Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
Reduced rainfall during El Niño events leads to severe drought conditions, increasing the risk of fires during the dry season. The Amazon fire forecast uses climate and active fire detection data to predict fire severity.
A study found that 34% of hospitals in low- and middle-income countries lacked continuous running water, compromising patient care. Hospitals without running water often rely on trucked-in or rainwater, which can be contaminated and unsanitary.
A Harvard University study forecasts that boreal forests in far-northern latitudes may act as a climate refuge for black spruce trees due to higher rainfall. The research also suggests that the region's growing season will expand by 3 weeks, but drought stress could overwhelm trees south of the 49th parallel.
Researchers found that wearing a compression collar around the neck may prevent or reduce the effects of head collisions in sports. The Q-Collar device increases brain blood volume, reducing energy absorbed by the brain during collisions.
Scientists have described a new mating position in the Bombay night frog, where males straddle over females' backs to release sperm without physical contact. This behavior is unique among anuran amphibians and has significant implications for understanding reproductive strategies.
Bearded dragons partition colour change to specific body parts depending on social interactions and temperature. Colour change in the neck area is linked to social interactions, while darker colours on their backs help regulate body temperature during breeding season.
Participants in a 22-session program increased their moderate intensity physical activity by 45-52 minutes per week, with average weekly activity levels maintained after the program ended. The study found that season and weather influenced physical activity levels, with more activity during summer months.
Under certain conditions, electric eels attack by raising up out of the water and delivering a series of powerful electrical shocks, effectively deterring predators. This behavior is believed to provide the eels with an evolutionary advantage in defending their territory.
Researchers predict a low risk of dengue infection among foreign visitors to the Rio Olympics, with estimates suggesting as few as three symptomatic cases and potentially no asymptomatic infections at all. The predictions are based on sophisticated mathematical modeling techniques and data from Brazil's Health Ministry.
A study by Purdue University reveals that honeybees collect pollen from non-crop plants contaminated with a wide range of pesticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. The researchers found that bees are chronically exposed to these chemicals throughout the growing season.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that urban heat islands accelerate the growing season, with potential consequences for native and migratory birds and bugs. Urban parks can provide "cool island" refuges for wildlife.
Scientists developed a novel strategy to predict how circulating influenza viruses will evolve, which may help create better seasonal flu vaccines. The approach involves simulating mutations in lab and mapping patterns using antigenic cartography, revealing clusters of unique mutations that match natural evolution.
Roanu is intensifying with defined eye and broad storm surge potential, threatening widespread flooding in Bangladesh. The cyclone has already caused massive landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka and could reach hurricane strength, posing a significant threat to the region.
Researchers found that skis with wide grooves and narrow plateaus perform faster on warm snow, while narrower grooves and wider plateaus excel on cold snow. The study could lead to improvements in ski surface preparation.
Researchers found that working under a highly successful leader provides initial career benefits in terms of getting a promotion at another organization. However, these benefits are short-lived and long-term effects may even be harmful. Promoted acolytes experience lower success rates than promoted non-accolytes.
Researchers discovered measurable changes in brain cells of high school football players due to repeated impacts, even without concussion. The study used diffusional kurtosis imaging to measure changes in neural tissues and white matter abnormalities.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that longer monsoon seasons and increased daily rainfall contribute to reduced tea yields in China. The new approach yields more accurate data on weather changes, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on harvesting strategies.
Elderly adults who live in homes with cooler temperatures during the winter season tend to have smaller waistlines compared to those living in warmer environments. Researchers found that safe cold exposure can be an effective preventive measure against obesity.
A study found that agricultural expansion in the Cerrado biome reduces water recycling, affecting rainfall patterns. Double cropping can help mitigate this effect by increasing evapotranspiration rates.
Researchers used NASA satellite data to predict mule deer birth rates by tracking vegetation growth patterns. This tool, called the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), measures vegetation health and helps forecast when does will give birth to fawns.
Researchers at UC Davis found that a gene blocking lettuce germination also regulates flowering time. Suppressing the DOG1 gene increases seed germination at higher temperatures and flowers earlier, suggesting a molecular genetic mechanism coordinating adaptation to environmental conditions.
