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Scientists discover deepest known evidence of coral reef bleaching

Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Experiencing record-breaking heat days affects perception of weather trends

A new study finds that experiencing record-breaking heat days increases perceptions that the weather is getting hotter, but has little effect on beliefs in climate change. Record-heat days can drive changes in the general perception that the weather is worsening, regardless of season or media coverage.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2023

Stuck to the subway: less privileged people have fewer possibilities to adapt their mobility behaviour to heat

A new study by PIK researchers reveals that less privileged people in NYC face limitations in adapting their mobility behavior to heat, leading to increased health risks. The analysis of mobility data from 438 NYC subway stations shows that those already at higher risk have the fewest options to adjust their behavior.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 9, 2023

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

Elevated temperatures and climate change may contribute to rising drug and alcohol disorders

Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Some like it hot

Researchers from Kyoto University have demonstrated the thermal quantum Mpemba effect in a wide range of initial conditions, where hotter quantum systems cool faster than initially colder ones. The team used a quantum dot connected to a heat bath and observed anomalous thermal relaxation at later times.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 29, 2023

‘Thermometer’ molecule confirmed on exoplanet WASP-31b

Researchers have confirmed the presence of chromium hydride in the atmosphere of hot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-31b using high-resolution spectral observations. This detection opens the possibility of using chromium hydride as a 'thermometer' to determine the temperature and other characteristics of exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2023

Insights from past warming: Enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene

A study found an enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene, with a nationally averaged enhancement of 2.44°C or 9% for the multimodel mean. The change was closely related to seasonal contrast variation of surface energy fluxes, mainly due to net shortwave radiation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 25, 2023

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more deadly

Research reveals that heatwaves like the 2003 European heatwave could become the new norm, with increased mortality risks, especially for the elderly and poor. Ideal temperature ranges vary by location, and climate models predict a significant increase in heat-related deaths in coming years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Extreme heat may hasten cognitive decline in vulnerable populations

A new study found that cumulative exposure to extreme heat can worsen cognitive health, particularly among Black older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,500 U.S. adults ages 52 and older, finding a link between high heat exposure and faster cognitive decline in these groups.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 15, 2023

When electrons slowly vanish during cooling

In certain metals, phase transitions occur gradually due to exotic laws of quantum mechanics, allowing new insights into the quantum world. Researchers at the University of Bonn and ETH Zurich have directly observed this effect, enabling a better understanding of critical slowing down in fermions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory restores cold sensation in amputees’ phantom limbs

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory developed a wearable thin-film thermoelectric cooler that enables amputees to perceive temperature sensations in their phantom limbs. The technology has practical applications for improved prostheses, haptics, and pain management.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2023

CityU awarded invention: Soft, ultrathin photonic material cools down wearable electronic devices

A research team at CityU developed a multifunctional composite polymer coating with both radiative and non-radiative cooling capacity, enhancing heat dissipation in wearable electronics. The cooling interface achieved temperature drops of over 56°C, improving the performance of skin electronic devices.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Previously overlooked algae toxin widespread in southern Indian River Lagoon

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Octopuses rewire their brains to adapt to seasonal temperature shifts

Researchers found that two-spot octopuses produce different neural proteins under warm versus cool conditions by editing their RNA. This rewiring likely protects their brains and may be used widely amongst octopuses and squid. Temperature-sensitive RNA editing occurs rapidly, with significant changes occurring within days.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

UC Irvine-led interdisciplinary team delves into a heated debate about humidity

A UC Irvine-led interdisciplinary team highlights a dispute between physiologists and epidemiologists about the role of humidity in heat stress. The authors argue that humid conditions exacerbate heat-related illnesses, particularly in tropical nations, and call for more accurate models to predict future health impacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 31, 2023

Study finds carrying pollen heats up bumble bees, raises new climate change questions

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that carrying pollen increases the body temperature of bumble bees, potentially putting them at risk due to rising environmental temperatures. The research has significant implications for bumble bee populations and ecosystems, particularly in areas experiencing climate change.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2023

The impact of thermal drawdown-induced alterations in rock thermal properties on heat recovery

A team of researchers from Peking University found that temperature-dependent rock thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity affect the long-term thermal performance of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The study showed that increased thermal conductivity improves thermal conduction, while decreased specific heat capacity impair...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRock Mechanics Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2023