Arizona State University researchers develop an equation to estimate monetary value of natural resources like groundwater and forests, accounting for ecosystem changes and human behavior. The framework enables valuation of natural capital on a balance sheet with traditional assets, guiding sustainable use.
A Yale-led research team develops a pricing framework for natural capital assets, including groundwater, forests, and fish populations. The study finds that the Kansas High Plains' groundwater aquifer lost $1.1 billion in value between 1996 and 2005 due to over-extraction and poor management.
A research team found that a geologic event known as diking can cause strong earthquakes, with the potential to pose hazards to nearby communities. The team investigated ties between two natural disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo and discovered that a dike intrusion could have induced a magnitude 6.2 earthquake.
A new study reveals that countries emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases are most vulnerable to climate change effects such as natural disasters and habitat changes. The highest-emitting nations, however, are less vulnerable despite contributing significantly to global emissions.
An international team has developed a digital reblocking platform to help urban slum communities create more resilient neighborhoods. The open-source tool allows residents to map buildings, thoroughfares, and services and propose new layouts that efficiently solve access issues.
The €1,000,000 ASCENT project aims to improve research capacity and develop ways to make societies more resilient to disasters in vulnerable Southeast Asian countries. The three-year project will focus on preventing disasters and procedures for recovering from them.
A University of Georgia study suggests that ecotourism and natural resource conservation can work together to protect sensitive ecosystems. The study proposes a symbiotic relationship where increased conservation leads to higher economic value for natural landscapes, ultimately benefiting both ecotourists and local communities.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists found phytoplankton populations double in size above natural oil seeps in the Gulf of Mexico. Turbulence from rising oil and gas bubbles brings up deep-water nutrients that phytoplankton need to grow.
Researchers report a new way to identify and discover new natural molecules that could fight human diseases, including leukemia. By analyzing genome data from bacteria, they identified a new compound called tambromycin with anti-leukemia properties.
The DESTCloud platform validates disaster tolerance and fault tolerance of wide-area distribution systems in a virtualized environment. It enables training for complex disasters and interference, allowing for preemptive evaluation of system performance during large-scale disasters.
A new study published in Nature found that droughts and extreme heat reduced global cereal harvests by an average of 9-10% between 1964 and 2007. The impact was greatest in North America, Europe, and Australasia, where production levels dropped by 19.9%.
A new study led by McGill University and the University of British Columbia found that droughts have a significant impact on cereal crop production, particularly in developed nations. The research analyzed data from 177 countries and found that global production lost to extreme weather events averaged around 9-10%.
Historic and prehistoric peoples in arid to semi-arid deserts were more susceptible to impacts from climate challenges due to created vulnerabilities to food shortfall. Social factors, such as limitations on networks and mobility, were the primary contributors to vulnerability to food shortage.
A new study finds that treatment resources for non-veterans with PTSD are much less cohesive and helpful than those available to veterans. The review of research literature highlights the need for better guidance on treating PTSD in specific vulnerable subpopulations, such as victims of sexual assault and natural disasters.
A social and emotional skills intervention, developed to help children recover from disaster trauma, is being pilot-tested with at-risk youth in the US. The program has served 80,000 children worldwide and could be adapted for young refugees.
New study from CU Denver finds that even low levels of natural gas leakage can make it as damaging as coal for climate change. The research shows a leakage rate of 3.9% over 20 years and 9.1% over 100 years makes natural gas equivalent to coal in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by Cornell biomedical engineers introduces specialized natural killer cells that target cancerous tumor cells in lymph nodes, eliminating metastases. The 'super natural killer cells' use liposomes armed with TRAIL to induce apoptosis and prevent lymphatic spread of cancer.
Researchers developed a computerized tool to guide stakeholders in recovering large-scale infrastructure systems after disasters. The tool, based on network science, identifies the order in which stations need to be restored, considering factors like centrality measures and station importance.
Researchers used Google Street View images to assess damage to buildings after a major natural disaster. The study found that online images could be used to identify material and form of structures that remained standing, providing valuable information for future design guidelines.
Researchers have created a new material that can store methane more efficiently, enabling the development of natural gas-powered cars with greater driving range and reduced hassle. The flexible MOF expands when methane is pumped in and contracts when it's extracted, making it suitable for use in home compressors.
