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Increase in extreme precipitation in the northeast caused by Atlantic variability and climate change

A recent study found that greenhouse gases from human activity and warmer North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contributed to the Northeast's increased extreme precipitation since 1996. The research used global climate model simulations and statistical methods to isolate the causes of the increase.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2021

Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gas from depth

A new study suggests that thawing permafrost in Siberia may release large amounts of methane gas from limestone formations, posing a significant threat to global warming. Elevated methane concentrations were detected in two areas with limestone bedrock, indicating that fracture systems in these formations became permeable upon warming.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2021

Oil in the ocean photooxides within hours to days, new study finds

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science demonstrates that oil in the ocean can undergo photooxidation, a process that breaks down crude oil into persistent compounds. This process occurs within hours to days and reduces the effectiveness of chemical dispersants used to clean up spills.

UM scientists achieve breakthrough in culturing corals and sea anemones cells

Researchers at the University of Miami have successfully cultured cells from coral and sea anemones for up to 12 days, opening new avenues for studying evolutionary biology and human health. The breakthrough uses antibiotic treatment to prime tissues before culture, allowing for longer and more robust cell cultures.

An interdecadal decrease in extreme heat days in August over Northeast China around the early 1990s

Researchers found a significant interdecadal decrease in extreme heat days over Northeast China from the 1980s to 2000s, driven by reduced variability of daily maximum temperature. The Silk Road and East Asian-Pacific teleconnections played a crucial role in modulating this change.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 8, 2021

Air quality impacts early brain development

Researchers found abnormal growth and increased neuroinflammation in the brains of animals exposed to air pollution, suggesting a potential risk for changes in developing brain relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used rodent models to mimic real-time exposure to traffic-related air pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2020

Atmospheric chemists move indoors

Atmospheric chemists are cataloging compounds in indoor air, which can react with others to form new molecules. Indoor emissions come from various sources, including stoves, cleaning products, and people's breath, skin, and personal care products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 4, 2019

Sea ice decline spurs the greening of the Arctic

A recent review of research reveals that declining Arctic sea ice is leading to the greening of coastal areas, altering marine and terrestrial food chains. The study finds that changes in sea-ice cover are affecting animal migration patterns and plant growth, with some areas showing cooling trends and declines in vegetation productivity.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2013

'Chum cam' underwater video survey shows that reef sharks thrive in marine reserves

A team of scientists from the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science used video cameras to count Caribbean reef sharks inside and outside marine reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The results show that the sharks were more abundant in the reserves, with a higher relative abundance compared to areas where fishing is allowed.

California's model skies

Researchers from the UK Met Office and the University of Leeds have developed computer models to predict rotor winds, which can be devastating for aircraft. The T-REX project uses these models to check accuracy and improve predictions, ultimately enhancing safety at mountainous airports.