Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
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.
Researchers used satellite data to calculate the amount of water in the Amazon River floodplain, finding an average of 285 cubic kilometers per year. This discovery highlights the complexity of measuring water volumes in remote regions and underscores the need for further research on global water supplies.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that climate change is leading to increased body weight and population size in mountain rodents called marmots. The longer growing season due to warming temperatures allows marmots to gain more fat, reproduce earlier, and survive hibernation better.
A recent study found that Florida's winters are getting more extreme, causing plants to flower later and potentially shrinking the growing seasons for some of the state's most vital crops. The researchers' work highlights the complexity of a changing climate in a warming world.
GOES-13 satellite captured images of Hurricane Alex from its formation to landfall in Mexico, providing valuable research data for forecasters. The storm caused severe flooding, mudslides, and record-breaking rainfall.
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.
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.
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.
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.