Spring migration is now earlier in European and North American birds
Birds have on average advanced their spring migration by a little over a week since the late 1950s, with some species arriving two weeks earlier than in the 1980s.
Seasonal Changes
Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
New insight into river flows and sediment transport under ice cover
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores the effects of ice cover on river channels and sediment transport. The research found that ice cover influences flow structures and increases sediment deposition in 'whirlpools' with low flow velocity. This discovery highlights the importance of considering seasonal changes in...
Tiny satellites reveal water dynamics in thousands of northern lakes
Researchers used small satellites to observe changes in 85,000 North American lakes over summer 2017, finding significant shoreline fluctuations that add up to hundreds of square kilometers. These findings could impact calculations of natural greenhouse gas emissions from these northern lakes.
Fate of meerkats tied to seasonal climate effects
Scientists assess how meerkat populations will fare in response to future changes in seasonal rainfall and temperature. The study found that hotter summers may threaten the persistence of meerkat populations, but warmer winters can alleviate negative effects.
Ice shelves buckle under weight of meltwater lakes
Researchers have directly observed an Antarctic ice shelf bending under the weight of ponding meltwater, a phenomenon that may have triggered the 2002 collapse of the Larsen B ice shelf. The study found that meltwater lakes can contain up to two million tons of water, pushing downward on the ice and creating stress.
Climate of North American cities will shift hundreds of miles in one generation
A new study and web application reveal that climate change will impact urban areas, with 540 cities expected to shift hundreds of miles from their current climate by 2080. Scientists used a statistical technique called climate-analog mapping to match future climates with existing ones.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2019
Seasons change: Researchers provide new definition for major Indian monsoon season
A new definition for the Northeast Indian Monsoon (NEM) season has been established using surface temperature analyses, identifying the average onset and demise dates as November 6 and March 13. This definition provides a more objective and reliable approach to monitoring the monsoon season, which is critical for millions of people in ...
Does the 'buddy system' approach to weight loss work?
A new study published in Marketing Science found that the 'buddy system' approach to weight loss can be effective, with top performers inspiring others to lose weight. However, individual results vary and depend on the impact of peer comparisons.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 29, 2019
Streaming chill vibes? Spotify data says the season is the reason
A study from Cornell University analyzed 765 million Spotify streams to discover how music intensity varies by season, hemisphere, and chronotype. Researchers found that people in western cultures prefer more arousing music, while those in Asia prefer relaxing music.
Farm manure boosts greenhouse gas emissions -- even in winter
A University of Vermont study found that farmers' spring and summer decisions on manure application can increase greenhouse gas emissions during winter. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term effects of management decisions, as agriculture is expected to expand in northern regions with warming climates.
Assessing the performance of multiple influenza forecasting models
A team of researchers from the FluSight Network compared the accuracy of 20 flu forecasting models against a historical baseline. Most models showed higher accuracy than historical trends when forecasting incidence and timing of flu outbreaks. The ensemble model, combining individual forecasts, has helped the CDC plan responses.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2019
Climate change intensifies war of the birds
Researchers found that climate change leads to increased aggression between great tits and pied flycatchers, resulting in higher mortality rates for flycatchers. Great tits' earlier arrival due to warmer temperatures gives them an advantage over flycatchers, leading to more conflicts.
For these birds, climate change spells a rise in fatal conflicts
Researchers found that climate change has led to increased synchrony between the two species, resulting in more conflicts over nesting sites. As a result, pied flycatcher fatalities in great tit nests have risen dramatically.
Close flu vaccine supply gaps to ease flu seasons, make pandemics less deadly
A study recommends replenishing vaccine stocks in regions where they are being used up, rather than sending them to areas with low vaccination rates. This tweak could save thousands of lives in both regular flu seasons and pandemics, reducing the spread of the flu virus and secondary infections.
