Articles tagged with Natural Resources
A 16-year study found that over 100,000 orangutans were lost on Borneo due to changes in land cover, with many disappearing from intact forest areas. Effective partnerships with industries and public education are key to the species' survival.
John C. Stier, associate dean at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy, the highest recognition bestowed by the society. He is recognized for his career contributions to the turfgrass industry and his service as a professor and researcher.
The USDA has invested $3 million in three colleges serving Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to prepare students for careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources. The University of Hawaii and the University of Alaska Fairbanks will develop pathways to recruit underrepresented students into their programs.
The Massachusetts Wildlife Climate Action Tool has received a national award for its exemplary leadership in addressing climate change impacts on fish and wildlife species and their habitats. The tool, launched in 2015, provides information on climate change vulnerabilities and offers adaptation strategies to protect natural resources.
A North Carolina State University study reveals significant knowledge gaps in protecting cultural resources from climate-related changes. Researchers found that most studies focus on European and US sites, with limited research on Australia and Asia.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are using acoustics to understand and track the movement of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. By analyzing the beetle's chirp signatures, they hope to develop a new method for tracking and mitigating its impact on Hawaii's palm trees.
A study found that household dust contains 45 potentially toxic chemicals, including phthalates, phenols, and flame retardants, which can be inhaled or ingested. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, such as cancer, developmental toxicity, and respiratory issues.
A global analysis reveals one-sixth of Earth's land is vulnerable to invasive species, with most countries having limited capacity to respond. Developed countries will face new invaders due to climate change and globalization.
A new virus, largemouth bass reovirus, has been discovered in association with a 2015 fish kill in Pine Lake, Wisconsin. The virus is a distant relative of known pathogens and makes the species a key suspect in fish mortality.
The 1815 UK geologic map, created by William Smith, is still remarkably accurate two centuries later due to its innovative features. The map's accuracy can be attributed to a combination of creative individuality, technological advancements, and favorable taxation laws.
Researchers uncovered evidence of early Chacolithic agropastoral communities using rock-shelters as enclosures for sheep and goats. The study reveals a correlation between the use of shelters and grazing areas in the Sierra de Cantabria region.
A recent study reveals that societies follow common development patterns, leading to overexploitation of natural resources and ecosystems. The Living Planet Index and Human Development Index show a stark contrast between Western countries' environmental degradation and developing countries' accelerating resource depletion. To avoid cat...
A new study suggests that US antitrust laws may be too restrictive for companies to collaborate on sustainable and socially-responsible business practices. This could limit the development of innovative solutions to address climate change and natural resource limitations, ultimately harming consumers.
A Rice University study explores how opposition from target countries influences the expansion of state-owned enterprises. The authors identified five geopolitical factors that shape the level of welcome, including geographic distance, similarity of religious beliefs, government types, resource complementarity, and nationalist politics.
Climate change is forcing species of migrating fish to shift their range towards the poles, affecting people who depend on them. Wealthier communities with stronger resource management tend to benefit more from these changes, exacerbating global inequality.
A new Yale-led study suggests that climate change reallocates global wealth in unpredictable ways, leading to a potential net loss in global wealth. The researchers argue that price impacts in resource-rich areas can significantly affect wealth reallocation.
A study by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that emissions controls on coal-fired power plants reduced mercury levels in the air by up to 75% over a 10-year period. This reduction was strongly correlated with power plant emissions from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
A new study maps deer migration patterns across Georgia, revealing peak collision times and areas for increased vigilance. By knowing these dates, drivers can be more cautious and avoid deadly accidents.
Researchers at UGA's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory found toxic chemical Aroclor 1268 in egg and tissue samples of least terns across coastal Georgia, causing adverse effects. The contaminant has spread beyond the Superfund site via the food web, posing a risk to bird populations.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change may affect tourism at US national parks, with potential increases in visitation in temperate areas and decreases in high-latitude and high-elevation parks. The authors suggest that protected areas can adapt to these changes to minimize detriment.
