The Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan is generating science to address water security challenges in North America. Howard Wheater's research focuses on large-scale water monitoring and modelling to support better forecasting and prediction models for land and water systems.
The project aims to optimise the process of reducing lead in tap water by identifying the least soluble minerals. Researchers will investigate water from various sources and work on-site at Yorkshire Water treatment plants.
Researchers studied two hoodoos in Red Rock Canyon to estimate the force necessary to break sandstone shafts, shedding light on ground motion during recent earthquakes. The study suggests median or low-level ground motion despite large quakes in the area, providing valuable constraints for probabilistic seismic hazard assessments.
The Desert Research Institute will provide information and technical capacity to develop effective clean water solutions and improve the quality of drinking water in developing countries. The research aims to address water scarcity, diseases, and climate change challenges.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed coated cotton that absorbs exceptional amounts of water from foggy air, releasing it as temperature rises. The material, inspired by nature, can provide water for agricultural purposes and potentially be used in desert regions.
A NTU research team discovered massive earthquakes left clear ground scars in central Himalayas, hinting at a higher earthquake risk. The study challenges previous assumptions about blind quakes and suggests areas west or east of the 1934 Nepal ground rupture are now at greater risk.
Researchers discovered pygmy mole crickets use oar-like paddles to jump from water, exploiting water's stickiness to their advantage. The crickets' resilient protein-filled paddles fan out as they penetrate the water, allowing them to 'grab' a ball of water and propel themselves to safety.
A CU-led effort is transplanting biological soil crusts onto damaged military lands in the American West. The goal is to decrease erosion and increase water retention and soil fertility in these areas. The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of such soil inoculations and determine the optimal dosage for field test sites.
A new framework developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota provides a tool for assessing and valuing the services clean water provides, including recreation, beauty, navigation, and hydropower. The framework can be applied to on-the-ground decisions around water issues, yielding a more accurate picture of costs and benefits.
New water treatment firms are developing chemical treatments and evaporators to remove contaminants from fracking wastewater, which can then be reused. The cost of disposal is spurring oil and gas companies to adopt these technologies, limiting the amount of contaminated water that reaches people, plants, and animals.
University of Arizona environmental engineering professor Shane Snyder will present on emerging contaminants in drinking water and treatment levels required around the world. He also shares his global water quality experiences from countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
A recent study found that 61 of 181 North Carolina migrant farmworker camps failed to meet state water quality standards, with high levels of total coliform bacteria and E. coli detected in the water.
A new analysis by ACS researchers suggests that up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness may be caused by contaminated drinking water distribution systems in the US. Aging infrastructure and lack of funding pose significant health risks, particularly for small systems.
A recent study published in Respirology reveals that water pipe smoking can have severe respiratory effects, comparable to those of cigarette smoking. The research, led by Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, found profound impacts on lung function among water pipe smokers and deep inhalation cigarette smokers.
A UCI-led review reveals creative methods for capturing liquid sewage, highway runoff, and household water to supplement drinking water. The study concludes that transforming individual habits and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to breaking the cycle of waste and over-reliance on freshwater resources.
China's water crisis is characterized by severe pollution, eutrophication, and lack of access to safe drinking water, with two-thirds of cities experiencing shortages. To achieve sustainability, experts suggest adopting a systems approach that considers multiple perspectives and values.
A University of Alberta-led research team found that late spring snowfalls are delaying the emergence of Columbian ground squirrels by 10 days, reducing their opportunity to eat and survive. The study shows a 20% decline in adult female survival rates due to this delay.
Researchers discovered that certain types of bacteria form biofilms on filters, breaking off into drinking water due to pH levels. Simple changes to filter cleaning and water pH can shift the balance towards beneficial bacteria, potentially improving water quality.
Researchers created a jumping robot that mimics the water strider's ability, allowing it to leap over obstacles and move at high speeds. The microrobot's design uses porous nickel foam to fabricate its legs, enabling it to jump more than twice its own length and weigh as much as 1,100 water striders.
