Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
A new study by Stanford University climate scientists predicts that exceptionally long heat waves and hot events will be frequent in the US by 2039, posing risks to agriculture and human health. The researchers used climate models to project a 1.8-degree Fahrenheit increase in global temperature, leading to more intense heat extremes.
A York University study found that leaving organic debris in catch basins improves the effectiveness of S-methoprene in controlling mosquito larvae. The researchers discovered that S-methoprene binds to organic material, making it more effective when left in the catch basins.
A study by the University of Oviedo has shown that the change in the points system used to reward wins in European leagues led to an increase in dirty play. The researchers found a significant rise in red cards issued to teams winning matches during the 95/96 season.
Tropical Storm Darby formed rapidly in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing strong convection indicating speedy strengthening. The storm is expected to strengthen further and make landfall in Mexico within the next 48 hours, prompting residents to monitor its track.
Researchers examine how consumers think about money and time, finding that accounting periods affect tracking of temporal costs. The study reveals people are more likely to return to an event if they spent time on it during the same accounting period, not when spending money.
NASA satellite imagery captures Tropical Depression 2-E and System 92E near western Mexican coast. The system is expected to produce heavy rain and life-threatening flash floods along the immediate coast of Oaxaca.
A new study establishes a link between air pollution, temperature increases, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a known cause of cardiovascular diseases. The study found that short-term elevations in temperature were associated with increased severity of SDB, while particulate pollution was linked to poorer sleep quality.
Florida State University scientists forecast an unusually active 2010 hurricane season with a predicted average of 17 named storms, including 10 that develop into hurricanes. Their unique computer model has already outperformed other models and demonstrated precision in previous forecasts.
Tropical Storm 1B formed on May 18 in the Bay of Bengal after convection increased around a low-level circulation center since May 17. The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall south of Visakhapatham near Chennai.
A study found that vaccinating infants against rotavirus significantly reduced U.S. hospitalization rates for acute gastroenteritis, with a 28-50% decrease among young children. The vaccine prevented an estimated 55,000 hospitalizations during the 2008 season.
Researchers identified two 'body clock' genes that regulate hormonal changes in response to seasonal variations. These genes are found in both birds and mammals, shedding light on how animals adapt to seasonal changes.
Research finds that ozone and primary pollutants from traffic increase pediatric emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations. Low ozone concentrations as low as 30 ppb also show a dose-response relationship with increased hospitalizations.
A study found that Ontario's universal flu vaccine campaign reduces influenza illness attack rates, morbidity, and mortality at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. The campaign prevented an estimated 34,541 cases, 111 deaths, and $7.8 million in healthcare costs per season.
A study analyzing two popular medical dramas found that they often depict bioethical issues and actions that run afoul of professional codes of conduct. Informed consent was the most frequently observed issue, with exemplary discussions being more common than inadequate ones.
Purple loosestrife, a destructive invasive plant, may face a reproductive penalty in northern climates. Northern populations have adapted by flowering earlier but suffer reduced seed production and smaller size.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study found that North American barn swallows with high levels of natural antioxidants maintain better reproductive performance, producing more offspring and guarding nests more effectively. The study tracked concentrations of carotenoids in wild birds over the breeding season.
A Purdue University researcher projects that Midwestern states like Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan will face more winter and spring flooding, as well as dry summer and fall seasons, if average temperatures rise by 2070. The study suggests a 28% increase in precipitation in these states during the same period.
The Cochrane Systematic Review found that the evidence for influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 65 and over is limited, with most studies being of low quality and open to bias. The review suggests that vaccination has modest benefits at best.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that forests in the Eastern United States are growing at an accelerated rate of 2 tons per acre annually. This growth is attributed to rising CO2 levels, increased temperatures, and longer growing seasons. The findings suggest a significant response of ecosystems to climate change.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study finds that warmer climates may reduce the ability of subalpine forests to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that these forests, which store an estimated 70% of the western United States' carbon sink, will be less effective in converting CO2 into biomass due to declining snowpacks.
