Articles tagged with Environmental Management
A team of ecologists is calling for the designation of World Heritage Environmental Datasets to secure funding and ensure their long-term accessibility. These datasets, which include vital information on climate change adaptation, resource management, and environmental policy, are essential to understanding global change.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a novel method to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', in contaminated water. The hydrogen-infusion and UV light-based process achieves high molecular destruction rates without generating unwanted byproducts.
A new analysis led by Dr. Asaf Tzachor finds that replacing beef with Spirulina algae can save nearly 100kg of greenhouse gas emissions, 340 square meters of land and 1,400 liters of water for every kilogram of beef meat replaced.
Researchers used environmental DNA footprints to analyze insect biodiversity in four apple orchards, uncovering the importance of wild non-bee pollinators and multiple pest species. The study suggests that analyzing genetic footprints can provide a more comprehensive view of insect diversity, leading to new management strategies.
Researchers at Rutgers University simulated climate change's impact on allergenic pollens, finding significant increases in airborne pollen loads by 2050. The study predicts earlier start times and longer durations for pollen seasons across the US, with notable regional shifts.
A new study has identified major barriers to conserving island ecosystems, including poor governance policies and lack of staff training. The research highlights the need for targeted funding and incentives to support frontline conservation workers in their efforts to protect these critical ecosystems.
Through its Integrated Pest Management program, WVU Extension educates growers on safe techniques, including barriers, insect traps, and predatory insects. The goal is to reduce pesticide use and promote environmentally friendly practices.
A study found that Antarctic ice-free areas will create new habitats for some species, but also increase competition and risk of invasion by non-native species. The research highlights the need to address key questions about the impacts of these changes on biodiversity.
A comprehensive analysis of quality improvement initiatives in operating rooms reveals that sustainability interventions can significantly reduce costs and decrease carbon footprint. The study identified effective strategies such as powering down lights and equipment, reducing waste, and implementing recycling programs.
Researchers have found that cyclones and fires can interact in devastating ways, causing more damage than either event alone. The study suggests that high-intensity bushfires could be followed by cyclones, encroaching on previously low-risk areas and extending damage zones.
A study by the University of Exeter found that 74% of green turtles foraging in Cyprus feed at Lake Bardawil, an Egyptian lagoon. The number of turtle nests has increased almost tripled since the early 1990s, but their dependence on this single location leaves them vulnerable to changes in conditions.
Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.
An interdisciplinary team will uncover complex biological systems and develop tools to globally document coral reef health changes. The research aims to understand how herbivory rate at the ecosystem scale emerges and shapes the ecosystem, ultimately informing management of ecosystems.
A new study has created a comprehensive database of 265 show caves worldwide to monitor the effects of tourism on fragile cave ecosystems. The research found that tourists can disturb life in caves through increased temperatures, pollutants, and noise, posing a threat to subterranean species.
The study developed an extended deep Q-network (EDQN)-incorporated context-based meta-RL model that can autonomously detect traffic states, classify regimes, and assign signal phases. The model outperformed existing algorithms in simulation experiments and showed adaptability to new tasks without adjusting parameters.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
A recent study by 70 scientists highlights the devastating effects of climate change on insects, which play critical roles in ecosystems. Gradual warming and extreme events harm insects, affecting their physiology, behavior, and interactions with other species.
A new study from UMass Amherst identifies over 3,000 invasive plant species, but estimates suggest there could be up to 4,721 more, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive global list. The research highlights the importance of floristic surveys in understudied regions to fill knowledge gaps.
The US Harmful Algal Bloom Control Technology Incubator aims to advance innovative ways to control blooms impacting marine ecosystems and regional economies. The partnership between UMCES and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will offer funding and guidance for innovative control technology projects.
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
A study by UBC Okanagan researchers suggests that tire particles can contaminate freshwater sources, including lakes like Okanagan and Kalamalka. The researchers estimated that over 50 tonnes of tire and road wear particles are released into waterways annually.
Researchers discovered Borgs, DNA packages that supercharge methane-eating microbes' metabolic rate. These genetic elements play a role in balancing atmospheric methane levels by encoding cellular machinery for methane consumption.
Pharmaceutical contamination poses significant risks to ecosystems due to the widespread use of medicines in humans and animals. Researchers emphasize the need for greener drug design, improved wastewater management, and responsible use of drugs.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers estimates the costs of removing invasive Miscanthus plants, ranging from $85 to $3,316 per site. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges of eradication and highlight the need for accurate research and planning.
Researchers identified 257 rhizoplane microbial biomarkers associated with six key agronomic traits, revealing a complex association between millet genotype, root microbiome, and crop growth. The study provides insights into precision agriculture based on genotype-dependent microbial effects in foxtail millet.
A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
A study has mapped streamflow alterations across the continental US, using measurements from over 7,000 stream gauges. The dataset provides valuable data for determining societal impacts on ecosystems and setting environmental flow standards.
A new study examines the impact of sea level rise on building foundations and proposes a method for inspection and repair to lower costs. The researchers estimate that the annual repair cost for foundations in Mobile, Alabama, could total $90 million by 2100.
