Articles tagged with Food Resources
Researchers used quantitative spatial modeling to explore the relationship between ahu construction locations and subsistence resources on Rapa Nui. The study found that ahu locations are consistently linked to proximity to freshwater sources, suggesting a critical role for water availability in ancient island society.
Researchers found that elephants prefer locations with better past forage conditions over current availability, especially during the dry season. They also showed a preference for walking along roads to conserve energy and access food sources.
A University of Bonn study suggests that bioplastics may not be as environmentally friendly as thought, as increased production could lead to land use changes and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that even with a tax on conventional plastics, the benefits are temporary and offset by negative economic effects.
The study estimates that by 2030, global fecal biomass could contain significant amounts of recoverable materials such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Animal waste from livestock outweighs human waste in many countries, posing a threat to public health.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that chimpanzees tend to make prosocial choices faster than selfish ones. In tasks assessing cooperation and self-control, chimpanzees were more likely to pick the option benefiting others if they made a quick decision.
A study of fruit flies found that females with better access to resources invest more energy into maintaining their bodies, allowing them to continue reproducing longer. In contrast, males prioritize short-term mating success over long-term survival.
A study published in Neuropsychologia suggests that human brains are innately attracted to sedentary behaviors and must work harder to avoid them. The research found that participants were faster at moving towards active images but required more brain resources to move away from inactive images.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) has launched an online knowledge bank with resources for educators on the health impacts of climate change. The platform features links to publicly available online courses, curricular guidance, and information on upcoming events.
Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.
Pitt researchers create a network model to analyze the interconnectivity of US food, energy, and water resources. The study aims to identify 'virtual' resources consumed in production but not intended for direct use, and provide solutions to minimize environmental impact.
Research found inbred beetles made bad decisions in response to environmental changes, leading to reduced offspring survival and increased risk of extinction. The study suggests impaired thinking ability may contribute to this poor decision-making.
Researchers found that early ocean organisms grew tall to disperse their offspring and colonize their surroundings. The study suggests that reproduction was the main reason life on Earth got big during the Ediacaran period.
The EXIOBASE 3 database provides new clarity on the links between international trade, consumption, and environmental impact. Researchers found some level of decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact, but efficiency was reduced for material use increasing at a faster rate than GDP.
A study found that human footprint reduces mammalian movement by two to three times, with no geographic or size-based exceptions. This affects ecosystem functions like nutrient transport and food web interactions, highlighting the need for further research on critical thresholds in human land use.
Research by Jaehoon Lee suggests that lower class individuals are more likely to assume food will be less delicious due to poor service, while higher class people do not typically make this assumption. This holistic view of life creates a 'carryover effect', leading to negative judgments about other aspects of the consumer experience.
The three-year project will focus on the intersections between food production, energy use, and water use in Southern California and Southern Texas. Researchers aim to develop modeling systems that integrate these sectors for better decision-making, sharing them with industry stakeholders and policy specialists.
Researchers found that migratory female butterflies make distinct physiological changes to invest in flight over reproduction during migration. They remain reproductively inactive and carry a lighter abdomen to optimize energy use. This strategy allows them to breed at the end of the migration, producing large numbers of eggs.
Researchers argue that traditional Western theories on creativity are not applicable in resource-scarce environments. Instead, 'jugaad' – a Hindi word for 'hack' – allows people to find low-cost solutions through constructive thinking and experiential learning.
Researchers discover wild sheep bones in Black Desert excavation site, revealing a previously unknown population of the species in eastern Jordan. The finding suggests that the region was capable of supporting a variety of resources, including wild sheep, during the Late Pleistocene.
Researchers at Penn State have received a grant to develop the first new taxonomy for species of the genus Fusarium in 30 years, aiming to improve identification and classification of the genus. The project will produce a comprehensive monograph with digital connectivity and access to DNA sequence data.
A comprehensive global effort is needed to address the growing burden of hearing loss, with half a billion people affected worldwide. The proposal emphasizes increased access to screenings, treatments, and preventive measures, as well as low-cost interventions using smartphones and telemedicine.
