Articles tagged with Science History
Dr. Carmen Ulloa and her team compiled a comprehensive checklist of 124,993 vascular plant species of the Americas, representing one third of all known vascular plants worldwide. The checklist was published in Science today and used the Garden's plant database, Tropicos, as its data repository.
The Science Bridge project aims to promote cooperative projects in neuroscience and medical sciences through conferences, exchange programs, and joint funding bids. Twin Institutes will be established, fostering the free exchange of ideas between Western and Middle Eastern/South Asian research institutions.
The research examines the actions of individual agents incurring debt, exploring social consequences and international regulation. The interdisciplinary network analyzes the phenomenon of debt in complexity, investigating changing responses to public debt over time.
A new study reveals that the original inhabitants of the Chachapoyas region in Peru remained genetically distinct from the Inca Empire, resisting forced assimilation. The research uses DNA analysis to challenge traditional accounts of the Incas' conquest of the area.
Recent North Texas earthquakes occurred on faults inactive for at least 300 million years, supporting the assertion they were induced by human activity. The study discriminates between natural and induced seismicity using classical structural geology analysis techniques.
Researchers sequenced ancient plague genomes from 4,800 to 3,700 years ago, revealing a possible introduction of Yersinia pestis into Europe during the Neolithic period. The study suggests that the plague spread along with the migration of steppe nomads and may have played a role in genetic turnover of European populations.
Research reveals surprising patterns in letter orientation, favoring certain symmetries and angles, with no evidence of long-term evolution through cultural transformation or selection. The study analyzed over 100 scripts from around the world, finding that human cognitive preferences directly affect character shape.
Researchers used historic accounts and modern methods to describe an extreme magnetic storm over Kyoto in the 18th century. The study provides valuable insights into past solar activity and its potential impact on future events.
A recent study published in PNAS found that language grammatical structures change more quickly than vocabulary, influenced by contact with unrelated languages. Researchers analyzed 81 Austronesian languages and discovered striking differences in the rates of change between grammar and lexicon.
Historical analysis reveals significant changes in liberal foreign policy views from the 19th century to the present day. Modern liberals differ from their predecessors in rejecting active foreign policy and alliances, instead focusing on national interests and constitutional reforms.
The VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) will produce the sharpest radio view of a large portion of the sky, detecting powerful cosmic explosions and superfast particles. The survey will reveal new information on galaxy growth, magnetic fields, and interactions between galaxies.
The 2017 Science in Society Journalism Awards honored winners for their investigative reports on topics such as the world's most expensive fish, corporate-funded research, and antibiotic resistance. The awards aim to encourage critical work that considers social effects and ethical problems associated with scientific findings.
Researchers found that mobile women brought new cultural objects and ideas, which increased during the Bronze Age, promoting technological development. Genetic analysis revealed diversity of female lineages from outside the region, indicating integration into local communities.
A recent paper revisits an idea proposed by Chinese meteorologist Duzheng Yeh in 1959 about abrupt seasonal changes in the general circulation. The study's authors successfully reproduce these transitions without lower-boundary inhomogeneities, sparking questions about their underlying causes.
The University of California, Davis, will develop online teaching and learning resources for K-12 history-social science curriculum, fostering better understanding of California's history and improving student literacy. The program, Teaching California, aims to provide accessible and engaging resources for teachers and students.
Researchers used ancient DNA and proteins to confirm chicken introductions in Zanzibar (7th-8th century AD) via maritime trade. Black rats also appear in islands around the same time, suggesting they arrived as stowaways on trade vessels.
Analysis of ancient Roman coins found that the defeat of Hannibal during the Second Punic War led to a significant increase in Spanish silver mining revenue, contributing to Rome's expansion. This finding provides tangible evidence of Rome's transition from regional power to empire.
Tens of thousands of years of human impact on tropical forests have had significant consequences, including extinctions, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity. However, indigenous agricultural strategies can minimize environmental damage when implemented sustainably.
The study analyzed genome-wide data from 19 individuals and found that the Minoans descended primarily from Neolithic Western Anatolia and Greece. Modern Greeks are genetically closely related to the Mycenaeans, indicating a large degree of population continuity in Greece.
A new study reveals that US scientific teams still publish more biomedical research discoveries than any other country, but China's rising investment is slowly closing the gap. Chinese teams now rank fourth globally for new discoveries published in top-tier journals.