A Stanford University study found that solar-powered drip irrigation systems significantly enhance household incomes and nutritional intake of villagers in arid sub-Saharan Africa. The system provided a reliable source of water, allowing farmers to produce more food and increase their income.
A new UC Davis study found that ski slope grading is more damaging to ecosystems than clearing, affecting plant abundance and diversity. Graded runs require less snow to open but result in higher summer maintenance costs.
Regular gamers outperform non-gamers in visual processing tasks, including mental rotation, spatial memory and divided attention. Training with video games enhances these skills, potentially reducing gender differences and age-related cognitive decline.
Stanford researchers found that about 10% of irrigation water is lost below the vine rooting zone due to deep cracks in clay-rich soils. Lowering or burying drip lines, slowing irrigation rates, and eliminating animal burrows can help reduce water loss.
The AIM satellite has captured unprecedented data on noctilucent clouds, also known as 'night-shining' clouds. The results show that temperature and water vapor play a crucial role in their formation and variability, with global patterns emerging due to planetary waves and coupling between hemispheres.
Researchers have discovered techniques to increase yield and extend the fruiting season of blackberries, providing economic bonuses for growers and consumers. The newly developed 'primocane-fruiting' variety allows for harvests in the fall and winter months, offering improved production efforts.
A delegation of indigenous teens, women, elders and shamens present video evidence of drought, deforestation and unseasonal downpours in Africa, Asia and the Americas. They highlight the unintended consequences of climate change mitigation efforts on local livelihoods.
A new study found that toy recalls in 2007 had a ripple effect on the industry, with even non-recalled companies experiencing a 25% decline in Christmas season sales. Sales of toys from manufacturers named in the recalls dropped by 30%, while those from unaffected companies remained unaffected.
Researchers identified scent secretions in lemurs that encode markers of relatedness, preventing inbreeding and facilitating nepotism. The study reveals a complex olfactory mechanism allowing lemurs to recognize family ties and avoid unfamiliar kin.
Assessing biological processes under global warming requires accurate estimates of temporal changes in species. Long-term studies show that neglecting increasing seasonal climate lag can lead to distorted results.
A three-year study of six large Arctic river ecosystems reveals predictable temporal patterns among bacterial communities, suggesting they could be used to monitor climate change. The findings show that these communities shift synchronously over time, correlating with seasonal shifts in hydrology and biogeochemistry.
Cyclone Anja was a powerful Category 4 cyclone on November 17, with maximum sustained winds of 86 mph. It weakened drastically due to upper-level wind shear and spread out, extending tropical storm-force winds 115 miles from its center.
A new study found that a mastery motivational climate, emphasizing teamwork and positive communication, influences children's achievement goals in sports. Coaches who use this approach promote greater enjoyment, lower sport anxiety, and improved retention rates among young athletes.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Cyclone Anja, strengthening into a Category Three cyclone on November 16. The storm had tropical storm-force winds extending out to 100 miles from its center, and is not threatening any landmasses.
Keystone Symposia has received a three-year, $2.7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support global health conferences and provide travel awards to scientists from developing countries. The funding will also enable the organization to expand its conference program with new topics and locations.
A new study found that eight in 10 Americans are missing out on the health benefits of a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, resulting in a phytonutrient gap. Consuming a variety of colorful foods can support immune function and overall health.
Researchers found evidence of two breeding seasons among five songbird species in western Mexico, challenging previous understanding of bird migration patterns. The discovery reveals that some birds take advantage of the monsoon season to raise young and then continue their journey.
A new pest, the Spotted Wing Drosophila fly, has been identified in Oregon's Willamette Valley wine grapes, causing significant losses to cherry and peach crops. The fly's larvae are small and shapeless, but culture methods can confirm its identity.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that supervised strength training improves athletic performance by 50% compared to unsupervised exercises. The research also showed a significant reduction in injuries among athletes receiving personalized, supervised training programs.
Tropical Storm Henri is currently located east of the Northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm is expected to move west-northwest and eventually be steered by a subtropical ridge over the Western Atlantic Ocean.
