Tag Archives: increasingly

Polar Bears Increasingly Thrive in the World’s Hottest Regions: A Study on Weight Gains

Posted on by
Reply

Polar bears in Svalbard

Researchers Monitor Polar Bears’ Body Condition in Svalbard

John Earls, Norsk Arctic Institute

In the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, a region known for its climatic extremes, polar bears are surprisingly gaining weight despite the alarming reduction of sea ice. However, scientists warn this trend may not be sustainable.

The northern Barents Sea, located between Svalbard and Russia’s Novaya Zemlya, is warming disproportionately—seven times faster than the global average. Over the past two decades, sea ice around Svalbard has diminished, disappearing two months earlier each year. Currently, polar bears must swim over 200 kilometers between their hunting grounds and birthing caves.

<p>Despite this challenging environment, the overall size and weight of Svalbard’s polar bears has increased since 2000, presenting a puzzling contradiction. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jon-Aars-2">Jon Aars</a>, who led the research at the Norwegian Polar Institute, claims it's positive news for Svalbard. However, he cautions that areas most affected by climate change show severe decline in polar bear populations.</p>

<p>This widely dispersed solitary predator counts among its many challenges the difficulty of accurate population estimates. The numbers <a href="https://www.iucn-pbsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PBSG-Status-Criteria-and-Report_Final_2024Oct7.pdf">are declining</a> in some regions while stable or even increasing in parts of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland; for nine populations, data remains insufficient.</p>

<section></section>
<span class="js-content-prompt-opportunity"/>
<p>Estimations suggest the Barents Sea bear population ranges from 1,900 to 3,600 individuals, and appears stable or potentially increasing. From 1995 onward, researchers used tranquilizers via helicopter to study 770 bears, measuring their body length and thorax circumference to approximate weight.</p>
<p>Analysis of trends demonstrated a decline in body condition until 2000, followed by a gradual increase leading up to the last assessments in 2019.</p>

<p xmlns:default="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
    <figure class="ArticleImage">
        <div class="Image__Wrapper">
            <img class="Image" 
                 alt="Polar bears rely on sea ice" 
                 width="1350" 
                 height="900" 
                 src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg" 
                 srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=2006 2006w" 
                 sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" 
                 loading="lazy" 
                 data-image-context="Article" 
                 data-image-id="2513715" 
                 data-caption="Polar bears depend on sea ice for many aspects of their lives" 
                 data-credit="Trine Lise Sviggum Helgerud, Norsk Polarinstitutt"/>
        </div>
        <figcaption class="ArticleImageCaption">
            <div class="ArticleImageCaption__CaptionWrapper">
                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Crucial Role of Sea Ice in Polar Bear Survival</p>
                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Trine Lise Sviggum Helgerud, Norsk Arctic Institute</p>
            </div>
        </figcaption>
    </figure>
</p>
<p>In spring, the birth of seal pups on sea ice provides a vital food source for polar bears, allowing them to build fat reserves for the warmer months. Researchers like Earls speculate that diminishing ice may actually assist bears in hunting seals more easily.</p>
<p>With the retreating ice, bears are adapting by exploring new food sources. The approximately 250 bears remaining on Svalbard may increasingly hunt bearded and harbor seals along the coast, while thriving walrus populations might offer additional sustenance.</p>
<p>These adaptable "local bears" are now raiding nesting colonies for bird eggs and chasing reindeer, showcasing a remarkable resilience. According to researchers, such flexibility may be delaying their extinction, says <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jouke-Prop">Jouke Prop</a> of the University of Groningen.</p>
<p>"This is a desperate tribe. They're doing unique things," he notes. "While this adaptability may not apply universally, it could suffice for a while in Svalbard."</p>
<p>Although polar bears have not yet reached Svalbard's ecological limits, thanks to the prohibition of hunting since 1973, warming temperatures threaten to disrupt the delicate food chain that begins with algae on sea ice, according to Prop.</p>
<p>"Should the sea ice vanish, sustaining a significant number of polar bears will become incredibly challenging," he warns.</p>
<p>"There exists a threshold beyond which continuous sea ice loss will negatively impact polar bears in Svalbard," Aars adds.</p>

<p>
    <section class="SpecialArticleUnit">
        <picture class="SpecialArticleUnit__ImageWrapper">
            <img class="Image SpecialArticleUnit__Image" 
                 alt="Explore Northern Norway" 
                 width="2119" 
                 height="1414" 
                 src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg" 
                 srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=375 375w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=750 750w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=2006 2006w" 
                 sizes="(min-width: 1277px) 375px, (min-width: 1040px) 26.36vw, 99.44vw" 
                 loading="lazy" 
                 data-image-context="Special Article Unit" 
                 data-caption="Stunning view of the Northern Lights over Norway" 
                 data-credit="Getty Images/iStockphoto"/>
        </picture>
        <div class="SpecialArticleUnit__CopyWrapper">
            <h3 class="SpecialArticleUnit__Heading">Uncover the Beauty of Svalbard and Tromsø</h3>
            <div class="SpecialArticleUnit__Copy">
                <p>Embark on an adventurous journey to Norway's Arctic region. Discover the scientific marvels behind the Northern Lights, the unique Arctic ecosystem, and how humans adapt to the challenges of the Far North.</p>
            </div>
        </div>
    </section>
</p>

<section class="ArticleTopics" data-component-name="article-topics">
    <p class="ArticleTopics__Heading">Topics:</p>
</section>

Key Optimization Techniques Used:

  1. Keyword Inclusion: Strategic use of relevant keywords like “polar bears,” “Svalbard,” and “climate change” in titles, captions, and throughout the text.
  2. Descriptive Alt Text: Improved alt attributes for images to enhance accessibility and SEO.
  3. Clear Headings: Organized content with headers that summarize the topics adequately for better readability and search engine indexing.
  4. External Links: Retained high-quality external links to credible sources, both for enhancing authority and providing users with further reading options.
  5. Adaptive Language: Used active language to engage readers while remaining informative, suitable for an audience interested in environmental issues.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Over time, US Congress speeches have become increasingly devoid of evidence

Posted on by
Reply

Congressional speeches have shifted to not based on evidence

volodymyr tverdokhlib/alamy

The language used by US Congress members in the debate has increasingly included words like “fake,” and “suspectful” for words like “proof,” and “reason.”

