Latest news with #UniversityofRhodeIsland
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
What do leopard seals eat in Antarctic waters? Whiskers provide surprising answer
From a dish made by your hometown restaurant to candy you searched for on Halloween, most people have an all-time favorite food. Humans are omnivores with a diverse diet, but there is still a large amount of individuality when it comes to food choice. Now, researchers are learning that other creatures in the animal kingdom may feel the same way. A research team led by Baylor University and the University of Rhode Island took a closer look at one of Antarctica's apex predators to better understand their feeding preferences in a study published June 23 in the peer-reviewed journal Ecology and Evolution. Leopard seals have long been thought of as 'generalist' predators, feeding on both penguins and other seal species as well as fish, krill, octopus and squid, according to the study. On one island off the Western Antarctic Peninsula, leopard seals eat as many as 70% of Antarctic fur seal pups each year, severely impacting their declining population, researchers said. The team noticed, however, that there were many other prey options for the leopard seals in the same geographic area, which made them wonder whether despite being generalist hunters, individual animals were showing prey specialization, according to the study. To test the theory, researchers analyzed the isotopes in the individual whiskers of leopard seals to identify their prey sources over a period of multiple years, according to a June 24 news release from the Georgia Aquarium, which was involved in the study. Leopard seals were sedated and their whiskers collected over a period of 10 years until 2023 through the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program monitoring the ecosystem at Cape Shirreff on Livingston Island, according to the study. Researchers measured the amount of nitrogen and carbon in the whiskers, which tells them the kinds of animals the leopard seals have eaten in the past few years. Both nitrogen and carbon concentrations increase as they move up the trophic levels, or the food chain. For example, if a fish has a small amount of nitrogen, but then a seal eats many fish, the seal's percentage of nitrogen will be higher, indicating their place on the food chain in what is called bioaccumulation. A total of 34 leopard seals were included in the study, and their analysis yielded 'surprising' results, the aquarium said. 'The researchers found that while some seals maintained the same diet year after year, others switched trophic levels — moving between eating smaller prey like krill and targeting larger animals like penguins or seals,' according to the release. In total, 87% of the leopard seals were what researchers called 'specialists or intermediates,' meaning they stuck to a smaller selection of prey than they were capable of eating, while only 13% of the leopard seals were considered true 'generalists,' according to the study. Researchers suggest this may be to decrease the amount of competition between leopard seals if they are not overlapping prey, according to the study, but this puts a significant strain on individual prey species that have become leopard seal favorites. 'A few specialists can help shape entire ecosystems,' study author Patrick Charapata of the Georgia Aquarium said in the release. 'Understanding these patterns in leopard seals and other top predators can help us better predict and manage changes to prey populations and the greater ecosystem these species live in.' The Western Antarctic Peninsula is south of South America, across the Drake Passage. The research team includes Charapata, Emily S. Sperou, Douglas J. Krause, Renato Borras-Chavez, Daniel P. Costa, Daniel E. Crocker, Kerri J. Smith, Bradley Thompson, Azana Best, Jaelyn Anderson, Michael E. Goebel, Carolina A. Bonin and Sarah S. Kienle.
Hans India
15-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Where is the center of the universe? The surprising physics behind an expanding cosmos
For centuries, the question 'Where is the center of the universe?' has mystified both scientists and laypeople alike. Thanks to breakthroughs in physics, particularly Einstein's general theory of relativity, we now understand that the universe has no center—at least, not in the way we intuitively think about it. Initially, Einstein's theory, published in 1915, described a static universe—unchanging and eternal. But as astronomers peered deeper into space using powerful telescopes, they discovered something remarkable: the universe is expanding. This realization didn't contradict Einstein's equations—it expanded their interpretation. The cosmos isn't fixed; it's dynamic, constantly evolving. This expansion isn't like an explosion from a single point. Instead, galaxies aren't moving through space away from a center—they're being carried apart as space itself stretches. Picture dots on the surface of a balloon: as the balloon inflates, the dots grow farther apart, not because they're moving, but because the surface between them is growing. But unlike a balloon, the universe isn't expanding into anything, nor does it have an 'inside.' The balloon's surface represents our entire universe, and like it, there is no central point. This expansion occurs in all directions, simultaneously. That means any point in the universe can appear to be the "center" from a local perspective—because every observer sees galaxies receding away. Complicating matters further is that our universe is four-dimensional, made of space-time—an interwoven fabric of space and time. While we can visualize three dimensions easily, grasping four-dimensional space-time stretches our imagination. Yet, this framework is crucial to understanding why there is no fixed center and why everything appears to be moving apart. In short, the universe doesn't have a center—not because it's hiding it, but because the concept of a center simply doesn't apply. Instead, every galaxy is part of an ever-stretching cosmic fabric. And while we still don't fully understand what powers this expansion—dark energy being a leading suspect—it's clear that our universe is far stranger, and more beautiful, than everyday intuition might suggest. 📚 Adapted from an original article by Rob Coyne, Teaching Professor of Physics at the University of Rhode Island. Republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This recent URI grad had a late-night snack. An allergic reaction killed him.
