Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
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.
A forthcoming study by North Carolina State University economists found that players who perform well early in the season have an incentive to maintain their high level of performance into the middle part of the season. This is because they are competing for a top-30 finish and a spot in the Tour Championship, which guarantees them mon...
Researchers discover that opera fans learn to appreciate the art form by forming emotional connections and decoding its meaning. Through social interaction and personal experience, fans develop a deeper understanding of opera's nuances, ultimately becoming passionate advocates for the art.
According to Sheldon H. Jacobson, a University of Illinois professor, a team's seeding is statistically insignificant in predicting their chances of winning in the later rounds of the tournament. Ignoring a team's seeding can lead to more accurate predictions, especially after the Sweet Sixteen round.
A recent study reports a significant increase in oseltamivir-resistant influenza A viruses, posing a challenge to treatment and vaccination strategies. The study found that resistant cases had similar demographic characteristics as susceptible cases, but no association with oseltamivir use.
A Purdue University study projects a weakened summer monsoon season in South Asia, potentially causing delayed onset and reduced precipitation. The research suggests that climate change could exacerbate seasonal flood risks and impact agricultural production, water availability, and hydroelectric power generation.
A new study investigates whether a mother's diet during pregnancy affects her offspring's methylation patterns and long-term health outcomes. Researchers will measure the diets of pregnant women in The Gambia and compare them to their children's DNA methylation patterns.
Changing ocean conditions and food scarcity are forcing Magellanic penguins to travel farther for food, threatening their survival. Climate variability, oil pollution, and overfishing are major contributors to the decline of the colony.
A new study by UC Berkeley and Harvard researchers finds that the hottest day of the year has shifted nearly two days earlier, with summer temperatures warming more than winter. The shift is related to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns and may be caused by human activity contributing to climate change.
Invasive plant species are thriving in altered Great Plains ecosystems, outcompeting native plants. Researchers will use biocontrols and other methods to control key invaders like Dalmation toadflax, cheatgrass, and Canada thistle.
In 2009, the Poker Flat Research Range will host eight National Aeronautics and Space Administration sounding rockets. Two separate missions, ISIS and ACES, will be launched during two launch windows, with the first window opening on January 10.
A recent study by Kansas State University researchers found that gardening provides moderate-intensity physical activity, influencing whole-body bone mineral density and improving mental health. Gardening tasks change throughout the season, making it a great way for older adults to meet recommended physical activity levels.
Future increases in wind strength along the California coast may lead to more intense upwelling of cold water, potentially causing a larger 'dead zone' off the Oregon coast. Stronger winds could also create hazardous fire conditions in Southern California.
A University of Colorado study predicts dramatic changes for Rocky Mountain ski areas due to climate warming, including shortened ski seasons and higher snowlines. To adapt, resorts must expand operations to higher elevations and invest in gondola transportation systems and increased snowmaking efforts.
A new survey of 4,000 American adults reveals that fewer than one-third have been vaccinated against the flu, citing misperceptions and lack of time as main reasons. The CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to encourage greater use of influenza vaccines through December.
College students who receive flu vaccines experience significantly fewer flu-like illnesses and impairments in academic performance. Vaccination was associated with a reduction of half-day illnesses, one day of missed class per 17 vaccinated students.
Researchers discovered that serious gram-negative bacterial infections increase by up to 46% in summer compared to winter. The study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most affected bacteria.
A new NC State study reveals that consumers comparing prices online can pressure retailers into offering discounts, particularly if they shop around frequently. The study found that larger retailers may limit price cuts to avoid giving smaller competitors an advantage.
SHIMMER successfully observed Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) during the northern season of 2008, measuring diurnal variation with a single peak per day. The observation is unique among satellites that have studied PMCs and has important implications for inferring long-term trends from historical space-based observations.
Asthma health-care utilization peaks in the fall, with emergency department visits increasing by 2.4 to 5.6 times higher than in summer. Swimming is found to be an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for children with asthma, improving pulmonary function and severity of symptoms. Virgin coconut oil may also aid in treating pediatri...