The Chapman University Survey of American Fears reveals the top 10 things Americans fear most, including government corruption, cyber-terrorism, and economic collapse. Nearly a fourth of Americans report engaging in actions driven by fear, such as voting for a candidate or purchasing a gun.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that US schools are not better prepared for pandemics than they were in 2011. Schools reported having less than half of the measured indicators for preparedness, with notable gaps in bioterrorism readiness and addressing student psychological needs.
Lehigh University has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve infrastructure resilience and sustainability. The award supports research using Lehigh's ATLSS facilities, which will conduct real-time structural experiments to evaluate engineering designs and materials during natural disasters.
Researchers find that using liquid natural gas (LNG) in marine vessels can reduce local air pollution, but its impact on greenhouse gases depends on the fuel supply infrastructure. The study suggests that LNG may be a viable alternative to traditional fuels for shipping companies looking to comply with new regulations.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $27.5 million in research grants to study ways to predict and respond to natural disasters. Researchers will focus on topics such as hurricane risk assessment, wildfire resilience and drought policy.
A new study by CU Denver reveals that smaller cities in the developing world are often unprepared for disasters, lacking basic infrastructure and redundant systems. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these threats, particularly in mountainous regions such as India's Darjeeling District.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers highlights the importance of social media in emergency situations. The public is often the first to adopt social media platforms during emergencies, creating a self-regulating environment where users can correct misinformation and share relevant information.
Economist Edward Barbier calls for international cooperation to protect the world's most at-risk nations from hurricane damage and long-term climate change impacts. He advocates for coastal protection plans, economic diversification, and restoration of natural barriers to safeguard vulnerable populations.
A UGA researcher is urging the academic community, federal responders, and the oil and gas industry to collect more baseline data in the world's oceans to establish critical environmental baselines. This data is essential for documenting anthropogenic perturbations, such as oil spills, and preparing for future disaster response.
The DPR Korea has launched a national agroforestry strategy and action plan to restore degraded landscapes, enhance soil quality, and increase crop yields. The initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity and reduce the frequency of natural disasters, with a focus on empowering local villagers through legal and institutional frameworks.
A three-part series in The Lancet highlights the enduring radiological and psychological impact of nuclear disasters, including elevated rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers emphasize the need for improved communication about health risks and adequate medical support for vulnerable populations.
A study found that 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions and 66.1% received treatment at non-regular units after Hurricane Sandy. Patients with emergency packets had their medical records stored at home, highlighting the need for preparedness.
The Mobile Bridge Version 4.0's viability was tested on a real river, showcasing its practical use with minimal personnel and no foundation work required. The bridge's scissor-like structure allows for efficient expansion and contraction while maintaining strength.
A team of researchers has advanced new modeling technology to quantify human dependence on nature and its impact on human well-being. The study found that people who depended on multiple types of ecosystem services fared better than those with limited resources.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that community participation and social networks can aid preparedness to natural disasters such as tsunamis in vulnerable regions. People who participate in social activities are more likely to plan and prepare for future disasters, including having a family emergency plan or disaster supplies kit.
New findings suggest that some natural gas wells, compressor stations, and processing plants in the Barnett Shale leak far more methane than previously estimated, with some sites emitting up to 47.8% of their produced gas. Human error and lack of maintenance are identified as primary causes of these emissions.
A new study found that attributing a natural disaster to climate change leads to skepticism, causing individuals to justify withholding aid from victims. This phenomenon highlights the importance of separating discussions on climate change and humanitarian aid.
A new approach uses economic value to help achieve a sustainable future by valuing nature's ecosystem services. The world's gross domestic product has increased nearly 60 times since the start of the Industrial Revolution, but this growth comes at the expense of natural stewardship.
The Stanford University's Natural Gas Initiative aims to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and boost economies through the responsible development of natural gas. The program will fund interdisciplinary research in six key areas, including resource development, environmental impacts, and policy reform.
Switching to natural gas trucks could worsen climate impacts if not done efficiently, a study suggests. Methane emissions from the supply chain and engine inefficiencies pose significant challenges.
