Researchers at NC State University have developed a material that can bind and trap radioactive iodide in drinking water, making it safe for human consumption. The material, which combines hemicellulose and chitosan, can also extract heavy metals from water, providing a sustainable solution for desalination.
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
Researchers discovered that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds consumed more bottled water but were not less exposed to cancer-causing contaminants in public drinking supplies. High levels of trihalomethanes (THM) can be ingested through public water or absorbed through the skin in baths, showers, and swimming pools.
As global freshwater demand is projected to surpass supply by 40% by 2030, Canada's expertise in water management is being sought to help countries address drought, flood, and unsafe water issues. The country's relatively abundant water supply will be an asset, but careful management is crucial for sustainability.
Researchers have discovered a new role for Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins (TIPs) in regulating water uptake during seed germination, contradicting previous focus on Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins (PIP). The study provides the first complete map of TIP expression in maturing and germinating seeds.
Parasitic protozoons like Cryptosporidium and Giardia can survive water treatment systems, posing a significant risk to human and animal health. The study highlights the need for better preventive measures, including protecting water sources, monitoring water quality, and implementing control plans.
Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.
Scientists in China have created a more eco-friendly and cost-effective way to produce deuterium-depleted drinking water, which may be beneficial for human health. The new technique uses a platinum catalyst to efficiently remove deuterium from water, reducing levels from 150 ppm to 125 ppm.
Researchers investigated the salt tolerance of 10 common bedding plant species and cultivars irrigated with reclaimed water. The study found that some plants became more compact when grown in low to moderate salinity conditions, suggesting a potential use for recycled water in landscape irrigation.
Researchers found that both the Southwest and Southeast have insufficient water resources to support human needs, leading to a reliance on imported virtual water. The study highlights the need for new strategies in water storage and conservation across the US, particularly in regions with inland metropolitan areas.
A new technology using tiny protozoa to detect toxins in water sources may provide unprecedented assessment of the world's water supplies. The Swimming Behavioral Spectrophotometer (SBS) can detect chemicals, pesticides, and biological warfare agents with near-instant feedback.
A team of international experts has discovered the world's oldest ground-edge stone tool in northern Australia, dated to 35,000 years ago. The find provides evidence of modern human technology and innovation dating back to this period, challenging previous estimates of axe use among early hominid ancestors.
The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.
Researchers are using analytics to identify patterns in the Dutch water system, enabling improvements in overall water management. Advanced algorithms and software will provide real-time insight into the water system, aiding decision-making for water boards and municipalities.
The Water Tunnel of the Americas (WTAPC) will be the largest and most advanced facility, enabling researchers to test models of structures and determine forces of extreme weather on buildings and structures. The 'green' project uses a blow-down water tunnel design generating power from the Panama Canal.
The study found that Miscanthus uses more water than other crops like switchgrass and corn, but reduces the potential for nitrogen pollution. This could lead to a decrease in runoff and surface water supplies, particularly during late summer and early fall.
A new Pacific Institute report identifies key actions for California to conserve a million acre-feet of water through improved efficiency in the urban and agricultural sectors. The analysis finds that upfront investments of less than $1.9 billion can yield significant savings, while also conserving energy and reducing costs.
Scientists have discovered a substance called 'dry water' that can absorb and store carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases. This powder has the potential to reduce global warming by providing an alternative storage material for these gases.
Scientists have developed a novel method for creating atmospheric pressure plasma jets using grounded electrodes, which differ from conventional applications. This breakthrough increases operator safety and enables the creation of jets at lower voltages, opening up new possibilities for biomedical applications.
A new clinical trial confirms that drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before meals helps people shed more pounds than those who do not drink water. The study found that water drinkers lost about 15.5 pounds over 12 weeks, while non-water drinkers lost about 11 pounds.
Researchers used satellite data to calculate the amount of water in the Amazon River floodplain, finding an average of 285 cubic kilometers per year. This discovery highlights the complexity of measuring water volumes in remote regions and underscores the need for further research on global water supplies.
