A novel method assesses combined risk of multiple tap water pollutants in California, estimating over 15,000 cancer cases. The study uses a cumulative approach to calculate health impacts of carcinogens and toxic contaminants in public water systems.
Researchers found signs of ground failure, including slumped road ramps and liquefaction, in the aftermath of the 2018 Anchorage earthquake. The study suggests that shaking from the quake did not reactivate past landslides, likely due to its short duration.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.
A novel plasma water treatment method by electrical discharge has been developed, producing drinking water as suitable for consumption as ozonation, without carcinogens or high costs.
A global review of water reallocation from rural to urban regions found that 69 cities receive significant amounts of reallocated water, mainly driven by North America and Asia's growing populations. The practice is expected to rise further, with 2.5 billion more urban dwellers projected by 2050.
Researchers will assess and monitor changes in microbial ecology, water chemistry and nutrient availability in Pittsburgh's water system after adding orthophosphate. The study aims to understand the impact of orthophosphate on aquatic ecosystems and provide insights for other cities implementing this treatment.
Researchers found that weedy rice has evolved a root growth strategy that minimizes below-ground contact with other plants, allowing it to exploit the nutrient-sharing soil environment of rice fields. This 'cheater' root trait enables weedy rice to outcompete cultivated rice for essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new molecular model of water using machine learning, achieving high accuracy and reducing computational cost. The coarse-grained model replicates the behavior of water at the atomic scale, with applications in fields like materials science and climate modeling.
A team of researchers has revealed the molecular structure of membranes used in reverse osmosis, a leading method of purifying brackish water into drinking water. The study found that the perpendicular packing motif is better correlated with optimal filtration properties and may be related to how water pathways are oriented.
A new biosensor attached to a phone can detect arsenic levels in water, revealing a potential solution for contaminated drinking water sources. The device uses bacteria to generate easy-to-interpret patterns, providing an urgent need for simple and affordable monitoring tools.
Researchers detected Cryptosporidium parasites in 40% of surveyed wells in Minnesota's public water systems, even those not influenced by surface water. The findings suggest soil may not completely filter out the parasite, prompting consideration for monitoring and treatment measures.
Researchers found that emphasizing peer group norms and social identities can encourage people to conserve water. In studies across Norfolk, 'ingroup norms appeal' messages increased water savings by 7-14 litres per shower and boosted sign-ups for a free retrofitting service.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new technology to clean and purify produced water, a byproduct of the oil refinery industry, which is deemed unusable due to contaminants. The process uses activated charcoal foam and solar light to remove nearly all traces of oil from the water, meeting EPA standards for clean water.
Researchers measured groundwater loss and storage capacity during 2012-2015 drought, finding a permanent loss of up to three percent of the aquifer's storage capacity. The study provides water resource managers with better tools to monitor groundwater health and implement sustainable practices.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a solar-powered moisture harvester that captures and cleans water from the air using hydrogels. The system can produce up to 50 liters of clean water per kilogram of hydrogel, making it a promising solution for disaster situations, water crises, or poverty-stricken areas.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to realistic soil concentrations of imidacloprid affects solitary bees' mass, immature development speed, and adult longevity. Ground-nesting bee species are more susceptible to pesticide effects due to their smaller nest sizes and prolonged underground stays.
Scientists employed complementary techniques to investigate the reactivity of isoprene at the water interface, finding that oligomers formed exclusively in electrosprays. Computer simulations confirmed these results, highlighting the importance of surface-specific techniques when studying interfacial processes.
New polymer additives have been found to increase the storage stability of asphalt rubber, making it more suitable for producing rubber asphalt. This material has shown cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits in U.S. states that currently use ground tire rubber as a component of asphalt mixes.
A mathematical model of a train's movements during the 1906 earthquake suggests ground shaking was equivalent to at least a 'severe' level. The calculations are consistent with previous simulations and provide insights into future earthquakes in the region.
A new study found that over 5.6 million Americans are at risk of health problems due to high nitrate levels in their drinking water. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable, with higher proportions serving water systems with elevated nitrate levels.