Researchers at UW's BioRobotics Lab hacked a next-generation teleoperated robotic system to test its vulnerability to cyberattacks. The team found that the robot could be easily disrupted or derailed by common forms of cyberattacks, highlighting the need for additional security measures before deployment.
Rome was a 'smart city' due to its minimal alteration of natural features and resource management. In contrast, Naples faced more geological hazards and limited resources, constraining its growth. Over time, both cities became unstable due to rapid urban expansion and increased natural disasters
Aid workers should consider long-term archaeological information about local building practices when providing shelter after natural disasters. Archaeological research reveals that communities in the Caribbean have been rebuilding homes for centuries using effective and culturally relevant designs.
Research highlights the need for collaboration between the chemical industry and DHS to ensure US chemical facilities' safety and security. The team suggests that communities should develop preparedness plans in anticipation of possible chemical disasters.
The European Science Foundation emphasizes the importance of addressing rare, high-impact geohazards that can lead to global disasters. The report aims to develop robust risk management plans and increase general resilience in the face of surprise events.
A University of Arizona team developed a new model that improves seasonal hurricane forecast accuracy for the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by 23 percent. The model incorporates wind force on the ocean and sea surface temperature over the Atlantic, reducing El Niño's impact during warm AMO phases.
The US National Science Foundation and Japan Science and Technology Agency announce joint support for six projects to improve future disaster management. Researchers will leverage Big Data and data analytics to capture and process disaster data, enhance resilient networks, and develop novel approaches to analyze large, noisy data.
A new study found that many residents in southern Spain do not take steps to prepare themselves against future disasters due to lack of information and financial resources. However, when the government is involved in awareness campaigns and housing subsidies, participants finally take steps toward disaster preparedness.
A lack of regulatory definition for natural foods has led to increased consumer lawsuits, forcing companies to reformulate products. The FDA and FTC have previously abandoned efforts to define natural products due to limited progress.
A new study by Rice University economists found that the US natural gas market would be resilient to potential local policy interventions aimed at limiting access to shale gas resources. The efficiency of the market, driven by deep liquidity and robust infrastructure, renders local policies largely irrelevant to the broader market.
A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the US has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and others falling out of favor. Fish oil was the top natural product among adults, while melatonin saw a significant increase in use among children.
A new study suggests that China should conduct national conservation horizon scanning to identify potential environmental problems that have not yet been noticed by society. This could help prevent large-scale environmental disasters, such as the serious haze caused by heavy air pollution in northern China and across the Yangtze River ...
A new study by IIASA researchers highlights the importance of education in reducing disaster fatalities and enhancing adaptive capacity. Education plays a crucial role in improving knowledge, risk perception, socioeconomic status, and social capital, making it a vital investment for climate change adaptation efforts.
Researchers divert a Chinese river to mitigate environmental disasters and propose an integrated approach to manage water resources, ecological health, and economic development. This study provides a potential model for sustainable development of other inland river basins.
A study analyzing Twitter data from over 700,000 tweets found that New Yorkers resumed normal mobility less than 24 hours after Hurricane Sandy. The researchers observed similar geographical and statistical distributions of locations before and after the hurricane, suggesting resilience in human movement during the disaster.
A study found that 80% of kidney dialysis patients were not adequately prepared for emergencies or natural disasters. However, after receiving individualized education from a multidisciplinary team, 78% of these patients became adequately prepared, according to a Loyola University Medical Center study. The educational sessions made a s...
A University of South Florida-led team has discovered that subtle shifts in the earth's offshore plates can predict the size of future disasters. The researchers used high precision GPS to measure slight shifts on a fault line in Costa Rica, finding that slow slip events can release stress and strain before major earthquakes and tsunamis.
A study found that 26.3% of dialysis patients missed sessions after Hurricane Sandy, while 95% were interested in learning about emergency preparedness. Another study showed a positive effect of distributing an 'emergency information packet' to patients.
Researchers develop computer-based method to predict mechanism of action of natural substances, identifying potential target structures for 210,000 compounds. The software breaks down molecules into smaller fragments, discovering essential parts for the mechanism of action, which can be used to design less complex and easier-to-synthes...
A new analysis identifies 15 distinct social media uses during disasters, including providing preparedness information and reconnecting community members. The proposed framework aims to standardize and organize disaster social media practices, potentially protecting lives and aiding recovery