A new study analyzed ancient bison and mammoth tissues to understand the shift of grassland species. The research found that increasing precipitation during the growing season was the single most important factor in the spread of C4 grasses.
A simulation study published in PLOS Computational Biology estimated the true impact of infectious diseases like swine flu, which can be missed due to underreporting. The research shows that less than 10% of the Finnish population was infected with swine flu during the first two seasons in 2009-2011.
A new study analyzing over 16,500 vertebrates found that species adapted to daily temperature fluctuations have smaller elevational range sizes, unlike those adapted to seasonal changes. This research suggests specialist species are favored in settings with dominant daily temperature variations.
A new study by Brown and Tufts universities found that climate change can reduce agricultural production in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso by 9-13% with a 1 degree Celsius temperature increase. The research considered crop yield, land area, and double cropping to provide a more comprehensive understanding of climate change's effects.
A study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that ill-fitting helmets increase the risk of severe concussions in high school football players. Helmet fit affects cervical muscle function and brain impact during hits.
A Harvard University study finds that grasslands across North America will experience an earlier start to the spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures, offsetting climate change's negative effects. However, this shift in seasonal patterns presents new management challenges for farmers and ranchers.
Research predicts an earlier start to spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures in North American grasslands, partially offsetting negative effects of higher summer temperatures. Annual productivity is expected to increase despite drought-induced reductions in summer productivity.
A James Cook University study found adult females remain in coastal areas year-round, giving birth and raising young. The team tracked over 100 sharks for more than two years, discovering a mysterious attraction to a specific bay near Townsville.
A new study reveals that leaf quality, rather than leaf abundance, plays a crucial role in forest carbon cycles. The research finds that varying leaf quality can explain twice as much seasonal variation in ecosystem productivity as leaf quantity alone.
A study led by UMass Amherst ecologist Kristina Stinson examines climate change's impact on maple syrup quality, including its chemical composition. The researchers aim to predict maple syrup quality under future climate conditions and explore management strategies.
A large-scale survey of U.S. adults found no association between depressive symptoms and seasonality, contradicting the notion of seasonal depression as a commonly occurring disorder. The study's findings cast doubt on major depression with seasonal variation as a legitimate psychiatric disorder.
New research on American Idol auditions finds that rejected contestants believe in their talent despite slim chances of success. The study suggests that perseverance is a reasonable mindset for creative individuals striving to achieve their goals.
NASA/NOAA's GOES-West satellite captured images of Tropical Cyclone Victor in the South Pacific Ocean, revealing a thick band of thunderstorms and a developing eye. The cyclone had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph) and was moving west-southwest at 7 knots.
A newly developed tropical depression formed five months early in the 2016 hurricane season, indicating strong uplift and potential for heavy rain. The system tapped into significant directional wind shear and prevailing conditions conducive to development, classified as a tropical cyclone.
Tropical Depression 9C formed in the Central Pacific on Dec. 31, with an elongated structure suggesting a weaker system. The depression is moving northwest at 3 mph, with little change in intensity expected due to strong easterly wind shear.
A novel set of helmetless-tackling drills have been shown to significantly reduce head impacts in football players by 28% in one season. The HuTTTM intervention program, tested on 50 NCAA Division I players, aimed to alter tackling behavior and prevent head injury exposure.
Researchers found that both greenhouse and field bed production environments can produce marketable stems with varying stem length and caliper. The study recommends optimal conditions for bulb storage, forcing temperatures, and planting densities to maximize productivity and quality of cut pineapple lily stems.
Scientists evaluated nine spring and six fall crop cultivars for suitability as baby-leaf salad greens in the Pacific Northwest. Pak choi 'Joi Choi' and Mustard 'Komatsuna' showed high marketable weight, quick harvest time, and good weed competitiveness.
A study published in Journal of Retailing found that luxury brands can increase sales by highlighting partnerships with charity at the point of sale. Consumers feel less guilty about purchasing luxury items when associated with a good cause.