Researchers at Washington State University found that eco-friendly hotel certifications do not lead to financial benefits for hotels. However, displaying comparable pricing information and informing consumers about green certification can boost future sales. The study suggests that the tourism industry needs sustainable practices to re...
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that captive frogs can be protected from the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) through natural skin shedding processes. However, captivity also reduces skin bacteria diversity and richness, potentially affecting the frogs' resilience to pathogens.
Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.
A new DNA extraction technique has enabled researchers to analyze genetically diverse mollusc species from museum collections, shedding light on their evolutionary history and informing conservation management. The method's success opens up novel research avenues, particularly for endangered or never-before-seen-alive molluscs.
A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a new analysis model to estimate the number of wild animals harvested through hunting in Sweden. The model provides a better estimation of wild animal populations and reduces uncertainty, making it easier to track changes in ecosystems.
A new study suggests that using propane as a refrigerant in air conditioners could significantly reduce the global temperature increase from space cooling, with a potential decrease of up to 0.09°C by the end of the century. This is due to propane's low global warming potential score of less than 1.
A new standardized framework allows conservationists to evaluate positive impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity. EICAT+ provides a comprehensive understanding of non-native species' effects on native ecosystems, enabling informed conservation decisions.
New research from the University of Waterloo suggests that relying on stormwater management ponds to restore wetlands is unsustainable and lacks critical ecosystem services. The study found a low proportion of wetlands left in areas with high pond creation rates, posing an environmental challenge.
Researchers analyzed four pesticides' effects on earthworms and springtails in Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. They found varying risks depending on soil compartment and pesticide characteristics. The study highlights the need to consider regional variability when regulating agricultural practices.
A new study from the University of Washington and the National Park Service measured 38 years of change for glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. The study found that 13 of 19 glaciers have shown significant retreat, while two have advanced. Lake-terminating glaciers are retreating at a faster rate than other types.
A UBC research team created a computer modelling program to predict coral reef impact and restoration plans. They found that more diverse communities are most resilient, with species having unique traits contributing to habitat quality.
Researchers found that rapid vegetation recovery in Fukushima reduced suspended sediment levels and turbidity effects. The study highlights the need for future remediation projects to include measures like revegetation to mitigate downstream environmental impacts.
A newly published framework outlines steps for administering probiotics to wildlife, prioritizing native species, effective dosages, and delivery systems. The goal is to restore beneficial bacteria and protect key symbiotic relationships, while considering potential risks and side effects.
A large genomic study of snapper has identified three distinct oceanic snapper populations between Shark Bay and Ceduna in South Australia. The populations are genetically distinct and have unique geographical ranges, suggesting that snapper can make long-distance movements.
Researchers found that farm management practices like crop diversification and native plant presence support wild bee conservation. Urban agriculture can benefit local bee populations if managed sustainably.
Researchers found that 58.4% of humpback whales in the New York Bight Apex stayed more than one day and returned within or between years. The average length of stay was 37.6 days.
A comprehensive census of common dolphin populations along Australia's southern coastline has identified key pointers for future conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of preserving adaptive DNA diversity and promoting connectivity between dolphin groups to support long-term gene flow and adaptation.
A new study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 kilometers in gentle weather conditions, with cumulative impacts likely in areas with multiple mines. The deep sea is home to organisms found nowhere else on Earth, and mining activities could have untold impacts on these species.
Researchers highlight need for stronger integration of international negotiations to protect the ocean. They emphasize the importance of the ecosystem approach and regional environmental management plans in achieving a more cohesive global governance solution.
A new UTSC study analyzed Statistics Canada data to examine environmental behaviors and attitudes across Canada. The research found that Canadians are not deeply divided on many important environmental issues, with some common ground potential in drafting national policies.
More than 300 EU experts propose changes to the future CAP to protect farmland biodiversity, including direct aids and spatial planning. The new policy should favor attaining environmental targets, encouraging practices that promote biodiversity.
A University of Washington study found that Pacific salmon in larger groups have lower predation risk, but may trade safety for food. The researchers analyzed historical data on fish catches and predator wounds to estimate group size and predation risk, revealing the benefits and costs of schooling in marine fish.
Two Rutgers studies project that offshore wind farms will reduce Atlantic surfclam catches by 3-15%, with losses reaching 25% in New Jersey. A spatially-explicit model, SEFES, predicts impacts on fishing behavior and revenue.
Researchers from Japan developed a new model to assess mangrove forest productivity, which is influenced by environmental factors such as sea surface temperature and salinity. The model uses satellite data to estimate productivity and performed better than traditional terrestrial models.
Researchers studying Mexico City's 700-year history highlight the need for democratic adaptation decisions and prioritizing climate justice over technological innovation. The city's complex water management system, built on an island in a saline lake, demonstrates trade-offs between flood control and urban development.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.
Inhaled anaesthetic gases are potent greenhouse gases with effects up to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care recommends reducing their use through alternatives like TIVA and regional anaesthesia.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the ecological impact of invasive species alone is comparable to its combined effect with warming temperatures, drought, or nitrogen deposition. This suggests that managing invasive species at a local level can make ecosystems more climate resilient.
Researchers use AI software to identify invasive species and native trees threatened by disease from photos taken by on-train cameras. This technology enables railway workers to take action to better manage lineside vegetation and achieve biodiversity net gain by 2035.