A study by researchers at the University of Vermont found that 26% of people visiting parks during early COVID-19 months had rarely visited nature in the previous year. Park users reported increased importance for these areas and access to them, with 81% saying access was very important.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Vermont reported significant increases in outdoor activity, with women leading the way. Outdoor activities such as watching wildlife, gardening, and walking increased by up to 70%. People also valued nature for its mental health benefits, exercise opportunities, and sense of spirituality.
The ReNature project has launched a collection of research articles exploring the excellence of nature-based solutions for innovation, sustainable economic growth, and human well-being in Malta. The collection aims to promote capacity-building and share knowledge on successful implemented nature-based solutions.
A University of Missouri researcher studied an island fox and its mainland relative to understand human evolution. The study found that the island fox's smaller body size was likely due to adapting to its new environment, not a disease.
The Parker Solar Probe has discovered that the densities of dust particles around the sun vary wildly over months, contradicting scientists' expectations. This finding suggests a more complex and fast-shifting dusty environment than previously thought, with implications for understanding planet formation.
A new study examines global trends in nature's contributions to people, revealing declines in natural regulations of water pollutants and negative impacts on crop yields. The research highlights the critical need for better management of earth systems to ensure sustainable benefits for future generations.
The University of the Basque Country has developed a system using natural language processing techniques to represent sensors and human activity in smart environments. By giving sensors meaningful names, the algorithm can transfer knowledge from one environment to another, overcoming a major challenge in smart homes.
A four-year project aims to assess the breakdown of biodegradable plastics in open environments, exploring their impact on species and ecosystems. The study will also examine the effects of chemicals added to plastics on organisms and wider ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed a massive dataset of seasonal events across the former Soviet Union and found that species' activities fail to keep up with their cues due to past evolution. Local adaptation patterns result in a massive imprint on nature's calendar, making geographic variation in seasonal timing more pronounced in spring and less ...
A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to high levels of air pollution, particularly during pregnancy, is associated with higher blood pressure in childhood. The research team analyzed data from 4,279 children living in six European cities and found a significant link between NO2 levels and diastolic blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a new tool called DISCO that enables the analysis of individual cells in their natural environment. The method combines cell microscopy with single-cell omics platforms, allowing scientists to study stem cells and other rare cell types in greater detail.
A recent study suggests that formal 'green prescriptions' to spend time in nature for people with mental health conditions may actually undermine some of the benefits. Research found that visits were associated with emotional and wellbeing benefits when done by choice, but not when pressured by others.
Researchers recommend a 'safety net' of multiple, ambitious nature goals to tackle biodiversity decline. The new goals should focus on ecosystems, species, genetic diversity, and nature's contributions to people, with high ambitions and holistic delivery.
Researchers propose a new theory that suggests the existence of a biodynamic interface between humans and their environment, which mediates interaction between biological and environmental systems. This interface considers social, behavioral, and cultural dynamics, allowing scientists to assess its impact on health outcomes.
Watching high-quality nature programs on TV can uplift moods and reduce negative emotions, while experiencing virtual reality nature can lead to increased positive feelings and a stronger connection to the natural world. The study found that interactive VR experiences had the most significant benefits.
A new study by Stanford University's Natural Capital Project emphasizes the importance of considering diverse human needs when conserving ecosystems. The researchers argue that a one-size-fits-all approach can exacerbate existing social and racial inequalities, and instead recommend inclusive policies that prioritize equity.
A team of neuroscientists has identified processes the brain uses to distinguish real and present dangers from those linked to past experiences in mice. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where patients struggle to distinguish between safety and threat cues.
A new study suggests that shifting American diets to increase vegetable and nut intake while decreasing red meat and added sugar consumption could reduce environmental degradation by 28-38%. This approach would also improve health outcomes, making it a win-win for the environment and human health.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland finds that sustainable nature tourism can effectively mediate conflicts between nature conservation and tourism. The approach was successfully implemented in Koli National Park, where it helped balance economic development with environmental protection.
