Articles tagged with Deserts
An Iranian telegraph operator named Yusef proposed an earthquake early warning system in 1909, suggesting a local warning system to save lives. He noticed anomalies in the magnetic needle and used it to urge fellow dwellers to evacuate during a six-second warning period.
A University of Arizona-led study has provided the first on-the-ground evidence that Southwestern plants are being pushed to higher elevations by an increasingly warmer and drier climate. Plant communities were found to be different 50 years ago due to individual species shifting their ranges independently.
Researchers use tree-ring growth data to reconstruct forest drought-stress index, revealing strong relationships between FDSI and regional forest productivity. Climate change is expected to lead to increased forest drought-stress by the 2050s, driving imminent changes in forest structure and composition.
Researchers found that bipedal jerboas' unpredictable movement allows them to forage further from their burrows, limiting competition. Bipedal and quadrupedal desert rodents occupy different niches due to differences in locomotion.
A research team from Berkeley Lab has reported a unique molecular-level analysis of a BSC cyanobacterium responding to wetting and drying of its environment. They found that within three minutes after wetting began, metabolic processes in dormant microbial cells came alive.
The autonomous robot will test technologies and techniques for exploring life on Mars, with a focus on gathering scientific data. Zoë is equipped with a one-meter drill to bore deep into the ground and analyze soil samples using instruments like the Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer.
Researchers at University of Arizona's Tumamoc Hill have digitized 106 years of growth data on individual plants, offering new insights into how ecosystems behave. The permanent research plots represent the world's longest-running study monitoring individual plants.
Scientists have discovered two new species of earthworms in the Mongolian Gobi Desert that possess extreme temperature tolerances and can partially regrow body parts when cut in half. The discovery sheds light on the fascinating world of earthworms, which play a crucial role in soil fertility and food chains.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a new method to identify 'food deserts' by analyzing commuting patterns. They found that residents in certain zones had better access to supermarkets due to their daily commutes. This study aims to provide new insights for public and transportation policy makers
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed coated cotton that absorbs exceptional amounts of water from foggy air, releasing it as temperature rises. The material, inspired by nature, can provide water for agricultural purposes and potentially be used in desert regions.
The Jordan Baruch Stem Cell Research Fund was dedicated at Ben-Gurion University to support scholarly collaboration and the Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Research. The fund aims to develop treatments for debilitating diseases such as diabetes, ALS, Parkinson's, and leukemia.
Justin Huntington, a Desert Research Institute assistant research professor, has been selected to join the National Science Team supporting the new Landsat Data Continuity Mission Satellite. The team will focus on developing and enhancing Landsat derived evapotranspiration and surface energy products.
Researchers have discovered 33 new species of trapdoor spiders in the American Southwest, adding to the genus Aptostichus, which now contains 40 species. The newly described species inhabit various habitats across California, from coastal sand dunes to alpine environments.
A pioneering study reveals a diverse community of bacteria in Lake Vida, one of Earth's coldest and most isolated ecosystems. The brine, approximately six times saltier than seawater, harbors an abundance of life that survives at subzero temperatures without oxygen.
A CU-led effort is transplanting biological soil crusts onto damaged military lands in the American West. The goal is to decrease erosion and increase water retention and soil fertility in these areas. The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of such soil inoculations and determine the optimal dosage for field test sites.
Researchers from the University of Alberta uncovered unique Martian atmosphere gases trapped in a meteorite, providing insights into Mars' history. The Tissint meteorite sample suggests water was present on Mars but lacks evidence of life.
A new study demonstrates that children's ability to delay gratification is influenced as much by their environment as by innate ability. Children who experienced reliable interactions waited on average four times longer than those in similar but unreliable situations.
A PhD student at the University of Bristol spent two weeks in a simulated Martian habitat, where he and his crew members experienced life on the red planet. They conducted experiments, studied space suits, and even had a 'close encounter' with a desert mouse.
A Texas A&M University-led study has uncovered a new water cycle connection between the U.S. southwest and tropical regions, shedding light on ancient lakes that once filled desert valleys. The research suggests that precipitation in the region may have enhanced the summer monsoon, supporting the development of these lakes.