Ground beetles of the genus Ozaena have been found to have morphological modifications that indicate they parasitize ant nests, unlike other species. These adaptations enable them to exploit ants as their sole source of food throughout their life cycle.
Research at Cornell University found that green tea brewed with bottled water contains double the amount of antioxidant EGCG as tap water, making it more bitter. In contrast, consumers prefer the sweeter taste of tea brewed with tap water.
The study developed three water sector development scenarios to compare costs and impacts of achieving SDG6 goals and meeting climate targets. The analysis shows that combining clean water and climate policies can increase implementation costs, but these increases are relatively small compared to the cost for implementing each policy o...
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered ways to gather water from nighttime fog and condensation using surfaces with conical shapes and grooved patterns. These designs can efficiently collect water droplets, similar to how cacti and desert grasses do in nature.
A new peanut variety has been discovered to conserve water during droughts, allowing it to maintain a high yield as the soil dries out. By reducing transpiration earlier in the drought cycle, the plant saves water for later use, resulting in increased productivity.
The Japanese infrared satellite AKARI has detected hydrated minerals containing water in a number of asteroids, providing insight into the distribution of water in our solar system. The study reveals that C-type asteroids were formed by the agglomeration of rocks and water ice, followed by aqueous alteration and dehydration.
A team at Cal Tech developed a novel approach to building a water force field, demonstrating its accuracy in predicting various properties of water. The new force field shows promise in improving drug design and understanding anomalous characteristics of water.
Researchers created an experimental model to evaluate fire and water interactions in soil, finding low- to moderate-severity wildfires result in wetter soil. High-severity burns lead to increased surface runoff, leaving drier soils after the fire.
A new study reveals a widespread decline in water storage in global endorheic basins, resulting in increased local water stress and potential sea level rise. The researchers found a net water loss of approximately 100 billion tons per year, equivalent to five Great Salt Lakes or three Lake Meads.
Researchers at RCSI are developing six prototypes to remove Contaminants of Emerging Concerns from drinking water and wastewater in rural India. The project aims to provide clean drinking water to 2.1 billion people without access to safe sources.
Researchers at KAUST developed a device that can capture its own weight in water from fresh air and release it when warmed by sunlight. The device uses deliquescent salt and a polymer hydrogel to absorb moisture from the air, which is then released continuously with the help of carbon nanotubes.
A new study found that US tap water contains a mixture of contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and lead, which can harm public health. The researchers detected high levels of lead in 23 samples, exceeding the EPA's zero-lead goal.
Researchers design robotic system inspired by jumping copepods and frogs, revealing the importance of body size and entrained water mass in achieving maximum jumping heights. The robot's limitations highlight the challenges of entering or exiting air-water interfaces.
A new study reveals that dams and reservoirs can have unintended consequences, including exacerbating droughts and water shortages. The research team found that increasing storage capacity can lead to a vicious cycle of higher demand and decreased sustainability.
The Water Scarcity Atlas provides an interactive map visualizing water scarcity around the globe, highlighting its evolution over the past century. The tool enables users to explore how their daily choices, such as diet and food waste, affect water resources worldwide.
Researchers measured the ground effect of flying animals and found that it saves twice as much energy as previously believed. The study supports the 'ground up' theory on how birds began to fly by suggesting that proto-wings evolved from running and jumping abilities.
Ground penetrating radar can accurately estimate soil water content by analyzing the strength of early time signals. This technology allows for quick measurement across large field sites, enabling farmers to optimize water usage and test irrigation system efficiency.
The world's largest outdoor shake table at UC San Diego will now test heavy structures with complex ground motions, enabling researchers to gather critical data on tall wooden buildings and retrofitting systems.
A comprehensive study found significant improvements in US water quality since the 1972 Clean Water Act took effect. However, recent economic analyses estimate that the costs of the legislation consistently outweigh its benefits.
The study reveals that the islanders used coastal groundwater discharge as their main source of drinkable water, making it possible for humans to collect freshwater directly at the coast. This finding is crucial in understanding how the island's large population was sustained.
