North America
Articles tagged with North America
Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in 2025/26 reduced risk of illness by half in Canada
Beavers leave a trail as they head into the Arctic
Researchers use tree rings and satellites to date changes beavers make to the tundra landscape as they spread northwards. The study provides evidence of beaver colonization in the region starting in 2008, with satellite analysis revealing a significant expansion of surface water between 2015 and 2019.
Male gender, marriage, and social support linked to flourishing mental health for older Canadians
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
“Peculiar” ancient ancestor of the crocodile started life on four legs in adolescence before it began walking on two
A new study reveals that the ancient reptile Sonselasuchus, a relative of the crocodile, began life on four legs before learning to walk on two. The discovery was made by analyzing the proportions of the limb skeletons of different animals, suggesting that the creature's bipedal stance may have resulted from differential growth patterns.
The North American wild mountain sheep could face extinction unless we act to protect their habitat
The North American wild mountain sheep is losing its habitat to industrial mining, human activity, and climate change. The book highlights the risks faced by this species, which nearly collapsed in previous decades but now faces grave risks from disease and habitat loss.
British redcoat’s lost memoir reveals harsh realities of life as a disabled veteran
Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.
Goethe University and the Initiative for CryptoCurrencies and Contracts partner to advance transatlantic cybersecurity research
The partnership aims to develop solutions for emerging digital threats through joint research initiatives in cryptography, AI security, and blockchain technology. The collaboration will facilitate researcher mobility and identify opportunities for collaborative funding.
Wiley announces winners of Advanced Science Young Innovator Award
Eleven researchers have earned the Advanced Science Young Innovator Award for their outstanding and innovative work in materials science, physics, chemistry, medical and life sciences, and engineering. The award recognizes scientists whose research is bridging fields and accelerating practical applications.
Chicago Quantum Exchange-led coalition advances to final round in NSF Engine competition
A Chicago Quantum Exchange-led coalition, Quantum Connected, has advanced to the final stage of the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program. The coalition aims to build critically needed quantum-based cyber security and could receive up to $160 million over 10 years.
Cardiovascular disease risk rises in Mexico, despite improved cholesterol control
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
Residing in conservative states is impacting the mental health of US LGBTQIA+ students—national study suggests
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
Agricultural liming in the US is a large CO2 sink, say researchers
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
How high is your dementia risk? It might depend on where you live
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
Lehigh University Professor Himanshu Jain awarded honorary doctorate in the Czech Republic
Himanshu Jain, Lehigh University professor of materials science and engineering, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Pardubice in the Czech Republic. The recognition honors his influential research on glass materials and leadership in advancing graduate education.
A prolific discovery: three new orchid species endemic to Costa Rica and Panama
Researchers have identified three new Pleurothallis orchid species endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama, showcasing unique adaptations for asexual reproduction. The discovery sheds light on the importance of conserving these cloud forests, which are home to over 67 recognized species of Pleurothallis.
Cotton virus circulated undetected for nearly 20 years, study finds
Researchers found cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) infecting plants in southern US states as early as 2006, contradicting the assumption that it emerged more recently. The study used modern data-mining tools to uncover hidden threats and highlights the importance of maintaining accessible databases for disease surveillance.
Mystery of “very odd” elasmosaur finally solved: one of North America’s most famous fossils identified as new species
A group of elasmosaur fossils has been formally identified as belonging to a new genus, Traskasaura sandrae. This ancient marine reptile, measuring 12 meters long and having heavy, sharp teeth, likely hunted prey from above using its strong swimming capabilities.
Prestigious research award goes to 23 UTA scholars
The University of Texas at Arlington's McNair Scholars Program has selected 23 students to pursue academic research careers. The program provides opportunities for students to work with internationally recognized researchers and gain essential skills for graduate studies.
Research project investigates freshened water under the ocean floor
A groundbreaking expedition aims to validate hypotheses about the origin of freshened groundwater in offshore aquifers. Researchers will collect sediment and water samples from beneath the ocean on the New England Shelf, shedding light on the dynamics of these systems and their influence on nutrient and element cycling.
State and sociodemographic trends in US cigarette smoking with future projections
Cigarette smoking prevalence is expected to decrease in the US by 2035, primarily among young adults in historically high-prevalence states. This trend is likely to slow health consequences, particularly for older adults.
Melting glaciers at the end of the Ice Age may have sped up continental drift, fueled volcanic eruptions
Researchers found that melting ice sheets in North America and Greenland may have increased horizontal motion of plates by 25% and up to 40% at the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Ridge. This could lead to an increase in volcanic eruptions in Iceland.