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research identified three teams of bacteria working together to degrade benzene, a highly toxic substance. By analyzing proteins, they shed light on the complex process, which could also apply to other bacterial cooperatives.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train graduate students in water quantity and quality improvement. Students will conduct doctoral-level research on water issues and gain training in interdisciplinary research, project management, and policy-making.
NTU hosts international students, top water experts, and Young Water Talents Symposium to share knowledge on sustainable water management. The university's five-year strategic plan focuses on sustainability research, with S$849 million dedicated to the field.
Researchers studied the water boatman's hind wings, which exhibit superhydrophobicity, playing a crucial role in its swimming, breathing, and balance. The study reveals that the insect's wing surface contains low surface energy materials, creating a hierarchical structure that enables it to swim freely and escape easily from water.
The University of Bristol scientists developed a technique to calibrate six Amazon gauges using ICESat elevation data, correcting large discrepancies in water levels. This method enables researchers to accurately estimate water levels and river slope, crucial for understanding the exchange of water with floodplains and other processes.
Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages
Researchers found that adding lime juice to water treated with solar disinfection removed detectable levels of E. coli significantly faster than solar disinfection alone. The treatment time was comparable to boiling and other household methods, making it a potential effective solution for improving water quality in low-income regions.
Wild West African chimpanzees build ground nests, shedding light on ancient humans' transition from tree to ground sleep. The study suggests a gradual, tree-to-ground transition occurred before the emergence of Homo erectus.
The NASA Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment project is upgrading the network's ground communications infrastructure with new, cutting-edge technology. The new architecture will enable easier technology refreshes, increased customer data rate capabilities, and lower operations costs.
A new assessment reveals large areas in Europe and Africa with insufficient freshwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. The report emphasizes the need for improved water management and forecasting to address future challenges.
The High Level Panel will discuss a 'nexus' approach to water management, planning projects with input from stakeholders in the food, water, and energy sectors. This approach aims to reduce conflicts between these sectors over dwindling water resources as global food and energy production intensify.
Scientists at University of Copenhagen have reconstructed the isotopic composition of 3.8 billion-year-old seawater, revealing that young planet's oceans had proportionately more 'normal water' than 'heavy water'. This discovery suggests Earth has lost less than ¼ of its water budget over the last roughly 4 billion years.
A new study reveals that a sand layer plays a crucial role in protecting the underlying permafrost in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The research found that thick sand layers near the permafrost table reduced ground temperatures, while thin sand layers allowed for some thawing.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.
The study reveals that water diffusion is unusually fast in nanochannels above 1nm, while below 1nm, fewer hydrogen bonds need to be broken, enabling macroscopic diffusion. This breakthrough may lead to innovative water desalination and filtration methods.
A University of Alberta researcher is investigating the potential link between long-term exposure to disinfected water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. She will develop new tools to detect toxic DBPs in drinking water, with the goal of eliminating their formation.
A $1.25 million research grant is funding a five-year project to develop new methods of assessing rock strength, reducing hazardous working conditions in mining and construction. The goal is to improve ground stability analysis and reduce the thousands of annual deaths caused by accidents.
Experts recommend accounting for water scarcity and pollution in international trade rules to mitigate its impact. The UNESCO-IHE Institute's special report aims to integrate water management into global trade agreements, considering new concepts like virtual water and water footprint.
Researchers found that water changes its molecular structure to form 'intermediate ice' at -55 F, allowing it to remain liquid below the traditional freezing point. The discovery sheds light on atmospheric scientists' need to predict global climate patterns and how much solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric water and ice.
Scientists discover water's conductivity increases at extremely low temperatures, contradicting expectations for an ordinary liquid. This phenomenon supports the idea of a 'liquid-liquid' phase transition in water.
SMU scientists are collecting water samples in UNHCR camps, analyzing them in the lab, and training workers to test water supplies. The team will develop a worldwide database to identify contaminants and track water quality over time, addressing issues such as iodide and fluoride contamination.
