Researchers at Utah State University have developed a novel design for an inflatable speedboat that utilizes elastic materials to absorb wave energy and reduce the impact on passengers. The study reveals unique differences in water-impact behavior between rigid and elastic bodies.
A new model developed by international scientists predicts multi-year US droughts and wildfire risks, enabling improved agricultural planning and water management. The model's success is attributed to the analysis of tropical climate variability, global climate change, and soil filtering effects.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a new math formula that accurately predicts the onset of cavitation in fluids accelerated over short periods. This breakthrough can improve the durability of water pipes and ship propellers, reducing damage from cavitation.
A Utah State University team constructed a scale model of the Oroville Dam spillway, replicating its current state and terrain conditions. The model will help engineers make better-informed decisions about repair and replacement.
Biological engineers at Utah State University have successfully decoded and reprogrammed fungal biosynthetic machinery to produce natural compounds with anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-cholesterol properties. The team has reproduced several bio-active compounds in engineered microbes, including beauvericin and bassianolide.
Researchers discover that managing coastal ecosystems can help mitigate global warming by protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks like wetlands. Better management of catchment-level processes, such as nutrient inputs and hydrology, can increase blue carbon sequestration.
Wolves in Yellowstone National Park prefer to hunt elk over bison despite bison being more abundant, likely due to the danger posed by larger prey.
Researchers at Utah State University are part of a NASA project to develop technology for growing food and producing necessities on Mars. The team will focus on nitrogen fixation using bacteria and exploring the challenges of food production in a closed system.
Analytic modeling helps identify social network connections among stakeholders, revealing strengths and weaknesses in communication and collaboration. This approach enables policy makers to allocate resources effectively, addressing scale mismatch and multi-level governance.
Researchers sequenced over 1,000 stick insect genomes to study early phases of speciation, finding that genetic differences across the genome are crucial for distinguishing between species. The study suggests that rapid reversals of speciation can occur when distinct species cross paths again.
Utah State University geologist Alexis Ault is investigating the earthquake history of the Wasatch Fault using nanoscale clues. She is collaborating with middle school students to explore this research, which provides a new window into processes that cause earthquakes at the nano-scale.
USU scientist Sarah Null is developing mathematical models to explore processes and interactions of built and natural water systems. Her research aims to improve aquatic ecosystem representation in water resources models, enabling quantitative analysis of water supply, hydropower, and habitat trade-offs.
Dr. Yujie Sun is exploring novel electrolyzers to produce hydrogen at lower energy input, potentially creating a safer and cleaner source of fuel. His research aims to develop an oxidative process that produces value-added organic products in the liquid phase.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a genetic tool that makes it easier to identify bacteria responsible for releasing toxic forms of arsenic in groundwater. The new primer allows for more accurate detection of arsenate-reducing microorganisms, which can help reduce the prevalence of arsenic contamination worldwide.
Researchers discovered wolves kill less often in the presence of brown bears due to competition for food. The consistency of results between two continents suggests that brown bears may be reducing wolf kill rates, but the reasons behind this phenomenon are still unclear.
Researchers at Utah State University have found that helium can bond with sodium to form a stable compound under extreme conditions. The discovery, published in Nature Chemistry, reveals new insights into chemistry beyond Earth's surface.
A USU ecologist has found evidence of Pando's recovery through the use of fencing to limit herbivore access, supporting a growing body of research suggesting this approach can help protect western aspen communities from decline. The study suggests that limiting herbivory can give Pando and other aspen clones a fighting chance at survival.
Researchers tested a reproductive ground plan hypothesis in solitary alkali bees, finding female bees adjust dietary preferences when reproductively active. The study suggests independent origins of social behavior via convergent processes.
Researchers discovered nine new species of Perdita bees in the American Southwest, filling an important role in natural ecosystems. The 'ant-like' males have a unique form and may spend time in nests, while females collect pollen to nourish their young.
A new study suggests that local weather conditions can influence people's beliefs about global warming. In places with more record-breaking cold temperatures, residents are more likely to doubt the planet is warming. The research highlights the importance of differentiating between weather and climate.
Researchers from Utah State University received the American Water Resources Association Award for their study on global megacity water challenges. The team characterized and compared the water issues faced by 28 United Nations-designated megacities, highlighting unique challenges in each city.