Research finds that scarcity makes consumers choose their favorite item more, while abundance leads to varied selections. This effect can be manipulated through psychological arousal, influencing decision-making in various contexts.
A study of Aegean wall lizard populations on Greek islands reveals that island tameness is driven by both predator diversity and island isolation. Lizards on small, long-isolated islands are most susceptible to introduced predators, highlighting the need for conservation efforts prioritizing these populations.
Researchers develop a novel catalyst to cleave aromatic carbon-carbon bonds in benzene at relatively mild temperatures, offering unprecedented mechanistic details on hydrocracking. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and selective production of valuable materials from natural resources.
A study by Harvard University researchers found that allowing people to vote on resource harvesting led to the preservation of these resources for future generations. The voting system used was based on the median of all votes cast, which encouraged altruistic decisions and cooperation across generations.
Researchers analyzed 842 Ohio soil samples, finding all had high levels of arsenic above EPA's screening standard. Natural geological and soil processes are the main cause of these high levels.
Scientists have made significant discoveries in US National Parks, including a vast Yellowstone magma reservoir and ancient plant fossils. Rising seas threaten coastal parks like Cape Hatteras and Everglades, highlighting the need for climate change response efforts.
The 2013 National Geoscience Student Exit survey found that majority of doctoral and master's candidates were employed within geosciences fields. Many bachelor's candidates still sought employment or planned to attend graduate school.
A Dartmouth study sheds new light on the Wari civilization's expansion, suggesting they focused on colonization practices rather than centralized control. The researchers found that Wari power was limited to specific regions and did not emanate continuously outward from a key administrative center.
A recent survey found that most master's graduates participated in at least one internship experience, leading to employment within the geosciences industry. Bachelor's and doctoral graduates, on the other hand, had lower participation rates and less favorable career outcomes.
Recent geoscience graduates identify enjoyment working outdoors and lifelong interest in the subject as common motivations. The American Geosciences Institute's National Geoscience Student Exit Survey analyzed over 400 responses from 71 departments to gain insights into the profession's appeal.
Researchers explored cathodic protection's applicability in permafrost regions, finding it may offer long-term protection when combined with high-performance coatings. The study aimed to overcome high electrical resistance frozen phases.
Concordia University has received a $2 million funding to develop new techniques for reducing building energy consumption. Researchers will test smart features, solar panels, and heat-storage technologies to make buildings more efficient and sustainable.
A prescribed burn is being conducted on the 22,000-acre Otis Air National Guard installation to manage habitat and reduce wildfire risk. The burn aims to eliminate dead wood and debris that can act as fuel for wildfires.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that strictly protected areas and indigenous lands successfully limit deforestation in the Amazon. The research used remote-sensing data from 292 protected areas and found that these types of protection are more effective than sustainable-use areas.
Physicists at the University of Vienna created nano-machines that replicate protein functions, enabling innovative pharmaceutical research. These 'bionic proteins' could be used as stable drug delivery vehicles and enzyme-like catalysts, revolutionizing various biological processes.
Vegetated drainage ditches have been shown to effectively capture herbicides and insecticides from field runoff, reducing their impact on downstream waterways. This innovative solution provides a cost-effective way for farmers to manage agricultural pollutants and protect natural resources.
Archaeologists discovered burnt artefacts in the Molí del Salt site in Tarragona, Spain, dating back to the end of the Upper Palaeolithic Age. The recycling of stone tools was common for domestic activities and linked to expedited behaviour.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri is working on a $5.4 million grant project to develop non-food biofuel crops that can thrive in marginal land without affecting food production. The goal is to produce 6-8 billion gallons of liquid fuel annually, with minimal impact on the food supply.
A recent study published in Nature found that many tropical protected areas are struggling to sustain their biodiversity, despite being our best hope for preserving tropical forests. However, the research also highlights the importance of eliminating threats outside park boundaries and maintaining existing parks.
