Articles tagged with Beaches
The James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror backplane support structure is nearing completion with the recent assembly of its wings. The complex wing assemblies feature 900 separate parts made of lightweight graphite composite materials.
A recent study challenges the hypothesis that mass strandings of pilot whales are driven by family relationships. The research found that stranded groups are not necessarily members of one extended family and that many calves have no identifiable mother among the other beached whales. This suggests that social bonds among kin may actua...
A new study questions the role of kinship in mass strandings of pilot whales, finding that related and unrelated individuals were present at each event. The separation of mothers and calves suggests strong kinship bonds are being disrupted prior to stranding.
Mercyhurst University has received a $20,000 grant to extend its research on emerging contaminants in Lake Erie waters at Presque Isle State Park. The study will focus on five chemicals, including fluoxetine, triclosan, estradiol, diuron, and sucralose, which have been shown to have negative health consequences.
Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, removing protective berm and beach erosion. The facility is now working to conduct an out-of-cycle beach replenishment and repair the damaged berm.
Researchers identified a 1,500km-long fragment of an ancient continent called Mauritia beneath the Indian Ocean. The micro-continent contains rocks dated up to 2 billion years old, challenging the formation timeline of the ocean.
Researchers warn of catastrophic loss as nesting sites show 78% decline over 27 years. Conservation efforts face challenges due to feral pig predation and climate change.
Red tide alerts have been added to Beach Hazards Statements by NOAA, providing public warnings for moderate or high respiratory impacts and environmental threats in southwest Florida. The new service aims to broaden awareness about harmful algal blooms and their potential impacts on human health.
A team of astronomers analyzed Kepler mission data and found that 17% of sun-like stars have planets one to two times the diameter of Earth, orbiting close to their host stars. These planets may be rocky and habitable within the Goldilocks zone.
The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust has awarded Scripps Florida a $1 million grant to expand its education outreach programs in Palm Beach County.
Hurricane Sandy's powerful storm system is moving towards the Bahamas, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The satellite imagery captures a large area of cold cloud tops indicating the storm's power, with temperatures as low as -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius) in some areas.
Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to the northern Leeward Islands, with isolated totals reaching up to 12 inches. The storm is also forecasted to impact Bermuda late on Tuesday, Oct. 16, prompting a Tropical Storm Watch for the island.
Luke Remage-Healey, a UMass Amherst neuroscientist, has been awarded the 2012 Frank A. Beach Award for his significant contributions to the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology. His research on the regulation of brain function and behavior by steroid hormones in zebra finches is gaining mainstream momentum.
A team of MIT researchers has found a way to use oscillating microscopic beads to carry out biomedical tests, potentially enabling multiple medical tests on a tiny device. The technique allows for precise measurements of tiny quantities of materials and could lead to fast, compact, and versatile medical-testing devices.
A new tracking technique using chemical signatures has been validated as an effective alternative to satellite tracking for loggerhead turtles. The method helps identify key feeding areas and migration routes, aiding conservation efforts.
Researchers found that X- and Y-shaped ocean waves, predicted by mathematical equations, can form in shallow water near low tide. These nonlinear wave interactions can significantly increase a tsunami's destructive power.
A team of University of Georgia researchers has developed a technique combining LiDAR and satellite imagery to create precise coastal maps. The new website provides access to high-resolution data on beach availability, tidal ranges, and erosion for policymakers, conservationists, and tourists.
Climate models show that warmer beach conditions and increased frequency of hot years will lead to high egg and hatchling mortality rates among leatherback sea turtles. The eastern Pacific population is projected to decline by 75% by 2100, making conservation efforts crucial for their recovery.
Mercyhurst research delivers near real-time water quality results, reducing exposure to potentially hazardous bacteria. The new system uses computer predictions and qPCR technology to detect E. coli contamination in two hours.
Researchers developed a screening tool to predict microcystin levels in lakes prone to blue-green algal blooms. The tool uses phycocyanin measurements and water transparency to provide a quick and affordable assessment of the toxin's presence.
