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When, where and how wet is the forest?

A study by Göttingen University researchers combined satellite data with manual measurements to better understand forest soil moisture. The findings show that soil moisture is strongly influenced by weather and season, not exact location, and highlight the importance of monitoring soil moisture over time for effective forest management.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2025

AGU and AMS join forces on special collection to maintain momentum of research supporting the US National Climate Assessment

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) are collaborating on a special collection to maintain momentum in climate change research supporting the US National Climate Assessment. This effort aims to sustain the work of authors who were dismissed earlier this week by the Trump Administration.

Stephen S. Morse named as next Editor-in-Chief of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal

Stephen S. Morse has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal, with a focus on building knowledge on preventive measures. Dr. Morse will oversee the journal's content, ensuring it translates science into practice and integrates medical and public health perspectives.

Insects are disappearing due to agriculture – and many other drivers, new research reveals

A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2025

Major dust-up for water in the Colorado River

Researchers used satellite data to analyze the impact of dust on snowmelt in the Colorado River Basin. The study found that dust-driven melting tends to peak earliest and be most intense in central-southern Rocky Mountains, accelerating spring melt rates by up to 1 mm water-equivalent per hour.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2025

The lush past of the world’s largest desert

A recent study by an international team reveals that the Arabian Peninsula's desert was once home to a vast lake and river system, which fostered grasslands and savannahs, enabling human migration. The findings highlight the impact of climate cycles on landscapes and human societies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeNews article·DateApr 7, 2025

AI technique boosts climate change defenses

Researchers used reinforcement learning to simulate coastal defense strategies against sea level rise and flooding, finding dynamic seawalls to be more cost-effective than traditional methods. The study aimed to address uncertainty in long-term climate change mitigation efforts and provide a flexible approach for communities to prepare...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (dupe)·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2025

Study points the way to developing the Amazon bioeconomy

A recent study on the governance of public policy in the Brazilian state of Amazonas recommends an experimentalist governance system that integrates local efforts and values traditional knowledge. The approach prioritizes the conservation of ecosystems while promoting socio-economic development and attracting investment to the region.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRevista de Administração Contemporânea·DateMar 12, 2025

Towards smart cities: Integrating ground source heat pump systems with energy piles

The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSmart Cities·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2024

Researchers reveal key factors behind Japan’s plastic waste removal rates in rivers

A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Climate change threatens global food supply: Scientists call for urgent action

An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 5, 2024