The study aims to evaluate the relationship between zoning code reforms, physical environment, and physical-activity behavior in communities nationwide. Researchers will analyze data from over half of US counties to determine if zoning reforms are linked to increased physical activity levels among adults.
A recent study published in Nature found that many tropical protected areas are struggling to sustain their biodiversity, despite being our best hope for preserving tropical forests. However, the research also highlights the importance of eliminating threats outside park boundaries and maintaining existing parks.
Research finds that newborn twins' epigenetic profiles differ despite sharing a womb, influenced by unique environmental experiences and genetic factors. This study may lead to early identification of disease risk and personalized health interventions.
Two projects investigating the use of robot submarines to map and monitor the UK seas have received £720,000 in funding. The projects aim to inform future government policy on protecting the marine environment by generating data that will guide the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sea gliders.
Researchers deployed a combined sonar system to monitor fish and diving seabirds interacting with tidal turbines. The study aims to understand how water flow and turbulence affect marine wildlife, informing the development of renewable energy structures.
A NUS-led team has discovered how bacteria respond to salt changes using specialized protein molecules that change shape in response to environmental salt concentrations. This finding provides a unified model of how bacteria sense their environment and has immediate applications in understanding life processes across species.
The Inclusive Wealth Report 2012 proposes a new approach to sustainability by measuring natural, manufactured, human, and social forms of capital. This comprehensive index provides a more accurate picture of a country's development and well-being than traditional indicators like GDP.
Researchers found that genetic and environmental factors influence childhood characteristics differently across the UK, with some traits more strongly linked to genes in certain regions. The study's nature-nurture maps provide a global overview of how environment interacts with genetics.
NASA's Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission will deploy two Global Hawk aircraft to study hurricane formation and intensity changes. The aircraft will sample the environment of storms and measure winds, precipitation, and other factors to improve hurricane prediction.
Researchers developed a 'Top 20' list of questions to better understand the impacts of chemicals in PPCPs on human and ecological health. The top priorities include identification of PPCPs, understanding their entry into the environment, and assessment of effects on organisms and risks to people.
The special issue on 3D Object Retrieval will incorporate the Collage Authoring Environment, allowing authors to embed executable code and data into their papers. This enables verified results and improves peer-review, leading to faster knowledge dissemination in fast-moving fields like Computer Graphics.
A Harvard University study reveals that circumpolar rivers are the primary source of toxic mercury in the Arctic, surpassing atmospheric forces. The discovery has significant implications for protecting the health of northern populations and the environment.
A study by Marc Berman found that nature walks improved memory performance after a walk in nature, compared to an urban environment. Participants showed a 16 percent increase in attention and working memory, but no significant improvement in depressive mood.
A new study examining sleep and body mass index (BMI) in twins found that sleeping more than nine hours a night suppresses genetic influences on body weight. Genetic influences accounted for 70% of BMI differences in short sleepers, while extended sleep reduced these factors.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory overcome major hurdle in quantum information processing by decoupling individual qubits from their environment. This breakthrough enables robust quantum computation with solid-state devices, promising faster and more precise processing than classical computers.
A small study found that online virtual communities can effectively teach patients meditation and relaxation techniques, offering a barrier-free alternative to traditional face-to-face meetings. Participants reported significant reductions in depression- and anxiety-related symptoms and high satisfaction with the virtual environment.
Modern nature conservation faces challenges in governing diverse ecosystems, with threats from human activities like forestry, agriculture, and fisheries. The study emphasizes the need for efficient governance to address these issues and halt biodiversity deterioration.
A new study reveals that the Earth's early atmosphere periodically transitioned between a hydrocarbon-rich state and a haze-free environment due to microbial activity. This 'see-sawing' phenomenon had a profound impact on the climate system, with evidence suggesting a significant role in regulating atmospheric oxygen levels.
The EU's Habitats Directive has created the world's largest network of protected areas, Natura 2000, which covers 18% of land and sea surfaces. The review outlines the development process of this complex conservation project over two decades.
Recent generations, including millennials, are less interested in community issues, politics, and environment. A 40-year study of young adults found a decline in political participation, concern for others, and interest in saving the environment.
