Articles tagged with Science History
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study published in Circulation journal found that Black adults living in areas historically affected by discriminatory housing practices had a higher heart failure risk. The analysis included over 2.3 million adults from 2014-2019 and mapped historical redlining maps onto modern day maps of US zip codes.
A new AI tool utilizing deep-learning algorithms and volumetric thresholds accurately detected splenomegaly in patients undergoing CT scans. The study analyzed a large sample of 8,901 patients, revealing that splenic volume is strongly associated with weight.
Researchers have found sedimentary archives in sand dunes that can reconstruct reliable, multi-millennial fire histories. The discovery aims to expand scientific understanding of fire regimes around the world and uncover the role of humans on fire history.
Researchers have analyzed DNA samples from over 50 institutions, including Balto at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, to shed light on extraordinary feats in mammals. The study has identified unchanged DNA across millions of years of evolution and pinpointed genetic variants associated with rare human diseases.
A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals the key components contributing to successful releases of orphaned southern sea otters back into the wild. The research emphasizes the strong maternal drive of surrogate female sea otters in nurturing and caring for pups, resulting in a three-quarters success rate.
Da Vinci's understanding of gravity was ahead of its time, with experiments showing that gravity is a form of acceleration. His notebook reveals an experiment where a water pitcher moves parallel to the ground, dumping out water or sand, demonstrating acceleration due to gravity.
A Flinders University-led research team will explore Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Limmen National Park using $800,000 ARC Linkage Funding. The project combines archaeological and anthropological data to understand Marra cultural history and inform the management of sensitive cultural heritage sites.
The Ecological Society of America showcases the contributions of Black scholars to 21st-century ecology, exploring historical erasure and public health injustices. The virtual collection features open-access articles addressing disparities in environmental engagement and conservation.
A new study reveals that smallpox originated more than 3,800 years ago, confirming historical sources and shedding light on the disease's history. The researchers used genetic analysis to trace the evolution of the virus, finding that different strains descended from a single common ancestor.
Recent changes in climate change coverage in college biology textbooks have been minor and focus on the impacts rather than solutions. The analysis of 57 college biology textbooks since 1970 shows that coverage has continually expanded, but the proportion of text dedicated to actionable solutions has decreased over time.
Historians and scientists collaborate to develop new approaches to understanding climate change, moving beyond catastrophism and resilience tropes. The '536 event' case study demonstrates how textual analysis can provide nuanced insights into historical climate variability.
Researchers used ancient leaf waxes and climate modeling to predict that warmer conditions will lead to stronger and more widespread summer rainfall across the southwest US. This is in contrast to drier subtropical regions experiencing aridity due to global warming.
Researchers at Nagoya University analyzed three historical writings to identify past solar eclipses in Hokkaido, using modern scientific techniques. They found that these accounts matched computer simulations of the Sun and Moon positions, revealing valuable clues about the extremity of the solar-terrestrial environment.
A joint study by TAU and Hebrew University accurately dated 21 destruction layers at 17 archaeological sites in Israel, using geomagnetic field reconstruction. The new data verify Biblical accounts of Egyptian, Aramean, Assyrian, and Babylonian military campaigns against the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
The adoption of latitude and longitude coordinates in early modern China was uneven due to prevailing social attitudes. Despite the Manchu emperors' appreciation for updated maps, their use remained limited outside the imperial court, with nonscale maps persisting.
The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration successfully captured an image of the black hole at the center of our galaxy, a major breakthrough in astrophysics. This achievement will enable scientists to test fundamental predictions of general relativity and gain insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies.
The grant aims to disrupt systemic barriers hindering underrepresented groups' participation in the life sciences. Northwestern will hire 15 new tenure-track faculty and deploy innovative strategies to ensure their success.
Scientists have discovered a slowing of continental plate movement was the critical event that enabled magma to rise to the surface and deliver devastating knock-on impacts. This fundamental process controlled the evolution of climate and life on Earth throughout its history.