NBA teams that come from behind don't garner more overtime wins -- Ben-Gurion U. Research
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University found that home advantage and balance of power between teams are key factors in determining overtime wins. Despite common beliefs about psychological momentum, data shows that comeback teams do not have an advantage in overtime.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·DateJan 2, 2019
Study from Indiana University aims to better understand repetitive head impacts in sports
Researchers at Indiana University found that mild, repetitive head impacts in football players can impair eyeball and eyelid movement, but this effect often normalizes by the end of the season. The study aimed to better understand the impact of repetitive subconcussive head injuries on brain function.
Study examines head impacts, changes in eye function in high school football players
A study of high school football players found that repeated subconcussive head impacts led to worsening eye function, as measured by near point of convergence (NPC), and impaired recovery. NPC values began to return to normal in midseason despite continued head impacts, suggesting the eyes may develop tolerance.
Climate change affects breeding birds
Research by Heather Watts found that house finch breeding seasons are shifting approximately four-and-a-half days earlier with every degree Celsius increase in temperature. This shift may be beneficial for the birds if they can time breeding with seed availability, but could become problematic as climate change continues.
Changing climate, longer growing seasons complicate outlook for coniferous forests
A new study examines data from 11 western sites to quantify climate change effects on coniferous forests. The researchers found that previous datasets yielded conflicting results depending on the methodology used, highlighting the need for a standard approach.
Warmer winters threaten UK blackcurrant farming
Warmer UK winters may delay blackcurrant growing seasons, leading to reduced yields and poorer fruit quality. Researchers found that different varieties respond differently to climate change, but breeding new resilient ones is key.
New findings on concussion in football's youngest players
A new study found that concussion rates among youth football players ages 5-14 were higher than previously reported, with 5% of players sustaining a football-related concussion each season. The study also identified factors that increase the risk of concussion, such as prior injury and depression.
Declining snowpack over western US mapped at a finer scale
Researchers have mapped snow mass changes in the Western US from 1982 to 2016 on a grid of squares 2.5-miles on a side, revealing significant declines in mountainous areas. The annual maximum snow mass over the Western US is decreasing, with some regions showing up to 41% reduction in yearly maximum mass since 1982.
How to survive on 'Game of Thrones': Switch allegiances
Researchers analyzed 330 Game of Thrones characters and found that switching allegiance increases survival rates. The risk of death was higher for low-born characters compared to high-born ones.
In team sports, chemistry matters
Researchers analyzed data from professional sports leagues and online games to find that past shared success among team members boosts their chances of winning future games. The study's findings suggest that team chemistry is a crucial factor in determining team success, transcending cultural differences and industries.
Effects of climate change on animal mimicry
A study on climate change and its effects on animal mimicry found that seasonal shifts alter the relationship between mimics, models, and predators. Climate change affects the emergence timing of different species in a Batesian mimicry system, leading to changes in predator-prey interactions.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018
The German Bundesliga: Are the players worth the money?
Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg investigated the relationship between footballers' performance and market value in the German Bundesliga. They found that star players tend to be overvalued, while others are traded at below-market value. The study also highlights the impact of a club's reputation and commercia...
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Statistics·DateNov 29, 2018
Playing youth football could affect brain development
A new study suggests that playing a season of contact sports like youth football can affect normal gray matter pruning in the brain. Researchers found significant increases in power and gray matter volume in the frontal default mode network in high-impact players.
Retailers can manipulate consumer regret to beat competitors
A new study by University of California - Riverside researchers finds that retailers can survive the entry of everyday low price retailers into a highly competitive market by controlling product availability and consumer regret. The results explain why markdown pricing remains ubiquitous despite its simplicity and marketing advantages.
Playing high school football changes the teenage brain
A study found significant changes in grey matter structure and deep brain structures after a season of high school football, which may lead to long-term cognitive decline and neurological disorders. The researchers used MRI scans to examine brain microstructure and correlation with head impacts.
To monitor 'social jet lag,' scientists look to Twitter
Researchers found that sustained periods of low Twitter activity were correlated with sleep patterns, while the nightly lull shifted to later times on weekends. The magnitude of 'Twitter social jet lag' varied seasonally and geographically, with the West Coast experiencing less lag.