A simple and inexpensive demonstration of soil water retention and field capacity helps students visualize and understand these concepts. The demonstration uses PVC rings, a trashcan, and a scale, illustrating the influence of soil texture, structure, and depth to the water table on soil water content.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are exploring ultrasound to combat blue-green algae blooms in water supplies, a significant global problem. They aim to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method using low-amplitude ultrasound to immobilize the algae without releasing toxins.
A new study finds that hand washing can significantly reduce fecal bacteria contamination in stored drinking water, which is crucial for households with limited access to municipal water supply systems. The research discovered nearly 100 times more fecal bacteria in stored water compared to its source in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
A new high-temperature heat pump technology has been developed to tap into geothermal energy sources, providing a renewable and inexhaustible energy supply. The system uses waste water from geothermal wells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions in European towns.
A Montreal study reveals that more than 70 percent of bottled water samples contain heterotrophic bacteria counts above the recommended limits set by the United States Pharmacopeia. High microbial counts were found in several famous brands, with some exceeding 100 times the permitted limit.
A University of Tennessee study found high-risk water sources in East Tennessee contain fecal contamination, including E.coli, coliforms, Bacteroides, and infectious viruses. This highlights a potential health hazard for rural residents who drink untreated groundwater.
Researchers at OU WaTER Center address global water dilemmas with focus on climate change, treatment and cleanup methods. The Center's work has impact in four areas: teaching, research, service, and international leadership.
The world's waters are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and pollution, threatening food production and water resources. The Mekong River Basin is a prime example of water-related conflicts escalating over access to hydropower production and its impact on local livelihoods.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an optimal UV wavelength to keep water clean of microorganisms, preventing health threats and reducing bio-fouling. This approach could be used in water treatment plants and desalination facilities to make them more efficient and reduce costs.
A new study finds that trinexapac-ethyl reduces water depletion, evapotranspiration rates, and improves turf quality in creeping bentgrass during drought stress. The treatment maintains higher leaf relative water content and osmotic adjustment under drought conditions.
David Boore developed a well-known method for computing estimates of ground motion from simulated earthquakes, known as SMSIM. His work has advanced understanding of strong-motion seismology and influenced seismic building standards worldwide.
A comprehensive study documents American industry's water usage, revealing that most water is used indirectly in processing such as packaging and shipping food crops. The study estimates water use among over 400 industry sectors, with surprising amounts required for common products like sugar, dog and cat food, and milk.
Dr. David Molden, winner of the CGIAR award for Outstanding Scientist of the Year, states that agriculture is both the cause and solution to many world water problems. The Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture highlights the potential to grow more food with limited water, particularly in areas of high poverty.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study reveals that private drinking water supplies are often contaminated, with outbreaks occurring at a rate 35 times higher than in public systems. The government must provide better resources and education to ensure safe drinking water for Canadians.
The €3.5M grant will support a four-year project to enhance water and wastewater treatment plant performance, leading to improved surface and ground water quality. Researchers from seven institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Germany will collaborate on this Marie Curie ITN.
A low-cost water purification technique using Moringa oleifera seeds can reduce bacterial contamination by 90-99.99% in untreated water. This technique has the potential to improve access to clean drinking water for millions of people in developing countries.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that human running speeds can exceed 28 mph due to limitations imposed by muscle fiber contractile speed. Researchers found that elite sprinters' foot-ground contact times are brief, implying a biological limit on how quickly muscles can generate forces.
Researchers found that a mix of purchasing options can significantly lower costs and increase available water, while avoiding supply failures during droughts. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of buying diverse stocks with water risk management.
Recent advances in Earth observation satellite technologies enable monitoring of the global water cycle. The European Space Agency's EO for Water Cycle Science Conference assessed current research capabilities and identified key gaps. Novel missions, precipitation, and soil moisture will improve our understanding of the water cycle.
