Articles tagged with Environmental Management
Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.
A new study finds that releasing captive-bred native fish into the wild negatively impacts entire ecosystems, disrupting delicate balances and leading to reduced genetic diversity. The practice, which has been used for over a century, may be doing more harm than good.
A new study from the University of Illinois forecasts how increased tile drainage and crop rotation will impact nitrogen loads in Midwestern watersheds. The research team developed a model that reveals the mechanism behind nitrate increases with flow, providing a starting point for reducing nutrient loss.
Researchers found strong seasonality in blue whales' foraging and breeding behavior, with changes in vocalizations based on environmental conditions like marine heatwaves. The study's findings can inform conservation management of this endangered blue whale population.
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
Climate change is disrupting Pakistan's natural system, making it challenging to predict future changes. A recent study found that streamflow timing in the country's four major rivers will decrease significantly, with a range of -5 to -20 days in the near future.
River temperature is a critical measure of water quality, regulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in flowing waters. Rising temperatures are linked to climate change and human activities, impacting ecosystems, human health, and industries.
A decade-long experiment found that high-intensity fires did not reverse bush encroachment in the long term, despite an initial decline in woody plant cover. The study suggests that fire management strategies must be tailored to each local context and that long-term monitoring is crucial for effective conservation.
A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.
Researchers developed a novel method to convert CO2 into formic acid using ruthenium complexes, achieving a high turnover number of 63. This technology has the potential to decrease global warming and provide valuable organic compounds.
A new webcast from the American Phytopathological Society provides insights into soil biophysical properties and nitrogen application rates in predicting cotton yield and quality. The study suggests including soil biophysical information in making N recommendations to maximize profits and reduce environmental impact.
A real-time visual sensing system developed by researchers at Incheon National University can detect overcrowding with an accuracy of 96.55% in real-time. The system uses drones to capture footage, analyze it using a modified ResNet architecture, and feed the data into a social monitoring system.
A new project led by the University of Exeter will assess climate change impacts on Cayman Islands sea turtles, including rising temperatures, storminess, and sea-level rise. The team will develop ways to protect turtles and improve coastal management.
A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...
A new study found that Indigenous communities with formal tenure rights in Brazil's Atlantic Forest reduced deforestation and improved forest cover, outperforming territories without such rights. Strengthening self-determination rights of Indigenous peoples has been shown to be crucial for forest conservation efforts globally.
Expanding seaweed farming could reduce demand for terrestrial crops and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 billion tonnes per year. The study identified millions of available hectares of ocean suitable for farming, with the Indonesian EEZ showing great potential.
Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
Research from Virginia Tech reveals that shark populations are recovering in northern Atlantic waters where regulations have been put in place. This is a promising conservation success story for vulnerable species.
University of Illinois scientists developed a way to accurately map tilled land in real-time using ground, airborne, and satellite imagery. The method increased mapping accuracy by 67% compared to upscaling directly from the ground to the satellite.
Scientists propose an 'essential use approach' to eliminate harmful chemicals from daily use and exposure, benefiting public health and the environment. This approach advocates for restricting the use of chemicals only where necessary for health or societal functioning, with feasible alternatives available.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
A new study finds that Florida neighborhoods affected by hurricanes experience gentrification, with average income of new buyers increasing while long-term demand stays stable. Weaker income households struggle to access affordable housing options after the storms.
A new UK study published in the British Ecological Society journal People and Nature suggests that paying farmers to create woodland and wetland habitats is the most cost-effective way to deliver environmental targets. This approach, known as 'land sparing,' would cost just 48% of the funds required for 'land sharing' approaches, which...
Researchers mapped strategies to minimize impact of mining on rare plants, finding that protecting 30% of threatened species can ensure long-term survival. The model optimizes energy project placement to balance space use and minimize harm.
A new study demonstrates how anonymized smartphone data can monitor public use of parks and green spaces, shedding light on relationships between people and nature. The findings highlight potential for GPS data to inform management and optimize benefits for both recreation and biodiversity.
A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.
A global registry for gene-drive modified organisms could facilitate transparent communication, monitor ecological impacts, and inform local decision-making. Experts agree that a registry is necessary for the fair development, testing, and use of gene-drive technologies.
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.
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.
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 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.