Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
A Princeton University study found that people are more likely to yawn in winter than summer due to ambient temperatures. The researchers believe that yawning could serve as a method for regulating brain temperature.
Researchers analyzed 61 years of tropical storm data to find correlations between hurricane tracks and climate patterns. They discovered that El Niño seasons tend to produce fewer storms, while those that do form are less likely to make landfall due to changes in atmospheric steering currents.
A new study at Brown University measures head blows during games and practices over three seasons, documenting that running backs and quarterbacks suffer the hardest hits to the head. Linemen, however, were hit on the head most often, with doctors warning about the potential for subconcussive neurological damage from repeated impacts.
The TRMM satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Katia's moderate to heavy rain and banding patterns, indicating a cyclonic circulation. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it encounters warmer waters and reduced wind shear, posing a threat to the Leeward Islands.
NASA satellites monitor Tropical Storm Jose and newly formed Tropical Depression 12 in the Atlantic, while Hurricane Irene drenches Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada. The National Hurricane Center expects TD12 to strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane later this week due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
The TRMM satellite captured detailed images of Hurricane Irene, revealing a lack of eye formation and organized circulation. Rainbands indicated low-pressure circulation, with areas of intense rain near the center, suggesting potential for strengthening.
A team of researchers from Michigan State University is working on a five-year project to develop tools to help farmers cope with climate variability. The study will focus on corn and soybean growth and profits across 12 states, using models to predict the impact of climate scenarios.
A new study by University of Illinois marketing expert Tiffany Barnett White found that brand-conscious consumers view negative information about their beloved brands as a threat to their self-image. They defend the brand and re-write history to maintain a favorable self-evaluation, extending to multiple markets such as sports teams.
Researchers created a novel solution to generate high-quality schedules for MLB umpires, minimizing travel time and adhering to league rules. The method, developed in collaboration with experts from Carnegie Mellon University and Michigan State University, reduced the creation time from weeks to just a few days.
A team of researchers led by Michigan State University's Hakan Yildiz developed a complex method to schedule Major League Baseball umpires, resulting in more balanced schedules and fewer violations. The approach has been used successfully by MLB for five of the past six seasons, improving travel rules and restrictions.
Researchers discovered that elite college basketball players who slept for 10 hours a night showed significant improvements in sprint speed and shooting accuracy. A moderate-to-high baseline level of daytime sleepiness was common among the athletes, highlighting the need to prioritize sleep over other training aspects.
A new Stanford University study projects that global warming could reduce the suitable land for premium wine grape cultivation in high-value areas of northern California by 50% by 2040. Meanwhile, some cooler parts of Oregon and Washington State may see an increase in premium grape-growing acreage due to warming.
Researchers from Utah State University found that high tunnels can extend the strawberry growing season by 4 to 5 weeks, resulting in higher total seasonal production and increased profitability. The study suggests that using high tunnels is an effective and economical system for strawberry producers in the Intermountain West region.
Scientists have found a mid-season decline in wildflowers at high-altitude meadows, affecting pollinator populations. This shift is attributed to climate change, which alters moisture availability and flowering timing, leading to ecosystem-wide impacts on animals that feed on pollen and nectar.
Research by Brown University economists finds that daily polling data responds to returns from primary victories, with early voters having a disproportionate impact on candidate momentum. This can lead to candidates spending more resources in early states, potentially altering the nomination outcome.
NASA has confirmed Tropical Depression 05W (TD05W) as the fifth NW Pacific tropical depression, bringing rainfall to the northwestern Philippines. The storm is expected to intensify into a tropical storm and move toward southern China.
A low-pressure system in the Eastern Pacific is organizing and showing strong convection, indicating a good chance of development. The National Hurricane Center predicts a 90% chance of formation over the next two days.
A new climate study by Stanford University scientists predicts that tropical regions will experience permanent summer heat increases, with many areas seeing unprecedented extreme temperatures. This could lead to severe consequences for human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
A low-pressure area, System 93L, has formed off the North Carolina coast and is now located off northeastern Florida. The storm is expected to move over northern Florida later today, bringing scattered strong thunderstorms and isolated thunderstorms to the region.
