A team of researchers used a machine-learning approach to map the genetic and environmental connectivity of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a primary vector for diseases such as dengue fever and Zika. The study provides insights into the mosquito's adaptability to new landscapes and expanding range.
Recent consecutive years of record high temperatures and droughts are unprecedented in over 250 years, according to researchers. The combination of heatwaves and soil moisture loss accelerates more heatwaves, threatening the region's ecosystem.
Researchers studied the use of plastic in nest construction by leaf-cutter bees and found it could change the environment of their nests. They suggest using natural fibers instead to avoid harmful effects on the insects.
A new tool developed by Utah State University scientists can predict drought and water flow in the Colorado River several years in advance. The model uses long-term ocean memory and associated atmospheric effects, as well as filtering effects of land systems to temper short-term precipitation events.
A new genus of mosasaur, Gnathomortis stadtmani, has been discovered with a formidable biteforce and transitional characteristics between earlier and later mosasaurs. The species is estimated to have swum in Colorado seas between 79-81 million years ago.
A study found that climate change is causing a phenological mismatch between bees and flowers, with bees emerging later than flowers reach their peak flowering time. This disruption has the potential to reduce abundance of pollinators and plants, leading to reduced fitness losses for mutualist species.
Researchers from Utah State University, Thomas Hill and Andreas Malmendier, explore the duality between F-theory and heterotic string theory in eight dimensions. They discovered four unique ways to slice K3 surfaces as Jacobian elliptic fibrations, enabling investigation of underlying physical theories.
The new ASPIRE center will develop holistic solutions for vehicle electrification and decarbonization of the electric grid. Researchers will focus on charging technology integrated into roadways and parking facilities to eliminate range and charging as obstacles, enabling low-cost, sustainable solutions.
A study published in Science found that a large mutation called a 'supermutation' affects the coloration of North American stick insects, transforming continuous variation into discrete color morphs. This discovery provides insights into how genetic variation is packaged into biological diversity, such as morphs and species.
A collaborative study of North America's Yukon River basin reveals profound increases in river erosion during abrupt global intensification of climate fluctuations about 2.6 and one million years ago.
A team of researchers from Utah State University and the California Department of Food and Agriculture investigated the evolution of Thistle-down velvet ants' white coloration. They found that the wasps' pale coloring provides thermoecological benefits in their hot desert environment, rather than serving as camouflage to avoid predators.
Researchers have designed a solar flow battery that combines energy conversion and storage in one unit, potentially expediting electrification in remote locations. The technology integrates photoelectrochemical solar cells with aqueous organic redox flow batteries to produce high voltage and stable cycling.
Researchers from Utah State University and Butantan Institute report the discovery of oral venom glands in amphibians, specifically caecilians. These glands, similar to those found in snakes, are thought to have evolved as an early defense mechanism against predators.
Researchers at Utah State University found that more than 1000 tons of microplastics are deposited onto protected lands in the western US each year, equivalent to over 123 million plastic water bottles. The study's findings highlight the source, transport, and fate of plastics on Earth surfaces.
Researchers at Utah State University developed a computer model to help manage wetland, floodplain and aquatic habitats. The Watershed Area of Suitable Habitat systems model, known as WASH, identifies optimal water allocation strategies to improve habitat quality and area.
Researchers examined spatial patterns of seeds and surviving seedlings to understand mechanisms creating these patterns and potential for plant species coexistence. The study suggests that host-specific natural enemies may inhibit seedling survival near parent trees, leading to regular spacing of plants.
Researchers discovered a species group of snakes in western China and Japan changed their primary diet from frogs to earthworms and firefly larvae, gaining access to the same toxic compounds. This marks the first documented case of an vertebrate predator adapting to an invertebrate prey for defense.
Researchers at Utah State University developed a novel sensing optical imaging nanoprobe to track cellular events leading to obesity. The probes enable researchers to monitor multiple surface receptors on individual cells, providing an unprecedented view of cellular surface activity.
Researchers at Utah State University found that cyclists align in patterns within a plus-or-minus 30-degree arc corresponding to the human near-peripheral visual field. This helps them safely react to changes or disturbances from neighboring riders, leading to lower individual rider energy expenditures.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.
A team of researchers developed an online survey tool to assess the reproducibility of published research in hydrology studies. The tool evaluates data availability, result reproducibility, and replicability of findings, providing insights into the low rates of reproducibility in this field.
Researchers at Utah State University and USDA report 450 native bee species in California's Pinnacles National Park, including 48 new to the area since 2002. The park is now recognized as a national biodiversity hotspot for bees.
Researchers examine data on 660 bee species found within the monument's original boundaries, which is still home to 87% of these pollinators. The reduction in protected areas threatens 'edge' populations that could be first to go extinct due to climate change.
The study reveals that nearly half of Utah's bee species dwell within the monument's original boundaries, with over 660 species identified. This hotspot of bee diversity is attributed to the presence of 87% of Utah's flowering plant species within the monument's boundaries.
Researchers developed two new devices to mechanically stress human retinal cells, mimicking slow and continuous stress levels as well as high levels of stress. The study found that mechanical stress results in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein linked to disease initiation and progression.
