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Researchers map best conditions for forage fishes in the Chesapeake

A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science researchers maps the conditions most suitable for key species of forage fishes in the Chesapeake Bay, offering guidance for protecting or restoring their habitats. The analysis reveals that factors such as water depth and temperature affect the abundance of forage fish, with some spec...

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Infections from respiratory viruses follow a predictable seasonal pattern, researchers find

Researchers identified a clear-cut seasonal pattern in respiratory viruses, with peaks in January and lows in June, affecting hospital admissions. The study found that babies born in severe peak years were more likely to be infected and hospitalized, highlighting the importance of planning ahead for high seasons of illnesses.

A look back into record-breaking 2020 Mei-yu rainfall and flooding throughout China: Magnitude, scale, and dynamics

Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

Rising temperatures reshape when and how much people get outdoors on public lands

Rising temperatures are projected to decrease outdoor recreation during summers by 18% over the next 30 years, but increase winter recreation by 12% in mid-century. This shift may lead to a decline in popular winter sports like downhill skiing and an increase in winter mountain biking.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Drought – more than temperature – governs diversity of life on earth

A University of Arizona-led study found that drought and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are larger drivers of evolutionary diversity than warm temperatures. The research team created maps of evolutionary diversity across North, Central and South America, revealing that deserts have more plant species compared to forests due to drought.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

Meat-heavy diets restricted hunter-gatherer population sizes

A new study by the ICTA-UAB establishes that populations of hunter-gatherer groups with strong seasonal dependence on meat had fewer people per square kilometer than those relying on abundant plant foods. This result is based on a complex set of calculations showing how diet composition influenced population density.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2021

Bee flight suffers under temperature extremes

Researchers found that bumblebee flight performance rises rapidly from 12°C and peaks between 25-27°C, but declines beyond this. This study suggests that climate warming may benefit some northern-latitude bee species, but poses risks to southern-latitude populations due to more frequent extreme weather events.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

New report: State of the science on western wildfires, forests and climate change

A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2021

New long-term satellite analysis shows "plum" rainy season wetter now than ever before

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University analyzed long-term satellite data to find a significant increase in rainfall over the past decade during the annual Meiyu-Baiu rainy season. The increased rainfall is driven by tropical moisture transport and upper tropospheric troughs, which are strongly correlated with enhanced rainfall.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2021

Slowing the sugar rush to yield better grapes

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have developed strategies to delay grape ripening and increase flavor potential in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. By manipulating crop load and irrigation management, they were able to slow down sugar accumulation and improve aroma compounds, colour, and mouthfeel.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2021

Mount Sinai study finds that rotator cuff injuries account for nearly half of shoulder injuries among collegiate baseball players, identifies other risks

A Mount Sinai study reveals rotator cuff injuries are the most common type, accounting for nearly half of all shoulder injuries. The research also identifies other risk factors, including pitching and throwing, and highlights the need for improved injury prevention strategies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Physician and Sportsmedicine·DateJun 24, 2021

Researchers identify the causes of the extreme drought that affected the Pantanal

The study reveals that the 2019-20 drought was caused by a meteorological phenomenon, atmospheric blocking, which prevented raincloud formation. The Pantanal's severe drought had devastating effects on the biome due to high temperatures, low humidity, and exacerbated by human activities like deliberate burning of vegetation.

Which animals will survive climate change?

Researchers from McGill University studied threespine stickleback fish adapting to seasonal changes, finding genetic shifts that mirror past adaptations. The study's findings suggest predicting evolutionary future of populations under environmental stressors like climate change.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 14, 2021

Lemon trees showed less response to citrus greening disease pathogen than orange trees

Lemon trees showed a lower molecular response to the citrus greening disease pathogen Liberibacter asiaticus compared to orange trees. This may be due to accumulated micronutrients and upregulated protease inhibitors in lemons, which hinder photosynthesis. The study's findings could aid in developing resistant citrus varieties.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·DateMay 12, 2021

In the Alps, climate change affects biodiversity

A recent review analyzed over 2,000 species in the Alps, finding that many have shifted their life cycles earlier and are moving higher up the elevational gradient as climate change intensifies. This shift is often lagging behind the rate of climate change, with some species experiencing little or no elevation change.

SourceCNRS·JournalBiological Reviews·DateMay 6, 2021

Can extreme melt destabilize ice sheets?

Researchers at Stanford University used a new approach to analyze radar data to show that extreme melt events can create persistent structural changes in the ice sheet, reducing its ability to store meltwater. This change can lead to slippery conditions on the ice bed and speed up the ice sheet's melting.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021

Airbnb hosts in college towns hike up prices game days to deter rival fans

A new study by the University of California San Diego found that Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices during home football games against rival teams, resulting in a 78% reduction in rental income. This phenomenon is attributed to strong emotions involved in college football rivalries and financial constraints.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateApr 19, 2021

Pollen season in Switzerland earlier and more intense due to climate change

A study analyzing pollen data from 1990 to 2020 found that the pollen season has shifted substantially over the past 30 years, with some species starting as early as January. This increase in duration and intensity can lead to more severe health issues, including inflammation in the lungs and negative impacts on the cardiovascular system.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 1, 2021

Plant responses to climate are lagged

A study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) found that plant species often respond to climate drivers months or even years later than previously assumed. The research analyzed 76 studies on 104 plant species and discovered that climate conditions during dormant seasons can have significant effects on plants.