After their son, a recent University of Rhode Island graduate, died just days after his graduation from anaphylactic shock, a Massachusetts family is raising awareness about food allergies. Timothy Howard, who grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts, died May 24 from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack − a chocolate bar − that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY. His whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work." The chocolate bar Timmy ate said "may contain" peanuts on the label, according to his parents. His mother says if a food label says it "may contain" your allergen, don't take the risk. Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent similar tragedies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels. Timmy Howard's Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education, a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 12. The donations will go toward advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options; supporting education programs in schools and communities; promoting life-saving awareness and emergency preparedness and advocating for stronger food allergy policies and labeling laws. "We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says. Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon. Food allergies impact more than 33 million people in the U.S. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places. Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination – when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another – can also expose you to an allergen. Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame – must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar. Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. "This age group is a high-risk group," Timmy's mother says. "They are independent. They don't want to trouble people at a party to say, 'Hey, what's in this brownie?'" Contributing: Katie Camero and Providence Journal Staff reports. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Recent URI graduate dead after anaphylactic shock from food allergy
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
He had a late-night snack after graduating from college. An allergic reaction killed him.
Hear this story After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Timothy Howard had his whole life ahead of him. But that bright future was tragically cut short when he died just days later from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack — a chocolate bar — that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY. Timmy's whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work." Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent other families from losing a loved one to food allergies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels. Timmy's college fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 10, according to his mother. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. "We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says. How to check food labels for allergies Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon. Food allergies impact more than 33 million people in the U.S. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places. Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination – when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another – can also expose you to an allergen. Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame – must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar. The chocolate bar Timmy ate said "may contain" peanuts on the label, according to his parents. His mother wants other parents to tell their kids – regardless of their age – to "be aware of what they're eating." "If it does say 'may contain,' don't eat it," she added. What health & wellness means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's Keeping It Together newsletter. How to treat anaphylactic reactions Anaphylactic reactions most commonly occur in response to foods, insect stings, medications and latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In addition to EpiPens, the FDA approved a new nasal spray in August 2024 as the first needle-free emergency treatment for potentially fatal allergic reactions. Neffy FDA approval: First nasal spray for allergic reactions gets green light The spray, which is made by ARS Pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Neffy, is seen as an alternative to EpiPen and other autoinjectors that are filled with epinephrine, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions. However, these treatments don't always work. Epinephrine begins to work immediately after it is administered, but its full effect may take 5-10 minutes. And, the drug can begin to wear off within 20-30 minutes — sometimes before the allergic reaction has subsided. Timing is also crucial. For an epinephrine injection to work, it should be given at the first sign of an allergic reaction. "Let's come together in remembrance of Timmy and help build a safer future for all," Timmy's friends wrote on the fundraising page. Contributing: Katie Camero.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
He had a late-night snack after graduating college. An allergic reaction killed him.
He had a late-night snack after graduating college. An allergic reaction killed him. Timmy Howard passed away just days after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. His parents want to save others' lives by bringing awareness to food allergies. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Timothy Howard had his whole life ahead of him. But that bright future was tragically cut short when he died just days later from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack — a chocolate bar — that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY. Timmy's whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work." Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent other families from losing a loved one to food allergies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels. Timmy's college fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 10, according to his mother. "We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says. How to check food labels for allergies Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon. Food allergies impact more than 33 million people in the U.S. It's a 'growing, silent public health crisis,' said FARE CEO Sung Poblete. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places. Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination – when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another – can also expose you to an allergen. Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame – must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar. The chocolate bar Timmy ate said "may contain" peanuts on the label, according to his parents. His mother wants other parents to tell their kids – regardless of their age – to "be aware of what they're eating." "If it does say 'may contain,' don't eat it," she added. How to treat anaphylactic reactions Anaphylactic reactions most commonly occur in response to foods, insect stings, medications and latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In addition to EpiPens, the FDA approved a new nasal spray in August 2024 as the first needle-free emergency treatment for potentially fatal allergic reactions. Neffy FDA approval: First nasal spray for allergic reactions gets green light The spray, which is made by ARS Pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Neffy, is seen as an alternative to EpiPen and other autoinjectors that are filled with epinephrine, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions. However, these treatments don't always work. Epinephrine begins to work immediately after it is administered, but its full effect may take 5-10 minutes. And, the drug can begin to wear off within 20-30 minutes — sometimes before the allergic reaction has subsided. Timing is also crucial. For an epinephrine injection to work, it should be given at the first sign of an allergic reaction. "Let's come together in remembrance of Timmy and help build a safer future for all," Timmy's friends wrote on the fundraising page. Contributing: Katie Camero.