Researchers found that developing a pipeline to improve school leadership has been affordable for six urban districts, spending 0.4% of their budgets on the initiative. The main expense was district staff salaries, with per-pupil costs totaling $42.
New research suggests that bird and bumblebee species nesting late in the year are suffering more from habitat destruction. The study found that larger birds and bumblebees are worst affected due to competition over scarce nest sites.
Brown-headed cowbirds prefer larger host nests with smaller-than-average eggs to increase their offspring's chances of survival. Researchers found that female cowbirds adjust the allocation of resources in their eggs based on perceived environmental conditions, but not host species or size variations.
A team of researchers observed an American badger burying a 50-pound calf carcass over five days, marking the first known instance of such behavior. The finding suggests that badgers may play a significant role in sequestering large carcasses, benefiting cattle ranchers by reducing disease vectors and attracting larger predators.
Researchers propose that infant-directed song, lullabies and play songs for babies and toddlers, may have deep evolutionary roots as a way for parents to signal their children's needs while freeing up time for other tasks. The theory suggests that this type of music developed as an 'arms race' between parents and infants over attention.
A new study published in Physical Review E presents an optimal search strategy for foragers to maximize resource efficiency. The model suggests that searching a current foraging ground for a time equal to the time it would take to set up and move to a new territory is the most effective approach.
Researchers tracked three migratory bird species and found they adjust their routes to match future changes in food availability. By 2080, climate change may make it challenging for birds to find sufficient resources, posing a threat to their survival.
Researchers can now analyze biological signaling pathways with unprecedented accuracy thanks to OmniPath, combining 27 public databases on signalling interactions. The tool provides a comprehensive and unified collection of literature-curated signalling pathways based on an analysis of 41,000 scientific papers.
The program, launched in 2012, has generated over 506,000 customized prescriptions for an estimated 200,000 or more patients. More than 83% of participants reported the personalized referrals were 'very useful.'
Chicks are less honest when begging for food in family groups with conflict, research by University of Oxford scientists found. Analysis of over 100 studies across 60 bird species showed that chicks exaggerate their need for food if parents are likely to breed again in the future.
A new study found that stable hunter-gatherer camps are more likely to exhibit reciprocity in food-sharing, whereas unstable camps rely on demand sharing. This association suggests that cooperation between non-kin individuals may be linked to group stability and repeated interactions.
Research shows that spending time in nature promotes health and well-being among rural, low-income mothers and their families. Despite living in areas with abundant natural spaces, these mothers often lack access to safe and accessible outdoor recreation resources due to financial constraints and geographical barriers.
A recent study identifies a genetic locus, HMGA2, linked to beak size adaptation in Darwin's finches. The research supports the concept of ecological character displacement, where species diverge in traits when competing for resources.
A Stanford University simulation model analyzes how modern interventions affect the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous inhabitants. The study reveals that agro-industrial land development and loss of traditional taboos lead to biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse.
Food pantry clients make choices based on factors such as limited resources and unintentional design. Simple adjustments like raising healthier products' profiles and making them easy to access can nudge clients towards healthier options.
Researchers used tagged penguins and an autonomous underwater vehicle to study competition between Adélie and gentoo penguins for the same food resources. The study found that gentoo penguins shifted behavior to deeper depths when competing with Adélie penguins, suggesting a strategy to limit competition.
Researchers found that pantry food safety procedures were often informal, with 75% lacking proper storage and handling information. However, most pantries limited cross-contamination and provided adequate handwashing facilities.
Scientists have discovered a potential ecological route to control plant disease by harnessing the power of soil microbial communities. The study found that increasing competition between resident bacteria and invading pathogens can constrain the spread of bacterial wilt, reducing its devastating impact on global food production.
A new computational model measures disparities between biomedical research resources and disease burden, identifying unmet medical needs. The Research Opportunity Index (ROI) provides a data-driven framework to assess resource investment and allocate funds efficiently.