Research highlights the impact of historical development on US coastal zones' exposure to sea level rise and hurricanes. The study uses historical data to better understand how development contributes to increased vulnerability.
A new study reveals how large-scale groundwater exploitation by local farmers led to the desiccation of sandy soils and decimation of wildlife populations in Spain's Doñana National Park. The lack of effective oversight created an economically and environmentally unsustainable situation, destroying a protected natural space.
A team of scientists has uncovered new information about Mendel's work, revealing that he began with practical objectives as a plant breeder before exploring underlying biological processes. This work laid the foundation for modern genetics and was only recognized 34 years after its publication.
Scientists have discovered a new, extremely faint galaxy named Pegasus V, located on the outskirts of Andromeda. The dwarf galaxy is believed to be one of the oldest in the universe, with its stars forming over 13 billion years ago.
Paleontologists have found the jaws of an Etruscan bear in a Crimean cave, dating back to 2-1.5 million years ago. The discovery suggests that early humans may have lived on the Crimean Peninsula around the same time.
The European drought event from 2018 to 2020 was the most intense in over 250 years, affecting approximately one third of the land area. The drought's total duration was unusually long, starting in April 2018 and ending in December 2020.
A new theory offers an explanation for the formation and evolution of gas giants in our solar system, proposing that a 'rebound' effect triggered their current paths. Researchers found that the primordial gas disk dissipated from the inside out, providing a natural trigger for the instability.
Researchers developed a computational technique to predict favorable gene sequences that make Rubisco, a key plant enzyme for photosynthesis. The study found promise for developing faster and more efficient Rubisco enzymes to increase crop yields and adapt to hot, dry future conditions.
A WVU researcher has developed new statistical methods for assessing airborne exposure to oil spill workers, allowing for more accurate estimates and consideration of undetectable levels. This research has significant implications for understanding the health effects of oil spills on workers.
Historians note a shift in Eurocentric conceptualizations of science, leading to the emergence of civilization-specific alternatives. John Augustus Abayomi Cole's work on astrological geomancy sought to elevate African knowledge practices and critique European imperialism.
The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has published a special issue of The Anatomical Record examining its complex history and addressing structural racism and questionable ethics. The issue proposes recommendations for creating an inclusive future for the field.
A new study analyzing pollen samples from 19 modern-day European countries reveals the Black Death's mortality varied widely across Europe. While some areas suffered devastating impacts, others experienced no significant loss of life.
A recent analysis of eight long-running research prizes found that only 4.7% of historical awardees were Asian. The number of Asian awardees has declined to just 2.6% in the last decade. Fewer than 1% of top biomedical research prize winners are Black or Latinx, highlighting significant underrepresentation in the field.
A retrospective study found that the upgrade rate of architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to malignancy was 10.2% for radial scars without atypia and 28.2% for those with atypia. Imaging surveillance is considered an alternative to surgery for these cases.
Researchers confirm that Chevalier barley came from a single plant, analyzing seed samples older than 150 years. The study reveals how the single plant's genetic signature was preserved and used to create modern malting barley varieties.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered broomcorn millet in ancient Iraq, pushing the timeline of agriculture in the region. This finding highlights the interconnected nature of Eurasia and challenges previous assumptions about the capacity and resilience of ancient agricultural systems.
Ancient Chinese scholars viewed sound as a means to assess cosmic qi and predict weather events. Jing Fang's tuning system, developed in the 1st century BCE, used acoustics to construct a closed cycle with reduced gaps, allowing for accurate seasonal predictions.
A new study analyzing the rock record rules out atmospheric oxygen before the Great Oxygenation Event, potentially rewriting our understanding of Earth's past. The research team used high-resolution techniques to inspect specimens of the rock, finding evidence that chemical data suggesting early oxygen may have been introduced later.
The article highlights the importance of addressing systemic racism in forensic sciences by engaging with descendant communities and institutions. Forensic researchers advocate for repatriation and interment of remains collected without consent, emphasizing the need for uncomfortable conversations and criticism on issues related to race.
