Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
The western US has seen a 2-degrees-Celsius rise in annual average temperature and lengthening of the fire season, resulting in bigger, hotter fires. Authors advocate for adaptation measures like allowing more fires to burn unimpeded and intentionally setting controlled burns to reduce natural fuels.
Research by the University of Kent found that great crested newt eDNA can be used to monitor population size and environmental factors. This technology can improve conservation efforts and reduce delays in development projects.
A new study found that puffin pairs that migrate close together have higher breeding success rates. Female winter foraging efforts also play a crucial role in determining pair breeding success. The study used geolocators to track the migratory movements of 12 pairs of Atlantic Puffins, revealing that pairs following similar migration r...
A new Yale-led study reveals a connection between drought exposure and adverse human health among older adults in the US. Researchers found that severe drought conditions increase the risk of mortality among adults 65 or over, as well as cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in areas where droughts are rare.
Research finds that dengue virus transmissions are often centered in and around homes, with a high percentage of cases related to individuals living within a short distance. The study's findings could aid in developing targeted mosquito control programs and reducing severe illness.
Tropical Cyclone Caleb has formed east of Cocos Island, with NASA's Suomi NPP and Aqua satellites gathering data on the storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Caleb will strengthen briefly before turning west and dissipating in five days.
Research found that higher levels of grazing early in the growing season decline sage-grouse population trends, while similar levels of grazing later in the season correspond with increases. Grazing management actions can positively affect sage-grouse populations by increasing food resources and nesting cover.
A new study by the University of New Hampshire shows that warmer winters with less snow result in a longer lag time between spring events, leading to a more protracted vernal window. This may have ecological, social, and economic consequences, including impacts on agriculture, fisheries, and outdoor recreation.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that human-caused climate change can trigger a vicious circle of drought and forest loss in the Amazon. The risk is heightened if there are fewer tree species in a forest patch, but diversity can help forests survive dry seasons.
A large study of Medicare beneficiaries found the high-dose flu vaccine was 36% less likely to result in death following hospitalization or emergency department visits with a flu diagnosis compared to the standard-dose vaccine. However, its effectiveness varied by season and type of influenza virus.
Researchers found that a probiotic combination of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may alleviate mild seasonal allergy symptoms by increasing tolerance to hay fever. Participants who took the probiotic reported improvements in quality of life, including fewer nose symptoms and increased comfort during daily activities.
A new set of maps shows that spring is arriving ahead of schedule across the US, with areas such as California, Kansas, and Ohio seeing early blooms. The study highlights the challenges posed by earlier springs for planning and managing issues affecting the economy and society.
A study in Greenland found that warming winters are causing plants to emerge earlier, while others are delaying their growth. This rapid change has significant implications for the Arctic ecosystem, including affecting caribou populations.
Researchers explored growing cool season crops in California, finding canola achieved high yields and seed oil content, while camelina displayed greater cold and drought tolerance. The study recommends further research on more varieties of both crops for optimal growing conditions.
Tropical Cyclone Bart formed and weakened rapidly, becoming a short-lived storm after just two days. Its maximum sustained winds reached 35 knots before the system accelerated into mid-latitude wind flow, marking its end.
The investigational PfSPZ Vaccine protected a significant proportion of healthy adults against infection with Plasmodium falciparum malaria for the duration of the malaria season. The vaccine demonstrated a 48% protective efficacy and was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events.
Tropical Cyclone Dineo formed on February 13 in the Southern Indian Ocean, as captured by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is expected to strengthen and make landfall along Mozambique's east coast on February 16.
A study of 22 plant species found that warmer temperatures cause them to bloom earlier, with some struggling to adapt. The research suggests that plants like silver birch and beech will thrive in a changing climate, while others, such as bluebell and garlic mustard, may struggle.
A new method developed by Joana Goncalves-Sa's group can predict the onset of seasonal flu epidemics with accuracy, allowing health services to prepare and respond more promptly. The method integrates data from various sources, including official influenza incidence rates and Google searches, to identify changes in case numbers.