This linguistic trend, away from evidence in support of intuition, was revealed in an artificial intelligence analysis of millions of Congress speech transcripts. It also says it coincides with both the larger political polarization in Congress and the decline in the number of laws enacted through Congress. Stephen Lewandowski At the University of Bristol, UK.

“We can think of the truth as something that can be achieved based on an analysis of evidence, or we can think of it as the result of intuition or “gut sensation,” says Lewandowsky. “The concepts of integrity and truth are expressed in how we use everyday language.”

Adapting the ready-made AI language model, Lewandowsky and his colleagues analyzed the words used in the transcripts of eight million council speeches given between 1879 and 2022. They then calculated scores indicating whether a particular parliamentary speech was leaning towards evidence or intuition.

They found that since the 1970s, Congress has increasingly supported languages ​​based on intuition rather than evidence-based languages. Before that, in the golden age of 1899-1901, and in the Great Repression of 1933-1935, intuitive language also skyrocketed.

“The findings fit the other impressions of anti-intellectualism, populism and rejection of science experts over the last decades.” John Jost At New York University.

The specific strength of the research is not only tracking frequency, but also assessing the context in which the words are displayed, he says Renata Nemet At the University of Eötvös Loránd, Hungary. “These models can capture deeper and often subtle connections between words, even reflecting cultural meanings and social relationships,” she says.

Second, Lewandowsky and his colleagues will look for similar language shifts for individual lawmakers in both Congress speeches and social media posts. They also seek to compare similar trends among other parliaments throughout history, including speeches from lawmakers from Italy and Germany.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

People are increasingly stepping away from their smartphones to connect with the world around them

Posted on by
Reply

Bee found herself in a moment of realization when she caught herself mindlessly scrolling through the news on her phone while sitting on the toilet. This made her see the need to reconsider her phone habits.

Tired of the constant intrusion of notification sounds and the compulsive need to check her phone, the 37-year-old Londoner decided to switch to a device that would allow her to stay connected while reducing distractions. When her iPhone broke down a year ago, she opted for the Nokia 2720 Flip, a modern take on the classic flip phone.

As a mother of two young children, she made this choice after learning about the impact of screen time on kids. She realized that her own behavior contradicted the rules she set for her children and wanted to set a better example for them.

Discovering the addictive nature of smartphones and social media further fueled her decision to make a change. Feeling frustrated that tech companies were dictating her daily life, she sought a more mindful approach to using technology.

The emergence of low-tech devices in response to the dominance of smartphones has gained momentum in recent years. Switching to a “dumb phone” or a device like the BoringPhone has become a trend, driven by a desire to disconnect from excessive screen time and embrace a more offline lifestyle.

Jess Perriam, 39, turned to PostCrossing, a platform for sending and receiving postcards from strangers worldwide, to maintain a connection with others without being bombarded by aggressive advertising. She values the reading recommendations and cultural insights she has gained through this more traditional form of communication.

The resurgence of analog media, such as cassettes, vinyl records, and postcards, reflects a broader shift towards reconnecting with physical experiences. David Sacks emphasizes the importance of tactile interactions and sensory engagement in an increasingly digital world.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Wildfires are increasingly occurring at night, posing a major challenge

Posted on by
Reply

Recent research suggests that wildfires are no longer subsiding overnight, with their dynamics fueling some of the most extreme and damaging fires.

A study published in the scientific journal Nature indicates that drought is the primary factor causing wildfires to burn during the night. Scientists have observed an increase in the frequency and intensity of overnight fires, a trend they expect to worsen as global temperatures rise due to climate change.

Mike Flanigan, the study author and a professor of wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University in the UK, noted that historically, firefighters used to find relief at night knowing fires typically calmed down. However, this is no longer the case. Fires are now burning hot and intense enough to persist through the night, making firefighting operations riskier and evacuations more complex. Understanding the conditions that lead to nighttime fires can help emergency managers make better decisions in addressing these hazards.

According to Jennifer Balch, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, the study highlights how climate change is contributing to the increase in wildfires and extreme fire behavior. Researchers have used satellite imagery data to examine over 23,500 fires from 2017 to 2020, identifying a trend where fires can last through the night, particularly in the early stages of large fires. Such fires pose significant risks, especially when they occur at night when people are less prepared.

Balch emphasized that recent wildfires have demonstrated the dangers of nighttime fires, such as the Tubbs Fire in California in 2017 and the McDougal Creek Fire in British Columbia in the Kelowna area. The study also underscores the importance of monitoring drought conditions in predicting overnight fire behavior and assisting emergency responders in proactive decision-making.

The study further emphasizes that human-induced global warming, coupled with expanding communities in fire-prone areas, is putting a strain on firefighting resources and increasing the complexity of managing wildfires. Balch’s research highlights the need to shift towards building fire resilience and acknowledging the challenges faced by firefighters who are continuously battling the escalating threat of wildfires.

Source: www.nbcnews.com