Scientists Predict Loss Of Deep Snow In Most Of U.S.
Jan 3, 2025
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Researchers warn that deep snow days in the U.S. could nearly vanish by century's end, impacting ecosystems and increasing flooding. The podcast also discusses an Iron Age textile discovery, highlighting climate change's impact on wildlife and water supply. A significant error in the proof of Fermat's last theorem is uncovered, emphasizing digitization's importance. Additionally, the cognitive benefits of blinking while reading and dolphins' unique teeth for sound transmission offer fascinating insights into communication and sensory adaptation.
By the century's end, deep snow cover will virtually vanish in most U.S. regions, drastically impacting local ecosystems and water supply.
Recent findings about dolphins suggest that their teeth help them hear underwater, revealing new insights into their communication methods.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change on Snow Coverage
Research indicates that by the end of the century, significant areas in the United States, particularly in New England and the Midwest, will experience a dramatic reduction in deep snow cover due to climate change. Current projections suggest that only high-altitude regions in the Rocky Mountains will maintain their snow cover, while other areas can expect an almost complete absence of deep snow. This loss of snow is likely to have wide-ranging effects on local ecosystems, water storage, and seasonal flooding, as snow plays a crucial role in groundwater replenishment throughout the year. The implications extend to human activities, such as skiing, where resorts are already struggling to produce artificial snow, signaling a shift in winter recreational activities for future generations.
Insights from Ancient Textiles
A significant archaeological discovery in the Netherlands unveiled well-preserved textiles from the Iron Age, providing rare insights into ancient fashion. The preservation of a 2,800-year-old garment was facilitated by its burial alongside jewelry, which protected the fabric from decay. Using 3D imaging and molecular analysis, researchers identified the cloth's woven pattern and dye sources, revealing a checked design made with red dye from insects and blue dye from plants. Such findings enhance our understanding of past cultures and their textile production techniques, contributing to the broader narrative of human history.
New Findings on Dolphin Hearing
Recent research has proposed a novel theory regarding how dolphins utilize their teeth to aid in hearing underwater. Scientists discovered that the anatomical structure of dolphin jaws, with loosely set teeth in porous sockets, enables sound waves to be transmitted through the teeth and into their brains. This process is somewhat analogous to bone conduction headphones, which transmit sound vibrations through bones. The study opens up exciting possibilities for understanding dolphin communication and sensory perception, although further research is needed to experimentally validate these findings.
Researchers have projected that by the end of the century, days where snow covers the ground will virtually disappear in the United States, except for in very high mountains like the Rockies. This would affect entire ecosystems, disrupting animals and plants that live beneath the snow and increasing flooding and runoff.
Ira talks with Sophie Bushwick, senior news editor at New Scientist, about the latest snow projections and other top science news of the week, including the discovery of an ancient piece of clothing, how blinking can give you a “cognitive break,” and how dolphins could be using their teeth to improve hearing.
Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.