The Endangered Species Act focuses on boosting species' numbers, but many will require continued management actions. Individual conservation agreements can help such 'conservation-reliant species',
A new study by Scripps researchers suggests that California heatwaves are changing due to global warming, with more humid and intense heatwaves emerging in coastal areas. The increasing trend has significant implications for the state's population living near the ocean, who may not be prepared for extreme heat despite being accustomed ...
A recent study suggests that yards with desert-like vegetation offer better habitat for native birds than traditional grass lawns or non-native plantings. The study used quantitative measures to assess foraging behavior of common backyard birds in Phoenix, Arizona.
A study finds that citizens do a better job of picking threatened species than the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Citizen-initiated listings are more likely to pose conflicts with development, but those species are also significantly more threatened on average.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $1.2 million to 12 applied science projects in the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, with a focus on addressing climate change and improving water management. The funding will be matched by federal agencies and partners, providing over $3.5 million for these projects.
The university is launching a new initiative to advance desert agriculture using an olive tree forest planted in Wadi Mashash. The project aims to produce food, cash crops, and sustainable farming practices.
A yearlong science education program connects K-8 teachers from central Phoenix to those in Panama, empowering them to teach critical thinking skills, science knowledge, and cultural awareness. The project utilizes Vidyo technology to create a global classroom, fostering connections among middle school students.
Desert ants utilize a combination of path integration, visual cues, olfactory signals, and even magnetic fields to return home. They can recognize their own nest by tracking the plume of carbon dioxide produced by their nestmates' breathing, yet prioritize path integration over this chemical signal.
Researchers have found a habitat rich in halite and other hygroscopic compounds that attract limited moisture, allowing microorganisms to grow with food and water. The discovery has implications for the search for life on Mars, as similar environments have been found on the red planet.
A study published in Science suggests that plant biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem multi-functionality in drylands, which are vulnerable to desertification and climate change. The research found that increasing perennial plant species enhances ecosystem ability to store carbon and build nutrient pools.
University of Oregon scientist Gregory J. Retallack finds evidence that transitional fossils between fish and amphibians lived in wooded floodplains, not deserts. The new theory suggests limbs and necks evolved to adapt to this habitat, allowing for feeding and navigating obstacles.
A recent USGS literature review emphasizes the importance of studying the impact of large-scale solar energy developments on wildlife, particularly in sensitive habitats like the desert Southwest. The study found that only one peer-reviewed study has addressed the direct impacts of solar energy development on any kind of wildlife.
Threats to biodiversity and endangered species exist due to planned solar power installations in the desert Southwest of the United States. The region's unique ecosystem and habitat fragmentation caused by roads and power lines may impact wildlife biologists, including Agassiz's desert tortoise.
A 70-million-year-old nest containing 15 juvenile Protoceratops dinosaurs has been discovered in Mongolia, revealing new insights into postnatal development and parental care. The analysis suggests that the young dinosaurs remained in the nest for an extended period and were cared for by their parents.
A Northwestern University study found that winter's shorter days and colder temperatures deter older Chicagoans with arthritis from engaging in daily physical activity. The lack of indoor recreational facilities for lower-income individuals exacerbates this issue, leading to serious health consequences.
A recent study found that severe droughts and changes in water tables have pushed aquatic desert ecosystems into catastrophic regime change, resulting in the loss of some species and a shift towards smaller, shorter-lived insects.
Researchers found that nasal congestion is linked to sensory feedback from airflow, affecting temperature and humidity. Studies suggest using optimal conditions to restore nasal airflow may help alleviate congestion.
Geologists Jay Quade and his team discovered rubbing boulders in the Atacama Desert that have been smoothed by seismic activity over millions of years. The phenomenon, which resembles a crowded train station, answers long-standing questions about erosion and landscape evolution.
Geoscientists Kyle Nichols and Paul Bierman observed vast flooding in Namibia's western mountains and coastal plain. The rivers flowed for weeks, carrying sediment and leaving behind a landscape transformed by heavy rainfall. The researchers are studying the effects of mega-floods on erosion rates and sediment sources.
Recent studies in California's Poison Lake chain, the Kyushu region of Japan, and the Cuyama River in California have revealed diverse volcanic formations and complex tectonic interactions. In California, research suggests that discrete batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone, while in Japan, volcano-tectonic processe...