Scientists from Utah State University and US Environmental Protection Agency report significant shifts in insect species frequencies relative to historical conditions. Over 70% of species have altered habitats, with nearly all historically common species found in fewer streams and rivers than expected.
Regulated hunting in New Jersey helps control black bear population growth and reduce nuisance reports. The state's comprehensive management plan and public education programs are key to balancing bear preservation and human welfare.
Researchers found that the Anthophora pueblo bees use water to excavate sandstone, creating durable shelters that protect them from erosion and parasite buildup. This unique adaptation allows the bees to survive in drought-prone desert ecosystems.
A global-scale survey of 100 snake species has found a larger number of snakes with a mutation that protects them from the deadly toxins stored in toad skin. The research reveals these mutations occur in a wider range of species than previously believed, challenging the initial assumption they were limited to toad-eating snakes.
A team of researchers from Utah State University, Dartmouth College and Brigham Young University used high-speed imaging and particle image velocimetry to describe the phenomenon. They found that buoyant spheres ascending through a fluid don't always behave as expected, with speed and vortex structures affecting their trajectory.
Researchers used social media platforms to map locations of highly sought natural destinations. These findings can inform management decisions and prioritize conservation efforts, leveraging the collective value placed on these areas by the public.
USU has received a $2.7 million NSF Research Traineeship award to train 80 master's and doctoral students in climate adaptation science. The program, Grad-CAREER, integrates research with training from the beginning of each student's program.
A team of researchers from Utah State University and other institutions found that the two symmetrical halves of nitrogenase work together to regulate electron movements. This cooperative effort allows for more efficient conversion of nitrogen into ammonia, a crucial process for food production and energy development.
Researchers suggest adjusting dam operations to mitigate negative impacts on river ecosystems, such as hydropeaking. Small changes can have significant effects downstream, benefiting fish and other organisms. Strategic planning for new dam construction is also crucial to minimize environmental degradation.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a new tool to help wetland managers create healthier, more productive wetlands. The computer model suggests altering water levels in individual diked wetland units and focusing on invasive plant control at a specific time of year.
Researchers generated methane from carbon dioxide in one enzymatic step using a light-driven bacterium. This breakthrough could lead to large-scale capture of environmentally damaging byproducts and conversion into alternative fuels.
Researchers studied the Carmel Formation's ability to store carbon dioxide, finding it provides a barrier-forming zone that traps CO2. The team used computer modeling and drilling to determine the formation's effectiveness in long-term storage.
Researchers developed a mathematical framework to identify key life cycle components driving population growth. This approach can be applied to existing data to provide more robust answers to demographic questions in ecology and evolution.
A seven-year experiment in Oregon's Bridge Creek Watershed demonstrates the positive impact of beaver dams on stream restoration and fish habitat. The study found significant increases in juvenile steelhead numbers, survival, and production in restored streams with beaver dam analogs.
Two USU professors will receive grants to study accident-tolerant nuclear fuels and improve computer models for reactor cooling systems. The research aims to advance understanding of fuel behavior, performance, and computational tools for improved safety.
The study reveals how Syntrichia caninervis moss collects and transports water using its specialized awn structures, allowing it to survive in extremely dry conditions. The findings also have potential applications in industry and public hygiene, such as reducing splash-back in urinals.
Researchers at Utah State University and other institutions have developed a light-driven process for nitrogen fixation, which could revolutionize agriculture and reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels. The new process uses nanomaterials to capture light energy, making it more energy-efficient than traditional methods.
A USU aerospace engineering team is developing next-gen green rocket motors with a potential impact on the space industry. The team aims to determine if exhaust plumes from new motor designs can contaminate solar panels and other external spacecraft surfaces.
A USU engineering researcher is developing new data analysis tools to help close the gap in urban water use behavior measurement and management. With a $507,000 NSF grant, Dr. Jeff Horsburgh aims to create useful information products for water managers using smart meter data.
Crowdsourcing platforms have helped solve complex problems, but also enable malicious activities like crowdturfing. Researchers at Utah State University are creating new tools to analyze and stop these manipulative tactics.
Researchers at Utah State University have unraveled the science of skipping spheres by studying the deformation of elastic spheres on water. They found that the sphere's deformed shape creates a larger lifting force, allowing it to skip multiple times across the surface.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker linked to the callipyge trait, which results in larger buttocks and leaner, less expensive meat. The discovery of the marker will aid efforts to breed sheep with heftier hindquarters using a blood test, and may also be applied to other species.