Climate conditions at nesting beaches affect early survival of turtle eggs and hatchlings, with warmer El Niño conditions linked to higher mortality rates. The study predicts a 50% drop in egg and hatchling survival by 2112 due to global climate change.
A recent study found that 70 percent of beaches on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui are undergoing long-term erosion, with an average rate of 0.4 feet per year from the early 1900s to 2000s.
Researchers found that the earthquake's aftermath saw the resurgence of species on sandy beaches, while coastal armoring led to beach loss and decline in intertidal diversity. The study highlights the potential effects of natural disasters on sandy beach ecosystems worldwide.
A collaborative study found that earthquakes and tsunamis can revive habitats and bring back species thought extinct, while also exacerbating coastal erosion. The research highlights the importance of preserving sandy beaches as barriers against sea level rise and conservation.
A new study establishes reference levels for beach sand contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, helping health departments determine when it's too risky for children and others. The research used computer simulations and measurements of microbes at California and Florida beaches.
Scientists developed reference guide for potentially harmful germs in sand to inform beach management decisions, with a focus on minimizing risk for children. The study found low levels of harmful microbes at one beach site, indicating the sand was safe for beachgoers.
A new study reveals that consumers make choices based on their mood and level of emotional arousal. People in a positive mood prefer products matching their state, while those in a low-energy state seek reversals. The study finds that consumers consistently choose products promoting pleasant moods.
A study by Duke University researchers predicts that sea level rise will change the economic landscape of Southern California beaches, with smaller beaches facing significant losses while larger ones may benefit. The study suggests that nourishment projects could help offset these losses, but at great cost.
A new wireless sensor device can detect high concentrations of E. coli bacteria in under 1 hour and lower concentrations in less than 8 hours. This rapid detection system has the potential to serve as an early warning tool for beach safety, providing a more timely response to fecal contamination.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are analyzing military policy to develop recommendations that will benefit special-needs families of armed services personnel worldwide. Their goal is to enhance mission readiness, ease redeployment burdens, advance retention, and aid recruitment efforts.
Researchers have gained insights into the synchronised mass nesting of female olive ridley sea turtles, shedding light on their reproductive behaviour and population dynamics. The study's findings suggest that this small population in French Guiana has increased its nest number three-fold over the past decade, but also makes them more ...
A recent study published by the University of Exeter found that green turtle eggs laid on naturally hot beaches withstand high temperatures better than those from cooler beaches. This adaptation allows turtles to thrive in hot environments, making them crucial for species survival in a warming world.
A new study predicts that California beach towns will experience significant economic losses due to sea level rise, with visitor hotspots like Venice Beach facing up to $440 million in tourism revenue losses. The study also found that accelerated erosion could cause up to $540 million worth of damage at San Francisco's Ocean Beach.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues. The partnership will be showcased at ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting, where attendees can learn about the programs offered by the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami.
Gilda's Club South Florida participates in ASTRO's Survivor Circle exhibit to raise awareness about cancer survivorship programs. The organization receives a $10,000 grant to provide support to newly diagnosed patients and their families.
Hurricane Irene's diameter is nearly one-third the length of the U.S. Atlantic coastline, with winds extending 255 miles from its center.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards recognizing key achievements in space science and technology, program management, and sustained service. The AIAA Sustained Service Awards will be presented to Guy Jette and Peter Kurzhals for their contributions.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will honor aircraft design, program management, and lifetime achievements through its annual awards. The awards ceremony takes place as part of the 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference.
Researchers uncover large variations in Arctic sea ice extent over the past 10,000 years, revealing that current amounts are likely less than half of those seen during the Holocene Climate Optimum. The team's findings suggest changes in wind patterns contribute to climate-driven ice loss.
Tropical Storm Bret formed in the northwestern Bahamas on July 17, strengthened into a tropical storm by July 18, and continued to intensify. The GOES-13 satellite recorded the storm's development, providing a video of its birth and strengthening process.
Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed a method to evaluate coastal storm vulnerability, finding that one-third of the region's coasts are at risk of severe flooding and erosion. The study used wave data from 1958-2008 to assess the vulnerability of a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline.
