Articles tagged with Fire
A new study led by Southern Methodist University archaeologist Christopher I. Roos reveals that Native American communities actively managed North American prairies for centuries, using fire to manipulate bison herds and amplify the effects of climate on prairie fire patterns.
A study analyzed prairie fire charcoal deposits to examine fire activity over the last millennium in Montana, revealing high activity during 1100-1650 CE and a strong link between humans and climate on fire regimes. Climate records showed that more than half of the fire deposits coincided with modest or short wet periods.
A four-engine plane carrying scientists and equipment will fly into wildfire smoke to measure its chemistry, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of the effects on air quality, health, and climate. The WE-CAN project will analyze 15-20 smoke-observation flights in late July and August.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new model that quantifies the vulnerability of communities to fire spread. The AGNI-NAR model assesses the risk of fires spreading to homes and groups of homes, providing practical guidance for urban planners and emergency managers.
The study found that wildfire had a strong effect on the density of many bird species, with some reaching maximum densities after high-severity fires. The researchers also discovered complex patterns in species' responses to fire severity and time since burning, highlighting the dynamic nature of avian communities after fires.
A multidisciplinary team at UC Santa Barbara found that immediate responses to disasters like wildfires and floods can have unintended consequences. By prioritizing long-term planning and adaptation strategies, decisionmakers can mitigate the risks of climate change-mediated disasters.
A new study in Respirology reveals that Southeast Asia's annual haze is associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory problems. Respiratory admissions at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre were significantly higher during haze periods, with 27.6 cases per week versus 15.7 cases per week.
A Rutgers-led international team of scientists has verified a 53-year-old theory on ferroelectric metals, creating a new class of two-dimensional artificial materials that exhibit ferroelectric-like properties at room temperature. These findings have the potential to spawn a new generation of multi-functional devices and applications.
A Baltimore campaign found that automated phone calls were more effective than Facebook ads in encouraging residents to request free smoke alarm installations. The campaign, which ran in 2014, reached over 90,000 households via landline and resulted in 458 requests for smoke alarms, compared to just 25 from Facebook ads.
The 2017 US wildfire season was exacerbated by a series of extreme events, including a wet winter, hot summer, and dry fall. Climate change likely played a role in fueling the fires, while human activity contributed to ignition, with nearly 90% of wildfires sparked by people.
A new study found that climate change is amplifying the relationship between lightning-ignited fires and rising temperatures across the Southern Hemisphere. The strongest impact on fire activity was attributed to the Southern Annular Mode, which is expected to continue due to increasing greenhouse gas levels.
A new study found that urbanization and climate change are driving off low-lying morning clouds in southern California, leading to increased wildfire risk. The decrease in cloud cover correlates with lower vegetation moisture and higher fire danger.
A $258,778 grant from the Australian Research Council supports a project investigating fire resistance levels of Light Gauge Steel Framed (LSF) walls. The research aims to develop a generic model for predicting fire resistance levels and enhance fire safety in low- and mid-rise buildings.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that orangutans exposed to smoke from wildfires eat and rest more, but don't gain weight. The study suggests long-term health problems for critically endangered orangutans.
A new study found that many Airbnb rentals in the US are missing critical safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. The analysis of 120,691 venues across 16 cities showed that only 56% had carbon monoxide detectors and 42% had fire extinguishers.
A snapshot survey of over 120,500 US Airbnb rentals found that most properties had smoke detectors but fewer had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The study suggests that further investigation and intervention are needed to ensure adequate fire safety in these venues.
A new analysis of the 2013 Douglas Complex fire reveals that young plantation forests experienced higher severity fires than nearby public forests. Daily weather was the most significant driver, but ownership, forest age, and topography also played critical roles.
New research finds that thinning forests due to wildfires can reduce water stress and save up to 17 billion gallons of water annually. This approach may help offset the costs of forest restoration, which could increase water flow from Sierra Nevada watersheds by as much as 10 percent.
A new study published in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions reveals the mechanism by which antibiotics kasugamycin and blasticidin S kill fire blight bacteria in apple and pear trees. The researchers found that the antibiotics target a critical gene, ksgA, leading to bacterial death.