AOptix Technologies successfully completed a two-phase flight test program for the Enhanced Air-to-Ground Lasercom System (EAGLS) Program. The tests demonstrated AOptix's capabilities in Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) and ultra-high bandwidth real-time communications.
A new water management framework developed by NC State University researchers can help plan for droughts or excess rain, making efficient use of water resources. By using climate forecasts, water managers can reduce vulnerability to drought and increase benefits for poor farming communities.
The world will need a 'Blue Revolution' to address the massive pressure on its water resources due to population growth, changing diets, and climate change. Investments in water can reduce poverty and improve agricultural productivity by refurbishing irrigation systems and promoting rainfed agriculture.
Researchers found that scheduling irrigation according to daily water use (DWU) substantially reduced irrigation application compared to control methods, while maintaining or improving plant growth. The study categorized woody ornamental plants into low, moderate, and high water users, allowing for more efficient watering strategies.
The October issue of BSSA features a review on strong ground motions, suggesting that the current global record reflects only a small sample of what is physically possible. Additionally, researchers explore the correlation between toppled columns and earthquake source determination in archaeoseismology.
The study of 33Mg's ground state properties reveals a prolate deformed nucleus with well-reproduced energy and magnetic moment. The time-odd relativistic mean field approach successfully explains the experimental data without introducing parameters.
Researchers found that elephants use two pathways to 'hear' ground-borne vocalizations: somatosensory pathway through feet and trunks, and bone conduction pathway through toenails. This allows them to understand seismic communication over long distances.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are using phytoremediation to clean up a contaminated site in Elizabeth City, N.C. through the planting of fast-growing trees like hybrid poplars and willows. The process has shown promising results, with fuel levels decreasing faster than anticipated.
Researchers found that exotic eucalyptus and tropical ash plantations used significantly more water than native ohia trees, with rates of up to 2.5 times higher. The study emphasizes the need for land management plans to consider the water use of different ecosystems.
The University of Utah has developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that uses a handheld color sensor to detect iodine or silver levels in drinking water. The system is designed to be simple, low-cost and safe for use on the International Space Station.
Scientists use a unique instrument to probe the dynamics of ions in water, revealing that water zips around ions more than expected. The findings improve understanding of chemical interactions important in environmental and atmospheric sciences.
A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.
A Purdue University study found that ground moisture at landfall is a major indicator of tropical storm behavior. Storms are more likely to sustain and cause heavy rains when the ground is wet, while dry conditions tend to calm them down.
Recent work at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory reveals two distinct structures in liquid water: tetrahedral and disordered regions. The researchers discovered that these structures exist in 'clumps' made up to 100 molecules, with the temperature affecting their distribution and density.
Researchers have developed a process that cleans wastewater and generates electricity, also removing 90% of salt from brackish water or seawater. The system uses microbial desalination cells to convert wastewater into clean water producing electricity.
A research project aims to produce a computer model for water managers to reduce energy consumption while meeting increased demand for water. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, will help address water scarcity issues in regions like Arizona, where population growth and drought are exacerbating the problem.
A $226,890 grant will fund a study on the effects of eastern redcedar encroachment on Oklahoma's tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which can alter precipitation and water loss patterns. The research aims to provide insights for land managers to better understand the impact of woody plant proliferation on water availability.
Dr. Stan Powell will receive the award in Denver on August 5 for his extensive original research and engineering development leading to hypersonic test facilities. His contributions include thermophysics research, modeling of combustion processes, and assessment of simulation fidelity.
A new Army study has improved the ability to predict drinking water needs for troops, potentially cutting costs of operations and improving civilian water planning. The study produced formulations that are 58-65% more accurate than the existing Shapiro equation in laboratory settings.
The World Health Organization estimates that 2.8 billion people will face water stress or scarcity by 2025. Access to clean water can reduce global disease burden and is essential for health.