A new study using brain scans reveals that simple line drawings can activate similar patterns of brain activity as color photographs when viewing natural scenes. This suggests that the brain uses abstract representations to categorize scenes and doesn't need features like texture and color to tell a beach from a street scene.
Human impact on coastal dunes is a significant threat to their conservation in Spain, particularly due to poorly designed infrastructure such as car parks, boardwalks and inadequate access points. A study found that these factors contribute to the instability of the dune systems, even in protected areas.
A study found that teen drivers in Virginia Beach, Va., had a 41% higher crash rate compared to Chesapeake, Va., where classes started later. This is attributed to sleep loss and daytime sleepiness caused by early school start times.
Projections predict tsunami debris will spread out eastward, reaching Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in a year and US West Coast in three years. The debris will then enter the North Pacific Garbage Patch, where it will break into smaller pieces.
A new Duke University-led study reveals a 10.2% increase in leatherback sea turtle nests at 68 beaches in Florida since 1979, suggesting conservation and recovery efforts are paying off. The growth may be attributed to improved monitoring, reduced predators, and changing ocean conditions favoring turtles.
A study by University of Bristol academics found that virtual MIMO technology can increase data capacity by up to 50% but also makes things worse for some users in certain scenarios. The researchers propose metrics to determine when to use this technology, highlighting the need for careful design and intelligence in the network.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that seemingly mindless survival strategies can be more effective than adapting to changes. This 'multiplier effect' states that individuals will thrive in their optimal environment if they follow what their parents did, leading to the success of their genes.
A USGS report found that 68 percent of beaches in the region are eroding at an average rate of 1.6 feet per year. The study used historical data to assess coastal change over 150 years and provides valuable information for managing the impacts of sea-level rise.
A simple method for tracking E. coli uses laser imaging to detect and monitor microbe contamination in water, potentially reducing waterborne disease outbreaks. The technique improves on existing methods by providing vital information on microbial source tracking.
Researchers at US Naval Academy have designed novel blade modifications inspired by humpback whale flippers to improve turbine performance in converting low-velocity tidal flow energy into electricity. The modified blades proved effective in extracting energy at low speeds without degrading performance at high flow speeds.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a promising new cancer treatment using magnetic fluid hyperthermia, which heats up magnetic nanoparticles to kill tumor cells. The treatment has shown no adverse effects on surrounding healthy tissue.
Flexible scales on sharks' bodies allow for change in direction while swimming at full speed by controlling water flow separation. This discovery has implications for designing more efficient aircraft, wind turbines, and other systems prone to flow separation issues.
Researchers have devised a predictive model to control the formation of banded ring patterns left behind by coffee droplets. The model suggests that particle deposition can be controlled by altering physical parameters such as evaporation and surface tension.
Caltech researchers have designed jellyfish-inspired pumps that utilize flexible designs and adaptable tissue composition to create efficient fluid transport systems. The pumps are optimized for medical applications, such as delivering medication or removing excess fluids from the body, without causing damage to surrounding tissues.
Charles Meneveau and Johan Meyers develop a model to calculate optimal turbine spacing for large wind farms. They find that energy production depends less on horizontal winds and more on entraining strong winds from higher in the atmosphere, leading to an optimal distance of about 15 rotor diameters.
Researchers studied Chrysopelea paradisi snakes as they glided from a branch to the ground. The analysis revealed that the snakes never achieved equilibrium gliding state, but were instead pushed upward due to aerodynamic forces. This temporary effect would eventually cause the snake to hit the ground.
Asymmetrical airflow affects vocal fold motion in individuals with paralysis, causing chaotic irregular vibrations and impaired intelligible speech. The discovery may lead to the development of implant materials that mimic voice apparatus properties to restore good vibrations.
Researchers build robotic jump rope device to control rope parameters, capturing motion with high-speed cameras. They find that air-induced drag affects the shape of the rope, reducing total drag. Insights from the study may inform other situations involving flexible filaments in engineered and natural systems.
A team of researchers has built a robotic hummingbird wing to discover how these birds manage to hover in gusty conditions. The robotic wing replicates the figure-eight pattern of a hummingbird's wings, creating vortices on both the downstroke and upstroke.