Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed a machine learning model that can design structures with desired optical properties, speeding up the process by at least two to three orders of magnitude. The CUORE experiment has collected a record-breaking dataset for a 'neutrinoless' experiment, surpassing previous experiments by about 10 times.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 2, 2020

Nature is widely adapted to current climate -- making it harder to adjust to a new one

Researchers analyzed a massive dataset of seasonal events across the former Soviet Union and found that species' activities fail to keep up with their cues due to past evolution. Local adaptation patterns result in a massive imprint on nature's calendar, making geographic variation in seasonal timing more pronounced in spring and less ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Study highlights sex-specific variability in mouse features

Scientists found that sex-specific differences in variability depend on individual physical and physiological features in mice, debunking theories about male or female variability. The study suggests including both males and females in studies, with statistical adjustments necessary to account for variation in traits among sexes.

SourceeLife·DateNov 17, 2020

Measuring the true cost of conservation

A new high-resolution map of US land value reveals underestimates in existing cost estimates, highlighting the need for higher funding levels for environmental goals. The tool provides policymakers with realistic expectations for conservation funding, enabling more informed decision-making.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Archive of animal migration in the Arctic

The Arctic Animal Movement Archive provides a global dataset of animal migration patterns, revealing changes in behavior and ecosystem responses to climate change. Studies have found that golden eagles arrive earlier in spring following mild winters, while caribou herds are giving birth earlier in the north.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2020

New global temperature data will inform study of climate impacts on health, agriculture

A new data set provides high-resolution daily temperatures from around the globe to study human health impacts from heat waves, risks to agriculture, droughts, and food insecurity. The CHIRTS-daily dataset offers accurate estimates of air temperatures for 1983-2016, supporting efforts to monitor, understand, and mitigate climate hazards.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 13, 2020

Unique view into the "new Arctic": international MOSAiC expedition successfully completed

Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University contribute to the success of the largest Arctic expedition, collecting valuable climate data and conducting key atmospheric measurements. The team's findings suggest significant changes in the Arctic atmosphere, including increased smoke levels and signs of 'Pyrocene' effects.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateOct 12, 2020

One-two punch

Researchers found that repeated droughts generally increase a forest's detrimental effects, making trees more vulnerable to stress. Conifers are particularly affected due to their vascular systems, which sustain more damage in initial droughts and hinder recovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 12, 2020

Coldest Northern Hemisphere temperature, first recorded by UW, officially confirmed

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has officially confirmed the lowest recorded temperature in the Northern Hemisphere, a chilly -93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme reading was first detected in Greenland in 1991 and has been verified through rigorous review processes by the World Meteorological Organization.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateSep 25, 2020

Understanding how birds respond to extreme weather can inform conservation efforts

A study of 109 bird species across eastern North America over a 15-year period found that some birds are more resilient to climate change than others. The research, published in Global Change Biology, suggests that conservation efforts should target vulnerable species and locations predicted to experience extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

Farmers help grow water plan

Using local producer knowledge helps estimate groundwater use in modelling for mapping sustainable use of scarce resources. Farmers' land use, agricultural practices and water use are key factors in this approach.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateAug 17, 2020