Tropical Depression 18-E forms in the Eastern North Pacific with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, located 580 miles west-southwest of Baja California. Forecasters predict little growth into a tropical storm due to unfavorable wind conditions and cooler waters on its northward track.
A recent study suggests that global warming conditions will increase the incidence of central Pacific El Niño, potentially reducing its protective effects on Atlantic hurricanes. This could lead to more severe droughts in regions like Australia and India.
The Arctic sea ice cover has reached its minimum extent for 2009, the third-lowest recorded since satellite measurements began in 1979. The September minimum extent is significantly below the long-term average and well outside natural climate variability, attributed to human-produced greenhouse gases.
An international study predicts a 50-day shift in flowering times of certain plants in specific climates by 2080, driven by global warming. The research used climate records from the past century and plant responses to air temperatures, predicting changes in spring blooming dates across different regions.
The innovative check valve spout developed by the University of Vermont's Proctor Maple Research Center increases sap yields by 50 to 90 percent per tree, extending the sugarmaking season by one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half weeks. This technology also helps mitigate the effect of global warming on the Vermont maple industry.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered an unusual form of a gene that prompts ewes to breed out of season and conceive at younger ages. The M allele gene, which has been correlated with out-of-season fertility, may be a boon for the sheep industry worldwide when combined with the STAR system.
A decline in large-diameter trees in Yosemite National Park is linked to warmer climate conditions, resulting in habitat loss and potential reduction in species such as spotted owls. The study found that fewer new trees will grow in the landscape due to large trees being a seed source for the surrounding area.
A study suggests that preseason shoulder strength can predict injury severity in baseball pitchers, with weak points in prone internal rotation, external rotation, and supraspinatus strength linked to increased risk of injury. The findings highlight the importance of targeted strength training programs to prevent serious injuries.
Soay sheep on Scotland's Hirta island have shrunk by 5% in size and body weight due to the warmer climate. The decline is attributed to increased competition for limited resources, resulting from a longer growing season and more surviving lambs.
The online video showcases the entire 2008 hurricane season, including all 17 tropical cyclones, with detailed cloud imagery and storm tracks. The animation is based on six months of GOES imagery at 30-minute intervals and features television production-quality visuals.
Seasonal hunger is a widespread issue, affecting nearly seven out of ten hungry people globally. Proven interventions exist to alleviate this problem, but they often operate on a small scale and need scaling up.
A study by the USDA Forest Service and university scientists found that climate plays a critical role in shaping wildfire behavior, particularly in the Western United States. Climate influences fuel production and drying, which varies among different ecosystems, leading to varying fire sizes and severities.
This book delves into the science of climate study and its impact on human societies, exploring how weather has influenced civilizations throughout history. The author uses a detective story approach to examine the role of weather in shaping human societies, from ancient Sahara to modern-day New York City.
During peak mating season, male fallow deer produce groans to attract mates and repel rivals, leading to vocal strain and hoarseness. Their call structure breaks down as they call repeatedly, causing physical exhaustion and weight loss.
Researchers found that mockingbirds can recognize individual humans who pose a threat to their nests, leading to aggressive behavior. The birds' ability to recall these threats may be key to their success in urban environments where many species struggle to thrive.
Archaeologists are racing to preserve the ancient underwater town of Pavlopetri, off southern Laconia in Greece. The site, dating back to 2800 BC, offers major insights into Mycenaean society and its workings.
Researchers used GPS tracking collars and analyzed carbon isotopes in elephant tail hair to monitor the elephants' movements and diet. The study found that when rains begin, satellite measurements show increasing greenness as grasses grow, indicating peak levels of high-protein grass in the elephants' diet.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that states holding early presidential primaries or caucuses receive more federal procurement funding per capita if they back the eventual winner. The earlier a state votes, however, the smaller the benefit for backing a losing candidate.
A new study reveals that prime-time television series portray mixed messages about alcohol, with positive messages associated with fun and partying, while negative messages are linked to crime, addiction, or job performance loss. This can undermine efforts to dissuade youth consumption through negative depictions.