Research on lakes and freshwater. Covers waterborne illness, AI algal-bloom technology, freshwater carbon, and cyanobacteria toxin detection.
Researchers found a link between microRNA regulation and the rapid evolution of new species in Nicaraguan crater lakes. They analyzed five species of Midas cichlids and identified specific pairs of microRNAs and genes that interact with each other.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that Asian carp can survive and grow in larger portions of Lake Michigan than previously believed. The findings suggest that the fish can thrive in various diets, including detritus, and have suitable habitat volumes throughout the water column.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that Chicago's water pollution is likely keeping invasive silver carp out of the Great Lakes. The study found that certain compounds in the water flowing downstream from Chicago induce avoidance behaviors in fish, causing them to stop moving upstream.
A global study reveals calcium concentrations are critically low in many freshwater lakes, posing a threat to reproduction and survival of aquatic organisms. The decline is attributed to reduced sulphate deposition associated with acid rain, which has led to less calcium leaching from surrounding terrestrial areas.
Researchers found extensive burning at Witzna and its surroundings dating back to the classic period, indicating scorched-earth military campaigns even during periods of prosperity. This challenges the idea that warfare was a late development in Maya civilization's decline.
Researchers at Michigan State University studied four different hotspot analysis methods for Great Lakes waterbirds, finding that no single method produced consistent results. A combination of data-driven approaches may be the best way to inform conservation management decisions.
Researchers have discovered a new fossil cichlid species, Oreochromimos, from Central Kenya dating back 12.5 million years, providing insights into the evolutionary history of East African Cichlids and their radiation in the Great Lakes region.
The oldest completely preserved lily, Cratolirion bognerianum, was found in Brazil with a 40cm length and well-preserved roots, flower, and individual cells. The discovery provides new insights into the diversity of tropical flowering plants 115 million years ago.
A study found that fish die-offs in Wisconsin lakes are strongly linked to heat waves and warmer surface water temperatures. By mid-century, fish kills are expected to double, and by 2100, they will quadruple.
SMU's 'Titans in a jar' project aims to recreate Titan's conditions in laboratory cylinders, helping assess the possibility of life on the moon. Researchers will study chemical structures and organic minerals to understand Titan's potential for past or present life.
A new study explains why salt crystals are piling up on the Dead Sea's floor by proposing a 'salt fingering' process where tiny disturbances create channels for salt to flow down. This finding helps understand the formation of massive salt deposits found in Earth's crust, including those beneath the Mediterranean Sea.
The 'Third Pole' region in Asia contains one-seventh of the world's freshwater, but rapid climate changes are affecting glacier melt and snowmelt. NASA's High Mountain Asia Team is conducting a comprehensive survey to understand these changes and their implications for food and water security.
Scientists have discovered 56 new subglacial lakes in Greenland, expanding our knowledge of lake distribution and behavior under the ice sheet. The newly identified lakes are relatively stable but may become active as climate change causes surface meltwater to form lakes and streams.
Scientists have discovered new compounds and minerals on Saturn's moon Titan, including a co-crystal made of solid acetylene and butane. This finding suggests that the bathtub rings suspected to exist around Titan's hydrocarbon lakes may be formed by these alien crystals.
Researchers found elevated levels of DDT and its breakdown products in lake sediments, affecting zooplankton communities. The long-lived insecticide's persistence has altered aquatic ecosystems, with shifts towards more contaminant-tolerant species.
A new study reveals that DDT persists in remote lakes at concerning levels half a century after its ban, impacting key aquatic species and potentially entire lake food webs. The study found high levels of DDT in modern sediments, similar to those found in previously sprayed areas of Canada and the U.S.
A comprehensive catalog of earthquake sequences in the Fort Worth Basin reveals a decrease in seismicity rates since 2014, corresponding to reduced wastewater injection. New faults have become active, and seismicity continues at greater distances from injection wells over time.
A research team from Trento and Utrecht universities found that the Earth's rotation influences Lake Garda's water movement and deep water mixing. This effect contributes to the transport of oxygen, nutrients, and substances between the surface and deep layers.
Climate change is speeding up Alaska sockeye salmon's growth rate in freshwater, causing them to migrate to the ocean faster. However, this shift may not benefit the species long-term, as it takes an extra year at sea, where they face increased competition with hatchery-raised salmon.
A new study finds high levels of coal ash contaminants in sediments from Sutton Lake, suggesting multiple unmonitored spills have contaminated the eastern North Carolina lake and potentially other lakes near coal ash ponds. The research highlights the risk of large-scale unmonitored spills occurring at coal ash storage sites nationwide.