Researchers at Boston University and Harvard University have found that wildflowers in Thoreau's Concord woods are declining due to climate change. The study, which analyzed phylogenetic patterns of species loss, reveals that species with the ability to track short-term temperature changes have faired better under recent warming trends.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that the flu vaccine was not associated with reduced hospitalizations or outpatient visits among children under 5. The mismatch between the strains of virus in the vaccine and circulating strains may have contributed to this outcome.
Preliminary data indicate 2008 may represent the lowest volume of Arctic sea ice on record. The decline is due to rising greenhouse gases and strong natural variability.
For a four-week period in August 2008, Arctic sea ice melted faster than ever before, with an average daily decline of 32,700 square miles. The rate of decline contributes to concerns that all Arctic sea ice could be gone within the century.
The Arctic sea ice cover has reached its minimum extent for the year, marking the second-lowest on record. The current trend reinforces a strong negative impact of summertime sea ice extent over the past 30 years.
Researchers have discovered a key to cold tolerance in corn, allowing it to thrive in colder regions. By increasing PPDK enzyme production during cold weather, corn yields can be extended and growth seasons lengthened.
New research links human-driven changes in westerly winds to hotter and drier springs in the US Southwest. The shift in winter storm tracks has resulted in less precipitation and warmer conditions earlier in the year, affecting snowpack, hydrology, and water resources.
A new NASA study reveals that Saharan dry air and dust likely contributed to the quieter-than-expected 2007 hurricane season. The research found a correlation between the extent of dry air and dust in the North Atlantic and lower sea surface temperatures, atmospheric stability, and reduced hurricane formation.
Researchers developed an analytical model to explain how aerosols influence cloud development and coverage. The study found that human-caused aerosols can increase or decrease cloud cover, depending on the region and time.
Researchers found aphids are appearing significantly earlier in the year and in higher numbers due to mild winters. This leads to more aphids flying in spring and early summer when crops are vulnerable.
A new decision model seeks to minimize the risk of producing ineffective flu vaccines by deferring production and reevaluating strains based on emerging evidence. The model allows for flexibility in the vaccine composition, prioritizing accuracy over timely production.
Researchers found that adult songbirds exposed to a novel environment undergo a significant change in their auditory brain's tuning width, becoming more selective. This process is similar to humans adapting to a new language, with increased sensitivity to fine acoustic details. In contrast, isolation caused the tuning to coarsen.
A recent study found that older adults are less likely to commit the sunk-cost fallacy, instead viewing situations from a balanced perspective. This allows them to recognize that past investments cannot be recovered by continuing to invest time.
A study found that golfers who play well perceive the hole as larger than those who don't. The researchers believe this is a cyclical relationship, where better performance leads to seeing the hole as bigger, which in turn improves putting accuracy. The findings suggest that focusing on the hole can help golfers see it more clearly.
Research on caribou in West Greenland reveals that climate change is affecting not only the timing of plant growth but also the availability of nutritious food. This 'trophic mismatch' leads to reduced births and increased deaths among caribou calves, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect seasonal animals.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has installed a new IBM supercomputer called Bluefire, which will accelerate research into climate change and severe weather events. The system, with a peak speed of over 76 teraflops, is expected to rank among the world's top 25 most powerful computers.
In a study published in the Agronomy Journal, Chris Kucharik found that earlier planting dates have contributed significantly to yield gains in the northern Corn Belt states. The study suggests that this land management change has played a major role in increasing production, accounting for 20-50% of the gains since 1979.
A new study reveals that tropical winter habitat plays a crucial role in determining where young migratory birds settle and nest. Birds that spend their first winter in lush habitats disperse southward, while those in harsher habitats disperse northward.