Will Pearse, a USU biologist, has been awarded a $300,000 NSF grant to study the impact of invasive species like cheatgrass. His project aims to use evolutionary history to model practical ecological challenges and engage students in real-world research.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a new flavonoid molecule that can release carbon monoxide in a controlled manner, triggering cancer cell death and reducing inflammation. The unique molecules are trackable, targetable, and triggerable using visible light.
A team of international scientists found that preserving phylogenetic diversity among species can preserve 18% more functional diversity than selecting species at random. However, in some areas and groups, this method was less effective, highlighting the need for further research and adaptation.
Researchers have discovered a nearly 15.5-mile-long fault zone with two parallel master faults and hundreds of smaller cross faults at the southern tip of the San Andreas Fault. The 'Durmid Ladder' structure may be the site of the region's next major earthquake, posing an increased surface-rupture hazard.
Utah State University joins 33 institutions nationwide in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence initiative, aiming to engage all students in science regardless of background. The university will provide academic and social support for Native American students transferring from its Blanding campus.
A team of researchers has found that plant dispersal ability is linked to their life cycles, with faster life histories resulting in greater seed dispersal distances. This understanding can inform our knowledge of global changes and landscape fragmentation's impact on biodiversity.
The lab aims to design and develop MVSOT technologies using synthetic spider silk and other biomaterials for stronger, more effective, and environmentally friendly designs. USU's expertise will also be shared with the Navy on how to produce synthetic slime from hagfish proteins.
Top nitrogen researchers discuss potential pathways to achieve radical improvements in nitrogen fixation chemistry, driven by molecular-level understanding and discovery of new catalytic systems. They also present a clean and renewable light-driven process for converting nitrogen to ammonia, a primary component of fertilizer.
Researchers at Utah State University studied the physics behind a unique underwater phenomenon resembling the Matryoshka doll. They developed a new dimensionless number, the Matryoshka number, which predicts the formation of nested cavities under certain conditions.
A team of researchers from Utah State University and Belgium discovered the exact angle at which a bent fiber holds the most fluid, found to be 36 degrees. This discovery has multiple industrial applications, including drug manufacturing and fog-collection net development.
David Peak, a physics professor at Utah State University, has received the national Council on Undergraduate Research-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award. He has mentored over 30 USU undergraduates to 36 Goldwater Scholarships and Honorable Mentions.
A USU student-built experiment rocketed into space to test a new 'green' thruster technology developed by Stephen A. Whitmore. The mission aimed to determine if the thrusters' exhaust plumes contaminate spacecraft surfaces, and initial results suggest a clean burn.
USU chemists design a molecule featuring a pi-electron conjugation unit as a two-electron storage anolyte for AORFBs, enabling total use of organic materials. The battery delivered high voltage, impressive energy efficiency, and capacity retention.
Researchers found caecilians have enlarged mucous glands for lubrication and burrowing, while poison glands provide chemical defense against predators. The discovery reveals unique adaptations of the amphibians to their environments.
Researchers from Utah State University and the University of Sheffield explore evolutionary predictability using data on cryptic body coloration in stick insects. They found that natural selection drives change, but environmental fluctuations and complex ecological processes limit prediction.
Researchers at Utah State University developed a method using aerial imagery to estimate river discharge, filling data gaps in smaller rivers and streams. The approach combines image processing techniques and hydraulic modeling for accurate flow estimates.
Scientists at Utah State University have identified a new bacterial, iron-only nitrogenase pathway for methane formation, transforming carbon dioxide into methane in a single step. This finding provides a second target for understanding biological methane production and rising emissions.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that social media coverage of fatal police-citizen incidents can act as a virtual contagion, leading to future violence against law enforcement. The research also suggests that an unexpected increase in officer line-of-duty deaths is associated with an increase in the number of minority citizens ...
Researchers at Utah State University analyzed tree rings to reconstruct monthly streamflow trends for three rivers in Northern Utah. The study provides a new tool for understanding seasonal patterns and droughts, enabling more informed water use and management decisions.
Dr. Ron Sims, a USU professor of biological engineering, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). He is recognized for his contributions to biomedical and biological engineering innovation, improving public health and environmental sustainability.
A new statistical estimator extracts useful information from decades-old data and citizen science efforts, providing reliable evidence for climate change. This method unlocks valuable historical records and validates observations made by ordinary citizens, revealing the power of citizen science.
Researchers found that European drought indices are deviating in a manner consistent with climate change simulations. The study suggests decreases in drought frequency in the north and increases in the south, driven by rising temperatures and evapotranspiration. This trend has been observed from the 1980s to present.
Researchers at Utah State University are improving the HydroShare online system for storing and sharing hydrological data. The system, which will also be used to archive flooding and precipitation data from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, aims to facilitate collaboration among scientists.
Researchers computationally designed a new, metastable, and lightweight form of aluminum with a density of 0.61 gram per cubic centimeter, making it lighter than water. This discovery opens up potential applications in spaceflight, medicine, wiring, and more fuel-efficient automotive parts.
A recent study reveals that despite knowing bees are crucial to plant pollination, many people are unaware of the wide diversity of bee species beyond honeybees. The survey found that only 14% of respondents could accurately identify the number of bee species in the US, highlighting a need for public education and outreach.