David Schmale, a professor at Virginia Tech, has received a Fulbright US Scholar Program award to develop remote-sensing capabilities to detect and respond to harmful algal blooms in New Zealand. He will also create educational units for students to design and fabricate robots for environmental monitoring.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a near-global map of fresh submarine groundwater discharge, showing that nearly half of groundwater flows into tropical regions. The study also found that areas with active fault lines send more groundwater to the ocean than stable regions, and dry arid regions have limited discharge.
A study found that the earthquakes were caused by subsurface movement of magma and fluid movement in Yellowstone. The swarm was divided into two clusters, one with Hebgen Lake aftershocks and another with a different origin. Researchers concluded that the events highlight the ongoing nature of earthquakes.
A new study found that delayed antibiotic delivery for sepsis patients is associated with lower ER triage scores, particularly among those assigned mid-range scores. This delay can result in longer door-to-antibiotic times of up to 32 minutes, impacting patient survival.
A study examines how local communities interact with and view peatlands, highlighting their cultural and spiritual importance. The research reveals that communities have existing conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for further support from NGOs and institutions.
A new study of UK lake sediment records has found that recent floods in Northern England were the largest in 600 years, highlighting the impact of climate changes. The research uses lake sediment records and river flow data to establish long-term flood frequency models, aiming to improve flood risk management in the UK.
A new study detects the production of neurotoxins by cyanobacteria in Lake Erie's central basin, a region previously thought to be less prone to harmful algal blooms. The research finds that specific strains of Dolichospermum and microcystis can produce toxins capable of attacking the central nervous system.
A recent study found that targeting nitrogen oxides emitted by cars and power plants may increase harmful wintertime air pollution in the US West. Instead, limiting volatile organic compounds could be a more effective way to reduce particulate matter pollution.
Scientists at the University of Toledo discovered that rice husks can remove microcystin, a toxin released by harmful algal blooms, with up to 95% efficiency. The treatment uses organic rice husks treated with hydrochloric acid and heated to 250 degrees Celsius.
Hippos play a key role in transporting silicon from land to water through their faeces, influencing over 76% of the total silicon transported along the Mara River. This process is crucial for ecosystems like Lake Victoria, where a lack of silicon can lead to food shortages and ecosystem collapse.
Scientists confirm Alaska lake seals, a distinct population from ocean-dwelling cousins, rely on freshwater food sources throughout their lives. The study provides critical baseline information for developing conservation strategies, particularly as the region faces proposed industrial developments and climate change.
A team of researchers led by Caitlin Griffith discovered a mysterious linear ice corridor on Titan's surface, which suggests the presence of past volcanic activity. The find sheds new light on Titan's unique atmospheric chemistry and potential for life
Researchers at Hokkaido University used sonar to map the underwater shape of Grey Glacier, revealing a submerged terrace extending 100 meters beyond its visible portion. This unique structure is different from ocean-bound glaciers and can lead to huge chunks of ice falling off, posing a safety risk to humans in the vicinity.
Researchers have uncovered ancient ritual offerings near Lake Titicaca that pre-date the arrival of the Incas by several centuries. The findings suggest a more complex and ambitious spiritual system among the Tiwanaku people, who developed in the area between 500-1,100 AD.
Archaeological evidence uncovered at Khoa Reef suggests religious rituals, including animal sacrifice, played a crucial role in consolidating the ancient Tiwanaku state between 500-1100 CE. The findings, based on underwater excavations, provide new insights into the region's moral code and power structure.
A new study published in Ecology found that rusty crayfish populations declined in lakes with mucky and sandy bottoms, while those with rocky substrates remained stable or increased. The research suggests that the invasive species sabotages its own success by using aquatic plants as shelters to avoid predators.
A team of researchers developed an interactive program using trade-off diagrams to support decision-making in complex scenarios. The tool allows for compromises and balancing of competing interests, increasing decision quality with contextual information. However, interactivity also improves decision-making, but to a lesser extent.
A new study reveals that arctic warming contributes to drought in mid-latitude regions by reducing precipitation and weakening wind patterns. Researchers analyzed geological evidence from lakes and glaciers to estimate past dry conditions, finding that Wyoming experienced several thousand years of drought-like periods.
A new study finds that shoreline erosion can transform freshwater wetlands from carbon-storage pools to carbon sources, with a large mismatch between accumulation and erosion rates. The researchers developed a model to assess the impact of freshwater coastal erosion on global carbon budgets.
A new study by Duke University finds that droughts and rising water temperatures will significantly impact US power plants' generating capacity. The researchers recommend replacing traditional once-through cooling systems with recirculating cooling systems to mitigate these effects.
