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US cities with pro sports see more flu deaths

A West Virginia University-led study found a significant increase in seasonal flu deaths in US cities with professional sports teams. Researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and discovered that flu mortality rates rose by 5-24% during pro sports seasons, with the largest jump observed in NHL games.

When COVID-19 meets flu season

As COVID-19 converges with the flu season, pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Singer outlines four key factors that can influence the severity of the upcoming flu season: social distancing, vaccination, co-infection diagnosis, and addressing disparities in vulnerable populations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2020

Spring rains are a surprising source of pollen

Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 20, 2020

Revealed: the secret life of godwits

A new study using geolocators shows that black-tailed godwits always start a second nest if their first one fails, revealing a longer breeding season than previously thought. This challenges traditional observation methods, which often disturb the birds' behavior and lead to inaccurate data.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateApr 20, 2020

Flamingos form firm friendships

A five-year study reveals that flamingos consistently spend time with specific close 'friends', forming complex social bonds, including 'married' couples and same-sex friendships. Flamingos' long-lasting friendships are stable over years, suggesting they play a crucial role in survival.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateApr 14, 2020

Precipitation will be essential for plants to counteract global warming

A new study from Columbia University reveals that the balance between soil water and energy availability determines whether plant growth is limited by precipitation or temperature. This finding highlights the crucial role of precipitation in supporting plant photosynthesis, particularly during the late growing season.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Human-sparked fires smaller, less intense but more frequent with longer seasons

A CU Boulder-led study reveals human-sparked fires are becoming more frequent and occurring over longer seasons, presenting new challenges for U.S. wildfire managers and firefighters. The shift toward more human-caused fires results in decreased fire intensity and size, but may not be a good thing due to changes in ecosystem roles.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJan 21, 2020

Mars: Water could disappear faster than expected

Researchers found large atmospheric pockets of water vapour at an altitude of over 80 km, accumulating in unexpected proportions. The capacity for water to escape increases during certain seasons due to the observed supersaturation rates.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2020

APS Tip Sheet: Trudging until take-off

Researchers from Norway, Latvia, and Israel found that allowing slower airplane passengers to board first decreases total boarding time. By simulating passenger movement using physics, the team predicted boarding times for various passenger groups, confirming that slow passengers being boarded first is up to 28% faster.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 8, 2020

Changes in pupils after asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts indicate changes in brain function

Researchers discovered measurable changes in pupillary parameters following asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts. The study suggests that nonconcussive head impacts may affect intrinsic brain reflex pathways and reflect biological injuries, paving the way for a potential inexpensive and rapid method of determining brain injury.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 26, 2019

Climate change influenced rise and fall of Northern Iraq's Neo-Assyrian Empire

A new study suggests that climate change played a role in the collapse of the Neo-Assyrian Empire by exacerbating agricultural productivity declines. The research used high-resolution paleoclimate records from northern Iraq to show that a megadrought may have encouraged invading armies and led to political unrest.

Forecasting dengue: Challenges and a way forward

A team of scientists has developed new ways to forecast dengue infections by combining disease and climate data. The project aimed to predict maximum weekly cases, the week of peak cases, and total season cases, but models still struggle to accurately predict epidemics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019