A VCU study found that dysfunctional family environments can augment genetic risk for drug abuse in adoptees, even with no biological parent history of addiction. The research used a large adoption sample from Sweden and demonstrated the impact of environmental factors on the liability to drug abuse.
A new system for processing embryos during IVF treatment has been shown to significantly improve the chances of pregnancy. The innovative design of interlinked incubators provides a controlled environment for all steps of the IVF process, resulting in a 27% increase in pregnancy rate compared to conventional equipment.
A recent study found a steady decline in illustrations of natural environments and wild animals in award-winning children's picture books. The researchers examined nearly 8,100 images from nearly 300 Caldecott Medal winners and found that built environments dominated the scene, with natural environments and wild animals virtually absent.
A commentary in Nature suggests that the economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump environmental concerns, with production hitting a wall around 2005. Stagnant oil supplies and volatile prices take a toll on the world economy, with oil production decline expected to continue.
The UC Arlitt Center is investigating how children learn through creative play in natural playgrounds, examining behavior patterns and scientific thinking. The two-year grant will focus on over 200 children aged three to five.
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on NASA's Curiosity rover measures the Martian surface radiation environment, shedding light on habitability and planning for future human missions. RAD's data will help scientists assess conditions favorable for life and determine required radiation shielding.
Dr. Jon Gelhaus, a Philadelphia scientist, received the 'Best Scientist in Nature and Environment' medal for his significant contributions to Mongolian Environmental Science. He is leading a multinational effort to improve water quality monitoring and standards in Mongolia.
The cerebellum contributes to creating a cognitive map of the environment through altering chemical communication between its neurons. Inactivation of this ability impairs navigation, as seen in transgenic mice lacking long-term depression in cerebellar neurons.
Researchers have developed an interactive environment using multi-touch screen technology to help autistic children develop social skills beyond their anticipated levels. Children interact with virtual characters in real-time, allowing researchers to compare their reactions with those displayed in real-world situations.
Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley developed a technique to direct benign viruses to self-assemble into thin-film structures with complex properties. By controlling the physical environment, they created films with specific bending properties and guided cell growth, shedding light on biological tissue assembly in na...
The American Academy of Pediatrics has expanded its guidelines on safe sleep for babies, providing specific recommendations to create a safe environment for their infants to sleep. The new guidelines aim to eliminate all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS and suffocation deaths.
The proposed WEO would bring together specialized global bodies like the WTO and WHO. The organization aims to rationalize overlapping processes and make environment more integral to overall sustainability.
The study found that archaeophytes, introduced since Neolithic agriculture, are positively affected by arable land availability at low altitudinal ranges. Invasive neophyte species harbor 67% of Prague's nature reserves, including many shrubs and trees with high invasion potential.
A study published in Nature suggests that soil environment, not molecular structure, determines the degradation rate of humus, a key factor in the global carbon cycle. The researchers propose new experiments and models to improve forecasting of soils' response to climate changes.
Researchers developed a new chip using SPIDER technology to measure ultrafast optical pulse intensity and phase without expensive equipment. The breakthrough paves the way for applications in metrology and optical telecommunications.
Researchers found that a socially engaging environment can convert white fat to brown fat, leading to increased energy expenditure and weight loss. The study suggests that social isolation may contribute to obesity, highlighting the importance of social engagement in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Researchers from National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University found that 88% of nature-derived drugs come from previously known drug-producing families. The study suggests focusing on these pre-existing families to discover new drugs, leveraging knowledge of clustered distribution patterns like oil fields.
Breeding crops with deeper and bushier root systems could double the amount of carbon captured from the environment, potentially reducing CO2 levels. This approach could also improve soil structure and water retention while enhancing sustainable plant yields.
A new tool developed by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona predicts the environmental fate of pharmaceutical products. The model assesses the physical-chemical properties of drugs and their growth in use to determine their likelihood of entering the environment.
A Tel Aviv University researcher says current testing for pharmaceutical waste isn't going far enough, as drugs can break down into different forms and still be present in the environment. The researcher has identified nine degradation products of a common antibiotic, including two potentially toxic compounds.