The study compares three popular ranking methods, finding that the Colley and Massey methods are insensitive to small changes, while the Markov method is highly sensitive, leading to anomalies in rankings. The authors conclude that these methods can be effective for other applications, such as social networks.
A study found that earlier springs can enhance xylem growth in black spruce, but colder summers can negate this effect. The research suggests that the amplitude of summer warming temperatures plays a crucial role in wood production.
A study found that celiac disease is more common among Massachusetts children born in the spring or summer, suggesting a link between gluten introduction timing and birth season. The study suggests rethinking gluten introduction for some children based on their birth season.
A low pressure area north-northeast of Puerto Rico has been detected by the GOES-13 satellite, located about 460 miles northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The National Hurricane Center gives this system a 20% chance of development into a tropical storm over the next two days before it hits wind shear.
A major NHL concussion study found that while injury rates leveled out, the number of days lost per concussion has increased. Headache and low energy were significant predictors of post-concussion time loss.
A recent study of NHL concussions over seven seasons found that rates have declined, but the time lag between injury and return to play has increased. The study identified clinical signs and symptoms that predict longer game time losses, emphasizing the need for education and caution in managing concussions.
The Northwestern Pacific experienced its first tropical cyclone of the new season after March, forming Tropical Depression One W on April 2. The system had strong thunderstorms dropping heavy rainfall and high cloud tops before dissipating by April 4.
Researchers found wolves rely on cattle for up to 45% of their summer diet in southwestern Alberta, shifting from wild prey in non-grazing seasons. Cattle make up a significant portion of wolf packs' scavenged feeding events, often located near bone yards and grazing areas.
Researchers found that exposure to salty water reduces Vibrio vulnificus levels in oysters, potentially providing a low-cost solution to FDA regulations. The study suggests an 'oyster relay' method could be effective in minimizing the presence of the bacterium.
The Cassini spacecraft has observed methane rain on Titan's equatorial deserts, revealing the first current evidence of rain soaking Titan's surface at low latitudes. This finding suggests that recent weather on Titan is similar to Earth's tropical regions.
Researchers found that varying shoot lengths can maximize fig fruit yield and quality, but some cultivars require differential application of horticultural practices to attain regular high yields. The study provides recommendations for optimal shoot lengths and pruning strategies for three fig cultivars.
Researchers at Georgia Tech created an industrial-quality prototype system that automatically inspects buns exiting the oven, adjusts oven temperatures, and minimizes waste. The system uses digital cameras to capture images of buns and adjusts temperature in real-time to produce consistent color, size, shape, and seed coverage.
Researchers found that perennial bioenergy crops can significantly impact regional climate, with local cooling effects and altered water balance. The study suggests a broader perspective on the impacts of bioenergy conversion, beyond just carbon emissions.
A USDA study found that ragweed pollen season in North America has increased by almost a month, correlating with seasonal warming shifts and climate change. The study supports the impact of climate change on public health and agriculture.
New research models predict increased exposure and risk of human illness from ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. Harmful algal blooms and Vibrio bacteria growth are expected to rise, threatening public health and economic impacts.
A University of Utah study used satellite imagery to monitor vegetation surges that boost deer mouse populations, predicting hantavirus outbreaks months in advance. The method has potential applications for forecasting rodent-borne illnesses worldwide.
A study by the University of Zaragoza found that Spain's precipitation has declined overall between March and June, reducing the length of the rainy season. The rains are heavier in October in the north west of the country.
Researchers calculated the price of Olympic gold medals using a model that measures government expenditure in sport and other variables. The study found an inverse relation between the number of sackings and team results in football teams, with more sackings leading to worse results.
A recent study by Dr. William Cox found that soybeans grown in 7.5-inch rows have a 15% greater yield than those planted in 30-inch rows, even in the Northeast's shorter growing season. The difference is attributed to lower biomass and fewer seeds, due to reduced seeding rates with corn planters.
Scientists found that birds' hormone levels, particularly corticosterone and prolactin, play a crucial role in determining their reproductive success. Birds with low corticosterone values before breeding raised the most offspring, while those with high prolactin levels started laying eggs earlier and produced more offspring.
A new study found that female birds' fertility declines less quickly if they choose mates who became first-time fathers at a young age. This suggests that the 'history' of a male's reproductive past plays a role in his ability to care for his partner and offspring.
