were more successful in solving a novel problem-solving task, with bears being the most successful and meerkats and mongooses being the least. The results support the theory that brain size predicts cognitive abilities.
Researchers identified massive stars moving at supersonic speeds, creating bow shocks that help locate them. The team used infrared data to find over 200 images of fuzzy red arcs, which turned out to be stars in various stages of evolution.
University of Wyoming researchers discover that electric fields alter the fracture toughness of nanomaterials, opening new avenues for studying material properties. The findings are crucial for applications and fundamental research in nanoelectromechanical systems.
A new study finds that prehistoric farming and non-farming societies in North America and Europe experienced the same long-term annual growth rate of 0.041 percent, challenging the notion that agriculture accelerated population growth.
Researchers found that cold, steep slopes produce coarser sediment than gentle slopes, suggesting variations in climate, topography, and weathering rates shape mountain landscapes. This discovery quantifies the relationship between sediment size and erosion rates, providing new insights into the interplay of climate and tectonics.
Scientists estimate volume of open pore space in subsurface using geophysical surveys and computer models, revealing new theoretical framework for understanding watershed porosity. The study predicts distribution of pore space based on stress in the earth's crust, with implications for streamflow, aquifer systems, and landscape evolution.
A new study reveals that cancer diagnoses lead to decreases in working hours and incomes, with effects primarily felt by male survivors. Total family income also declines, but recovers within four years after diagnosis.
New research supports the idea that human hunting contributed to the decline and extinction of large mammals in the Americas. The study found that the animals' demise began between 13,300-15,000 years ago in Alaska and spread southward across North America and into South America.