Articles tagged with Climatology
Researchers identified a new enzyme in the lignin biosynthetic pathway that reduces lignin content and increases cellulose conversion to glucose. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the efficiency of biofuel production from biomass by up to four-fold.
Detailed mapping of the Kima'Kho tuya in northern British Columbia shows that the ancient regional ice sheet through which it erupted was twice as thick as previously estimated. This discovery could provide new constraints on paleoclimate models, advancing our understanding of glaciovolcanic eruptions and their impact.
Researchers used an animal model and whole-genome sequence data to identify hundreds of gene variants that potentially helped humans adapt to changing environmental conditions. The findings provide a road map for understanding human biological history and modern-day variability, including traits like resistance to infectious diseases.
Researchers argue that e-cigarettes are crude drug delivery systems for refined nicotine, posing safety concerns due to poor quality control and variability in nicotine content. The devices also have not been sufficiently evaluated in scientific studies, making them ineffective as quitting aids for smokers.
The University of Arizona has been named a CUDA Teaching Center by NVIDIA, focusing on leveraging GPU power for scientific discovery and training the next wave of parallel programmers. Ali Akoglu, assistant professor, aims to integrate GPU computing into mainstream computer programming curriculum.
The interactive map shows a majority or complete loss of freezing zones in every state analyzed under high carbon pollution scenario. Early snowmelt and altered water cycles threaten irrigation supplies, cold-water stream life, and forest health.
A new strategy proposes a biodiversity-focused approach to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation, favoring high-biodiversity nations in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. This approach has been shown to contribute more to slowing biodiversity loss than traditional carbon-based credit scenarios.
A new study found that coral recruitment drops sharply after major bleaching events or hurricanes, with some species not recruiting at all. This disruption threatens the survival of larger, more spectacular reef-building corals as climate change intensifies and storms become more frequent.
Coatings made from plant extracts and vegetable oils significantly reduced lenticel breakdown (LB) in apples, with Malaga trees showing the most improvement after multiple applications. Researchers found that applying coatings three times before harvest was more effective than single treatments.
A qualitative study in five US medical schools revealed serious problems with relational culture affecting medical faculty vitality, professionalism, and general productivity linked to retention. The study emphasizes the need for greater support and trust in medical academia.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine implemented clinical patient safety interventions to standardize communication and interpretation of fetal monitoring, leading to a 60% decrease in adverse events over 2.5 years. The staff's perception of the safety climate also increased by 30%.
A new study by University of Washington researchers found that a mastery motivational climate, focusing on personal improvement and having fun, has a greater impact on young athletes than winning. Athletes who played for coaches with this approach reported higher enjoyment, better relationships with the coach, and improved skills.
The SiCortex SC5832 enables research in astrophysics, climate modeling, and biotechnology at Argonne National Lab due to its unique capabilities and energy efficiency. The system boasts six 64-bit processors and a PCIexpress connection for fast communications.
In the Wadden Sea, shore crabs use a takeaway meal strategy to avoid competition for food. They first attempt to catch prey at the richest food spot but then move it to a nearby poor spot with fewer competitors.
The International Council for Science urges its members to reaffirm commitment to the 'Universality of Science' due to growing restrictions on scientific freedoms. The principle emphasizes freedom of movement, association, expression, and access to data and research materials.
Research by Penn State specialist Dr. W. Larry Kenney highlights the strain on older hearts when exercising in heat stress, increasing mortality rates among those over 65. Regular exercise and hydration countermeasures can mitigate effects, but individual factors like fitness level and medication impact thermoregulation.
The program combines classroom instruction with investigative learning experiences at St. Louis science institutions to develop engaging biology curriculum for middle and secondary students. Eight topic areas will be covered, including genetics, animal behavior, and human impact on ecosystems.
Scientists at Rutgers University have found that humans have significantly altered the global carbon cycle over the past 200 years, leading to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. The study's authors caution that governments must adopt new technologies to mitigate this trend and prevent unforeseen consequences for the Earth system.
US presidential nominees Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore express differing views on global warming, environmental policies, and education reforms in their responses to the Science questionnaire. They agree on supporting research funding and tax credits for biomedical research.