The study estimates that global lake greening could increase methane emissions by 30-90% over the next century. This is attributed to human population growth, climate change, and increased stormwater runoff, which lead to eutrophication and oxygen depletion in lakes.
A new study reveals the microbial food web in Amazonian waters, consisting of 20% of the whole Amazon, produces 10 times more CO2 than the classical food chain by decomposing organic matter. This accounts for most of the carbon circulating in lakes, floodplains, and wetlands.
Researchers discovered a novel strategy used by microorganisms to survive in the hypersaline environment of the Dead Sea subsurface. They found that remains from extreme halophilic archaea were recycled by other microbial populations, allowing them to build carbon stocks and mitigate extreme salinity.
The Cascades Arc is home to a string of volcanoes with radically different histories, sparking researchers to look beyond individual volcanoes. By analyzing heat flow, seismic wave speeds, and other data sources, scientists aim to understand why some volcanoes erupt differently than others.
A University of Guelph study found that warmer temperatures are causing fish to forage in deeper water, leading to a climate-induced reorganization of food webs. The research tracked lake trout movement and feeding habits across hundreds of lakes in northwestern Ontario.
The introduction of lake trout in Yellowstone Lake has altered the numbers, diet, and behavior of organisms from microscopic zooplankton to large animals such as bears and bald eagles. The study found that the impact of lake trout on native cutthroat trout has cascaded across the ecosystem.
A new study reveals that the Atlantic Ocean's conveyor belt is slowing down, with some scientists fearing it could lead to dramatic temperature drops in Europe and exacerbate hurricanes. The research suggests that past changes in ocean circulation patterns may have preceded major climate shifts by several centuries.
A new study published in Geosphere reveals that two major faults in Emerald Bay have been moving vertically over the past 20,000 years, with no strike slip motion. The research used a combination of deep dives, bathymetry surveys, and LiDAR data to create high-resolution maps of the bay's geology.
A team of scientists has uncovered new evidence that suggests central Tibet was no higher than 2.3km with large lakes fringed by subtropical vegetation and deep valleys. The discovery uses ancient palm leaves to challenge previous estimates of the region's elevation.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores from Horseshoe Lake adjacent to Cahokia settlement, finding a correlation between climate shifts and population decline. Climate changes, including decreased summer precipitation and flooding, stressed Cahokia's agricultural system, contributing to its depopulation.
Researchers have discovered that Lake Pebas, a massive wetland in western Amazonia, existed until 8.5 million years ago, contrary to previous assumptions. The lake's presence was confirmed through geochronology of mineral zircon specimens from two paleontological sites, providing new insights into the region's geological history.
A new study suggests climate change played a role in the decline of Cahokia, a prehistoric city near St. Louis. Researchers analyzed fecal records and lake sediment cores to find correlations between population size and environmental conditions.
Fires increased during phases of lush steppe oak forest growth in relatively humid and warm climates. This contradicts the assumption that dry brushwood was decisive for early fires, suggesting fire risk is linked to plant biomass.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have discovered that irrigation with lake water releases CO2 from bicarbonates, a natural process that has practical applications for agriculture-based communities. The study suggests that understanding this process is essential in combatting rising atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Researchers explore how phenotypic complexity influences diversification among Lake Malawi cichlids, revealing instance of repeated evolution in converging feeding habits. The study identifies that very different morphologies can translate to similar ecological specializations.
Researchers used small satellites to observe changes in 85,000 North American lakes over summer 2017, finding significant shoreline fluctuations that add up to hundreds of square kilometers. These findings could impact calculations of natural greenhouse gas emissions from these northern lakes.
Excessive road salt application has led to increased chloride levels in streams and rivers, posing health risks and disrupting ecosystems. Implementing brine solutions and snow plows can reduce salt use by up to 70%.
Researchers found that filling and draining of meltwater lakes on Antarctic ice shelves causes them to flex, which can lead to instability. The study supports the idea that recent ice shelf breakup was triggered by large amounts of surface meltwater produced in response to atmospheric warming.
Researchers have directly observed an Antarctic ice shelf bending under the weight of ponding meltwater, a phenomenon that may have triggered the 2002 collapse of the Larsen B ice shelf. The study found that meltwater lakes can contain up to two million tons of water, pushing downward on the ice and creating stress.
Researchers have identified bacteria in Lake Erie that can degrade microcystin, a toxic toxin linked to liver cancer and other diseases. The bacteria, including Flectobacillus major and Pseudomonas lutea, can remove up to 19 parts per billion of microcystin from water supplies.