A team of researchers from the University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory has confirmed a long-standing theoretical prediction about water's behavior on hydrophobic surfaces. They found a thin layer of depleted water at the interface, contradicting previous findings of nanobubbles.
In semi-arid environments, trees have evolved to access moisture from bedrock fractures and quickly recover when heavy rains occur. Understanding these surface-atmosphere interactions is crucial for predicting water supplies and managing scarce resources.
The study found that naked carp respond to increased lake salinity by taking a 'metabolic holiday', drastically reducing oxygen consumption and kidney function. They also adjust their feeding behavior and store more fat, but if the lake continues to dehydrate, these benefits may change to pathology.
Scientists have created a reversible, non-destructive chilling method to study below-ground carbon allocation in trees. This technique temporarily interrupts carbon movement and leaves the tree alive, allowing for accurate measurement of carbon storage.
A team of scientists used high-energy X-rays to study the hydrophobic water gap, revealing its size and characteristics. The study provides new insights into protein folding and stability, which are crucial in biological systems.
Researchers discovered that releasing reservoir water to recharge natural aquifers can help cities survive droughts with full production from municipal wells. This technique may become crucial for areas experiencing reduced inflow due to changing water uses or climate change, such as the city of Las Vegas, NM, and parts of California.
Researchers at MIT have found a unique cloud forest in Oman where trees extract moisture from passing clouds, but the ecosystem is under threat from over-grazing camels. The trees' ability to collect water from fog may not be enough to recover if the camels continue to eat too much foliage.
Researchers developed a novel approach to assessing the risk of water-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, by measuring bacterial DNA in environmental waters. The method provides a quantitative risk assessment for human disease and has implications for health departments monitoring water safety.
The Comprehensive Assessment reveals that one-third of the world's population lives in areas where water is either over-used or cannot be accessed due to lack of infrastructure. The study calls for radical changes in water management to address the growing water crisis.
Bioengineers Teresa Head-Gordon and Margaret Johnson analyzed x-ray data to determine the static structural organization of liquid water. Their study found that, on average, liquid water molecules form a tetrahedral network, contradicting previous claims of a 'rings and chains' model.
Cold-water corals are vulnerable to ocean acidification, which can harm their ability to build skeletons. By 2100, only 30% of cold-water reefs may still be in waters supersaturated with aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.
A tiny packet containing a grayish powder has been shown to dramatically reduce diarrheal deaths caused by contaminated water. The system, called PUR Purifier of Water, can kill deadly pathogens and remove toxic metals, and is now being distributed globally for free
Researchers found that anthrax spores can tolerate water treatment and attach to pipes, potentially allowing them to pass through the system. Higher chlorine concentrations were more effective in killing the spores, but at high levels could make water undrinkable.
The Wyoming Cloud Seeding Pilot Program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of silver iodide in increasing snowpack and providing fresh water. A 10% increase in snowpack would provide significant benefits, including increased water supply and hydroelectric power generation.
The workshop aims to identify national and regional needs, issues, and gaps in technology, policy, and regulations related to the interdependency of energy and water. Participants will discuss region-specific concerns, fresh water impacts on energy production, and science and cost issues.
A Scripps-led study finds that climate warming will shrink key water supplies around the world, affecting millions. Glacier-dependent regions like China, India, and parts of South America are particularly vulnerable to vanishing glaciers, which will lead to costly disruptions in water supply and resource management systems.
Climate models project significant changes in global water availability by 2050, with varying trends across regions. The study highlights the complex relationship between climate and water resources, noting that warmer temperatures can lead to both increased and decreased water supply in different parts of the world.
UCF researchers have developed a portable method for producing safe drinking water from any source, including contaminated wastewater. The system uses naturally created nanoparticles to kill bacteria that foul membranes used in traditional water treatment methods.
Researchers found a single layer of water on a platinum surface is hydrophobic, repelling subsequent layers, contrary to previous assumptions about water molecule attachment points. The discovery challenges current theories and has implications for technological applications such as catalysis and corrosion.
Acidic water from the Ijen Crater Lake in East Java poses a significant threat to both human health and local ecosystems, with high levels of aluminum and fluoride found in river water and groundwater. Researchers suggest channelling acidic water into the sea as a possible solution to mitigate this issue.