A team of Penn State researchers analyzed the water footprint of 65 mid- to large-sized U.S. cities and found that larger cities consume less water per capita. This shift is attributed to changing economic activities, with larger cities becoming more service-oriented and shifting water-intensive industries to less populated regions.
A research team led by University of Nevada, Reno is investigating how changes in mountain snowpack affect available water and agricultural production in the arid West. The project aims to improve decision-making for water allocation and understand its impact on the economic well-being of various groups.
Researchers at CSU will develop an economic model to identify how different groups may gain or lose water access due to changing water availability and allocation rules. The goal is to inform decisions by modeling various scenarios of water supply and allocation.
Researchers developed a decision-making framework addressing water scarcity under climate change, explicitly considering uncertainties. The framework provides guidelines for policy options and helps policymakers make informed decisions on investments and interventions.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a technology to remove contaminants from storm water using mineral-coated sand. The coated sand can break down organic pollutants into smaller pieces that are less toxic and more biodegradable, creating a safe and local reservoir of drinking water for communities.
Researchers developed a new model explaining the interactions between small copper clusters and water molecules in producing molecular hydrogen. The study shows that copper-water complexes synthesized in ultra-cold helium nanodroplets can catalyze hydrogen production.
Agricultural irrigation accounts for 70% of water use in some regions, and increased efficiency can lead to more water extraction, not less. Higher irrigation efficiency may even increase on-farm water use and groundwater extraction, argues a recent study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Researchers at UCSB have identified a nuanced way to influence surface hydrophobicity, which affects how water interacts with solid surfaces. By varying the patterning of hydrophobic groups, they found that it can produce large effects on water dynamics, making it useful for designing more efficient membranes.
Scientists have found that many exoplanets, especially those between two to four times the size of Earth, are likely to be water-rich. This suggests that water worlds may be common, with implications for the search for life in our Galaxy.
A UC Davis study found significant variation in how water managers engage with climate information, with perspectives clustering by cultural terms. The researchers identified three types of manager's temporalities, from those who closely model futures to those who disregard climate change.
Researchers at TU Wien have successfully synthesized high-tech dyes using plain water under high temperatures, breaking the need for toxic solvents. The new method utilizes water's properties to dissolve organic substances and crystallize the dyes, enabling their use in organic electronics and demanding applications.
The Household Water Insecurity Research Coordination Network (RCN) aims to develop a geospatial perspective on water insecurity, which affects vulnerable households worldwide. The team will create a water security metric and engage with stakeholders in the international water sector.
A new Arizona State University study shows that animals may be able to use their own muscles to get water when it's not available. Researchers found that during reproduction, muscle metabolism is linked to the water requirements of developing offspring.
A team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering made surprising findings about the physics of water entry, particularly with solid objects in the water. The study revealed unexpected effects, including a decrease in pressure near a solid cylinder and an increase in pressure towards the keel of a wedge.
Research by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health found that flushing water lines may not be effective in reducing lead levels, potentially increasing exposure to children. The study suggests that certified water filters and more proactive interventions may be needed to protect children from lead in drinking water.
A researcher at the University of Córdoba has developed a model that uses artificial intelligence to predict water needs for farmers, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. The model uses fuzzy logic and neural networks to analyze data from remote control systems and establish optimal irrigation depths.
Researchers found that producing and deploying shade balls to prevent evaporation in reservoirs may actually consume more water than they conserve. The study estimates that for every drop of water saved by the balls, over one drop would be used elsewhere due to production requirements.
A team at TU Wien has uncovered the mystery behind water molecule structures on iron oxide surfaces, revealing complex bridge-like structures that play a significant role in chemical reactions. These findings have wide-ranging implications for processes such as corrosion and catalyst function, and pave the way for further research into...
A team of Swiss researchers used THz spectroscopy to measure the surprisingly slow response of solvating water after changing the charge distribution of a dissolved dye molecule. The study found a timescale around 10 picoseconds, which is slower than expected for liquid water.
A recent study published in Science reveals that atomically thin layers of water near solid surfaces exhibit no electric response, with a thickness of less than one nanometer. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of water in biological molecules, proteins, and technological processes.