Research on lakes and freshwater. Covers waterborne illness, AI algal-bloom technology, freshwater carbon, and cyanobacteria toxin detection.
A Dartmouth College study finds that both prey type and quality affect mercury accumulation in fish, with bottom-dwelling prey accumulating less mercury due to higher calorie content. Fish feeding on plankton in open water accumulate more mercury, leading to lower growth rates and higher concentrations in their tissues.
A new study links climate warming to increased algal growth in the Athabasca oilsands region of northern Alberta. Researchers found a stronger link between warmer air temperatures and algal production, rather than industrial nutrient fertilization.
Scientists have uncovered a wetland-like environment beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, where Subglacial Lake Whillans is fed by melting ice and small amounts of seawater. The findings provide unique insights into the biogeochemistry and geophysics of subglacial lake systems, which are essential for understanding global sea-level rise.
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.
A team of researchers found increasing trends towards later ice-cover formation and earlier spring thaw since the start of the Industrial Revolution. The historic records from Japan and Finland reveal more rapid climate change during the last two centuries, with extreme cases now occurring in late April and early May.
The study found that under moderate to intense climate change scenarios, the proposed action plan will not be sufficient to protect the lake. Urgent actions are needed to save the lake through regional action to limit human water use and global action to limit greenhouse-gas concentration.
A study of 601,892 veterans found that those who reported military sexual trauma (MST) were more than twice as likely to experience homelessness within five years. The association with homelessness was independent of other factors and remained significant even immediately after discharge.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that female New Zealand freshwater snails that reproduce sexually are more resilient to parasitic worms than females that produce offspring asexually. The team tested the hypothesis in Lake Grasmere, finding that male snails were present even in areas with low parasite activity.
Researchers propose an algorithm to retrieve four-dimensional surface deformation field using space-borne SAR data, crucial for interpreting complex geological phenomena. The method demonstrates its validity in areas where large and/or rapid surface deformation occurs, such as the Afar depression system.
Researchers created a dynamic model of microbial species interactions in Lake Mendota, understanding the effects of environmental factors on sub-communities and individual species. The model can predict interactions as conditions change, offering insights into healthy lakes and potential cures for sick ones.
A University of Guelph study finds that introducing invasive round goby fish does not help conserve endangered native mollusks, but rather hampers their reproduction. The research team discovered that the fish essentially 'wastes' mussel larvae, further threatening the species' survival.
Researchers discovered a new fish virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), causing mass die-offs in Ecuador and Israel, affecting wild and farmed tilapia populations. The team identified the virus's genetic sequence and showed it replicates in fish cells, providing a foundation for developing a vaccine.
A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that invasive species in the Great Lakes have a much greater economic and ecological impact than previously thought. Researchers found that a single non-native species can rack up millions of dollars in damages, highlighting the need to recalculate the cost of invasive species.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that Lake Huron's Chinook salmon fishery is unlikely to recover due to a severe food shortage caused by the collapse of the alewife population. The study suggests that restoration of native fish species and adaptation to this new situation are crucial for the ecosystem's recovery.
Researchers discovered a new species of threespine stickleback in Lake Constance that diverges rapidly, even when breeding alongside other populations. This finding challenges traditional speciation theories and highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding evolutionary processes.
Researchers at University of British Columbia found that human-induced introduction of new species can cause 'reverse speciation', where two similar species merge into one hybrid species. This shift has significant consequences for the ecosystem, altering ecological roles and impacting biodiversity.
A new review highlights the importance of inland fish and fisheries, which contribute to at least 40% of the world's reported fish production. Inland fisheries provide essential livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in low-income countries, while also supporting biodiversity and recreation.
A 9,200-year-old settlement in southern Sweden has yielded the world's oldest evidence of fermented fish, pushing back the timeline for Nordic societies' development. The discovery suggests that these communities were far more complex and capable of supporting large populations than previously thought.
A new study reveals that small ponds globally produce an outsized share of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane. These tiny bodies of water, less than a quarter acre in size, account for significant emissions due to high concentrations of terrestrial carbon.
A study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that women with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy have an increased risk of early mortality. The study analyzed birth certificates from 1939 to 2012 and found that these women had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality, parti...
