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Phenology proves British summer is advancing, say researchers

The onset of summer in England has been advancing since the mid 1950s, research from a pair of University of Sheffield geographers has shown.

The investigations, conducted by Amy Kirbyshire, a former undergraduate of the University, and Professor Grant Bigg, Head of the Department of Geography at the University, examined records of the first blooming date of early summer flowering plants (phenology) and the timing of first occurrences of warm 'summer' temperatures - events linked with the onset of summer.

Leading international climate experts build food security in the face of climate change

Climate and agricultural researchers, policy makers, donors, and development agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, from all over the world just met in Nairobi for a one-day conference, 'Building Food Security in the Face of Climate Change'. The conference was an important part of a big new international Mega Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). The programme's secretariat is based at LIFE- Faculty of Life Sciences at University of Copenhagen.

Ancient leaves help researchers understand future climate

Potential climate change caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide might be better understood by examining fossil plant remains from millions of years ago, according to biogeochemists. The types of carbon within the leaves can serve as a window into past temperatures and environmental conditions.

"Carbon isotopes are really important for understanding the carbon cycle of the past, and we care about the carbon cycle of the past because it gives us clues about future climate change," said Aaron Diefendorf, graduate student in geosciences at Penn State.

USGS science picks

In this edition of Science Picks, learn why it seems like the world is experiencing more earthquakes than normal. Also, see how easy it is to become a citizen scientist, and watch a new USGS movie to learn why the Mojave Desert tortoise is endangered. You'll also find information about major flooding this spring, dust from Africa that is potentially harming coral in the Caribbean, how scientists are using satellite technology to track wildlife, and much more!

Experiences to learn from the volcanic eruption

On May 2-7, 7,000 researchers from all of Europe gather in Vienna for European Geosciences Union. This is a great opportunity to exchange information and experiences on the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano. A scientist from Risoe DTU seized the opportunity and organized a special session at the conference.

Simple reduction technique decreases radiation dose associated with CT scans of the head

Z-axis modulation can significantly reduce the radiation dose associated with unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the head, according to a study to be presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Z-axis modulation is a simple technique that radiologists can use to adjust the radiation dose and obtain optimal image quality during CT scans.

CT technique eliminates the need for X-rays in trauma patients with possible spinal fractures

When trauma patients receive a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, a technique called CT spine reformatting eliminates the need for X-rays of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine to detect spinal fractures. This technique can lower cost and overall patient radiation exposure, according to a study to be presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

Doctors use ultrasound to diagnose possible muscular trauma in professional athletes on-site

Doctors can use ultrasonography (ultrasound) to evaluate and diagnose muscular trauma in professional athletes on-site, which helps them to determine whether or not a player's injuries are severe enough to take them out of the game, according to a study to be presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

"Muscular trauma is very common in athletes, especially soccer players," said Ashok Kumar Nath, MD, lead author of the study. "Ultrasound is a readily available, radiation free imaging modality that allows us to diagnose muscle tears on-site," said Nath.

Shape of lake basin is key factor in plankton disease epidemics in Midwest

Of all the things that might control the onset of plankton disease epidemics in Michigan lakes, the shape of the lakes' bottoms might seem unlikely.

But that's indeed the case, according to a paper published in the May issue of the journal BioScience.

"There are several explanations for what's going on," said Indiana University Bloomington biologist Spencer Hall, the paper's lead author.

Stream water study detects thawing permafrost

ANN ARBOR, Mich.---Among the worrisome environmental effects of global warming is the thawing of Arctic permafrost---soil that normally remains at or below the freezing point for at least a two-year period and often much longer. Monitoring changes in permafrost is difficult with current methods, but a study by University of Michigan researchers offers a new approach to assessing the extent of the problem.

The new study approach, which relies on chemical tracers in stream water, is described in the journal Chemical Geology.

Aseismic slip as a barrier to earthquake propagation

Aseismic slip as a barrier to earthquake propagation

Epidemic this year? Check the lake's shape

Epidemic this year? Check the lake's shape

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Of all the things that might control the onset of disease epidemics in Michigan lakes, the shape of the lakes' bottoms might seem unlikely. But that is precisely the case, and a new BioScience report by scientists from Indiana University Bloomington and four other institutions explains why.

New inhalable measles vaccine may lead to vaccines for other diseases

A team of researchers led by the University of Colorado at Boulder believe a dry powder, inhalable vaccine developed for measles prevention and slated for human clinical trials later this year in India will lead to other inhalable, inexpensive vaccines for illnesses ranging from tuberculosis to cervical cancer.

New herbicides sterilize, not just kill, weeds

Using herbicides to sterilize rather than to kill weedy grasses might be a more economical and environmentally sound weed control strategy, according to a study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and a cooperator.

Rangeland ecologist Matt Rinella at the ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, Mont., conducted the study with colleagues at Miles City and Robert Masters with Dow AgroSciences LLC, in Indianapolis, Ind.

First detailed underwater survey of huge volcanic flank collapse deposits

First detailed underwater survey of huge volcanic flank collapse deposits

A scientific team led by Dr Peter Talling of the UK's National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is currently aboard the Royal Research Ship James Cook to map extremely large landslide deposits offshore from an active volcano on Montserrat in the Lesser Antilles.