Why don't students stick with STEM degrees?
The number of jobs requiring expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has risen by 34% over the past decade, leaving employers scrambling to recruit graduates with the required skills. But training the workforce of tomorrow isn't easy: research shows that fewer than 40% of students who begin a STEM program ultimately graduate with a degree in their chosen field,...
Discovery of three faint, distant galaxies may expand knowledge of early universe
The discovery of the faintest known galaxies beyond the neighborhood of the Milky Way could help scientists develop universal models for how the universe's oldest galaxies formed, according to findings announced Jan. 11 at the 241st meeting of the American Astronomical Society.
Program teaches US Air Force personnel the fundamentals of AI
A new academic program developed at MIT aims to teach U.S. Air and Space Forces personnel to understand and utilize artificial intelligence technologies. In a recent study which the program researchers recently shared at the IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, the program researchers found that this approach was effective and well-received by employees with diverse backgrounds and professional...
A more realistic earthquake probability model using long-term fault memory
Results of a new study by Northwestern University researchers will help earthquake scientists better deal with seismology's most important problem: when to expect the next big earthquake on a fault.
Mapping out key sources of emissions for climate change mitigation
Different regions of the world and different sectors of activity emit various amounts of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants affecting climate change. Knowing the details of these contributions can help policymakers decide where to focus their efforts to meet their targets regarding the Paris Agreement. This treaty, signed in 2015, set goals to limit global warming well below 2°C and pursue...
Engineered poplar lignin has more of a valuable 'clip-off' chemical
Lignin is the complex polymer that gives plants their structural integrity. It also makes them difficult to break down. This complexity creates opportunities for scientists to make a diverse array of biochemicals and bioproducts from components in lignin.
Ancient farming strategy holds promise for climate resilience
Morgan Ruelle was living in the remote mountains of Ethiopia in 2011, researching his dissertation on food diversity, when he kept hearing about a crop that confused him.
New map of 'stopover hotspots' provides insights for conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds
Every autumn, billions of birds migrate across the eastern U.S. en route to their wintering sites. As the birds undertake their journeys, however, they are faced with increasing threats, including habitat loss, storms, feral cats and other predators, pesticides, collisions with buildings, and climate change. Not only are individual species impacted by these threats, but so is the migratory...
Study: Deal Lake caught in seasonal cycle of harmful algal blooms
April showers bring July harmful algal blooms (HAB) in New Jersey's largest coastal lake. A Monmouth University-led study published in the journal Urban Naturalist finds that Deal Lake is locked in a seasonal cycle that sees the system loaded with nutrients in the cold winter and early spring months, fueling bursts of cyanobacteria growth in the summer and early fall.
Discovery of the temple of Poseidon located at the Kleidi site near Samikon in Greece
The ancient Greek historian Strabo referred to the presence of an important shrine located on the west coast of the Peloponnese some 2,000 years ago. Remains of such an Archaic temple have now been uncovered at the Kleidi site near Samikon, which presumably once formed part of the sanctuary of Poseidon.
Researchers create an optical tractor beam that pulls macroscopic objects
Researchers have developed a way to use laser light to pull a macroscopic object. Although microscopic optical tractor beams have been demonstrated before, this is one of the first times that laser pulling has been used on larger objects.
Now on the molecular scale: Electric motors
Electric vehicles, powered by macroscopic electric motors, are increasingly prevalent on our streets and highways. These quiet and eco-friendly machines got their start nearly 200 years ago when physicists took the first tiny steps to bring electric motors into the world.
Clarifying the role of water clarity in coastal management
Water clarity is key to the health and restoration of marine plants and animals worldwide, particularly in shallow coastal systems such as the Chesapeake Bay. But it turns out that measuring water clarity isn't as clear-cut as it might appear.
Researchers explore quantum effects of light on the creation of Rydberg states in hydrogen molecules
Rydberg atoms and molecules are characterized by having one or more electrons in highly excited bound states. Such atoms and molecules are said to be in "Rydberg states" and are also called "hollow" atoms and molecules. Rydberg states are useful for studying various phenomena arising in intense light–matter interaction that involve electronic excitation with an intense laser pulse via optical...
Study shows variable-density planting can be a cost-effective tool for weed control
High-density crop planting is a proven approach for suppressing patches of weeds that escape other controls. Unfortunately, though, the cost of seed keeps many growers from considering this dense planting strategy.
Examining how sunlight breaks down plastics on ocean's surface
UV light from the sun slowly breaks down plastics on the ocean's surfaces. Floating microplastic is broken down into ever smaller, invisible nanoplastic particles that spread across the entire water column, but also to compounds that can then be completely broken down by bacteria.
Studying polymer gels through the lens of mechanochemistry and solvent swelling
Polymer gels have become a staple technology in various fields, ranging from optics and drug delivery to carbon capture and batteries. However, there are still many open questions about gels and their network structure, and this has prevented scientists from linking their remarkable macroscopic properties to specific molecular mechanisms.
New Webb image reveals dusty disk like never seen before
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has imaged the inner workings of a dusty disk surrounding a nearby red dwarf star. These observations represent the first time the previously known disk has been imaged at these infrared wavelengths of light. They also provide clues to the composition of the disk.
Webb uncovers star formation in cluster's dusty ribbons
NGC 346, one of the most dynamic star-forming regions in nearby galaxies, is full of mystery. Now, though, it is less mysterious thanks to new findings from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.
James Webb Space Telescope confirms its first exoplanet
Researchers have confirmed the presence of an exoplanet, a planet that orbits another star, using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope for the first time. Formally classified as LHS 475 b, the planet is almost exactly the same size as our own, clocking in at 99% of Earth's diameter.
Bonobos, unlike humans, are more interested in the emotions of strangers than individuals they know
As humans, we share many characteristics with bonobos, who together with chimpanzees are the ape species that are most closely related to us. There are a lot of similarities in our social behavior, but also some remarkable differences.
Trapped sediment in dams 'endangers' water supplies: UN
Thousands of the world's large dams are so clogged with sediment that they risk losing more than a quarter of their storage capacity by 2050, UN researchers said Wednesday, warning of the threat to water security.
Five things to know about the International Space Station
Russia is scrambling to bring home three astronauts—two Russians and one American—who are stuck aboard the International Space Station after a meteorite damaged the spacecraft that was due to return them to Earth.
Successful biosynthesis of the precursors of powerful anticancer drug vinblastine in yeast
Humanity's fight against cancer is expected to continue for years to come. Scientists across the globe are constantly inventing novel synthetic methods for the rapid and efficient production of anticancer therapeutics. However, the chemical synthesis of one such powerful anticancer drug—vinblastine—poses major challenges, owing to its complex three-dimensional structure. Vinblastine is a...
When their company performs well in the stock market, employees give better tips to taxi drivers
Employees at public companies tip their taxi drivers more on days when their companies perform well in the stock market, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.