Researchers show that intense male competition can lead to speciation, erasing boundaries between species and creating new ones. This process is independent of natural selection and has significant implications for understanding biodiversity.
A study of freshwater snails found that asexuality, rather than polyploidy, is the key to their rapid growth and reproductive success. The researchers discovered that asexual females grew twice as fast and reached reproductive maturity 30% faster than sexual females.
Researchers from Université Laval and Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks have developed a new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) to effectively estimate fish populations in lakes. The approach shows strong correlation with traditional methods, providing a reliable and accurate indication of fish abundance at lower costs.
Researchers at Durham University have discovered a massive canyon system beneath the Antarctic ice sheet, stretching over 1,000km and potentially containing a subglacial lake. The discovery was made using satellite imagery and radio-echo sounding data, and is being confirmed through an airborne survey underway.
Researchers found that northern lakes and ponds emit methane equivalent to two-thirds of all natural methane sources in the region, highlighting the urgency of reducing human-induced climate change
A new study reveals that human activities are the main cause of hypoxia in freshwaters worldwide, with 71 lakes showing significant changes since the mid-19th century. Aquatic rehabilitation programs have failed to restore lake ecosystems to their original well-oxygenated state.
A new analysis helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances to save money and water. Meanwhile, a Himalayan glacial lake threatens to flood a Buddhist holy city due to melting ice and rock barriers. Ocean sounds are also being used to measure stratospheric winds with precise data analysis.
A new study by Stockholm University estimates that northern lakes and ponds are a critical source of methane emissions. The study suggests that these emissions could increase by 20-50% before the end of this century, potentially fueling a positive feedback loop on future warming.
Scientists have discovered volcanic ash in Lake Tiefer See in northeastern Germany that dates back to islandic eruptions over the past 11,500 years. The analysis allowed for precise synchronization of sediment archives from Germany and Poland, enabling researchers to decipher subtle regional differences in climate change.
A new study by the University of Michigan predicts that Asian carp invasion in Lake Erie could lead to declines in most fish species, including walleye and rainbow trout, but smallmouth bass may increase in weight. The invasive carp could account for up to 34% of the total fish weight in the lake.
A new study suggests that Asian carp could cause declines in most fish species in Lake Erie, including walleye and rainbow trout, while smallmouth bass may increase. The model results show that Asian carp could eventually account for up to 34% of the total fish weight in the lake.
A recent study of Laguna del Maule volcanic field reveals dramatic uplift over the past 8 years, mirroring similar events in the past 10,000 years. The research suggests that sustained input of new magma underground is the most likely cause of this rapid deformation.
A study spanning six continents found that lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, outpacing ocean and atmospheric warming rates. This rapid heating threatens algal blooms, water resources, and fisheries globally.
For the first time, scientists have successfully dated carbon dioxide and methane emissions from ponds and lakes on Bylot Island in Nunavut. The study found significant variability in age and emission rates of greenhouse gases from aquatic systems located in a continuous permafrost zone.
Lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.34 degrees Celsius per decade, posing significant threats to drinking water and aquatic habitats. The study predicts a 20% increase in algal blooms and a 5% rise in toxic algae, with methane emissions projected to rise by 4% over the next decade.
A study of 235 lakes across six continents found that they are warming at an average rate of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, outpacing ocean and atmospheric warming rates. This rapid warming can lead to increased algal blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and changes in aquatic life.
A Dartmouth study sheds light on how winds blowing across lakes affect the chemical makeup of water vapor above and evaporated from lakes. The research provides new insights into the hydrological cycle under changing climate conditions.
An international team of scientists discovered that fewer landslides occurred after the 2015 Nepal earthquake than initially thought. The research used satellite imaging to analyze the region and found no large floods from overflowing glacial lakes.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a doubling of severe algal blooms in Lake Erie over the next 100 years. The study suggests that reducing nutrient inputs may not be enough to prevent these blooms, which could have devastating impacts on the region's drinking water and tourism industries.
Researchers found ancient lake deposits in Antarctica have remained frozen since at least 14 million years ago, supporting the idea that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has also remained intact during past climates. This study provides new hope that the EAIS could be stable in today's and future climate conditions.