A survey of nurses caring for children with heart problems found that more than half were emotionally exhausted. Good working environments were linked with less burnout, with an 81% fall in emotional exhaustion when improving the workplace environment was implemented.
A review by Dr Chawla finds that connecting with nature supports young people's happiness, health, and environmental awareness, while also generating complex emotions linked to climate change. The study highlights the need for strategies that balance promoting a positive connection with nature with addressing its challenges.
A new study found that solitary outdoor activities, such as fishing or hunting, are key to building a strong connection between children and nature. Social activities outdoors also help cement this bond. Children who engage in these activities enjoy being outside and feel comfortable, leading to mental and physical benefits.
A Stanford-led paper explores the unprecedented socioeconomic disruption caused by COVID-19, hypothesizing outcomes for Earth systems and outlining research priorities. The study aims to better understand the impacts of human activity on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, and the global economy.
Astrophysicist Dimitra Atri's study suggests the presence of a life-supporting environment on ancient Mars due to traces of water and radiation-driven chemical reactions. The ExoMars mission may detect microbial life in this subsurface environment, providing valuable insights into the planet's habitability.
A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals that small amounts of plutonium were released into the environment during the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The research found that plutonium was included inside cesium-rich microparticles, which were emitted from the damaged reactors and deposited across Japan.
A new study highlights the importance of access to nature in addressing community health needs, citing benefits to physical, mental, and social health. Researchers recommend incorporating assessments of nature access into patient encounters and refer patients to community groups increasing green areas.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that short, frequent walks in blue spaces significantly improve well-being and mood. Researchers measured participants' blood pressure and heart rate before, during, and after walks in a beach environment versus urban environments.
A new study using ecological network models finds that many ecosystem engineers, such as the shipworm and beavers, create stability in ecosystems, preventing extinctions. The model uses simple rules to show how food webs are assembled and species interactions change over time.
A major study finds associations between air pollution, smoking, and built environment characteristics with increased childhood BMI. Exposure to maternal smoking, air pollutants PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, and densely populated areas were linked to higher childhood BMI.
New study analyzes nearly 60 infographics and documents on plastic lifetimes, revealing inconsistencies in reported estimates. Researchers found varying numbers of years, from one to hundreds of years, and even a striking uniformity in fishing line degradation estimates at 600 years.
A study led by the University of Hawai?i Cancer Center reveals that genetic mutations can make individuals more susceptible to cancer upon exposure to environmental carcinogens. The research highlights the importance of identifying gene-environment interactions in cancer prevention and early detection strategies.
Researchers developed a new metric called Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) to measure the value of nature's contributions to economic activity. GEP accounts for benefits like clean water and climate security, informing investments in securing them and evaluating policy performance.
Researchers found that less than 10% of protected areas are home to invasive species, but almost all are at risk due to nearby human activity and lack of monitoring. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to monitor and record invasive alien species in protected areas.
Elsevier has launched a free access special issue of curated content focused on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and protecting the planet. The collection features over 60 carefully selected journal articles and book chapters supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A study led by University of Maryland Baltimore County Ph.D. candidate Samuel Hulse demonstrates a strong correlation between the visual patterns on male darter fish and their environments, supporting sensory drive theory. The findings show that male fish with colors easily perceivable in their environment are more likely to reproduce.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that socioeconomic status independently affects cognitive ability and brain structure during adolescence. The study showed that environmental factors have a stronger impact on brain development than genes.
Researchers at IST Austria found that actin flows from front to tail, driving cell movement, and can couple with environment without integrins, enabling flexible crawling through tissues. This 'off-road' mode of locomotion allows cells to migrate efficiently in various environments.
Researchers at Stanford University explore viral and environmental characteristics that affect COVID-19 transmission via surfaces, air, and fecal matter. They propose a broader approach to understanding viruses to better predict their behavior in the environment.
Twelve UNIST students have won a total of 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 5 Bronze awards at the 2020 Samsung Humantech Paper Awards. The winners include TaeJung Lim and MinHo Seong for their innovative research in mechanical engineering and energy/environment.