Middle Eastern desert dust on the Tibetan plateau could affect the Indian summer monsoon
Research finds that dark aerosols from Middle Eastern deserts can darken Tibetan Plateau snow, accelerating melting and intensifying the Asian summer monsoon. This mechanism explains a century-old hypothesis linking springtime snow cover to monsoon intensity.
Football coaches between victories, defeats and emotions
Researchers found that coaches with optimal emotional control improve team performance, while those with poor emotional management struggle. Coaches who manage their emotions well are more balanced and self-confident, leading to better communication and focus.
UK wine-making areas to rival Champagne revealed
Researchers have identified nearly 35,000 hectares of prime viticultural land in the UK, particularly in Kent, Sussex, and East Anglia, suitable for new and expanding vineyards. The areas found to be ideal for vineyard investment are drier, warmer, and more stable than established locations.
Flood dynamics increase population vulnerability to waterborne disease and climate
Researchers found that increases in diarrheal disease cases were closely tied to periods of rainfall, flood recession, and changes in surface water quality. The study suggests that adapting water treatment facilities to handle rapid shifts in surface water quality is crucial to mitigate the risk of waterborne disease.
Mark your calendar: All infectious diseases are seasonal
Research suggests that all infectious diseases follow a seasonal cycle, with outbreaks occurring at specific times of the year. Seasonality is driven by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and vector-borne diseases like Zika, which is influenced by mosquito proliferation in algae-filled waterbodies.
Tropical mountain species in the crosshairs of climate change
A new study reveals that tropical mountain species are highly adapted but also more susceptible to climate change due to their narrow niches and limited movement. This paradox creates a risk for these species as they cannot withstand large temperature shifts.
Changing temperatures are helping corn production in US -- for now
A new study by Harvard researchers found that warmer temperatures and localized cooling have contributed to increased maize production in the US. A longer growing season and reduced exposure to high temperatures have boosted yields, with over a quarter of the increase attributed to these factors.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018
Study: There's real skill in fantasy sports
A new MIT study suggests that most fantasy sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, are contests that reward skill over chance. The researchers analyzed thousands of fantasy players' win/loss records over multiple seasons, finding a clear signal for skill in the data.
Weather and US maize yields
Researchers found that US maize has seen a yield increase of around 28% since 1981 due to beneficial changes in weather and farming practices. The study attributes this growth to warmer temperatures allowing for earlier planting and more favorable conditions.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018
New study finds evidence of brain injuries in football players at surprisingly young age
Researchers found elevated levels of microRNA biomarkers indicating concussions before the season started in college football players. Cognitive tests showed those with balance and memory issues had higher biomarker levels, suggesting past head injuries persisting over time.
High-dose influenza vaccine linked with lower hospitalization rates in dialysis patients
A new study suggests that high-dose influenza vaccine is associated with lower risk for hospitalizations in kidney failure patients on dialysis. The findings indicate a significant reduction in hospitalizations among dialysis patients who received the high-dose vaccine, while standard dose vaccine showed no difference.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 23, 2018
Cumulative sub-concussive impacts in a single season of youth football
Researchers followed 112 youth football players over a season, finding no association between cumulative head impacts and worsening performance on neurocognitive tests. Younger age and ADHD history predicted some score changes, while anxiety and depression were linked to symptom reporting.
Neck device shows promise in protecting the brain of female soccer players
A new study suggests that a neck collar may help protect the brain of female high school soccer players from cumulative head impact exposure. The Q-Collar, designed to increase brain blood volume during collisions, showed no significant white matter changes in those who wore it.
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateOct 15, 2018
Shaping seasonal flu epidemics: City density, and climate
Researchers analyzed weekly flu incidence data from over 600 US regions to determine how city density and climate impact flu seasons. They found that cities with higher population density experience longer flu seasons, even in unfavorable weather conditions, due to the spread of infection through organized movement patterns.
A protein prevents plants from premature flowering
Researchers at UNIGE have identified a protein called RUP2 that blocks the effect of UV-B radiation on plant flowering, allowing plants to regulate their growth in response to seasonal changes. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and our understanding of plant development.
