Researchers from University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed a novel process to recycle water from whey, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in food processing plants. The reconditioned water showed comparable cleaning efficiency to potable water.
A new study simulates climate change effects on Rocky Mountain stream systems, finding that warmer temperatures have a greater impact on streamflow than changes in precipitation type. This can lead to reduced streamflow and altered groundwater recharge patterns.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made new discoveries about how ancient Maya commoners conserved water for drinking and irrigation. The study, using LiDAR technology, found evidence of over 100 small reservoirs in a Maya site, with three confirmed as water features.
Researchers at EPFL found that a single ion can influence millions of water molecules, causing them to align in a specific direction. This effect, previously observed but unexplained, is now linked to the ion-induced stiffening of the bulk hydrogen bond network.
The world water cycle is becoming increasingly unstable, posing significant risks to political stability and economic growth. Long-term water cycle stability will not return in the lifetime of anyone alive today, warns UN water expert Robert Sandford.
A new study uses multistripe laser triangulation (MLT) scanner to predict water movement through soil, identifying preferential flow patterns. The technique helps scientists manage water resources better by predicting recharge rates, water runoff, and soil erosion.
The University of Maryland School of Public Health will lead a $10 million grant from the USDA to develop innovative, safe and sustainable ways to irrigate food crops in variable climates. The CONSERVE Center of Excellence aims to identify alternative water sources and new treatment technologies for contaminant-free irrigation.
Daniel Deocampo, Georgia State University's chair of Geosciences, is part of the White House Water Summit to discuss sustainable water use and workforce development. The summit aims to create new jobs and economic growth through innovative technologies, with a focus on indirect potable-water reuse.
Research at the University of Illinois found that finer corn particle sizes increase energy derived from corn, allowing producers to reduce added fat without affecting growth performance or carcass characteristics. This enables producers to decrease feed costs.
A new study by UCLA researchers proposes expanding the use of recycled water to reduce water and energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. The strategy has potential global applications, particularly in addressing water scarcity and related health issues.
A study finds that brief warm periods can cause rapid ice wedge thawing in Arctic permafrost, leading to increased runoff and changes in the water balance. The research suggests that the Arctic will lose lakes and wetland areas if permafrost retreats, accelerating greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study finds that nitrogen fertilizer applied to fields today will pollute water for decades, increasing the risk of blue baby syndrome and other serious health concerns. The researchers discovered that nitrogen is building up in soils, creating a long-term source of nitrate pollution in ground and surface waters.
The new laser-based tracking system HYPERION enables aircraft and UAVs to transmit vital data securely and efficiently. With its optimised range of 1km and potential to extend this, HYPERION could aid disaster relief efforts by allowing for real-time access to mission data.
A new study finds that climate mitigation efforts in the energy system could lead to increasing pressure on water resources, requiring integrated strategies for sustainable long-term use. The energy sector's increasing demand for water by 2100 poses a risk of water allocation conflicts and local shortages.
A USU engineering researcher is developing new data analysis tools to help close the gap in urban water use behavior measurement and management. With a $507,000 NSF grant, Dr. Jeff Horsburgh aims to create useful information products for water managers using smart meter data.
Researchers propose broadening drought definition to include human activities that contribute to extreme water shortages. This shift acknowledges the complex interactions between nature and society, highlighting the need for innovative methodology to analyze causes of drought.
A new study published in Geoscientific Model Development predicts that global water demand will exceed current levels, posing significant challenges for sustainable food production and economic development. The IIASA Water Futures and Solutions initiative aims to reduce future water use through improved efficiency and policy options.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that NYC's 'water jet' machines, which provide chilled and oxygenated water, were associated with lower student weights and reduced half-pint milk purchases. The intervention increased access to drinking water in school cafeterias and was linked to a 0.025 reduction in standardized BMI.
A new device mimics leaf processes to harness solar energy and purify water, offering a clean alternative to conventional methods for addressing global water shortages. The tri-layer membrane uses TiO2 nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and anodized aluminum oxide to degrade pollutants in simulated sunlight.
