Research on measuring and modeling the climate. Covers climate extremes, carbon sequestration, monitoring methods, and urban heat exposure.
Researchers at UT Austin found that incorporating snow data from space into climate models can improve seasonal temperature predictions. The study improved regional temperature predictions by 5 to 25 percent, with the biggest improvements happening in regions where ground-based measurements are sparse.
Scientists from the University of Exeter developed a groundbreaking technique using airborne laser scanning to create detailed 3D maps of vegetation. This allows for the mapping of small details beneath trees, such as woodland paths and urban shrubberies, promoting biodiversity and understanding its impact on human wellbeing.
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed guidelines to make scientific graphics more accessible and understandable. The new guidelines, published in Nature Climate Change, provide recommendations on how to design graphics that are easy to comprehend by both experts and non-experts.
A recent study published in The Cryosphere suggests Antarctic sea ice has barely changed in size over the past 100 years. Researchers used ship logbooks from explorers like Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton to compare ice edge locations during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration with modern satellite data.
Researchers propose an integrated strategy for managing and analyzing global neuroscience data to maximize return on investments. The plan includes standardizing data descriptions, developing hardware and software ecosystems for archiving and sharing data, and collaborating with mathematicians to develop new approaches for data analysis.
A new $4.1 million grant will study a training program specifically for principals to improve school safety. The Safe and Civil Schools Leadership program aims to help principals create and maintain safe learning environments by collecting data, creating behavior leadership teams, and implementing clear expectations.
The study predicts that countries in Oceania and Southeast Asia will be most affected by 2050, with high human dependence on coral reefs also facing combined threats from climate change and ocean acidification.
Researchers recorded narwhal clicks in Baffin Bay, finding they have the most directional sonar signal of any species. Narwhals scan vertically with sound during ascents and descents.
A SUNY Geneseo composer is gathering information to compose music based on seismic data gathered at the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The music will express messages within the ice and be performed in both choral and instrumental music performances.
A study found over 600 genera of arthropods in US home dust, with diversity linked to pet presence and rural areas. Climate played a significant role in determining specific arthropod ranges.
A new study from Brown University finds that schools with collaborative relationships, safe environments, and high expectations outperform those without these elements. Improving school climate can help retain teachers and improve student achievement in math.
A new study reveals that temperature-induced increases in cell division are the primary driver of phytoplankton blooms. The analysis of nearly 13 years of data from an in situ device found a direct correlation between temperature and cell division rates, with losses due to viruses and predators following closely behind.
Academic publishers are moving towards requiring data publication with citations, but current systems struggle to accommodate dynamic data structures. A new paper proposes an automated citation system that would generate standardized citations for extracted data, providing a solution for improving reproducibility and credibility.
The University of Illinois-led project aims to calculate the economic benefits of urban forestry on health care costs. It will use Kaiser Permanente data to examine the relationship between green spaces and health expenditures among over 4 million members.
Global-scale databases tracking societal events have been found to be unreliable and invalid in new research. The study tested four automated systems, finding they often misclassify words and fail to detect real events.
A new database WoRCS aggregates ecological and geographical data on marine cave-dwelling species to provide information vital for evidence-based conservation. The project aims to engage the scientific community, citizen scientists, and conservationists in analyzing the dataset.
Biologists call for global data collection to improve model predictions for species response to climate change, citing a lack of key biological mechanisms and data as the main obstacle. A globally coordinated effort could greatly advance improvements in models and informed conservation approaches.
A University of Oklahoma study demonstrates that birds migrate in time with warming temperatures in spring and seasonal changes in the land's surface. The researchers found temperature to be a useful cue for migrants, but disputed the use of vegetation greenness as a cue for migration timing.
A new study reveals that warmer, wetter climate conditions in California would impair grassland productivity. The research found that average conditions from the past 40 years are near optimal for grass production, and any significant deviation toward warmer or wetter conditions will cause land to be less productive.
A new predictive tool has been developed to help governments make informed decisions on land use and management in developing countries. By combining human perception of the environment with land-use planning and socioeconomic data, the tool aims to provide a more realistic picture of future environmental changes.