The UK is the worst offender in European avoidable food waste, with nearly 80% of all food waste being avoidable. The study found that vegetables, fruit and cereals contribute most to lost resources, while meat production uses more resources in the first place.
Research found that neighborhoods with more physical activity resources and healthy food options have a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with lower income, education, or physical activity levels were more likely to develop the condition.
A study by Michigan State University and international partners reveals that 20 renewable resources, such as corn and soy, have reached peak production rates between 1988 and 2008. The researchers warn that relying on substitution to solve shortages may not be effective when multiple resources are running out.
Research on tool use by primates suggests that ecological opportunity, rather than necessity, is the main driver behind their use of tools. The study found that tool use was not influenced by food scarcity, but rather by calorie-rich and hard-to-reach resources.
A study of chimpanzee aggression over five decades found that killings are not a result of human activities, but rather an adaptive tactic to eliminate rivals. The research provides strong support for the view that killing is an evolved behavior, increasing access to resources and improving survival rates.
Some bees in Brazil use loud signals to deter competitors, a counterintuitive strategy that's successful in warding off rivals. This study reveals how eavesdropping can influence the evolution of animal communication signals.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that male black widow spiders overwhelmingly choose well-fed, unmated females as mates. The preference is driven by pheromones released by females indicating their nutritional status.
A University of Illinois study found that mothers participating in a vocational training program gained a network of peers, leading to increased bargaining strength and improved children's consumption of rice and dairy. The program empowered women, allowing them to exert more say over household resources.
Experts estimate that hydrologic separation and electric barriers can prevent up to 95-100% and 85-95% of Asian carp introductions, respectively. Physical separation is found to be the most effective method, with a high probability of preventing introduction into Lake Michigan.
Researchers found that about 25% of mature female tiger sharks migrate from remote atolls to the main Hawaiian Islands between September and October, potentially to give birth. This study provides insight into tiger shark migration patterns and their potential link to attacks in Hawaii.
The University of Tennessee is working with local community partners to improve disaster preparedness and community wellness in Clay County, Kentucky. The project aims to address health and disaster readiness needs through a comprehensive assessment and implementation of solutions.
A recent report by USDA Forest Service reveals a doubling of houses in dispersed rural settings and development on nonfederal resource lands over the past 30 years. The analysis showed that most new development was close to existing areas, with increases in housing similar across eastern and western Washington.
A University of Cincinnati graduate student archaeologist has discovered that the ancient Puebloans relied on a variety of food sources, including purslane, pinyon nut, and juniper berries, in addition to maize. The findings suggest that the Puebloans' subsistence strategies were more complex and sustainable than previously thought.
The University of Nottingham has been awarded £2.9m to develop low-carbon fuel and address global challenges through synthetic biology. Researchers aim to convert carbon monoxide into useful chemicals and fuels without competing with food resources.
A two-year study published in PLOS ONE found that the largest oil spill on open water, combined with cold freshwater from snowmelt, led to historically high dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of young dolphins (perinatal strandings) washed ashore along the Mississippi-Alabama coast.
The Iberian wolf's distribution in Galicia is primarily driven by landscape characteristics offering refuge from humans. Landscape attributes account for 48% of animal safety, while human presence and food availability contribute to a lesser extent.
The No-Mix Vacuum Toilet system uses vacuum suction technology to separate liquid and solid wastes, reducing flushing water needs by up to 90%. The system can also produce bio-gas for energy generation and fertilizers for agricultural use.
A new mathematical model predicts that creatures will help each other differently depending on resource scarcity, with defense and food-focused behaviors favored during times of scarcity and care for young during abundance. The study's results suggest that the benefits of altruism vary across different behaviors.
Researchers found that chimpanzees switched to two legs in high-competition situations to carry more resources. This adaptation may have led to natural selection and the origin of human bipedalism.
Research at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that living in neighborhoods with favorable features, such as parks and healthy food options, is associated with better cardiovascular health. Participants with ideal health were more likely to be under age 55, male, and highly educated.