Science and Technology
Why this winter could bring more tornadoes to Alabama
Scientists are finding the tornado map of the United States is changing. In recent years, the Tornado Alley of the Great Plains has twisted into the southeast, a region known as Dixie Alley.
UAB building among Alabama’s first to feature ‘bird safe’ glass
Advocates hope the new glass will prevent window collisions, a leading causes of bird mortality.
This new high-speed fiber internet project aims to close the technology gap in Alabama’s Black Belt
The $230 million project, which broke ground in Selma in early March, will reach around 53,000 homes and businesses.
In Alabama’s Paint Rock Valley, researchers count every tree thicker than a pencil
In an effort to better understand the biodiversity of north Alabama, scientists are conducting a “tree census,” with the goal of studying roughly 100,000 trees for 50 years.
Heat is the top weather-related killer. In Alabama, it may just be getting started
Heat kills more people than any other type of weather. Human-caused climate change stands to make that worse. Alabama is one of the few places where temperatures have not increased. But that appears to be changing. It's the latest in our series, “Alabama’s Hot Topic: What Climate Change Could Bring.”
Nature-based education on the rise in Alabama
At least three forest schools have opened across Alabama in recent years. It's part of a nationwide movement to teach kids in nature.
Meet the Alabama scientists connecting soaring global temperatures to carbon dioxide
Two Alabama researchers study ice cores and fossil records from Antarctica, helping connect an alarming increase in the earth’s temperature to rising levels of carbon dioxide.
Alabama has escaped the worst of climate change. Is our luck about to run out?
This summer, headlines have screamed climate change. Globally, July was the hottest month on record. Smoke from forest fires choked many parts of the U.S., and the Gulf of Mexico hit a record high for average weekly sea surface temperatures. Here in Alabama, we’ve been spared many of the effects of climate change, but that appears to be changing. We take a look in a new series on climate change called “ Alabama's Hot Topic.”
A story about a deadly TikTok boat-jumping challenge went viral. Then it fell apart
National and international news outlets in recent days have cited a local news report in Alabama claiming four people drowned attempting the stunt. But the state’s public safety agency says the claim is false.
Cahaba lily season draws crowds, inspires conservation efforts
Alabama is thought to be home to one of the world's largest populations of the unique flower, which is only in bloom for a few more weeks.
Increasing popularity of Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail sparks economic opportunity
A growing number of hikers are tackling Alabama's longest continuous footpath and trail communities are welcoming the growth.
In the quest for new cancer treatments, researchers look to outer space
The Southern Research team is studying how bacteria reacts in the microgravity environment, and whether it prompts the development of novel cancer therapies.
The story of Alabama’s favorite homegrown Christmas tree
The Leyland cypress is a holiday staple for Alabama farmers. But the non-native tree has a surprising history.
Scottsboro is home to the largest gray bat summer cave. They’re leaving for the winter
At Sauta Cave anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 gray bats emerge to feast on insects. It’s thought to be the largest emergence of bats east of the Mississippi River, a spectacle that draws curious onlookers from across Alabama.
UAB surgeons transplant pig kidneys into a human body for the first time
Researchers hope genetically modified pig kidneys could potentially provide a life-saving solution for thousands of people who die every year waiting for a transplant.
Edward O. Wilson, biologist known as ‘ant man,’ dead at 92
The pioneering Harvard biologist and Alabama native developed a fascination with ants as a teen that continued through his life.
Gulf States will get $100M to expand internet access. Here’s what they’re prioritizing
Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi will receive $100 million from the infrastructure bill to expand internet access, but each will have different priorities.
Its Future In Limbo, Limiting Telehealth In The Gulf South Could Be Troublesome For Rural Areas
Telehealth became a necessity for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic. But with state health emergencies expiring, laws that have made it more available could go away, leaving the region’s more rural areas hurting the most due to access barriers and disparities.
James Spann: April 27, 2011 Tornado Outbreak Will Remain ‘Part Of My Soul’
The loss of life from the once-in-generation storm still weighs on the iconic TV meteorologist.
One Year In, Bama Tracker Creator Considers Future Of COVID Data Site
The reach of David Marconnet's site grew beyond what he imagined. But with cases dropping, Bama Tracker may have run its course.
Bored Kids Stuck At Home? One Teen Finds A Captive Audience For Coding
Hoover High School sophomore Shaams Nur launched Hoover Codes earlier this year. It's a virtual computer programming camp for kids ages 8-12.
Privacy Concerns Decrease Amid Launch Of Tech Giants’ Contact Tracing App
Alabama is one of a few states getting ready to deploy a bluetooth-based contact tracing app created by tech giants Apple and Google.
In Rural Alabama, Pandemic Highlights Need For Broadband Access
The internet is helping a lot of people get through the COVID-19 crisis. But many people in rural areas like the Black Belt have no internet access at all.
New Coronavirus Tracker Hopes To Locate Hotspots In Rural, Underserved Areas
UAB has created a new symptom checker to track the spread of COVID-19. The website hopes to give public health officials insight on virus hotspots, especially in underserved communities.
UAB To Test Potential COVID-19 Vaccine
The University of Alabama at Birmingham and the biopharmaceutical company Altimmune Inc. will test a potential vaccine for COVID-19, the university announced today.
Coronavirus Scams Peddling Fake Cures And Work-At-Home Schemes On The Rise
The continued spread of the coronavirus is making people increasingly anxious. That climate of fear opens up an opportunity for online scammers.
UAB Leads a New Anti-Viral Drug Trial to Combat the Coronavirus
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is leading a new anti-viral drug trial in Wuhan, China to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
How One Climate Scientist Reconciles Her Faith with Global Warming
Some might consider Katharine Hayhoe a walking paradox. She’s an atmospheric scientist who believes in human-caused climate change and an evangelical Christian. And to her, neither of those facets are at odds.
Alabama Broadband Expansion to Improve High-Speed Internet Access
Alabamians, especially in rural areas, will see improvements in their internet access. A new partnership announced today plans to expand current broadband infrastructure and provide faster fiber optic cables throughout the state.
Public Hearing to Consider Future of Alabama Power’s ‘Solar Tax’
Solar power is becoming cheaper and more accessible nationwide. But in Alabama, residents face a roadblock. State regulators will hold a public hearing this week on Alabama Power's fee for solar panel users.
Program Uses ‘Horse Sense’ to Improve Communication with Police
For people who have a communicative disorder such as autism, run-ins with police can escalate quickly. To tackle the issue, a local nonprofit recently developed a training program for police and kids, using horses.
UAB Study Shows Limiting Meal Times Can Lower Appetite
Research out this week shows the timing of your meals could help you eat less. The UAB-led study explored the benefits of a type of intermittent fasting.
