Why winters aren't what they used to be

+ why insects go to light; a guide to data privacy US Edition - Today's top story: Ice storms, January downpours, heavy snow, no snow: Diagnosing 'warming winter syndrome’ [View in browser]( US Edition | 31 January 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( One doesn’t have to be a climate scientist to notice that weather patterns are changing. But Ricky Rood, who actually is a climate scientist at the University of Michigan, has been documenting the effects of global warming for decades. In his latest piece, he explains the characteristics of what he calls [“winter warming syndrome](.” A trend toward warming means that the freezing line is moving northward and affecting precipitation patterns. In general, that means less snow, more rain and an increase in ice storms for places above the freezing line. The story gets into a number of nuances, but he says that “soggy wet winters are more likely.” It’s a question humans have posed probably since they had fire: [Why do insects gather at lights at night](? A team of researchers from Imperial College London, Florida International University and the University of Florida yesterday published a study that used high-speed videos of insects around different light sources to test different hypotheses. Their conclusion is that insects use light to help orient themselves in flight, so that their backs are exposed to the light. As the authors note, artificial light makes this much harder and exposes insects to predators, another reminder that people should do their part to reduce light pollution. The hype − and angst − around artificial intelligence continues, and while a lot of the media has fallen into the trap of hyperbole, many of our articles get into the specifics of what AI is good for and where humans do a better job. An excellent example was written by Penn State professor of aerospace engineering Amy Pritchett, who explains where technologies can provide better information for air traffic controllers to improve safety and [where AI has notable weaknesses](, such as “exercising good judgment whenever something unplanned occurs.” Also in this week’s science news: - [Why robots tend to be white]( - [The spread of ‘gas station heroin’]( - [Atmospheric rivers clobber parts of West]( If there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate, please reply to this email. Martin LaMonica Director of Editorial Projects and Newsletters Rain or snow? As global temperatures rise, cities accustomed to snowy winters will see more rain and ice storms during the winter months. Spencer Platt/Getty Images [Ice storms, January downpours, heavy snow, no snow: Diagnosing ‘warming winter syndrome’]( Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, University of Michigan As the climate changes and weather warms, the freezing line is shifting, bringing rain and ice to regions not prepared for it. A multiple-exposure photograph of insects circling a light at night. Samuel Fabian [The surprising reason why insects circle lights at night: They lose track of the sky]( Samuel Fabian, Imperial College London; Jamie Theobald, Florida International University; Yash Sondhi, University of Florida A new study shows how artificial light at night scrambles insects’ normal flight patterns, pulling them off course into orbit around the light. Control towers at airports are only the most visible parts of the complex national air traffic control system. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images [Why AI can’t replace air traffic controllers]( Amy Pritchett, Penn State An air traffic safety expert explains why humans will remain central to managing the nation’s airports and airspace even as AI promises to improve air traffic control. [How to protect your data privacy: A digital media expert provides steps you can take and explains why you can’t go it alone]( Nathan Schneider, University of Colorado Boulder Your data privacy is under threat from hackers, data brokers and big tech. Here’s what you can do about it. Step 1 is to get your colleagues, friends and family on board. [Dog care below freezing − how to keep your pet warm and safe from cold weather, road salt and more this winter]( Erik Christian Olstad, University of California, Davis Dogs might have furry coats, but they can still get cold when the temperature drops. [Treatment can do more harm than good for prostate cancer − why active surveillance may be a better option for some]( Jinping Xu, Wayne State University People with low-risk prostate cancer are more likely to die from something else. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment can lead to life-changing complications. [What is an atmospheric river? With millions of people under flood alerts, a hydrologist explains these storms and how they’re changing]( Qian Cao, University of California, San Diego These giant rivers in the sky are also essential for the Western U.S. water supply. Their rain and snowfall is expected to become more intense as the planet warms. - [Humans are depleting groundwater worldwide, but there are ways to replenish it]( Scott Jasechko, University of California, Santa Barbara; Debra Perrone, University of California, Santa Barbara; Richard Taylor, UCL Rapid and accelerating groundwater level declines are widespread in dry climates where groundwater is used for irrigation. But some communities have found ways to turn things around. - [That sharp, green smell of freshly cut grass? It’s a plant’s cry for help – and it may work as a less toxic pesticide for farmers]( Sasimonthakan Tanarsuwongkul, University of South Carolina Green plants produce a specific gas when under attack to both directly ward off herbivores and pathogens and indirectly lure in herbivore predators. - [Eating disorders are the most lethal mental health conditions – reconnecting with internal body sensations can help reduce self-harm]( April Smith, Auburn University Many people with eating disorders die from suicide. Improving perception of internal body states, or interoception, can help everyone better care for their own bodies. - [From New York to Jakarta, land in many coastal cities is sinking faster than sea levels are rising]( Pei-Chin Wu, University of Rhode Island; Meng (Matt) Wei, University of Rhode Island; Steven D’Hondt, University of Rhode Island Land subsidence is a factor as preparations are made for rising sea levels and strengthening storms. Human infrastructure, including buildings and groundwater extraction, increases vulnerabilities. - [Our sense of taste helps pace our eating – understanding how may lead to new avenues for weight loss]( - [Sleep can give athletes an edge over competitors − but few recognize how fundamental sleep is to performance]( - [Why are so many robots white?]( - [Popularly known as ‘gas station heroin,’ tianeptine is being sold as a dietary supplement – with deadly outcomes]( - Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly emails: [Politics Weekly]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Global Economy & Business]( - - About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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