The stern flap design has reduced the power required to propel Spruance and Ticonderoga-class destroyers, resulting in annual fuel savings of 3,600-4,700 barrels. The Navy plans to retrofit these ships with stern flaps, as well as Arleigh Burke and Oliver Hazard Perry classes, leading to an estimated $380 million in life cycle savings.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science is hosting a conference to discuss current ethics codes, societal efforts, and ways to improve them. The conference will analyze survey outcomes and develop a research agenda to enhance collaboration in promoting research integrity.
A new study published in the International Quarterly of Community Health Education found that campaigns to prevent high rates of HIV infections and AIDS along the Trans-Africa Highway are not working due to a lack of practical help like condoms. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Georgia and other institutions, fo...
A recent study of Ontario family physicians and gynecologists found that over 98% of respondents prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent osteoporosis, with almost 90% citing coronary artery disease as a consideration. The most significant reasons not to prescribe HRT included breast cancer concerns and strong family his...
A recent survey found bullying behaviors among 80% of middle school students, challenging traditional notions of bullies and victims. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing the 'school climate' to effectively combat bullying.
David Sington has won the 1999 Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism, presented by the American Geophysical Union. The award recognizes his work on the eight-part television series "Earth Story," which explores fundamental processes shaping the Earth and its interaction with climate and evolution.
The James S. McDonnell Centennial Fellowships recognize scientists and scholars whose work will significantly contribute to knowledge development and its application. The winners, selected from five categories, will receive $1 million fellowships to support their research.
A new fossil discovery provides unprecedented insights into dinosaur biology, metabolism, and lifestyle. The analysis reveals that theropod dinosaurs were cold-blooded but had the potential for high levels of oxygen exchange, similar to birds and mammals.
The report reveals a significant decline in first-year graduate enrollments of African Americans and Hispanics in science and engineering between 1996 and 1997. The AAAS attributes this decrease to an 'unwelcoming environment' for underrepresented minority students, citing policy changes and unclear institutional guidelines.
A new study finds that workers who have strong support from co-workers and family members are more likely to change their diet. Health promotion programs should target all family members, not just high-risk individuals, to build on foundation of family support.
A study by University of Idaho researchers reveals that trace elements in produce can determine its geographic origin through chemical analysis. The accuracy of this classification has been excellent with a model based on nearly l,000 potatoes, helping to combat mislabeling practices that harm consumers and growers.
A study by National Jewish researchers found that families with unexpressed emotions and disorganization are more likely to have children with asthma who skip taking medication. The researchers also found that knowledge of asthma's symptoms and treatments alone is not enough to ensure a child will take medication as prescribed.
Researchers found that focusing on mastering skills and self-improvement boosts adolescent girls' motivation and reduces dropouts from sports. A mastery-oriented approach can optimize motivation for all participants, leading to a better pool of talent at higher levels.
Dr. Mather's research and teaching in climatology have made a lasting impact on the profession. He is recognized for his exemplary service to the Association of American Geographers (AAG) and his faculty colleagues.
A Penn State research team has found that small-scale fires play a crucial role in shaping forest structure. By analyzing aerial photographs from 1941 and 1993, the researchers determined that topography is key to understanding natural variability and restoring diverse fire regimes in Northern California.
John R. Mather, a renowned University of Delaware geographer, has been awarded the Association of American Geographers' Lifetime Career Honor for his exemplary service to the profession and association over his entire career. Mather's contributions in research, climatology, and instruction are highly regarded throughout the profession.
Dr. Michael Carr presents a case for the possibility of life on Mars, citing similarities with early Earth's hydrothermal environments and recent discoveries of organic compounds in Martian meteorites. The USGS has initiated a Mars exploration program to study the planet's climate history and distribution of water.
The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Teacher Experience in Antarctica (TEA) program pairs K-12 teachers with scientists for three- to four-week stints, promoting science education and research integration. The six selected teachers will work on research projects at Antarctic stations or vessels.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that removing career obstacles for women in academic medicine benefits men as well, increasing promotion expectations by 29% and reducing consideration of leaving by 42%. The interventions led to a 66% increase in women's expected promotions and a 63% decline in those considering leaving.