Researchers found that people who participate in demonstrations on behalf of those different from them do so primarily due to trust in their outgroup peers. Additionally, the political climate and country's level of openness to protest contribute to this phenomenon, particularly in countries with well-functioning institutions.
Researchers have reevaluated satellite data and found that low clouds in the tropics were fewer in warmer years, indicating a possible increase in cloud thinning under global warming. This suggests that climate sensitivity is likely higher than previously estimated, potentially leading to earlier threshold breaches.
A comprehensive study found that 90% of personal vehicles on the road can be replaced by low-cost electric vehicles, reducing emissions and meeting near-term climate targets. The study analyzed driving behavior and energy requirements to demonstrate the feasibility of widespread EV adoption.
A new study by Duke University found that future climate warming will likely cause only minor cuts in energy output at most US coal- and gas-fired power plants. The study contradicts previous modeling-based studies that predicted significant drops in plant efficiency due to rising temperatures.
Researchers developed an affordable open-source data logger to collect high-frequency stream data, capturing trends in water volume and behavior. The logger enables communities to build resilience to water resource stress, a crucial step in addressing the impact of global climate change.
Researchers developed a new statistical model that accurately predicts tree growth from the moment they're planted to when they reach crown closure. This allows forest managers to better identify which trees will survive and make informed decisions about forest management, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Researchers estimate that up to 90 million infections could result from the initial stages of the spread of Zika in Latin America and the Caribbean. The team's projections suggest Brazil is expected to have the largest total number of infections due to its size and suitability for transmission.
A recent study projects that approximately 30% of current Adélie colonies may decline by 2060 and 60% of the present population may dwindle by 2099. The penguins at more southerly sites in Antarctica are less affected by climate change.
A study analyzing climate and mortality data reveals that 64-506 deaths in London and Paris can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, increasing the risk of heat-related mortality by 20% and 70%, respectively. The analysis will help agencies create more accurate emergency plans for extreme weather events.
A new tool enables easy assessment of small-scale hydropower potential in developing nations, considering climate changes and future energy needs. It allows for more accurate decisions on hydropower development and investment globally.
A new study found that UK diving beetle populations have shifted their ranges over the past three decades due to female choosiness, leading to the evolution of rough body surfaces in males. In some cases, 'rough' and 'smooth' females co-exist within the same species, with different geographical ranges. This shift is likely driven by th...
Two new Geosphere articles reveal the geological history of a major ignimbrite flare-up in the Central Andes, providing insights into the formation of geothermal energy resources. Researchers also study a distinct style of arc volcanism linked to slab-rollback and its impact on continental margins.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that conservatives are happier in a conservative social environment. Life satisfaction depends on time and country, with conservatives generally experiencing more happiness than non-conservatives.
Operation IceBridge completed its eighth spring Arctic campaign, collecting data on key portions of the Greenland Ice Sheet and Arctic sea ice. The mission focused on measuring changes in sea ice extent, thickness, and elevation, with implications for predicting melt season patterns.
The Ocean Observatories Initiative is providing real-time access to scientific data and visualizations for public engagement. The platform tracks physical, chemical, and biological properties of the oceans, supporting research and educational activities.
A new study found no connection between hospital safety culture survey scores and actual improvement in patient infection rates. Despite efforts to improve safety culture, many hospitals reported minor changes in survey scores despite significant reductions in infections.
A NASA study has found that nearly a third of the land cover in the Arctic is turning green, with western Alaska and Quebec experiencing significant changes between 1984 and 2012. The study used high-resolution Landsat data to track vegetation trends across a 4.1 million square-mile area.
Scientists discovered 39 unreported and significant sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions using a new satellite-based method. The data reveals that these sources account for about 12 percent of all human-made emissions, impacting regional air quality significantly.
Researchers captured a region-wide snapshot of slow-moving landslides in the Eel River Basin, which slowed by half between 2009 and 2015 due to unprecedented drought. The study provides vital data for forecasting how landslides will respond to climate change.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center use computer models to study tropical storms and hurricanes. Improved models can lead to better predictions and warnings for natural disasters like flooding and property loss.
