Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.
Cassava farmers in Tanzania can reduce disease spread by planting susceptible varieties during the long rainy season and disease-resistant ones during the short rainy season. This approach helps minimize quality loss over repeated planting cycles, offering a cost-effective solution for crop production.
A Dartmouth study found that a global cooling phenomenon, known as the US 'warming hole', has increased corn yields in the Corn Belt region by 5-10% per year. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allowed corn to mature slower, reducing heat stress and increasing grain accumulation.
A new study by UTSA researchers reveals that popular smart light brands have significant security holes, including infrared capabilities that can be exploited by hackers. The study warns that smart bulbs could become a prime target for hackers, posing a risk to consumers' personal information.
Researchers found that male deer's dark belly stains contain compounds revealing age, dominance, and physical condition. The intensity of these signals varies depending on the competitive context of the deer community.
Tropical Storm Ema formed near Hawaiian Islands on October 12 and passed over NASA's Terra satellite on the following day. The satellite captured strong convection limited to the area north of the storm's center, indicating wind shear effects
Researchers studying glacier algae in the Greenland Ice Sheet found that purple-pigmented ice algal blooms cause increased melting by darkening the surface and absorbing more sunlight. The project aims to understand the complex interactions between light-absorbing particulates and predict where and when biological darkening will occur.
Researchers analyzed continental-scale data to investigate the impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds, finding that breeding in modified habitats increases ANP levels by twice as much as forested habitats. The study suggests vocal traits like song complexity could be useful for understanding ANP effects across spatial scales.
Researchers found fairy-wrens start breeding earlier in milder nights and stop breeding later in hot conditions. The study's long-term data on the birds' life history may help scientists understand climate change effects on wild animal populations globally.
Wheat aphid populations and their natural enemies were studied in four agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. The study found no correlation between aphid populations and their predators, but highlighted the importance of understanding where aphids will infest to effectively manage biocontrol agents.
According to a study published in Global Change Biology, the breeding season of some Arctic seabirds is shifting earlier due to global warming. The study found that surface-feeding seabirds in the north Pacific Ocean are moving their breeding season about ten days before the rest of species over the last thirty-five years.
Researchers at UNH found a significant decline in frost days and ice days in northern forests across the US and Canada. This change could have serious implications for ecosystems, water supplies, economies, tourism, and human health. Cold temperatures help prevent disease spread and manage insects detrimental to trees.
Researchers tracked basking sharks using satellite tags, finding they spent most of summer at surface, but dove to deeper depths in winter. The sharks also performed 'yo-yo' dives towards late winter and early spring, reaching depths over 1000m.
Researchers discovered a bacterial enzyme that removes Neu5Gc from cells, potentially preventing inflammatory diseases. A new type of sialidase was found in the gut microbiomes of mice fed with red meat-like diet, which can be leveraged to strip away animal carbohydrates.
A study found that climate change could cause the maple syrup season to shift one month earlier, with eastern North America potentially losing production capacity. The research suggests that areas like Quebec will see increased production, while others may experience declines.
Climate change causes grassland communities to lose diverse species, especially those adapted to drought. The loss of native forbs with high specific leaf area indicates water-limited regions are particularly vulnerable.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microorganisms residing on plant leaves are connected to those living in the soil, forming a key part of the bioenergy community. The researchers identified hundreds of leaf microbiome members and compared them to thousands in the soil, using deep sequencing techniques.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that many core microbes on bioenergy plant leaves originate from the soil and remain consistent across seasons. The study suggests that these microbes play a crucial role in the plant's growth and health, and their phyllosphere microbiome can be targeted for cultivation.
NASA satellite data tracks large-scale trends in fire activity, consistent with a warming climate, particularly in the western US, Canada, and Northern Hemisphere forests. Research reveals that high temperatures, low humidity, and warmer nighttime temperatures contribute to increased fire risk and activity.
A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.
A new study found that NFL players who experienced concussions had elevated risk for serious cognitive problems, depression, and anxiety, persisting even 20 years after injury. Players in high-impact positions like running backs, linebackers, and special teams faced greater risks compared to those in lower-risk positions.
April tornadoes influenced by global climate patterns, while May events more strongly linked to internal atmospheric processes. Shifting weather patterns within seasons affect tornado frequencies, suggesting a key factor in climate change impact studies.
Wild African elephants demonstrate distinct movement patterns in response to environmental changes, with some targeting resources while others avoid them. The study found that landscape conservation efforts should consider the diverse tactics employed by individual elephants.
A recent paper by Montana State University researchers highlights the need for communities to adapt and transform themselves to be more resilient to wildfires. The authors argue that current approaches are not working, especially as fire seasons get warmer and longer.
A three-site study in the Blue Marsh watershed found seasonal differences in microbial populations, with increases in warmer months and higher levels of nitrate and phosphate. The researchers used Biolog Ecoplates to test water samples, revealing changes in bacterial counts and chemical profiles linked to human activities.
Researchers found that repeated subconcussive head hits can cumulatively cause brain trauma, leading to structural changes in midbrain white matter. The study suggests that early detection and prevention of injury are crucial in protecting players from long-term neurologic damage.
Research found structural changes in brain after one football season, despite no clinically diagnosed concussions. The study used MRI scans and helmet accelerometers to track player injuries.
A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.
NASA's GPM satellite detected heavy rainfall east of Tropical Storm Krosa's center, falling at a rate of 50 mm/hour over open ocean. The storm was moving northwest and had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph) before strengthening into a typhoon.
A University of Liverpool study reveals that wild animals adjust their social preferences with the weather, affecting extinction risk. The research found that species alter their grouping patterns between wet and dry seasons, influenced by factors like migration and feeding preferences.