A study by Christopher A. Cullis found that the environment influences helpful mutations in plants, even within a single generation. The experiment showed each strand of flax responded differently to its grown conditions, and the LIS-1 sequence appeared in response to nutrient deficiencies.
Researchers at the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health found that virtual environments can promote improved human health and wellbeing. The development of accurate simulations has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with infirmity or other limitations, but not a substitute for real-world nature interaction.
An analysis of ancient Nubian-era mummies found that human alteration of the environment contributed to the spread of schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasitic disease infecting an estimated 200 million people today. The study suggests that ancient individuals were capable of altering their environment in ways that impacted their health.
A University of Washington psychologist argues that humans need exposure to the natural world for physical and psychological well-being. Studies show that technological substitutes for nature are better than none but not as good as real outdoors.
A study by Lee A. Thompson and colleagues found that genetic influence was greater on reading than math, with shared environment influencing math more so than reading. The researchers analyzed the data from twins to determine the similarities in genetic and environmental influence between ADHD symptoms and academic ability.
A new study links negative social environments surrounding gay youth to high attempted suicide rates, with supportive environments associated with a 25% lower risk. The study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are more than five times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers.
A study confirms that climate change is causing rapid environmental fluctuations, resulting in 'bluer' environments and higher extinction risks for animals. The research links temperature changes to population dynamics, with bluer populations indicating faster oscillations and lower extinction risks.
A study reveals that ancient enzymes known as thioredoxin were chemically stable at temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius higher than their modern counterparts. The enzymes also showed increased activity at lower pH levels, indicating they operated in a hot, acidic environment during early life.
A Finnish study suggests that urban children have weaker connections to nature than their rural counterparts. Horticultural interventions can help bridge this gap, particularly for girls who show greater interest in plants. The research also highlights the importance of outdoor learning environments.
A study by Gothenburg University found that motivated employees experience less stress in their work environment. The research highlights the importance of managers understanding what motivates their IT consultants to reduce turnover and increase profitability.
The One Health concept aims to integrate surveillance activities across species to monitor and respond to emerging zoonotic diseases. ProMED-mail's global surveillance system has reported over 10,000 animal health issues, highlighting the need for improved interspecies collaboration.
New research reveals environmental progestogens can cause sterility in frogs, particularly when exposed during early life stages. The study, conducted at Uppsala University, found that even low concentrations of levonorgestrel can lead to abnormal ovarian and oviduct development in female tadpoles.
The freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex has been found to have the most genes in an animal, with approximately 31,000 genes. This discovery was made possible by the sequencing of its genome and provides unprecedented insights into how an organism's genome interacts with its environment.
New research suggests that a large number of high-production-volume chemicals used in US industries are likely to persist in post-treatment sludge and enter the environment. Eleven chemicals were identified as potential hazards to human and environmental health due to their propensity for accumulation and persistence.
A study published in Applied Ergonomics reveals that rationalization measures often harm physical and psychosocial work environments. However, research suggests that dialogue-based leadership with employee involvement can mitigate these effects. By prioritizing active involvement, employee well-being, and fair treatment, management can...
A study by Washington University School of Medicine reveals that genes alone do not predict disease risk, as environment interacts with DNA in complex ways. The research found that genetic variants have different effects in different environments, making it challenging to make accurate predictions.
A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology and Nature Reviews Microbiology reveals that E.coli O157:H7 can thrive in cow intestines due to its ability to scavenge ethanolamine, a nutrient not found by other bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to non-medical methods to eradicate the bug, reducing food contamination and hu...
UC San Diego undergraduate bioengineers develop a new microenvironment that provides all three types of cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. The system uses a gelatin-like hydrogel bathed in an electrolyte solution, mimicking the natural environment to steer stem cells towards specific cell types.
A special issue of Ecopsychology explores how women's interactions with nature affect their sense of self, body image, and environmental drive. Women who spend time in natural settings tend to have better body images and distance themselves from societal beauty standards.
The TEEB report underscores the importance of incorporating nature's value into decision-making, with potential benefits for poverty reduction and business growth. The report also notes significant business and social risks from failing to account for natural capital.