Researchers from diverse fields collaborate to understand plant-environment interactions, bridging paleoecology, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more. Key findings reveal how plants leverage their genomes to adapt to abiotic stressors and interact with microbes.
A NUS study analyzed over 31,500 photographs from 185 countries to find a positive correlation between nature experiences and life satisfaction globally. The research team discovered that images of fun activities and vacations are more likely to contain elements of nature.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that connectedness to nature has a positive association with sustainability practices and behaviors in children, leading to higher levels of happiness. The study suggests that promoting exposure to nature can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and environmental care in younger g...
A participatory study in Bilbao reveals that the urban environment influences eating behavior, with socioeconomic differences affecting food choices. The study identified six themes, including unhealthy eating behaviors, cultural diversity, and limited involvement of citizens and authorities in improving neighborhoods.
A new study found that an enriched environment with physical activity, socialization, and cognitive stimulation helps heal young, injured brains in premature newborns. The study suggests that recovery of the brain's white matter requires a combination of all experimental interventions, not just a single one.
A new publication in Nature Communications presents a unifying model that explains diverse interactions between decision strategy and the environment, highlighting the similarity of their features. The findings shed light on the tight-knit forces that link changes in strategic action to environmental change, and vice versa.
Researchers found that reconnecting with nature enhances human health and encourages environmental protection. People who visit natural spaces weekly report better wellbeing, while also being more likely to engage in eco-friendly activities.
The Helsinki Declaration emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to protect human health and the environment. Key findings include the importance of social justice, long-term goals, and scientific knowledge in addressing planetary health threats.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that people who live in areas with more natural exposure are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors. Urban greening initiatives could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Researchers have identified a repeating Fast Radio Burst source in a nearby spiral galaxy, which is radically different from previous studies. The discovery challenges assumptions about the origin of these mysterious radio pulses and may indicate that FRBs are produced in a large zoo of locations across the Universe.
Researchers link various environmental factors such as food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with engagement in weight management programs. The study also examines the impact of changes in the food, built, and socioeconomic environment on BMI in US counties.
A new study by University of Chicago biologists found that Mediterranean mussels with existing genetic variation can adapt to declining pH levels in seawater caused by carbon emissions. The surviving population in the low pH environment differed genetically from others, suggesting a faster adaptation process if no new mutation arises.
The Wyss Academy for Nature tackles biodiversity losses, climate change, and land resource demands by bringing together experts from policy, business, and civil society. The initiative aims to develop forward-looking solutions on a global scale.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that oxidative stress in early life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life. Oxidative stress, which occurs when cells produce more oxidants than they can deal with, is part of the aging process but can also arise from stressful conditions.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that humans form mental representations of uncertainty by integrating incomplete sensory evidence into a larger context. Participants predicted the likelihood of future events based on contextual information, demonstrating a refined probabilistic representation of their environment.
Researchers found that space travel disrupts intestinal epithelial cell barrier function even after return to Earth. The microgravity environment weakens the immune system and increases gastrointestinal permeability.
A growing digital connection to wildlife is crucial for securing broad public support for wildlife protection, according to a new study. Digital innovations such as fitness apps, live feeds, and virtual reality experiences are changing cultural relationships with wildlife.
Researchers analyzed pleural effusion fluid from patients with non-small cell lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, discovering unique cytokine profiles that may influence the tumor environment. The study suggests harnessing the local pleural immune environment could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers explore controlled environment agriculture as a means to address urban food systems, offering advantages such as year-round crop production and reduced energy consumption. The study highlights the potential for controlled environments to increase food security and support local economies.
The Nature Index supplement reveals that Chinese and US researchers co-authored over 4,600 articles between 2015 and 2018, showcasing the resilience of international collaboration. In contrast, UK-EU collaborations have stagnated since 2016, despite growth in high-energy physics and genetics research.
Researchers at TU Wien have created a calculation method to determine the perfect wave form for manipulating small particles in complex environments. This allows for precise control over particles without direct physical contact, opening up new possibilities for biological research and applications.