What drove the unusually intense hurricane season in 2017?
A study suggests that a warmer tropical Atlantic and increased greenhouse gas concentrations may have driven the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. The researchers predict higher numbers of major hurricanes in future seasons, with a continued risk over the Caribbean, US Coast, and northern North Atlantic.
Seasonal reservoir filling in India deforms rock, may trigger earthquakes
Researchers in India used GPS and satellite data to track crustal deformation around reservoirs, finding that seasonal filling can reduce the strength of nearby faults and trigger earthquakes. Even small reservoirs can cause significant deformation capable of triggering an earthquake if there are critically stressed faults in the region.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateSep 25, 2018
NASA catches Tropical Cyclone 01s's last breath in southern Indian Ocean
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Depression 01S on September 17, revealing the storm's weakening state. The cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 30 knots and was forecast to dissipate soon, moving west towards Mauritius.
Cord blood clue to respiratory diseases
Researchers found high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels among babies born in October and December in Melbourne, indicating a potential link between maternal exposure to grass pollen and increased risk of respiratory diseases. Conversely, being pregnant for an entire grass pollen season may have a protective effect on babies.
Emotionally stable people spend more during the holidays, according to new study
A new study finds that emotionally stable individuals tend to spend more during the holiday season. In contrast, those with lower stress thresholds and higher neuroticism levels tend to spend less.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 13, 2018
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite sees Florence strengthening into a major hurricane
Hurricane Florence strengthened into a major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 120 mph (195 kph), according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite observations. The storm is expected to gradually weaken and then re-strengthen through the weekend.
Global warming, El Niño could cause wetter winters, drier conditions in other months
Research indicates that California will see increased winter precipitation, but dry conditions in non-winter months. The state's new norm could mimic or surpass the 2017 fire season, emphasizing the need for enhanced water storage capabilities.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateSep 4, 2018
Amazonian rainfall increases in wet season
Recent study reveals Amazonian precipitation in wet season has largely increased during the past three decades due to changes in sea surface temperature (SST) variability. This finding suggests a new perspective for studying long-term change in Amazonian precipitation.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 28, 2018
Female basketball players face disproportionate racial bias: New study
A new study by Dr. Andrew Dix found that referees called more personal fouls against female basketball players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) compared to those from predominantly white institutions (PWIs). This bias is a recurring pattern, with HBCU teams facing an average of 1.5 extra personal fouls per game.
A world on fire
Wildfires in Africa, driven by agricultural practices, have intensified due to low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures. In contrast, South American fires, particularly in Chile, are exacerbated by a mega drought and flammable tree plantations.
Precipitation and fire activity in the US west
A recent study found that summer precipitation declines contribute to increased wildfire activity in the western United States, particularly on wetting rain days. The research suggests that precipitation may drive wildfire activity through its effect on air moisture, with decreased rainfall forecasted to exacerbate future wildfires.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018
NASA satellite sees Tropical Depression Rumbia form
Tropical Depression Rumbia formed on Aug 15, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing a visible image of the storm over Japan's southern islands. The depression is moving north-northwest and expected to become a tropical storm before weakening and making landfall near Shanghai, China
NASA catches formation of fifth Atlantic depression
A fifth tropical cyclone has formed in the North Atlantic Ocean, with Subtropical Depression Five located near latitude degrees 37.6 north and longitude 45.6 west. The storm is moving toward the north at a speed of 5 mph, with forecasted strengthening expected during the next day or so.
Penalty kick research hits the spot
A new study from the University of Portsmouth suggests that implicit practice methods can help football players improve their penalty kick accuracy. The research found that using these methods, which encourage independent decision-making, results in higher kicking accuracy compared to explicit training methods.
Preventing natural hazards from becoming societal disasters
A new tool called DesignSafe is helping researchers improve their ability to predict hurricanes, move people out of harm's way, and build homes that can survive the worst nature can throw at them. The platform provides critical information about natural hazards and enables engineers to design safer structures.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNatural Hazards Review·DateAug 2, 2018