Research reveals that male houbara bustards who perform the most elaborate sexual displays suffer from premature biological aging. This study finds that these males pass their reproductive prime earlier than less extravagant rivals, highlighting an early-life cost to later-life declines.
A new gene, Eibi1, has been discovered that plays a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. The gene contributes to the production of cutin, a component of plant cuticles that reduces water loss and prevents dehydration.
A new species of desert tortoise, Gopherus morafkai, has been discovered after 150 years, revealing the existence of a previously unknown population in Arizona and northwestern Mexico. This discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
Researchers found that great desert burrowing skink families construct complex tunnel systems with up to 20 entrances, extending over 13 meters. Multiple generations participate in the process, suggesting a unique insight into lizard evolution and family cooperation.
Louis Santiago, a UC Riverside botanist, has received the USDA E. Kika de la Garza Fellowship to support his work in encouraging Hispanic students to pursue research. He aims to establish grants and partnerships that will provide opportunities for students like Fortino Morales and Jeffrey Ambriz to work on state and federal levels.
The new citrus variety KinnowLS developed at UC Riverside is extremely sweet, juicy, and visually appealing, with only 2-3 seeds per fruit. This breakthrough variety has the potential to revolutionize citrus production in India and Pakistan, where it can be grown in hot climates.
Researchers studied stormwater runoff and riparian vegetation to understand water usage patterns. They found mesquite woodlands use significantly more water than native desert grasses, providing a tool for land managers to estimate water savings.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, develop novel method to detect long-distance chromosomal interactions and find association with CAD risk from altered inflammatory signaling response. The study identifies 33 regulatory elements in the 9p21 interval involved in cellular signaling and response to inflammation.
A new study documents the process through which journalists fought for recognition of their work in major newspapers. The research found that it took over 70 years for bylines to become an established practice, and highlights the impact on the news industry and public perception of journalists.
Researchers confirm that US western states' unsustainable water practices are causing long-term environmental costs, with salt usage linked to $2.5 billion in crop revenue losses and high-quality produce prices rising.
A study published in American Journal of Botany found that cacti like Ariocarpus fissuratus use root contraction to move deeper into the soil and escape high temperatures. While this method helped protect plants growing in rocky soils, it was not enough to prevent death in sandy soils
Researchers at Monash University discovered that male Australian desert goby fish are strategic in their courtship, adapting to the frequency of female encounters. When females are scarce, males become less discriminating and court any female they find, regardless of size.
A 20 million-year-old fossil discovery in Australia's rainforests sheds light on the origins of marsupial moles. The find suggests that these animals evolved from a common ancestor with placental mammals, such as rats and humans, through a unique evolutionary pathway.
Researchers found that desert night lizards stay with their parents and siblings for several years after birth, forming family groups. The study suggests that viviparity provides the opportunity for prolonged interaction between mothers and offspring, predisposing animals to form cooperative behaviors.
A new study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that male cichlid fish often desert their mates, leaving females to care for their young on their own. This abandonment severely compromises the quality of care provided by females, making them vulnerable to predators.
Tropical Storm Julia is struggling to maintain its strength as it encounters massive Hurricane Igor's westerly wind shear. The National Hurricane Center predicts Julia will fade into a remnant low in a day or two, with some models suggesting it could be absorbed by Hurricane Igor's circulation.
According to a recent study by New Mexico State University, Santa Fe residents prefer high desert plants in their landscapes due to their ability to conserve water. The survey found that nearly all respondents would adopt these plants for front yard landscaping and were satisfied with their existing desert plant choices.
A study published in Behaviour found that courtship calls of Adelie penguins with steady frequency predict male condition and breeding success. Males with more consistent pitch are heavier and more successful at raising chicks.
Researchers found desert-living bats have reduced cutaneous water loss compared to non-desert species, with a potential mechanism involving lipid composition adjustments. This adaptation could provide significant insight into how bats cope with future climate changes.
Researchers have discovered a link between radiocarbon dating and Egyptian historical chronology, which challenges traditional associations. The study suggests that the Minoan Santorini eruption occurred before the 18th Dynasty and during the Hyksos Period.
Researchers found that Saharan dust inputs favor SAR11 bacteria over Prochlorococcus, potentially altering oceanic communities. Dust nutrients like iron boost phytoplankton growth and influence bacterial populations.