Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Ancient high-altitude trees grow faster as temperatures rise

A recent study found that ancient high-altitude bristlecone pines in the western US are experiencing unprecedented growth rates due to rising temperatures. Trees growing near treeline, typically at elevations above 11,000 feet, showed wider annual growth rings from 1951 to 2000 compared to previous centuries.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Foot & Ankle Specialist accepted in Medline

The Foot & Ankle Specialist journal has been accepted for inclusion in the MEDLINE database, providing researchers and clinicians with improved access to high-quality studies on foot and ankle treatments. This acceptance aims to enhance the dissemination of techniques and advancements in foot and ankle care.

SourceSAGE·JournalFoot & Ankle Specialist·DateJul 22, 2009

Show and prove

Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine has received a $650,000 NIH grant to test the effectiveness of a personalized, visual diabetic foot education strategy. The program aims to improve health literacy and empower patients to make better decisions about their foot care.

Bariatric surgery increases risk of fractures

A new study found that bariatric surgery nearly doubles the expected risk of fractures, especially hand and foot fractures, in patients who underwent weight loss surgery to treat medically complicated obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 97 patients with an average age of 44 years and found a total of 31 fractures after surgery.

Fracture risk following bariatric surgery

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that bariatric surgery may be associated with an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the hands and feet. The study, which analyzed nearly 100 surgical cases over a 21-year period, showed that 21 individuals experienced 31 fractures within seven years after surgery.

Chronic ankle pain may be more than just a sprain

Chronic ankle pain is a common issue that may not resolve on its own after an initial injury. Tendon injuries to the peroneal tendons are now recognized as a possible cause of chronic pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate symptoms, and imaging techniques like MRI or ultrasound can help identify the condition.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMay 1, 2009

Finding trapped miners

Researchers at the University of Utah developed a new method to locate trapped miners in collapsed mines by installing seismic listening devices on the ground. The system uses unique 'fingerprints' generated by miners banging on iron plates to pinpoint their location, showing promising results in tests.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Leading Edge·DateMar 25, 2009

Satellite spies on tree-eating bugs

Researchers successfully used satellite images to monitor the extent of saltcedar leaf beetle defoliation on tamarisk. The study suggests that controlling tamarisk through beetle release may have unexpected environmental repercussions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 9, 2009

This grass is still greener

A study by Clemson University researchers found that creeping bentgrass on golf putting greens can recover from winter damage caused by foot and equipment traffic. The study suggests that full recovery should be expected by summer, allowing course managers to minimize lost revenue and extend play during the winter months.

Sea level rise could be worse than anticipated

A new study published in Science suggests that a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could lead to significantly higher sea level rise than currently projected, with devastating effects on coastal areas and global sea levels. The research takes into account various forces, including gravity, changes in the Earth's rotation, and la...

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2009

Dogs chase efficiently, but cats skulk counterintuitively

A Duke University study has found that cats' inefficient gait is actually an adaptation for stealthy stalking, rather than energy efficiency. This means that while dogs rely on efficient four-footed running to catch prey, cats use a slow and deliberate approach to creep up on their unsuspecting victims.

SourceDuke University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateDec 3, 2008

War from the ground up

A study examines the connection between Civil War battlefields and casualties, finding that geology plays a significant role in determining fighter outcomes. Researchers discovered areas with favorable terrain and unfavorable geology resulted in distinct casualty rates.

Microbes beneath sea floor genetically distinct

Researchers discovered that microbes beneath the sea floor are genetically distinct and dominate life's biomass, with a unique metabolism and slow growth rate. The study found that these microbes could survive major Earth impacts and potentially be a reservoir of novel genetic material.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Fatal mine collapse covered 50 acres

A fatal mine collapse in Utah's Crandall Canyon coal mine was actually a massive cave-in that covered an area of approximately 50 acres. New calculations reveal the disaster began near where miners were excavating and quickly grew to four times its initially estimated size.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJun 1, 2008

Did walking on 2 feet begin with a shuffle?

Researchers at University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University propose that shuffling emerged as a precursor to bipedal behavior to conserve metabolic energy. For distances less than 30 feet, shuffling would be efficient, while longer distances would favor all fours.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMay 29, 2008

Giant flying reptiles preferred to walk

New research on azhdarchid pterosaurs suggests they were strongly adapted for life on the ground, with features such as long limbs, stiff necks, and padded feet. The study argues that these reptiles were specialized terrestrial stalkers, using their unique anatomy to pick up prey from the ground.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2008

Sticky gecko feet: The role of temperature and humidity

Researchers at the University of Akron discovered that temperature and humidity significantly impact a gecko's ability to stick to glass. The study revealed that under humid conditions, geckos can cling with twice the force as in dry conditions. Conversely, high temperatures reduce their adhesion, making humidity level less crucial.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2008