Plants may have exerted greater influence on terrestrial ecosystems than megaherbivores that once roamed landscapes. Shrubs consistently predicted ecosystem change, with increasing shrub biomass reducing nitrogen availability and promoting tree growth.
Research analyzing 30 years of data reveals that large wildfires significantly increase annual river flow, but also lead to increased contaminants like sediment and nutrients. Prescribed burns, on the other hand, show no significant impact on river flows.
Researchers found that geoengineering methods could shift global rainfall patterns, leading to increased fire risk in some regions despite lower global temperatures. The study suggests that the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5C would be offset by unintended consequences for certain areas.
Research from Harvard University shows that agricultural fires in Punjab, India can increase air pollution in Delhi by 20 times the safe limit. The study used satellite data and modeling to track the impact of smoke particles on urban areas.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that homebuilding near wild areas since 1990 has greatly increased homes at risk from wildfires, leading to higher costs in fighting fires. The study found that the wildland-urban interface, where homes and wild vegetation meet, has grown rapidly across the US.
The new version of WALK-MAN humanoid robot has a lighter upper body and new hands, reducing construction cost and improving performance. It can locate fires, activate extinguishers, and transmit images back to emergency teams for evaluation and guidance.
The Australian fire beetle uses its heat sensors to detect hot spots and avoid them when approaching a freshly burnt branch. The IR organs are relatively insensitive, and the beetles seem to rely on their sense of smell to detect forest fires.
Researchers found that varied burning regimes increase the variety of bird and mammal species in wet savannas, allowing geographically rare birds to coexist with more common species. This study suggests that fire can be an effective tool for promoting biodiversity in conservation areas.
Researchers found that prescribed fire reduced bird species diversity, while mastication led to a 50% decrease in bird species and 60% reduction in total numbers of birds. The study suggests that current fire management practices harm wildlife and increase fire risk.
A comprehensive analysis of 101 major earthquakes found most aftershock activity occurred on the margins of the fault slip zone, supporting the idea that large-slip zones are unlikely to rupture again soon. Stress increases in surrounding areas.
Researchers have discovered a new role for large-scale fires and high nitrogen deposition in the ecology and biogeochemistry of Central African forests. The findings suggest that massive tracts of biomass from savannas are swept up into the atmosphere and deposited on the forests, stimulating growth in certain species.
Researchers found neurons that fire at the beginning and end of a behavior, marking the start and end of habits. The study sheds light on how the brain groups behaviors together into routines.
Researchers identified natural compounds that repel fire ants by activating a type of ion channel highly expressed in the insect's antennae and legs. These compounds, including one found in cinnamon, were found to be less effective at activating the fire ant version of this channel compared to honey bees.
A study suggests that early Neanderthals in southern Tuscany used fire to create digging sticks and shape wooden tools. The site's fossil bones and cut marks indicate a high level of technical expertise in toolmaking, dating back to around 171,000 years ago.
Scientists analyzed geochemical and isotopic markers to suggest a cosmic impact triggered the disaster, which consumed 10% of the Earth's land surface in fires. The study provides evidence for human cultural shifts and population declines during this period.
Researchers discovered complex patterns of electrical impulses in brain neurons, with repeating rumblings and spikes sustaining activity for hundreds of milliseconds. These findings suggest that neurons may not fire randomly, but rather follow structured rhythms that could influence our understanding of their function.
The study uses Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis to identify forest fire hotspots in Brunei-Muara District, highlighting the need for new fire stations. Site Suitability Analysis is conducted using local road networks to suggest suitable locations for new fire stations.
Researchers have found that post-fire logging operations are responsible for declines in spotted owl territory occupancy, contradicting previous reports of large forest fires. The study suggests that preserving natural processes and reducing human disturbance can help protect this imperiled species.
Bigger trees in peat bogs indicate greater fire risk, as they shade out protective sphagnum moss and pull moisture from the ground. Researchers found that even small trees can pose a threat, with those just 5 metres tall posing the greatest danger.
A Brazilian research team has discovered seven new cave-dwelling spider species in northern Brazil, named after iconic fictional characters from A Song of Ice and Fire, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and more. These spiders belong to the Neotropical genus Ochyrocera and are classified as edaphic troglophile species.