Research reveals Palmer amaranth life history traits influence its growth and reproduction in various cropping systems. Crop rotation and canopy better explain trait differences.
A recent study has successfully recovered and analyzed ancient DNA from Egyptian mummies, providing new insights into the genetic history of ancient Egyptians. The research found that modern Egyptians share more ancestry with Sub-Saharan Africans than ancient Egyptians did, and were most closely related to ancient populations in the Ne...
A team led by Dr. Bill Bottke from Southwest Research Institute discovered a 400-million-year lull in Mars' giant impact history, closely paralleling the bombardment histories of the Moon, asteroid belt, and Mercury. This finding supports the Late Heavy Bombardment theory and highlights an important period in Martian evolution.
A new study using precision chronology sheds light on the origins of Mongolia's nomadic horse culture, revealing that domestic horse ritual spread rapidly across the Mongol Steppe at around 1200 BC. This finding challenges previous hypotheses about the development of horsemanship and its relationship to climate change.
A study developed the Historic Book Odour Wheel to document the aromas associated with old books. Visitors to libraries described the smell as 'woody', 'smoky', and 'earthy'. The wheel combines chemical descriptions with sensory inputs, providing a tool for conservators and heritage management.
The study estimates that the average age of US scientists will increase by another 2.3 years in the near future, primarily due to the baby boomer generation getting older and scientists working longer. Despite concerns about productivity and creativity with aging, the research found no significant impact from demographic changes.
Researchers tested automated approaches to analyze large linguistic datasets, finding that some methods detected cognates correctly with high accuracy. The study suggests a promising future for combining algorithms and expert knowledge to uncover human prehistory and cultural evolution.
Dr. McCullough will investigate the effects of social isolation on stroke damage and recovery using miRNAs. The study aims to develop new therapies reducing disability in patients after a stroke.
Researchers investigate Tambora's effects on coastal fish and commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Maine, revealing parallels with current climate change phenomena. The study suggests that past extreme events can inform resilience strategies and that complex solutions require a multi-faceted approach.
The University of Illinois Chicago will send 15-20 UIC undergraduates on a 17-day journey across the Canadian Arctic's Northwest Passage as part of a $3 million NSF-funded project. Students will participate in climate and marine research, learn navigation and sailing skills, and contribute to live broadcasts streaming from the ship.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC) have voted to merge into a single organization representing social and natural sciences. The merger is expected to be completed by October 2018, with a unified global voice and institutional structure.
A recent archaeological analysis has found that early settlers of Tonga and Vanuatu originated from Melanesia, challenging the long-held assumption about the colonization of the region. The research team's findings point to a previously unknown migration wave from the Solomon Islands chain.
Linguistic anthropologist Piers Kelly argues that the Philippines' 'golden age' war treasure myth is rooted in local folklore, not WWII-era plunder. The tale of hidden riches thrives during times of crisis to boost morale and challenge economic inequality.
Researchers analyzed crop remains from ancient sites in Madagascar and found a stark contrast between Eastern African and Asian crops. The findings suggest that Southeast Asians brought crops from their homeland to Madagascar, providing insights into the colonization process.
History professor María Bárbara Zepeda Cortés is searching 'The Gálvez Papers' at The Huntington Library in California to understand the impact of this wildy successful Spanish reformer. She seeks insights into how Gálvez empowered regional leaders, transformed borders and created surprising ways in the region.
A research project by Dr. Ina Bergmann explores solitude in US culture through literature and history, focusing on the experiences of Robert, a former slave who became a hermit. Her work will be published in book projects and essays collected from conferences.
A comprehensive analysis of leopards' status reveals that the species has lost approximately 75 percent of its historic range, from around 35 million square kilometers to 8.5 million square kilometers. This decline is primarily due to habitat loss and human activities such as farming, livestock grazing, and poaching.
A survey of 185 professionals found only 11% felt their academic training provided necessary natural history exposure. Experts now advocate for citizen science to keep natural history relevant and empower public participation in environmental conservation.
Researchers identify two distinct HSV-1 virus strains in an individual, revealing their European/North American and Asian origins. The discovery opens doors to tracing a person's life history using genetic fingerprinting of viral genomes.
A new article explores the effect of frailty on diabetes in older people, suggesting a regressive course with increased risk of hypoglycemia. The review highlights the importance of regular medication reviews and gradual reduction or withdrawal of hypoglycemic medications.