Study: middle-aged Americans are lonelier than adults in other countries, age groups
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.
Study assesses U.S. image amid weakening of democracy
A study found that respondents who received information about democratic backsliding in the US had a less favorable view, but policy support remained unchanged. The research team also discovered that an economic downturn did not influence global public opinion, highlighting the complexities of soft power and US foreign policy.
North America is dripping from below, geoscientists discover
Researchers have discovered that the underside of the North American continent is experiencing 'cratonic thinning', a phenomenon where the continent is slowly losing its stability and rock layers. This process, driven by the subduction of the Farallon Plate, may eventually stop as the plate sinks deeper into the mantle.
Tracing the geological history of spring rains: Why diminished in North America while emerged in East Asia
A recent study reveals that shifts in paleogeography and climate change have shaped the spring rainfall pattern. Spring persistent rainfall has prevailed in East Asia since the Miocene epoch, whereas in North America, it only flourished during the Eocene epoch. Climate warming is expected to be a dominant driver of future changes.
Research contrasts drought sensitivity of Eurasian and North American grasslands
Research reveals that Eurasian Steppe grasslands are more susceptible to drought than North American Great Plains due to lower plant diversity. The study found a 43% reduction in annual productivity in Eurasia compared to a 25% reduction in North America under similar extreme drought conditions.
Central America could play troubling new role in cocaine trade
A new study finds nearly half of northern Central America is suitable for growing coca, a lucrative cash crop. The region's favorable climate and soil conditions make it an attractive location for criminal groups seeking to expand their operations.
U.S. capable of achieving seafood independence, new study shows
Researchers found the US can meet its entire seafood demand through domestic production, but current exports and imports limit self-reliance. Increasing consumption of lesser-exported species like herring and anchovy could strengthen the domestic supply and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Research tracks 66 million years of mammalian diversity
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln examines fossil records going back 66 million years, tracking changes in mammalian ecosystems and species diversity. The research reveals that following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, mammalian communities experienced a surge in functional diversity for 10 million years.
Newly discovered dinosaur boasts big, blade-like horns
Lokiceratops rangiformis, a plant-eating dinosaur with large horned frill and asymmetrical caribou-like antlers, has been discovered in Montana. The species' unusual features may have played a role in mate selection or species recognition.
Political elites take advantage of anti-partisan protests to disrupt politics
New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that protest movements against political parties can inadvertently empower politicians who use them to disrupt the status quo. The study analyzed 12 case studies across Europe, Asia, and North and South America between 2008 and 2016, finding varying outcomes including factional cha...
The Protein Society announces its 2024 award recipients
This year's winners include Professor Neil Kelleher, Dr. Tamir Gonen, Professor Margaret Sunde, and more, recognized for their pioneering research in top-down proteomics, membrane proteins, amyloid studies, and human health applications.
AMS Science Preview: “Outdoor days,” lightning, air pollution
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
Panama Canal expansion rewrites history of world’s most ecologically diverse bats
A new discovery in Panama has uncovered the oldest known leaf-nosed bat fossils, preserved 20-million years ago. The findings suggest that these mammals may have originated in North America, contradicting previous theories that they came from South America.
Recommendations for enhanced and optimized biodiversity monitoring in the Arctic region
ECOTIP presented recommendations to enhance biodiversity monitoring in Greenlandic fisheries, focusing on data analysis and animal tissue samples. The recommendations aim to improve biodiversity monitoring in the Arctic region.
Kenyan hospital visits linked to increased exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria
A recent study found that Kenyan patients who spend more than three days in hospitals are more likely to harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research team identified three risk factors associated with colonization, including hospitalization for extended periods and intubation.
Fewer teens now perceive themselves as overweight – international study of more than 745,000 adolescents
A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Avian influenza: new aspects of an old threat
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.
DNA testing finds endangered eels on the menu
A recent study by the University of Exeter has confirmed the widespread trading of critically endangered European eels in international markets. The research found that about 40% of North American unagi samples contained European eel, suggesting a significant role for illegal trade in their supply chain.
The untold history of the horse in the American Plains, a new future for the world
A groundbreaking study finds that horses were raised, fed, and ridden by Indigenous Peoples on the American Plains over 700,000 years ago. Genetic analysis reveals a strong Iberian ancestry, contradicting the prevailing narrative of European introduction after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
Brown widow spiders' aggression likely driver of black widow decline
New research suggests brown widow spiders actively seek and kill nearby black widows, displacing them in parts of the southern US. Brown widow females are also larger and more fertile than black widows, with a higher reproductive success rate.