Researchers discovered that millions of bacteria in water pipes and purification plants help purify drinking water. The diversity of species is huge, with over 80,000 bacteria per milliliter detected in one study.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that informal water vendors, when organized into unions, can improve water pricing, quality, and delivery. The study suggests that these markets have the potential to bridge supply gaps in urban water systems.
A new study finds that the Colorado River Basin's water supply is controlled more by natural climate patterns than human use. The researchers used NASA satellite data and local monitoring records to reconstruct changes in the basin's water storage since the 1980s.
Scientists at Michigan State University propose a novel approach to understanding the global impacts of megacity water demands. The telecoupling framework examines how environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks, often highlighting research gaps previously overlooked.
Researchers at UTA are developing an integrated decision support tool to optimize water supply systems, allowing water providers to make informed decisions about when to transfer water between reservoirs. The Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast System will provide a range of possible values for cost-effective decisions.
Researchers found that treetop leaves in tall trees like coast redwood and Japanese cedar act as a water supply tank, storing water to help maintain physiological functions. This discovery helps predict future changes in forest function and CO2 absorption in the face of climate change.
Research in India and Democratic Republic of the Congo found that households with continuous piped water supplies had lower rates of dysentery and typhoid fever, but no association with overall diarrheal illness or child growth. Interrupting water supply can negate health benefits.
Researchers found that mangrove rivulus fish rapidly lose body temperature by jumping out of water and onto solid ground, where evaporation cools them down. The study, led by the University of Guelph team, also showed that these fish can tolerate warmer waters better after being exposed to higher temperatures for a week.
The new EEFLUX application allows farmers to view field-scale maps of water consumption in near real-time, providing insights into evapotranspiration and water management. With Landsat satellite imagery, experts can track water consumption year over year, making it easier to monitor the effectiveness of conservation projects.
A new CSIRO study provides an unprecedented understanding of water resources in Western Australia's Pilbara region, shedding light on local water systems and climate change impacts. The research helps water managers plan for future use in a resource-rich area with environmental assets.
Scientists have found that local structures in liquid water persist for longer than a picosecond, contradicting the general perception of water as a solvent. This discovery was made using ultrafast vibrational spectroscopies and has significant implications for understanding chemical and biological reactions on Earth.
US fracking operations consume nearly 250 billion gallons of water between 2005 and 2014, which is lower than other energy-related extraction methods. However, in drought-stricken areas, local water shortages could limit future use of hydraulic fracturing.
Marc Edwards, a renowned expert on municipal water quality, is studying severe iron and lead corrosion in Flint's water system. The investigation aims to understand the 'perfect storm' of problems affecting residents, including high levels of lead in tap water.
Researchers found that too-pure recycled water can pick up arsenic as it seeps underground, causing temporary spikes in levels. The water's lack of calcium and magnesium ions allows arsenic to be repelled from clay particles, entering the water instead.
The Urban Water Innovation Network will develop technological, institutional, and management solutions to enhance urban water resilience. The network, led by Colorado State University, aims to create an enduring research network for integrated water systems and sustainable cities.
A recent study found that Florida homeowners waste a significant amount of fresh water on their lawns, with some using as much as 64% or more. The main barriers to conservation are a lack of knowledge and pressure from Home Owner's Associations (HOAs) to maintain perfect lawns.
Researchers have created a way to detect ortho-para conversion in water, allowing for the study of spin isomers at the single-molecule level. By confining single water molecules in carbon cages, they can observe the transformation without hindrance.
Researchers at Chapman University have published two studies revealing widespread mislabeling of meat species in consumer commercial products, including ground meat and game meats. The studies identified significant discrepancies between product labels and actual species, highlighting the need for improved quality control measures.
A team of biologists observed and analyzed the jumping behavior of water striders, revealing two phases: a dimple creation phase and a leg movement phase. Mathematical models were created to understand the surface tension forces involved in the jump, predicting optimal jumping performance.