A long-term study reveals that nature tourism in China's Wolong Nature Reserve increases conservation efforts, but disproportionately benefits individuals with existing resources. The research suggests that poverty alleviation policies may need to be revised to address the unequal distribution of benefits.
A study by LSU sociologists found that individuals with stronger sense of community attachment experienced higher anxiety, worry and fear during the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. Strong attachments can create a self-reinforcing cycle of stress and anxiety when communities are threatened by natural resource depletion.
A University of Rhode Island study found that Tanzania's Saadani National Park protects mangrove ecosystems while providing new income opportunities for local communities through increased fishing and shrimping activities. Mangrove cover declined by 27% before park establishment, but remained stable with reduced harvesting.
The special 'Fragile Earth' field guide examines records and recording tools of geological processes, including plate motions and deep crustal structure. The conference in Munich, Germany, focuses on global to local scales and associated hazards and resources.
Researchers found hunter attitudes toward wolves inconsistent with stewardship, and existing game hunts are not suitable models for a potential wolf hunt. Support for regulated wolf hunting is conditional and varies among respondents.
An online mentoring program helped students in agriculture and natural resources gain insight into career opportunities and college life. The program expanded students' views of career possibilities and increased their willingness to relocate for career purposes.
A study by Michigan State University found that students enrolling in fishery and wildlife programs are leaving after completing coursework due to limited hands-on experiences and challenging academic requirements. The researchers identified seven categories for student departure, including engagement, employment, and academic rigor.
Researchers at Rothamsted Research and ICARDA developed a method to account for spatial trend in single crop field trials, improving accuracy on line performance estimates. The new approach can significantly enhance precision in estimating crop yield and characteristics.
A major new study on the impact of conservation efforts reveals that many vertebrate species are threatened, but seagrasses, which provide habitat for these animals, are experiencing significant loss. Researchers say pollution and coastal development are main drivers of biodiversity loss.
A case study from Washington State University explores how Urban Agriculture is used to help homeless and underprivileged youth. The CSA program, implemented in Seattle's South Park Neighborhood, provides a weekly box of produce while promoting social skills and employment.
University of Missouri researchers create a National Botanical Research Center to investigate the safety and efficacy of botanical dietary supplements, focusing on five key plants that may aid in preventing strokes, prostate cancer, and infectious diseases.
A growing number of people are traveling to Tornado Alley for an experience beyond thrills, seeking unique encounters with nature's power and beauty. Most tourists, mostly middle-aged and educated, spend $3,000-$5,000 on a one-to-two week tour with experienced storm chasers.
A collaboration between Iowa State University's Horticulture, Library, and English departments resulted in improved student outcomes. Students valued the input from faculty and enjoyed interacting with them at poster sessions.
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.
The USDA Forest Service's More Kids in the Woods program provides week-long summer day camps focused on natural resources themes. The camps, supported by local partners, promote environmental awareness and stewardship among young people.
A new method for effective discussions involves a student facilitator who directs the discussion, rather than a leader controlling content. This approach encourages all participants to contribute, promoting equal participation and improving communication skills.
A new approach to teaching agriculture in the classroom uses case studies to motivate students and inspire changes in attitude. The study found that engaging students with real-world examples improved their understanding and presentation skills, but some felt that more time was needed for discussions and activities.
Scientists use repeat photography to study riparian areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of experiential learning in understanding spatial and temporal variability. Participants found that using photographs enhanced their understanding of these concepts, especially climate change impacts.
Researchers transformed an agricultural science course for Kú teachers to incorporate culturally relevant learning, improving teacher confidence and student satisfaction. The course built a community of practice among teachers, incorporating project-based learning and Hawaiian culture.
Researchers developed a pilot program to integrate hands-on learning activities into routine lab work for undergraduate students. The program increased participants' interest in sustainable agriculture and found that farm visits were most important in making lab work meaningful.
A study examines how public officials obtain information about debatable scientific issues, including agricultural biotechnology. Results show that Texas legislators relied more on the Cooperative Extension Service, while state FFA officers preferred online sources.