The Nimba toad's unique matrotrophic viviparity allows females to give live birth to fully developed juveniles after nine months. The species' isolated habitat and harsh environment are thought to have driven the evolution of this complex reproductive cycle.
A weekend camping trip can reset people's internal clocks rapidly, regardless of season, by increasing daytime exposure to sunlight and reducing nighttime electrical lighting. This helps to shift melatonin levels and improves sleeping patterns.
Research reveals that red-footed tortoises remember visual cues associated with different reward values, including quantity and quality of food, for a significant period. This long-term memory enables them to make informed foraging decisions, improving fitness by reducing the need to re-evaluate food sources.
The quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) is expected to provide health benefits in most parts of the world by reducing the burden of influenza. By targeting all four circulating strains, QIV may reduce medical costs and save lives compared to the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV).
The study reveals that Chinese hydropower operations have significantly altered the Mekong River's dry and wet season flows, affecting its ecological productivity. The changes in river flow have been particularly pronounced since 2014, with the Nuozhadu dam project having the largest impact on downstream Cambodia.
A new study uses airborne ice-penetrating radar to observe meltwater's year-round life under the Greenland ice. The research reveals extensive winter water storage beneath the ice, which affects glaciers' response to melting.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that high consumption of grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats may increase mortality risk after breast cancer diagnosis. The research evaluated the link between these meat types and survival time among 1508 Long Island women with breast cancer.
A University of Illinois study found that 19 out of 20 tropical bird species in Panama may experience significantly fewer birds if conditions become drier, due to longer dry seasons and more intense seasonal droughts. The scaly-throated leaftosser is the only species that tends to increase with dryer conditions.
Researchers found that high-intensity light treatment significantly increases anthocyanin content in rough bluegrass, comparable to or greater than many common fruits and vegetables. This study suggests using turfgrasses like rough bluegrass as a sustainable source for anthocyanin extract production.
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.
A study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science highlights the common mistake of givers focusing on their own expectations rather than the recipient's needs. The research suggests practical gifts are more appreciated than expected surprises, and experiential gifts can be preferred over tangible ones.
Researchers found that trichromat females have higher body mass indices and increased infant survival rates among their group members. This suggests a selective advantage for trichromatic females in providing nutrition and care to their offspring during times of food scarcity.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to tweak genes in popular tomato varieties, allowing them to flower and produce ripe fruit weeks earlier. This rapid method enables more plantings per growing season and adapts crops to cooler climates.
AIM observes early noctilucent cloud season on Nov. 17, 2016, tied with the earliest start yet in the Southern Hemisphere's record. The earlier seasonal change at lower altitudes sparks complex atmospheric responses.
A new study analyzing over 3 million emergency department visits shows that attempted suicide rates and risk groups remain largely unchanged between 2006 and 2013. The majority of those who attempted suicide had a concurrent mental disorder, with males more likely to use violent methods.
A new study found that head impacts in high school football players can cause changes in the gray and white matter of their brains. The research used brain imaging exams to measure the effects of repeated head trauma on young athletes.
Tropical Storm Otto is strengthening into a hurricane as it approaches Central America, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph. The storm's center will move onshore within the hurricane warning area on Thursday and reach the Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua or northern Costa Rica early Friday.
The NASA IceBridge mission has concluded its eighth consecutive Antarctic deployment, carrying out a record number of research flights and providing valuable insights into changes in polar ice. The campaign's findings shed light on the impact of sea level rise on climate change.
New research using big data analysis has found that people's collective behaviour is more predictable than thought, with strong periodic patterns influenced by the weather and seasons. Historical news and social media data revealed cycles in leisure and work activities, diet, diseases, and mental health.
Research by the universities of Exeter and Stirling found that well-fed male crickets call for longer periods, increasing their mating prospects. This approach, not a strategic decision, led to better-provisioned crickets attracting more female visitors and surviving longer.
Scientists use satellites to monitor seasonal changes in evergreen trees, providing a new tool to track the impact of climate change on northern forests. The research reveals subtle colour shifts that indicate changes in photosynthetic activity, which could accelerate or slow down global warming.