Researchers have uncovered a 380-meter-deep time capsule from Lake Malawi, providing unprecedented insight into the past of this African lake. The study found that changes in lake level over the last 1.3 million years played a significant role in the development of the lake's diverse fish species.
The Rhine River has been found to be among the most polluted rivers worldwide due to high levels of microplastic pollution. The river's surface contained an average of 892,777 particles per square kilometer, with some areas reaching peak concentrations of up to 3.9 million plastic items per square kilometer.
A new study shows that Greenland's glaciers are retreating twice as fast as in the past 9,500 years, highlighting their acute temperature sensitivity. The sediment cores from a glacier-fed lake provide the first continuous observation of glacier change in southeastern Greenland.
Researchers found that the region was a frost-covered grassy landscape with erosion rates up to 2.5 higher than today's, suggesting colder temperatures and faster erosion during the last ice age. The study provides new insights into how non-glaciated terrain across North America was formed.
A recent study found that high concentrations of carbon dioxide deter even small invasive carp from entering areas with elevated CO2 levels. The gas causes stress and avoidance behavior in fish as young as eight days old, providing a non-physical barrier against the species.
A new study reveals that many lakes worldwide release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, with northern hemisphere lakes expected to increase emissions due to climate change. The study found that most lake CO2 originates from surrounding land, highlighting the impact of land use changes on greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found a link between vitamin D levels and heart problems, with patients at risk if their level is below 15 nanograms per milliliter. The study evaluated over 230,000 patients and found that those above 15 ng/ml had a 35% increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A major new study found that people with heart disease face an increased risk of a serious heart attack during poor air quality days. Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified a strong association between bad air quality days and a higher risk of STEMI, the most dangerous type of heart attack.
A study published in ZooKeys found that smaller stonefly species were more capable of recolonizing Isle Royale Island due to their better flight abilities. In contrast, larger stoneflies struggled to cross the lake despite being well-suited for aquatic environments.
Researchers at Queen's University found a link between declining calcium levels and the near-extinction of native crayfish species in four Algonquin Park lakes. The study suggests that acid rain has contributed to this decline, with calcium levels having fallen below the threshold required for some aquatic organisms.
Researchers have found that a deadly fish virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv), is still circulating in Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. Despite efforts to slow its spread, the virus can survive in infected fish, potentially leading to future outbreaks.
The NSF's Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis (OPUS) program has awarded $1.5 million in new grants to researchers exploring complex topics like the Amazon ecosystem and mosquito diseases. These projects integrate insights from multiple studies to foster new knowledge and research directions.
A team of experts has studied the water flow paths from a subglacial lake in Greenland, showing that it drained via a subglacial tunnel and was filled by surface meltwater. The study predicts increased drainage frequency as the Arctic warms, affecting ice sheet flow speeds and sea level change.
New data from Curiosity rover finds ancient lakes in Gale crater were stable for 100-10,000 years, providing insights into Mars' past water patterns and climate. The study suggests that the lakes could have supported life for extended periods, raising hopes for finding signs of life on the Red Planet.
A new paper published in Science reveals that Mars had a more massive atmosphere billions of years ago and a wet climate, with long-lived lakes filling Gale Crater. The discovery contradicts existing climate models and sheds light on the planet's ancient past, similar to the resolution of Earth's continental drift puzzle.
Researchers created detailed maps of five Great Lakes recreational activities to prioritize restoration projects. The maps show the distribution of recreational use and environmental stressors, providing a scientific foundation for sustainable management.
The Feed the Future program aims to address declining coffee production in Rwanda by promoting research, farmer capacity building, and policy engagement. MSU will inform coffee sector stakeholders of effective practices for controlling pests and establish a policy environment that encourages producers to invest in sustainable practices.
Researchers at U-M Water Center will measure green infrastructure effectiveness in managing stormwater overflows and reducing phosphorus in the Detroit River. The project aims to fill knowledge gaps on the river's contribution to Lake Erie nutrient loading, enabling policy options to be developed.
Research from Harvard University suggests that flooding for hydroelectric development can increase methylmercury levels in Arctic ecosystems by up to 200 percent. The study found that freshwater from melting ice mixing with salt water creates a feeding zone for plankton that accumulates mercury and magnifies its effects on the food chain.