A retrospective analysis of neurosurgical patient transfers found that 60% of patients could have been stabilized at the original hospital before transfer by ground ambulance. Helicopter transport can cost up to $25,000, while ground transport is estimated to be between $800 and $2,000.
Researchers have resolved a long-standing debate over water molecules at the air-water interface, finding strong hydrogen bonding between water pairs at the outermost surface. The study uses theoretical and experimental techniques to pinpoint the origin of water's unique surface properties.
Arctic ground squirrels have adapted to store high levels of anabolic steroids in their muscles, allowing them to burn protein and maintain vital functions during hibernation. This unique mechanism could hold the key to understanding how to mitigate negative effects of testosterone on human health.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute discovered that plants create a water reserve around their roots, which helps them survive short periods of drought. The water reserve is found within a few millimeters from the roots and contains about 30% more water than the rest of the soil.
Using fabric ground covers in organic production allows farmers to control weeds, hold down costs, and maintain soil health. The study found that fabric covers limited water penetration and reduced soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
People with declarative memory impairment have trouble making common ground in conversation due to their inability to form new declarative memories. In the study, participants with amnesia looked equally at two elephants, showing no benefit from earlier conversations.
Scientists develop aquatic microrobot that stands effortlessly on water surfaces, walking and turning freely. The robot incorporates improvements over previous devices, making it a prime candidate for military spy missions and water pollution monitoring.
Researchers at Iowa State University discovered that a perennial cover crop can be used on corn fields to achieve similar yields to traditional farming methods while also improving soil quality and reducing erosion. The study found that using Kentucky bluegrass as the perennial cover crop resulted in yields of over 200 bushels per acre.
Researchers found that ground beetles significantly reduce grass weed populations in UK farmland, improving agricultural productivity. By controlling weeds, ground beetles can help farmers reduce herbicide use and increase crop yields.
Astronomers have discovered a massive reservoir of water vapor 30 billion light-years away in a quasar, which is 100,000 times more massive than the sun. The water vapor is distributed around a black hole and provides insights into its environment.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $2.7 million to study seven river basins in the western US, focusing on adaptation strategies for water supply and demand imbalances. Eight water delivery systems will also receive funding to improve water efficiency and operations.
Researchers from RUB-Department of Biophysics elucidated the proton pump mechanism of a cell-membrane protein in atomic detail, revealing that protein-bound water molecules play a decisive role. A chain of only three water molecules is formed for just a few thousandths of a second to transfer protons into the interior of the protein.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia argue that greater focus on the energy requirements of the water sector is crucial for meeting sustainability goals. The study highlights the need to integrate energy use into water resource management and understand its role in greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by American Society for Horticultural Science reveals that landscape coefficients can be used to predict seasonal water demand and enhance irrigation information. This approach shows promising results for promoting water savings in mixed-species urban landscapes, supporting regional conservation efforts.
A Japan-based research team studied the phase behavior of confined water in single-walled carbon nanotubes, discovering a wet-dry transition at low temperatures and tubule ice formation. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of nanoconfined water and its potential applications in nanoscience.
Researchers found that only one-quarter of water molecules at the surface exhibit characteristics of both gas and liquid phases, allowing for new understanding of chemical reactions and atmospheric balance. The study provides a framework for investigating other interfaces, such as those in living cells.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that virtual water transfers are unlikely to equalize water use among nations due to existing inequalities. The researchers concluded that the current amount of virtual water is insufficient to overcome these constraints.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer a promising solution to the global water crisis by transforming abundant seawater into pure, clean drinking water. CNT-based reverse osmosis membranes can remove salt ions efficiently, reducing costs and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
A team of scientists from Brown University has detected an Earth-equivalent amount of water within the moon, rivaling the amount found in the Earth's upper mantle. The discovery was made through measurements of lunar melt inclusions and suggests that the Moon's formation theory may need to be reevaluated.
New lab experiments reveal that sulfur dioxide molecules are captured by the top-most surface water molecules when approaching a water surface at low temperatures, forming reactive aqueous particulates. The findings have important implications for understanding airborne pollutants and their role in global warming.