Ancient DNA analysis uncovers a significant population turnover in Europe around 14,500 years ago, suggesting a sudden replacement of hunter-gatherer populations by another group. This finding contradicts the traditional view that non-African populations dispersed to Eurasia and Australasia through multiple migrations.
A new model developed by UCL scientists predicts the 'shelf life' of library and archival collections, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity, and handling. The model suggests that a hotter and more humid climate will accelerate degradation, but also provides strategies for mitigating damage and optimizing preservation.
A recent study in Nature estimates the Greenland Ice Sheet's mass loss since the start of the 20th century, providing insights into how global warming affects sea levels. UB geologist Beata Csatho emphasizes the need for more research to understand the ice sheet's past behavior and its future evolution.
The New Horizons team revealed a diverse range of findings about the Pluto system, including varied landforms, atmospheric complexity, and intriguing moons. The mission has provided unprecedented insights into Pluto's geological activity, with evidence of water-ice rich crusts and multiple haze layers in its atmosphere.
Researchers have found that most ideas are generated through group work and discussions with colleagues, contrary to the traditional image of a single individual having an eureka moment. The study also highlights the importance of mundane activities like taking a bath in sparking creativity.
A new study found that women are more likely to initiate divorces, but not non-marital breakups. Women initiated 69% of all divorces, while there was no significant difference in breakups initiated by unmarried women and men.
Researchers created a simple computational fact-checker that assigns truth scores to statements, matching human assessments in multiple experiments. The algorithm leverages indirect connections between concepts to assess statement truthfulness, with positive correlations found when comparing to human fact-checkers.
A study of 25 snake species in South America found that their diets were more influenced by phylogeny than ecology. The research suggests that the snakes' ancestry plays a significant role in determining their diet, with some species relying on soft-bodied invertebrates.
INFORMS awards Chevron its annual INFORMS Prize for its long history of applying analytics and O.R. to various aspects of the energy company, enabling data-driven decisions that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and resource recovery.
Physicist Ramon Lopez will use a combination of computer simulation models and real observations to understand the role of solar wind fluctuations in space weather. The research aims to enhance our understanding of the near-Earth space environment and provide critical information for managing satellite and communications technology.
A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that small differences in institutional prestige significantly impact faculty job placement. The research team analyzed data from 19,000 current faculty members and found that top-10 schools produced more faculty than lower-ranked institutions.
The Centre for Evolutionary Genomics will train PhD researchers in a field that uses latest DNA science to study evolutionary history. The University has received £1 million from the Leverhulme Trust to fund five years of research.
In 19th century New Zealand, yellowhammers were introduced to control insect pests but became a nuisance themselves. A new study reveals how they went from welcome guest to public enemy in just 15 years through careful analysis of historical documents and newspaper articles.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized genome engineering by providing a precise and efficient method for making site-specific changes to the genome. Its applications extend from developing new therapies for genetic disorders to changing the pace of agricultural research.
Researchers analyzed thousands of newspaper articles to reveal a significant decline in Queensland's pink snapper fishery catch rates, from hundreds of fish per hour to just one-ninth of historical levels. This study provides unparalleled insights into the history of the fishery and helps understand changes over time.
A new software program, SOGP 1.0, enables researchers to reconstruct historical global precipitation patterns, providing insights into major weather events like the Dust Bowl. The tool allows for detailed analysis of oceanic and land-based data, improving our understanding of climate change.
The Augsburg Master Builders' ledgers have been awarded a digital edition through an EUR 400,000 German Research Foundation grant. The medieval books will be transcribed and transferred to modern data entry formats for analysis, making them more accessible to historians and researchers.
A study by Purdue University professor Jeff Trapp found that tornado outbreaks lasting three or more days are more likely to occur, with a 74% probability of an outbreak during such periods. The Enhanced Fujita scale indicates stronger tornadoes were also more likely to hit during these extended periods.
The 8th edition of Scientific Style and Format, a definitive resource on scientific editorial style and publishing practices, is now available online. The new edition features updated coverage of technologies, plagiarism, and copyright law, as well as changes in stylistic recommendations.
The OU History of Science Department has received a $350,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to build an innovative collaboration platform centered on the Isis Bibliography. The platform will make the entire bibliography available at no cost and provide users with digital tools for managing research and sharing work.