Researchers are collecting zooplankton in Antarctic waters to understand how climate change affects the food web and potentially helps move carbon dioxide into the deep sea. The team is also monitoring changes in Adélie penguin populations, which have declined by over 80% in 36 years.
In a sex role reversal, females actively court males after being exposed to cool, dry temperatures as caterpillars. Females raised in cooler conditions live longer lives compared to those mated in the hotter season.
A new study found that kittiwake's summer breeding performance affects their winter distribution, with failed breeders migrating over 3000km to Canada. Successful breeders remained closer to Britain.
The GOES series of satellites provided critical weather monitoring services in 2010 and 2011, tracking severe storms, hurricanes, and blizzards. The satellites captured stunning images of weather systems, including the Pineapple Express and a Christmas weekend blizzard, helping to inform travel decisions.
Scientists developed an instrument that measures individual particle sizes and compositions, revealing a complex landscape of aerosol particles. The research improved computer models of the atmosphere by accounting for the varying effects of different chemistries on climate.
A new computer model projects flu season severity by analyzing genetic and serological data, explaining over 90% of variation in severity. The study provides insights for informed decision-making in planning for influenza, including vaccine selection.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that gaps in seasonal influenza vaccination rates between elderly whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics widen when vaccine supply is delayed or decreased. The study found significant declines in vaccination rates among minority groups during years with shortages.
A new study finds that birth light cycles significantly impact the development of biological clocks in mice, which may explain why people born in winter months are at a higher risk of certain neurological disorders. The experiment reveals that even after weaning, biological clocks remain affected by the initial light cycle.
A Michigan State University study suggests that urban farms and community gardens in Detroit can supply local residents with a majority of their produce. The study found that a combination of these spaces could provide over 75% of the city's vegetables and 40% of its fruits.
Researchers found that UV radiation levels varied substantially during winter months at high-altitude ski resorts, with clear skies, noon time, and deviation from the winter solstice being key predictors. Despite this, sun protection behaviors did not consistently increase with elevated UV levels.
Saturn's southern hemisphere emits more energy than its northern one, with variations seen in the planet's seasons and years. The Cassini CIRS instrument reveals Saturn is not losing power evenly, providing a new understanding of the planet's internal heat source.
More intense storms will occur in the Southern Hemisphere year-round, while the Northern Hemisphere will experience stronger storms during winter and weaker ones in summer. Global warming's effects on storm patterns can lead to increased air pollution and changes in ocean circulation.
Otto intensified into the Atlantic Ocean's 8th hurricane on October 8, bringing heavy rainfall to the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico. The storm is expected to strengthen due to light wind shear and warm waters but may weaken when it encounters cooler waters.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered cognitive impairment in high school football players who didn't show classic symptoms of concussions. The study used advanced brain imaging and sensor data to identify four players with significant brain deficits, challenging the notion that concussion-free players are unaffected.
The GOES-13 satellite has identified the 17th Atlantic subtropical depression as Subtropical Depression 17 (TD17), with a tight circulation and long tail of clouds. TD17 is forecast to move into a more favorable environment, potentially intensifying into a tropical depression or storm.
Tropical Depression 15 forms in the south-central Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, prompting watches and warnings for Central America. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm possibly within the next day due to warm waters.
The Amazon Basin acts as a self-contained biogeochemical reactor during the rainy season, producing organic material that serves as cloud condensation nuclei. This process allows scientists to investigate natural cloud formation and precipitation without human influence.
The Arctic sea ice cover reached its minimum extent for the year in September, marking the third-lowest recorded since satellites started measuring sea ice extent in 1979. The 2010 minimum ice extent is significantly below the long-term average and outside natural climate variability.
A new study by NASA researchers found that global plant productivity declined by 1% between 2000 and 2009 due to regional drought, contradicting previous findings of increased productivity with warming temperatures. The decline in plant growth has significant implications for food security and the global carbon cycle.
A new study from UC Davis found that changing training techniques can reduce shear forces on knee joints, which may help prevent ACL injuries. The research involved female basketball players who learned to land on their toes and balls of the feet, resulting in a 56% reduction in tibial shear force.