The Gaza Strip faces a severe contaminated water crisis, with the only source being unsuitable for drinking due to high levels of salinity and pollution. A proposed management plan aims to provide a win-win situation but requires cooperation between Israel and Palestine.
Scientists used radiocarbon dating to determine that human arrival in the Americas led to the extinction of prehistoric ground sloths. This suggests that big-game hunters had a significant impact on animal populations, contributing to widespread extinctions.
Researchers detected high concentrations of MTBE in ground water throughout the Northeast US, particularly in urban areas. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with low levels of MTBE in drinking water.
Researchers found a consistent relationship between ideal body mass for running performance and ground forces required at different speeds. Sprinters require more muscle and bulk, while endurance specialists need less due to lower ground forces.
The Johannesburg Sustainable Development Summit identified halving water deprivation by 2015 as a priority; today, 300 million Africans lack access to drinking water. Investments in science and technology are seen as key solutions.
Researchers found that exercising in cold water led to a 44% higher caloric intake compared to warm water or resting periods. The study suggests that environmental conditions during exercise may influence post-exercise appetite, and individuals should consider the kinds of foods they eat after exercise.
Researchers at VCU have created a unique polymer coating that switches from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic when exposed to water, offering potential applications in medical testing and fluid control. The coating's reversible properties make it suitable for various industries.
Forecasts project Illinois water use to grow faster than population, with increased demand for energy production. The Midwest region will need almost 17 billion gallons of water per day by 2025, mostly for electricity generation.
Carnegie Mellon University is partnering with United Defense to develop a semi-autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (TUGV) for the US Marine Corps. The Gladiator TUGV will provide remote scouting, reconnaissance, and surveillance capabilities to increase human survival and reduce risk.
Scientists have found evidence of sulfates, cross-bedding, and blueberry mineral deposits that indicate liquid water was present on Mars. The discovery suggests the possibility of life existing on Mars in some form.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that most liquid water molecules interact with only two other water molecules, contrary to the traditional picture of four hydrogen bonds per molecule. The study used a unique experimental technique and measured the energy required to distort hydrogen bonds in solid and liquid water.
Researchers found that wastewater treatment plants employing reverse osmosis successfully removed more contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and hormones. This process improves the quality of reused water for irrigation and groundwater recharge.
Scientists used two water dating methods, radiocarbon and helium-4, to determine the age of water in wells in Baldwin County, Alabama. The results showed that the ages ranged from 50 to 7,500 years, suggesting that saltwater intrusion could become a bigger issue in the future with global climate change.
Researchers at Yale University confirm the formation of dodecahedral water cages but find no evidence of the Eigen species. The study uses experimental techniques and supercomputers to determine how water molecules interconnect to form these cages, which play a crucial role in biological processes.
A recent NASA study verified that water vapor in the atmosphere increases with rising temperatures, contradicting some climate scientists' claims of a decrease. The researchers found the positive water vapor feedback to be weaker than expected, which may impact global climate predictions.
Researchers at Hamilton College have found that atmospheric water clusters could play a key role in accelerating the Greenhouse effect. The team's calculations suggest that larger water clusters should be detectable in the lower troposphere.
A study of children in Peru found that inadequate water and sanitation led to significant growth stunting, with children having poor conditions being 1 cm shorter. The research highlights the importance of adequate sewage disposal and access to safe water for reducing childhood malnutrition and diarrhea.
A new study by William Checkley and colleagues found that water and sanitation are key determinants of infant health in developing countries. The research, conducted on 230 Peruvian infants, revealed that inadequate water and sanitation can lead to higher rates of diarrheal episodes and stunted growth.
Researchers discovered that glacial erosion is controlled by the relationships of the ground beneath the glacier, the rubble pile, and the glacier itself. Glaciers achieve a steady state existence when the angle between their toe and sediment pile becomes too steep, causing streams to stop flowing and erosion to cease.
A 2002 NASA study found a significant decline in coral cover and species diversity after the 'black water' event, which was caused by a bloom of microscopic marine plants. The dark water reduced sunlight absorption, affecting the ecosystem.
A Cincinnati engineering study has found a potential remedy for Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning problem, suggesting deeper wells as a safer alternative. The research team recommends wells over 400 feet deep to reduce contamination risk.