Researchers found significant decreases in tree regeneration following wildfires in the early 21st century, a period marked by hotter and drier conditions. This decline in forest resilience will take much longer to recover after a wildfire, with some areas showing no seedlings growing.
The Thomas fire, California's fifth-largest blaze, is being closely monitored due to the satellite's ability to provide detailed temperature differences within the burn scar. Severe fire weather continues to threaten communities in Santa Barbara County, with gusty offshore winds posing a significant risk.
Researchers studied the effect of palm oil sustainability certification on deforestation in Indonesia from 2001-2015. Certification was found to significantly reduce deforestation, but had no effect on peatland forest loss or fire activity.
A study models historic annual fire activity across the US continental region, finding that human influence diminishes climate's role in fire activity. Climate factors vary by geography, with some regions experiencing reduced climate importance due to human presence.
Researchers found that areas recently treated with controlled burns fared better in the 2013 Rim Fire. The best predictor of fire severity was how severe the area last burned, indicating that reducing initial burn severity can limit future fires.
Archaeologist Alan Sullivan argues that prehistoric people used fire to promote the growth of edible plants such as amaranth and chenopodium. Lab analysis found ancient pollen from clay pots with only six out of 6,000 grains identified as corn.
A new computational framework simulates each stage of tree combustion, capturing detailed geometry and effects on branches and leaves. The method efficiently models the kinetic behavior of plants and their reaction to heat release in the combustion process.
Researchers found that small fires create "grazing-lawn ecosystems" with higher food quality and increased safety for animals. The study showed that small burns (<25ha) attract large numbers of wildebeest, keeping grass short and palatable.
A new study demonstrates the use of carefully crafted, ultrafast light pulses to control neuron activity in mice. This technique, called coherent control, could one day help patients with light-sensitive circadian or mood problems by regulating chemical reactions and ion flow.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers tracks land cover changes in the Chobe district of Northern Botswana, providing critical information for governments and nonprofit organizations. The study reveals a long-term trend of decreasing woodland cover and increasing shrubland, with fire being a driving force in land cover change.
Researchers found that neurons' firing rates adjust based on option values, leading to adaptive judgments. The brain uses a neural circuit to correct for differences in scale, ensuring maximal payoff and rational decision-making.
A recent study warns of the increasing threat of forest fires in Europe and their impact on air quality. The JRC's annual report confirms longer and more intense fire seasons, with severe health implications for humans, particularly during prolonged fire seasons.
Researchers found that mechanically thinning and prescribed burns can reduce fire-severity by up to 60% when used optimally. The study's findings have implications for forest management teams across the US, highlighting the importance of fire in ecosystem restoration.
A University of Missouri team created a Physical Chemical Fire Frequency Model to understand how climate influences wildfire frequency. The model uses temperature and precipitation variables to predict wildfire patterns across different regions. By analyzing global wildfire data, the researchers have identified predictable patterns in ...
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.
Architectural historians at the University of York have reconstructed the first dedicated House of Commons chamber using 3D visualization technology. The project has brought St Stephen's Chapel back to life, revealing parallels between 16th-century political debate and modern-day discussions.
A study by BYU linguistics professor Alan Manning and the University of South Alabama's Nicole Amare found that most people value clarity and directness over extended buffers when delivering bad news. Participants ranked directness as a top characteristic they valued most in receiving bad news.
A new study from Drexel University found that incorporating diverse ideas from women can improve safety in traditionally male fire departments. However, female firefighters often face hostile cultures and feel unwelcome due to hypermasculine environments. This can lead to a lack of reporting of injuries, which can be career-ending.
British Columbia has been severely impacted by forest fires, with large portions of the landscape decimated by fire. The NASA's Aqua satellite provides a clear visual representation of the extent of the damage through its natural color and false color images.
The NHS plans to sell off unused land to raise funds for essential maintenance and modernization of healthcare services. Kailash Chand, a GP, raises concerns that this approach may not address underlying shortfalls in the health budget and could lead to long-term costs.
Researchers have solved the structure of the 'ready to fire' bacterial speargun, a nano-sized weapon that injects deadly toxins into competitors. The T6SS speargun works by rapidly contracting and pushing out a toxic spear, drilling a hole into target cells with incredible speed.