A new UC Riverside-led study reveals that tiny microbes belching toxic gas helped cause and prolong the biggest mass extinction in Earth's history. The heat accelerated microbes' metabolisms, creating a deadly cycle of hydrogen sulfide production.
Limpets played a significant role in global culture, medicine, and innovation, with uses dating back tens of thousands of years. They have contributed to the evolution of human brain development and feature in many place names and traditions.
Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.
A new genus and species of iguanodontian dinosaur, Brighstoneus simmondsi, has been discovered on the Isle of Wight. The herbivorous dinosaur is estimated to be around 8 meters in length and weigh 900kg.
Researchers have developed a database of parasite-host interactions among ancient ocean animals, shedding light on the evolution of biodiversity and the impact of parasitism on ecosystems. The study suggests that parasites can positively stabilize coastal ecosystems, making them more stable despite individual harm to hosts.
A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.
Researchers analyzed historical documents to understand the timing, causes, and consequences of prairie fires in the Midwest. The study reveals that Native Americans intentionally set fires for hunting and land management purposes, while Europeans feared fire but also cleared land using controlled burns.
A Middle Bronze Age city in the Jordan Valley was destroyed by a high-temperature fire, likely caused by a meteorite impact. The site contains evidence of shocked quartz, melted pottery, and diamond-like carbon, supporting a cosmic airburst hypothesis.
A new study by MIT scientists uses a novel gene-analyzing technique to estimate that oxygenic photosynthesis first originated around 2.9 billion years ago. This evolutionary innovation allowed for the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans, paving the way for life on Earth.
Researchers used ALMA to observe distant galaxies and discovered two new, dusty galaxies near original targets, challenging our understanding of early galaxy formation. The discovery suggests that a significant portion of early galaxies may be hidden from view due to cosmic dust.
The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.
Researchers discovered elevated mercury levels before and during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a 150,000-year period of extreme warming. The study suggests that 'tipping points' in the Earth's system triggered the release of additional carbon reservoirs, driving unprecedented high temperatures.
Researchers use radiochronometry and forensic methods to determine the age and origins of Heisenberg and Diebner cubes. The findings will help train international border guards and nuclear forensics researchers to detect nuclear material.
A new study reconciles the molecular clock with the fossil record of plants by linking older spore-like microfossils to younger plant spores derived from charophyte algae, revealing the evolutionary assembly of the plant regulatory and developmental genome.
A 3700-year-old clay tablet, discovered in central Iraq, is the oldest known example of applied geometry. The UNSW scientist's analysis reveals a human story of land surveying and geometric understanding, with Pythagorean triples used to make accurate right angles.
Research suggests cats can help understand human genetic 'dark matter' and aid in precision medicine for genetic diseases like polycystic kidney disease. By studying the cat genome, scientists may uncover new insights into human genetics and develop more targeted treatments.
Researchers chronicle African dust transport across North Atlantic, highlighting its essential role in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The study also explores the link between dust transport and African climate, shedding light on Earth's largest source of dust.
A new study investigates human mobility at Alalakh during the Bronze Age, finding most people were born and raised in the region. Genetic data shows ancestry from neighboring regions, with only one individual showing Central Asian origins but local upbringing.
Researchers analyzed visual complexity of written language in 47,000+ characters from 133 scripts, finding large scripts have more complex characters and complexity driven by linguistic units, not evolutionary change.
The Huygens Institute is digitizing the Dutch East India Company's vast archive of 25 million pages, providing insights into colonial history and early-modern interactions between Europe and non-European actors in Asia.
Researchers use computer-assisted techniques to reconstruct ancient pronunciation of undocumented words, achieving a success rate of 76% in predicting word forms. The study's findings improve understanding of Western Kho-Bwa languages and their linguistic history.
A multi-disciplinary team has reconstructed ancient population and land use, showing that humans shaped much of the terrestrial biosphere by 12,000 years ago. The study found a close correlation between areas of high biodiversity and areas long occupied by Indigenous peoples.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Yale found that free online courses teaching principles of positive psychology can enrich lives, reporting greater mental health benefits than a comparable course without exercises.