Researchers found a strong seasonal fluctuation of measles transmission rate in Niamey, Niger, which can help predict annual outbreaks. Vaccinating at least 95% of children with two doses of the measles vaccine is crucial to controlling the disease, particularly in areas with high birth rates and limited access to healthcare.
A cooperative fishery program for Kodiak rockfish reduced bycatch and improved retention rates, resulting in a boost to the local economy. The program also increased production of value-added fillets and helped achieve conservation goals, with almost 50% more pelagic gear catches.
Researchers found that consumers experience greater conflict and decision difficulty when choosing between unattractive options, but easier times rejecting them. This suggests that changing the decision task can control the level of difficulty experienced.
A study of 8,028 individuals found seasonal weight changes increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. Regular physical exercise counteracts this effect.
The AIM satellite has provided the first global-scale, full-season view of iridescent polar clouds that form 50 miles above Earth's surface. The clouds consist of ice crystals formed when water vapor condenses onto dust particles in these coldest regions of our planet.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill used high-tech helmets to measure g-force and find that hits above 80g do not always result in concussions, challenging conventional theories about mild traumatic brain injuries. The study advises against a one-size-fits-all rule for evaluating concussions.
Researchers found popular holiday toys emit sounds at decibel levels of 100 or more, equivalent to a power saw or subway train, posing a risk of permanent hearing damage. Parents are advised to provide guidance on safe toy use and volume control on personal media devices.
Asking consumers to choose a favorite item from several options increases the likelihood of purchase, according to new research. This phenomenon, known as the 'preference' mindset, activates the consumer's decision-making process and encourages them to make a purchase.
University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists have found that a basin-wide circulation pattern drives Atlantic hurricane activity. The study reveals that Atlantic hurricanes will be more sensitive to climate changes than storms in other ocean basins, with warmer oceans indicating ideal conditions for development. Understanding this relati...
A Queen's University study confirms Darwin's controversial theory that different species can arise unhindered in the same place. Researchers found that tropical seabirds time-share breeding sites, differing genetically over long periods of time, shedding light on species divergence.
African elephants led by older, more dominant matriarchs travel significantly fewer miles to seek food than subordinate groups. During the dry season, dominant groups trek an average of 4-5 kilometers per day, while subordinate groups cover 8-11 kilometers.
The 2007 Arctic sea ice season saw a remarkable decrease, with record losses shown in NASA satellite images. This drastic change has significant implications for the environment and climate, highlighting the impact of global warming on the Arctic region.
Biologists have found that the influenza A virus migrates globally and mixes with other viral strains during the summer off-season before returning to the Northern Hemisphere as a genetically different virus. The research suggests widespread viral traffic across the equator, contributing to new epidemics in both hemispheres.
A study on Gambel's white-crowned sparrows reveals that the brain regions controlling singing behavior shrink rapidly after testosterone withdrawal, leading to neuron loss and apoptosis. This natural phenomenon may hold potential medical implications for understanding age-related degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia.
Assistant Professor Michael Fry and student Andrew Lundberg developed a model to help fantasy football players make informed decisions during drafts. The team's approach uses a combination of player value, available players, and team need to identify the best players to select.
Sea surface temperatures are crucial for tropical cyclone formation, and recent data shows warming in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and eastern Atlantic. This warming contributed to Hurricane Dean and Tropical Storm Erin, with forecasters warning that the upcoming hurricane season will be a mixed bag.
A study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that penduline tit parents frequently abandon 1 in 3 clutches of eggs to pursue new mates. This unique breeding strategy allows for improved reproductive success but also poses risks for the young.
Researchers are setting up observatories to examine changes under the Arctic ice cap, investigating water properties in the upper layers of the Arctic Ocean. The goal is to understand annual change and measure mechanisms that lead to ice melting from below.
Zimbabwean smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions face food shortages due to limited fertilizer use. Research by Bongani Ncube found that nitrogen availability is the key factor improving cereal yields. Crop rotation also showed promise, with leguminous crops doubling sorghum yields.