Cycling World champions experience a dip in performance while wearing the champion's stripes due to regression to the mean. Dr Thomas Perneger's study analyzes racing results from 1965 to 2013, finding no significant difference between seasons with and without the rainbow jersey.
New research shows ancient millet played a key role in the development of multi-crop agriculture, leading to the rise of settled societies. Millet was carried across Eurasia by shepherds and herders, who combined it with other crops to create 'multi-cropping' systems.
Researchers developed a simple method to track and predict viral evolution based on whole-genome sequences of influenza viruses. By identifying genetic variants that change the structure of influenza proteins, they found that many strains used in vaccines during previous seasons lacked these markers.
A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reveals that 78% of US adults consider distracted walking a serious issue, yet only 29% admit to themselves. Common behaviors include talking on phones, listening to music, and using smartphones while walking.
Tropical Storm Sandra strengthened to 35 knots with intense convective storms dropping rain at over 80 mm per hour. It is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Nov. 25, with a well-suited environment for intensification due to warm ocean water and light vertical wind shear.
In Gipuzkoa province, bird poaching continues to pose a threat to biodiversity conservation, with dozens of birds arriving at rehabilitation centers with firearm-inflicted wounds. Researchers analyzed data from 2006 to 2013 and found that the spatial distribution of shot birds was concentrated around fixed hunting stands.
Tropical Storm Rick strengthened into a tropical storm on Nov. 19, becoming the 21st of the Eastern Pacific Ocean season. The storm joined an elite group of late-season storms, with only three tropical storms forming later than this date since reliable records began in the early 1970s.
A recent study published in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that fitness level is the strongest correlate of physical activity among Norwegian older adults. Higher education was associated with increased physical activity for males but not females. The study, which analyzed data from 850 participants aged 70-77, also disco...
Recent La Niña years have brought less-than-normal rainfall to Hawai'i, contrary to past trends. The shift in weather patterns has important implications for agriculture and water resource management.
Researchers at the University of Maryland studied console and game sales data to understand how base proportions of console owners change over time. The study found that companies should weigh tradeoffs between early adopters and later adopters when releasing games, with optimal timing depending on console adoption patterns.
A new Duke University study finds that clumping newly planted marsh grasses can spur positive interactions and boost growth, increasing vegetative cover by up to 300% in some test plots. This approach challenges 40-year-old forestry-based practice of dispersed planting.
Researchers found that praising with an assertive tone and scolding with a non-assertive tone were the most effective ways to persuade people to wash their hands during flu season. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, suggests that using an assertive tone can intensify the message and promote desired behavior.
A team of researchers is using 'passive acoustic monitoring' to document the use of the Bering Strait by species previously excluded by sea ice. They are eavesdropping on marine mammals within the Arctic to monitor their presence year-round and study the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.
A study found that reducing Amazon deforestation leads to improved air quality and a decrease in premature deaths from exposure to particulate matter. The research estimated that the 40% reduction in Brazilian deforestation between 2001-12 prevented approximately 1,700 adult deaths annually in South America.
A new rule restricting full-contact tackling during high school football practices has been shown to significantly reduce concussion rates among players. The American Academy of Pediatrics study used data from over 16,000 adolescent athletes and found a nearly twofold decrease in concussions after the rule change.
The 26th Northwestern Pacific Tropical Depression formed on October 22, 2015, near Wake Island. It had maximum sustained winds of 28.7 mph and was moving north-northeast at 23.0 mph.
The Eastern Pacific Ocean's twentieth tropical depression of the season developed into Tropical Storm Patricia, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is forecast to approach the Mexican coast on Friday, bringing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
African straw-colored fruit bats, ecosystem service providers, cover greater distances than any other bat species during the dry season. They disperse seeds and pollen across large areas, playing a crucial role in maintaining forest ecosystems.
Researchers found that a reduced early season irrigation schedule improves water efficiency in Georgia's humid climate while maintaining pecan tree health. The study showed a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant impact on pecan quality or yield.
Tropical Storm Joaquin formed in the western Atlantic on September 28, fueled by rain rates of up to 60 mm/hr. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next two days as it moves northward ahead of an upper-level trough.