Hurricane Seymour became a major hurricane on Oct. 25, with heavy rainfall and a 3-D image of its structure provided by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest at 15 mph, with expected weakening and rapid decline in forward speed.
A bipartisan probe into peer-review process and climate change research is chilling scientific pursuits, with over 2,000 scientists signing a letter urging an end to the probes. The investigation's scope has sparked concerns that it may protect oil companies and suppress science.
A UBC study suggests that climate change could disrupt predator-prey relationships, leading to the extinction of some species. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding seasonal animal relationships and their vulnerability to changes in temperature.
A new study has found measurable brain changes in children after a single season of playing youth football, even without a concussion diagnosis. The research team analyzed head impact data and multimodal neuroimaging to determine the risk-weighted cumulative exposure associated with a single season of play.
A study found that Blue tits' migratory behavior is driven by their need for energy and environmental information. Lean and late-migrating individuals tend to explore new environments quicker than larger birds or those with more fat reserves, suggesting that foraging may be primarily driven by energy requirements.
Researchers found grafting increases watermelon yield by 2.4-2.6 times compared to nongrafted plants, with higher fruit quality including thicker rind and more soluble solids. The technique appears highly recommendable for Chilean growers despite initial costs.
Tropical Storm Gaston formed in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean after a low-pressure area organized into a depression on August 22. By August 23, the system strengthened into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of near 50 mph and higher gusts.
A new study suggests that climate change may extend the ozone season in the Southeastern United States, potentially leading to record ozone days in the fall. As drought-stressed trees emit more of the precursor compound isoprene, air quality becomes more sensitive to climate change.
Researchers found a consistent pattern of filings for divorce in Washington state, peaking in March and August. The study suggests that holiday seasons may influence the timing of divorce filings, with couples waiting until after the holidays to file for divorce.
Tiger sharks exploit easy food sources during nesting season, turning into scavengers when abundant dead sea turtles are available. The research found that tiger sharks spend more time patrolling surface waters near shore, indicating they are searching for carcasses or weakened turtles.
Researchers found that tiger sharks prefer to scavenge on dead and dying green turtles, avoiding hundreds of healthy individuals. This behavior is similar to terrestrial carnivores, such as hyenas and polar bears, which selectively scavenge when the opportunity arises.
Tropical Storm Earl has formed in the Caribbean Sea, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1,001 millibars. The storm is forecast to move west over the next couple of days, affecting Honduras and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
Tropical Storm Howard forms in Eastern Pacific after intensifying from Tropical Depression 9E, becoming the ninth storm of the season with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to strengthen further before weakening over cooler waters.
Researchers found that the Amazon rainforest experiences higher photosynthesis rates during the dry season due to changes in leaf quality and not quantity. This discovery can help scientists assess the forest's health and potential impact on climate change.
Researchers from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business developed an optimization model that analyzes years of Monday Night Football viewership. The study identifies factors such as defending Super Bowl champions, high-profile personnel changes, and teams with high-powered offenses as key predictors of high ratings.
A 2-year field study evaluated the effects of winter treatments on 'Tifway' bermudagrass, finding that annual ryegrass maintained acceptable levels of green cover with fall colorant application. Overseeding reduced spring transition of bermudagrass by 40-50% compared to untreated and colorant-treated plots.
Hurricane Blas continues to hold a Category 3 status with a large eye and powerful thunderstorms. The storm is expected to weaken over the next two days, potentially becoming a tropical storm by Friday night.
The first hurricane of the Eastern Pacific season, Blas, was analyzed by NASA on July 5. Powerful thunderstorms with very cold cloud top temperatures were detected in infrared light. The storm's surface winds were also monitored using the RapidScat instrument, which showed strong winds east of the center.
Typhoon Nepartak strengthened rapidly after forming on July 3, becoming a major hurricane/typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 120 knots. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center attributed its intensification to favorable conditions, including warm water and low wind shear.
NASA's Terra satellite captured visible light images of Tropical Storm Agatha, which formed on July 1 as a tropical depression and strengthened into a storm with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm weakened over the July 4th weekend and became a remnant low-pressure area by July 6.