An international team of scientists developed a robotic insect that can jump on water using the natural mechanics of water striders. The robot exerts up to 16 times its own body weight on the water's surface, mimicking the insects' ability to perform extreme maneuvers like jumping and flying with ease.
Researchers created a robot that mimics the jumping ability of water striders by controlling the acceleration of its legs. The robot uses a torque reversal catapult mechanism to generate force without exceeding the maximum force that water surface tension can withstand.
A recent study from Michigan State University found that perennial biofuel crops use a comparable amount of water as traditional corn crops in the Midwest. This discovery has significant implications for cellulosic biofuel production and understanding the impact of climate change on water balances.
A new study proposes a novel nanotechnology-based strategy to enhance water diffusion through sanitation filters using phonon oscillations, resulting in three times the efficiency of water transport. Crowdsourced computing played a crucial role in this project, with over 150,000 volunteers contributing their computing power.
Fred Ogden's discovery answers a long-standing question about water movement in the vadose zone, crucial for agriculture, hydrology, and climate science. The new equation improves the accuracy and computing power of hundreds of important water models.
Researchers used innovative methods to examine the ground around Mbeya in Tanzania, finding evidence of fluidisation and massive ground deformation. This discovery could be used to model how structures might be affected by future earthquakes, providing a valuable tool for hazard assessment.
A study of travertine deposits in the Anio Novus aqueduct revealed an actual estimate of its flow rate, significantly lower than previous estimates. The aqueduct's average water level indicates it was almost always full of water, supplying Rome with a reliable water supply that enabled urbanization during the first century AD.
A recent study reveals that supercooled water does not become completely unstable before turning into ice crystals, thanks to an energy barrier for crystal formation. As temperature drops, liquid water becomes easier to compress, unlike other substances.
Researchers at UC Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering will work with three Southern California water districts to deploy customized smart systems and controls. The project aims to cut electricity use by 10% and save millions of dollars.
New research published by the University of Warwick finds evidence that water-rich asteroids or comets are common around other stars than the Sun. The study suggests that water can be delivered to planets like Earth via these bodies, potentially creating a suitable environment for life to form.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing a new urban water program, focusing on water-sensitive cities and innovative technologies to deliver water security. The program aims to improve urban climates, reduce carbon footprints and enhance quality of life.
A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.
Túngara frogs exhibit different escape responses when attacked by ground versus aerial predators. They flee from snakes on the ground but move towards bats in the air, effectively undercutting their flight path. This study highlights the flexibility of prey strategies to evade predators with diverse attack modes.
Researchers have developed an innovative cooling scheme for massive mechanical resonators, overcoming the limitation of quantum backaction. By utilizing destructive quantum interference in a cavity optomechanical system, they achieve ground state cooling beyond three orders of magnitude.
John Anderson's work has contributed to the development of strong-motion earthquake data networks globally, including Mexico, Turkey, Los Angeles, and Eastern U.S. His research on seismic hazard assessment and ground-motion prediction equations has also informed policy for improved seismic safety.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that almost one in four high school seniors try smoking hookah, with over 78,200 youth current water pipe users. The study warns that water pipes carry similar toxins as cigarettes and can lead to increased cancer risk.
Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.
The German Meteorological Service sponsors a new professorship to enhance numerical weather forecasting models. Researchers focus on the atmospheric boundary layer, a critical component in predicting extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and near-ground winds for wind farms and solar facilities.
A satellite study has identified critical water bodies on the Swan Coastal Plain in Western Australia that support aquatic species survival, with many facing decline due to climate change and human factors.
A new study recalculates global progress in household water access, highlighting deficits in sanitation. The findings suggest that prioritizing both water and sanitation equally could improve human health outcomes.
The new version of Argonne's WATER tool predicts water consumption associated with use of cellulosic feedstocks. The tool provides analysis down to the county level for the first time, supporting biofuel industry development and planning.
A new study by international researchers highlights China's booming economy is exacerbating water stress for poorer regions through virtual water transfers. The efforts only partially alleviate water stress and are likely to be insufficient to offset increased demand due to economic growth.