Research news
Unusual seismic signal detected in 2025 central Alaska earthquake
July 07, 2026
An unusual seismic signal recorded less than a minute before a widely felt magnitude 4.2 earthquake in central Alaska may have given scientists a rare look at how earthquakes begin.
New handbook explores Arctic energy shifts
July 06, 2026
A new book featuring the work of multiple 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø researchers maps the complex landscape of energy use and security in the Arctic.
Flying for science (and the occasional sled dog)
July 02, 2026
A Cessna 185 zigzagged a tight back-and-forth pattern along Alaska's southern coast earlier this summer, the pilot intent on his mission to measure the ocean's response to summer glacier melt. Alaska State Climatologist Martin Stuefer gazed down from the belly of the plane via a hyperspectral imaging camera he had mounted there.
First Americans hunted largest game through Western Hemisphere
July 01, 2026
New research led by a 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø archaeologist reveals that the earliest Native Americans had highly specialized diets, primarily hunting the largest animals on the landscape, and they targeted these megafauna consistently from Alaska to South America.
Conversations to connect us -- 'Alaska Voices' on public radio
June 30, 2026
"Alaska Voices" is back on the radio across the state this summer. Airing on four public stations, the six-episode series highlights climate adaptation lessons.
Art-and-science exhibit depicts farming and permafrost interactions
June 25, 2026
An art-and-science exhibit explores the complexities of permafrost and its effects on farmers' lives. Installed along the path on West Tanana Drive, which parallels the Georgeson Botanical Garden, is the Permafrost Grown Art and Science Walk. This exhibit showcases art made by farmers and 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø researchers who participated in Permafrost Grown, a project studying the interactions between permafrost and agriculture.
Our large army of little green shield bugs comes and goes
June 25, 2026
The tiny flying green annoyances seemed to be more numerous than usual in late May and early June."They" are the birch shield bug, Elasmostethus interstinctus. They are native to Alaska and are about the size of a small blueberry.
A bird and a puzzling sound lead to discovery
June 18, 2026
I walked around outside our Two Rivers home early one morning, as I sometimes do. It was mid-May and we were about ready to head to work. The birds had recently returned. I heard American robins, black-capped chickadees, a ruby-crowned kinglet and a Swainson's thrush in our woods above Potlatch Creek. A raven flew over our sled dogs.
Alaska kelp farms have varied effects on marine CO2 levels
June 15, 2026
Alaska kelp farms, which have been viewed as a potential boon for reducing local carbon-dioxide levels, have surprisingly murky effects on atmospheric CO2 removal, according to a new study.
Time capsule: How to win the ice pool
June 12, 2026
One sure way to win the Nenana Ice Classic is to invest $100,800 to buy 50,400 tickets, one on each minute from about April 18 to May 22. Someone else probably will win, too, so you will probably lose money.
Week highlights work against invasive species in Alaska
June 10, 2026
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has designated the week of June 14-20, 2026, as Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week, which highlights the work of groups such as the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership to manage invasive species in Alaska.
Salmon tagging data could help trawlers reduce bycatch
June 08, 2026
A 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø research team has translated a trove of data from a Chinook salmon tagging program into a predictive model that could help reduce bycatch by fishing trawlers. Chinook salmon range from the ocean's surface to depths where trawl nets target groundfish species. The researchers' model uses more than 700,000 data points between Southeast Alaska and the Bering Sea to predict how Chinook will be distributed across the water column. With that information, trawlers can potentially adjust their operations to reduce inadvertent salmon catches.
June 08, 2026
The 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø' Large Animal Research Station is open for the 2026 summer season. Public tours are available every day at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Tour guests will see and learn about muskox, reindeer and wood bison.
Deep-sea expedition uncovers dozens of new species
June 05, 2026
An international team of experts discovered over two dozen new marine species on a recent expedition off the coast of Brazil in the tropical South Atlantic Ocean. The science team, which included 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø researcher Russ Hopcroft, used advanced technologies to explore the ocean's midwater, the zone between the sunlit layer and the seafloor. It can take scientists decades to identify and describe new species, but the combination of technology and expertise enabled the team to confirm 31 new species within a matter of days.
June 04, 2026
UTQIAÄ VIK, ALASKA -- Colorful sticky notes and creased agendas fluttered to the floor as 40 or so people grabbed phones and rushed to the long series of windows. A polar bear had been spotted checking out a series of empty sled dog cages nearby.
Arctic river deltas store 5% of world's frozen carbon
June 04, 2026
An international team of scientists has, for the first time, quantified the total carbon stored in permafrost at the mouth of rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean.
Frozen Arctic lakes becoming less capable of supporting cargo aircraft
June 04, 2026
The ability to land a military cargo plane on a frozen Arctic lake is becoming less likely as a warming environment reduces the number of subfreezing days. That puts ice thickness below the minimum needed to support heavy aircraft.
Research team seeks answers from a changing river
May 29, 2026
Dan Gillikin surveyed the view from his front window and didn't like what he saw.
LARS to host Birthday Bash June 6
May 27, 2026
The 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø' Large Animal Research Station will host its annual Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event is open to everyone and will include animal viewing and family-friendly activities. LARS staff will be on site to educate guests about the animals and answer questions.
Geophysical Institute, Poker Flat Research Range announce summer tours
May 26, 2026
The 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Geophysical Institute is offering free public tours this summer to showcase some of its science facilities. Two different guided tours are available. One consists of a visit to four sites in the Geophysical Institute home base in the Elvey Building on 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø's Troth Yeddha' Campus. The other is an outdoor walking tour at Poker Flat Research Range, located at Mile 30 Steese Highway.