The discovery reveals free water, loosely bound water, and tightly bound water, each influencing the process's speed and efficiency. The findings have significant implications for fuel cell development and potential improvements in hydrogen production.
The new Advanced Disinfection Technology System uses ultraviolet radiation to eliminate molds, viruses, and bacteria in water. It improves the disinfection process by mixing water efficiently, reducing UV lamp fouling and increasing light penetration.
Researchers developed a model predicting water redistribution in soils following irrigation or rainfall. Coarse-textured soils exhibit finger formation, leading to deep chemical movement and potential groundwater contamination. Longer, less frequent watering may decrease fingering near the surface.
A model suggests that only coarse-textured soils can form fingers capable of moving deep into the soil, leading to inefficient water use and potential groundwater contamination. Laboratory experiments show that even small amounts of water can create persistent pathways in sandy soils.
A study published in Vadose Zone Journal reveals that temperature measurements can accurately determine the rate of water movement towards the groundwater table. This information can help optimize irrigation practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of ground-water resources in the region.
Scientists used NASA's Terra satellite to study the effects of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in India, detecting dewatering and surface water far from the epicenter. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument provided compelling evidence of surface water in remote locations inaccessible to teams on the ground.
UAF Institute of Arctic Biology researcher comments on a Science article about patterned ground, a process of self-organization in nonliving things. The research highlights the emergence of intricate patterns in Alaskan mountain ranges and North Slope, without predicting or natural selection.
A NASA study found that lightning strikes in multiple locations, with 35% of recorded flashes striking the ground in two or more places. On average, each cloud-to-ground flash struck the ground in 1.45 separate places, increasing the risk of being struck by 45%.
The study found that household damages were not always proportional to levels of ground motion, with average damages being almost identical in high and medium ground motion zones. The majority of damage ($913 million) occurred in the medium ground motion zone, which is where nearly 60% of Puget Sound households are located.
The GSA 2002 conference discusses the impacts of human activities on natural systems, including droughts, wildfires, and ground-water depletion. Researchers also explore the role of climate change in shaping Earth's history, as seen in sediment cores from the Great Blue Hole.
Researchers collected sprite data during a balloon campaign to study the electromagnetic signature of lightning strokes that produce sprites. The results indicate that negative cloud to ground strokes produce sprite halos seven times more often than positive strokes, suggesting an energy imbalance in the mesosphere.
A new study investigates blood flow in toads' pelvic skin while absorbing water, finding a significant increase in red cell velocity prior to water exposure and a seven-fold increase within one minute. The results support the initial hypothesis that increased blood flow is associated with water absorption behavior.
A randomized trial found that lean ground beef fortified with soybean phytosterols lowered plasma total cholesterol by 9.3%, LDL cholesterol by 14.6%, and the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 9.1% in 4 weeks. This study suggests a lower-fat alternative for lowering CVD risk.
Researchers developed a formula to accurately determine water-use efficiency in typical soils, showing that no-till techniques can improve crop yields while reducing runoff and drainage losses. Soils with higher clay content and greater capacity to retain water produce better results, highlighting the importance of soil type management.
Researchers found that treated zeolite filters were effective in removing viruses and bacteria from drinking water, achieving 99% virus removal rates. The study suggests using zeolite filters as a low-cost solution for controlling the spread of diseases through contaminated wells.
Scientists have successfully pinned down water at a hydrophobic surface, revealing capillary waves that ripple against the surface. This finding may aid in understanding structure of water films near patchy hydrophilic-hydrophobic surfaces.
Recent Martian gullies and debris flows likely resulted from the melting of near-surface ground ice due to warming temperatures. The orientation of these features closely matches the predicted latitudinal distribution of warmest near-surface temperatures at high obliquity.
Professor Christer Bruun of the University of Toronto reveals that ancient Rome's aqueducts were technological marvels that brought clean water to over 1 million people. The Romans separated high-quality water for drinking from water used for flushing, a practice still lacking in many modern cities, including Canada.
Researchers found that groundwater in aquifers is generally older than expected based on flow velocity, due to mixing between aquitards and aquifers. This discovery has significant implications for estimating water supply yields and predicting contaminant migration rates.