A global early warning system for infectious diseases is proposed to use computer models to forecast disease risk and inform targeted responses. This system could shift the paradigm from reactive to pre-emptive management of risk, minimizing damages and improving global health security.
Researchers developed a new technique using ocean waves and seismic vibrations to monitor ice sheet volume changes, which may help scientists identify vulnerable regions. The technique has been shown to have high precision and can be used continuously, unlike traditional methods that only gather data several times a year.
A University of Maryland School of Public Health study found that extreme heat and heavy rainfall increase the risk of asthma hospitalization in Maryland. The study showed a 23% increase in hospitalizations during summer months, particularly among children.
A recent study found that carbon dioxide fertilization is responsible for 70 percent of the greening effect on Earth's vegetated lands over the past 35 years. Nitrogen also plays a significant role in this process. The study used satellite data to determine the leaf area index, or amount of leaf cover, over the planet's vegetated regions.
A study of historical 'citizen scientist' ice records reveals increasing trends toward later ice cover formation and earlier spring breakup since the start of the Industrial Revolution. The findings strongly indicate more rapid climate change during the last two centuries.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict how US forests will respond to climate change, finding that the Northeast's mixed forests will be unsustainable by 2050. The Tolerance Distribution Model can identify which forests are at risk and suggest measures like planting drought-tolerant seedlings to prepare.
Researchers have found a decline in productivity in the Gulf of Maine due to increased amounts of dissolved organic carbon from rivers and the Scotia Shelf Current. This organic matter absorbs light necessary for photosynthetic organisms, influencing the ecology of the Gulf.
A global index detailing vulnerable corals and their susceptibility to thermal stress is now available. The index, based on nearly half a century of historical data, will help conservationists and scientists understand the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
A research team confirms that 97% of climate scientists agree human-caused climate change, with expertise being the primary factor in this consensus. The study drew from seven independent consensus studies and found a consistent picture with high levels of scientific agreement among climate experts.
A global network is being set up to use surveillance camera networks and drone data to track changes in trees' growth patterns. Researchers will be able to access time-lapse image data to better understand how climate change affects forests worldwide.
A new global database allows scientists to quickly address unresolved questions about coral reefs. The Coral Trait Database houses physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic, and biogeographic trait information.
The discovery of ancient Nepali textiles dating back to 400-650 AD has pushed the understanding of the Silk Road's southern extent. Textile analyses suggest that imported materials from China and India were used in combination with locally produced ones.
A new study uses cloud data to map ecological biomes and predict species habitats. The technique has the potential to improve biodiversity research and inform conservation policies.
A new nationwide academic study reveals significant variation in physician disciplinary actions and malpractice claims rates among US states. The study found that some states have much lower disciplinary action rates than others, highlighting the need for standardized regulations and resources to address this issue.
Researchers analyzed over 500 years of harvest records, finding that climate change has caused winegrape harvests in France to occur two weeks earlier than in the past. The trend is expected to continue due to increasing temperatures, which can negatively impact wine quality.
Researchers discover that warm ocean water is carving channels under Antarctica's ice shelves, weakening their stability. This process can lead to the disintegration of ice shelves, allowing more rapid ice flow into the ocean and increased rates of sea level rise.
Research by UTHealth found that hot weather significantly impacts the health of migratory farmworkers, with a higher likelihood of visiting clinics on hot days. The study suggests heat stress may be more significant in Texas due to its hotter summers.
A new study reveals a 75% reduction in Caribbean hurricanes from 1645-1715, a time with little sunspot activity and cool temperatures. The research uses shipwrecks as a proxy for hurricane activity and provides an annual record of Caribbean hurricanes going back to 1500.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the ocean's role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Using satellite and ship measurements, they found that around a quarter of the CO2 released into the atmosphere ends up in the oceans, equivalent to two million double-decker buses or 72,000 Boeing 747s annu...
A team of scientists led by UH professor Liming Li analyze Cassini spacecraft data to understand the seasonal changes on Saturn. They also examine the energy budget for Jupiter and Saturn to better comprehend planetary climate evolution.