A new study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs found that net use increases during rainy seasons and decreases in the dry season. This seasonal variation in net use can lead to gaps in malaria prevention efforts if not taken into account.
Tropical Depression 3 formed on July 22 and dissipated by July 24, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing an image of its remnant clouds. The depression was centered about 60 miles east-southeast of Daytona Beach, Florida, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph.
A study published in Journal of Climate reveals that global warming will accelerate the water cycle over global land monsoon regions, enlarging the wet-dry season contrast. This could lead to increased crop yields in some areas and food security threats due to depleted soil water.
A study of over 150 youth tackle football players found minimal changes in neurocognitive outcomes after two seasons, with no correlation between head impacts and cognitive function. Other factors like ADHD and younger age were more predictive of worsening scores on pre- and post-season tests.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that increasing asphalt-layer thickness by 7-32% can maintain road serviceability and reduce future maintenance costs. The study suggests that proactive measures now can lead to savings of up to 50% compared to later repairs.
NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites detected Barbara as a powerful hurricane with maximum sustained winds of near 130 mph (215 kph). The storm is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles from the center.
Researchers studied an ancient water system in Huamantanga, Peru, and found it could reroute 35% of wet season water, equivalent to 99 million cubic meters per year. The method could extend the wet season, providing more drinking water and longer crop-growing periods for local farmers.
Researchers found that chameleon prawns take weeks to change color, instead relying on behavioral choices to match their surroundings. This ability enables them to maintain camouflage throughout the year, helping them survive in challenging rock pool environments.
Research in Tomsk, Russia found that school closures decrease student contacts by 53% and may worsen influenza spread. Computer simulations estimated a 33% rise in cases without such policies.
The study reveals that high tunnels can increase yield, enhance shelf life, and improve crop quality, but also pose challenges such as added labor and time requirements. Farmers perceive the ability to differentiate products based on higher quality and premium pricing as a key attractive opportunity.
Researchers discovered that dopamine decreases hair cell sensitivity in female fish's inner ear, but reduces inhibition via D2a receptors during summer, increasing hearing sensitivity. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of acoustic communication in vertebrates.
Researchers found that daily self-weighing can help prevent holiday weight gain by allowing individuals to make behavioral changes based on their weight changes. Participants who engaged in daily self-weighing maintained or lost weight during the holiday season, while those who did not gained weight.
A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that uncertainty about what one knows leads to the most curiosity and learning. Tailoring classroom learning to students' misconceptions can be an effective way to stimulate curiosity and motivation to learn. The study's findings expand on Maria Montessori's child-centered appro...
Andrea forms over western Atlantic on May 20, 2019, becoming 1st subtropical storm of 2019 Atlantic season. It is currently located 295 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 5 knots with maximum sustained winds near 40mph.
Researchers used a model of measles transmission to predict the impact of vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. Conducting vaccination campaigns between May and October reduced estimated infections by 400,000 compared to January campaigns.
Airbnb's flexible lodging capacity can help stabilize demand during peak travel seasons, offsetting higher hotel prices. The platform disrupts traditional pricing strategies in some markets, minimizing seasonal pricing needs. Higher-end hotels are most affected by Airbnb's business traveler targeting
The study proposes strategies for hotels to cope with competition from Airbnb, including abandoning seasonal pricing and adjusting rates. Hotels in cities with high demand for leisure travel and low-end options may need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies.
Researchers found the Great Whirl, a massive whirlpool off East Africa, is larger and longer-lived than previously thought. It can grow to over 275,000 square kilometers in area and persist for about 200 days.
Researchers found that viewers who watched the entire second season of '13 Reasons Why' were less likely to report recent self-harm and thoughts of ending their lives compared to those who didn't watch at all. Young adults, particularly students, showed increased risk for future suicide when watching only part of the series.
This study characterizes spatial and temporal variations in particulate-bound PAH pollution in Ulaanbaatar, identifying sources and health risks. High PAH concentrations were found in areas with coal and wood combustion, highlighting the need for effective air pollution control strategies.
Vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and Lyme borreliosis are expanding rapidly across Europe due to climate change and international travel. The geographical range of these diseases is expected to increase, with hotter temperatures favouring the spread of mosquitoes and ticks.
Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA, LDAIR, that regulates seasonal changes in stress response in medaka fish. This lncRNA affects corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 and modulates self-protective behaviors during breeding seasons.
Researchers analyzed oxygen isotope signatures from whale barnacle shells to reconstruct ancient migration patterns. The study found consistent seasonal variations in oxygen isotopes, mirroring modern whale migration patterns and suggesting that baleen whales have retained their migratory routes for over 270,000 years.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis reveals that waiting until October to get flu shots may save thousands of lives. The study found that compressed vaccination periods starting in October can prevent up to 22,062 cases of flu and save as many as 258 lives compared to status quo vaccination timing.
Researchers project timing and location of precipitation changes relevant to agricultural crop production due to climate change. Precipitation patterns are expected to increase in high latitudes like North America and Europe by 2020s or have already emerged in regions such as the Mediterranean.
A study published in Scientific Reports analyzed forecasts from 14 predictive models submitted to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influenza season forecasting challenge. The results show that teams with more experience and combined model approaches performed better, highlighting opportunities for future improvement.
Researchers developed AutoDet method for real-time surface contamination detection using AI and hyperspectral imaging. This enables targeted cleaning, reducing unnecessary disinfectant use and promoting sustainable cleaning practices.
Researchers studied pallid swifts, finding they can live in the air for 2-3.5 months without landing. This allows them to avoid predators and parasites on the ground, increasing their survival rate.
Researchers analyzed 2.33 billion Wikipedia pageviews to find seasonal patterns in internet interest for plants and animals, revealing how much people care about nature. The study suggests new ways to monitor changes in biodiversity and targets conservation efforts.
A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.
SourceNOAA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019