A fossil fruit from California shows ancestors of coffee and potatoes survived cataclysm that killed the dinosaurs
A fossil plant from California has shed light on the evolution of flowering plants, pushing back their origins by 80 million years. The discovery indicates that structurally complex rainforests may have existed as early as the Cretaceous period.
Changing climate conditions likely facilitated early human migration to the Americas at key intervals, research suggests
Researchers found two distinct climate intervals where sea ice and ice-free summer conditions likely supported early human migration along the Pacific coastal route. These conditions, occurring from 22,000 to 24,500 years ago and again from 14,800 to 16,400 years ago, may have facilitated movement by providing a more traversable surfac...
Poor literacy linked to worse mental health worldwide, study shows
A new study by the University of East Anglia finds a significant association between low literacy and poor mental health outcomes across multiple countries. People with lower literacy skills are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing literacy as part of mental health services.
Tracking the global spread of antimicrobial resistance
A global study reveals that antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria are driven by various factors, including geographic regions and hosts. The research identifies key genes conferring resistance to critically important drugs, shedding light on the mechanisms of transmission and the need for collaborative interventions.
How well can weather experts predict unprecedented heatwaves?
Researchers evaluated the prediction of a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest, finding that forecasts were able to accurately predict the event. The study highlights the importance of trust, preparedness, and early action when extreme weather is forecasted.
Citizen scientists from 200 years ago and today help shed light on climate change trends
A study published in the Journal of Ecology found that plants flowered and leafed out earlier in contemporary years than in the early 19th century, coinciding with a warming trend. The accelerated timing poses risks for some species' survival and informs conservation efforts.
IU-led global health network AMPATH adds sites in Mexico, Ghana
The IU-led AMPATH Global network is expanding to Ghana and Mexico, building on a successful collaboration that has played a crucial role in combating HIV, social determinants of health, and COVID-19. The partnership aims to improve public-sector healthcare systems and promote well-being in underserved communities.
Death rates among people with type 2 diabetes have declined in many countries including Australia, Canada and the US
A global study found that death rates for people with type 2 diabetes are declining in high-income countries, including Asia. The study showed a narrowing life expectancy gap between those with and without diabetes in many jurisdictions.
Solving the disappearance of bears and lions with ancient DNA
Researchers sequenced ancient DNA to understand lion and bear movement between continents. The study found that warm temperatures before the last Ice Age may have caused a change in plant abundance, affecting herbivores and predators.
Sierra Nevada range should celebrate two birthdays
The Sierra Nevada mountain range in California has a complex history, with two distinct periods of formation. The ancient range was formed around 100 million years ago as a volcanic chain, but was later dwarfed by a vast plateau. Volcanic activity around 40 million to 20 million years ago lifted the Earth's surface, forming new mountai...
Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests
Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.
More research needed into microbes that live in and on sea creatures
A new commentary paper highlights the need for more research into the microbes living in and on sea creatures. The authors propose a research agenda to fill knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of beneficial microbes' roles in marine ecosystems.
Increased and targeted biodiversity survey efforts needed to close persistent knowledge gaps
A new study reveals that just 42% of nations have expanded their scientific understanding of bird species distributions in the last decade. The researchers developed two new metrics to assess biodiversity data coverage and effectiveness, finding that regions like Asia and South America are closing knowledge gaps.
Want to reduce cockroach sex? Block an enzyme
A new study published in PLOS Biology elucidates a female sex pheromone pathway in cockroaches, revealing that blocking an enzyme reduces pheromone production and female attractiveness. The study provides valuable insights into insect sexual behavior regulation.
Researchers figured out how the ancestors of modern horses migrated
Researchers discovered that horses crossed the Beringian Land Bridge multiple times, influencing genetic diversity and settling both continents before becoming extinct in North America
Insights into the Yellowstone hotspot
A new study published in GSA Today suggests that the Yellowstone hotspot is derived from a deep mantle plume, with magmatism extending to at least 56 million years ago. The study's findings indicate a long-lived and robust hotspot that has migrated across northeastern California, northern Nevada, and into Yellowstone National Park.
European colonization accelerated erosion tenfold
New research reveals that European colonization significantly increased rates of soil erosion and alluvium accumulation in North America, with impacts felt for centuries.
Extinct camelids reveal insights about North America's ancient savannas
A new study on extinct camelids provides the first quantitative characterization of their ecomorphology in ancient North American savannas. The analysis reveals that these ecosystems were drier than modern African savannas, leading to a decrease in ungulate diversity.