Articles tagged with Natural Resources
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 team at the University of Manchester has received funding to develop a novel hydrogen separation technique, which could make clean energy production cheaper and more sustainable. The project aims to overcome cost barriers for commercial hydrogen extraction from unrecyclable wastes, supporting ambitious clean energy targets.
Eastern red bats, now the most commonly detected bat in Midwestern forests, have a significant impact on tree regeneration due to their appetite for insect-damaging bugs. Forest managers can benefit from considering these bats' landscape preferences, particularly ponds and smaller forest openings.
A new study found that bats play a crucial role in protecting young tree seedlings from insect damage, with three times fewer bugs and five times more defoliation when bats are absent. The research reveals a mutually beneficial relationship between bats and oak trees, with bats serving as a key predator for insects that harm the trees.
A recent study by University of the West of Scotland found that citrus honey has significantly higher antioxidant activity than other types of floral honey. The research discovered compounds such as hesperetin, linalool, and caffeic acid in citrus honey, which are linked to its enhanced antioxidant properties.
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Georgia uses artificial intelligence to analyze terabytes of quail call recordings, allowing wildlife managers to gather data in a matter of minutes. The model is accurate, picking up between 80% and 100% of all calls, even in noisy recordings.
A study by the University of Exeter shows that urban life leads to a decline in plant awareness, which can be addressed through activities like wild food foraging. The research found that people's interest in plants develops where they have frequent interactions with relevant plants.
New research highlights how logging operations have shifted to lower-value components of forests over time, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and intergenerational access. The study suggests that policy interventions can influence management paradigms and shape the distribution of forest harvesting across the landscape.
Researchers identified favorable reservoir-forming conditions and modes in the Ordovician buried hills of the Jizhong depression. The study found that three sets of source rocks from the Carboniferous-Permian and Paleogene geologic periods provide adequate quantities of hydrocarbons required for oil and gas reserves.
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
A Rutgers-led study finds that biodiversity of the bee population is crucial for maintaining stable pollination services over a growing season and years. The research suggests that different bee species pollinate the same plants at different times and dominate pollinators on specific types of plants in different years.
A new University of Illinois study shows that fathead minnows can handle simulated heatwaves with few nasty side effects. Most minnows rapidly returned to normal physiological functioning after cooling down, but some became more susceptible to oxidative stress.
A new study suggests that investing $16 billion a year can restore 65% of fire-impacted species habitat and sequester up to 291 megatons of carbon dioxide. The research also highlights the need for urgent removal of invasive species, replanting, and stopping native forest logging.
Experts are optimistic about converting coal plants to production of clean geothermal energy, citing the number of enabling technologies coming online. The potential market is substantial, with around 4,200 coal plants worldwide, many of which can be repurposed due to advancements in technology and a lack of economic incentive.
Researchers aim to uncover information on blotchy bass syndrome's prevalence, distribution, and potential risks through data collected by citizens. The study will help determine which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune.
The Nature's Notebook platform has collected over 30 million phenological records, enabling data-driven natural resource management. The platform is well-suited for answering well-defined questions but faces limitations in addressing unplanned queries due to spatial and temporal unevenness and species biases.
Researchers have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as a communication signal to indicate plant stress, which is critical for crop survival and can significantly decrease with multiple stressors. By monitoring ROS levels, farmers can identify plants under stress and take corrective measures to prevent crop loss.
A new methodology predicts soil recovery after wildfires by analyzing the impact of microbes and nutrients on soil regeneration. The study found that including uncommon soil microbiota was critical to predicting water quality and terrestrial ecosystem recovery.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
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.
A molecular feedback-loop regulates plant growth by balancing high auxin levels, which stimulates cell division and elongation. The discovery involves PILS proteins that transport auxin into the endoplasmic reticulum, modulating its effect on plant development.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
A new sorting technology at Chalmers University of Technology reduces fish waste by up to 50%, creating five nutritious cuts from the whole fish. The innovation is being implemented in a Swedish herring processing plant, which aims to produce healthier and more sustainable food products.
Researchers found that zinc ion serves as a master-regulator of various processes in sperm to facilitate fertilization. Zinc helps maintain sperm in the non-capacitated state, preventing premature capacitation during artificial insemination.
Wealthy individuals are more likely to purchase unsustainable products with higher price tags, feeling entitled to the benefits despite environmental costs. However, when encouraged to think about equality, this effect is diminished.
A new $1.25 million NIH grant provides teaching resources and professional development for middle school teachers to boost disciplinary literacy skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The program aims to help traditionally underrepresented groups feel confident about potential careers in STEM.
A new study by Cornell University found that rare and endangered insects and spiders can be easily purchased without adequate oversight through basic internet searches. Many species, including those with valuable ecological services like ladybugs and pollinators, are being sold illegally online.
The study highlights the interconnectedness of the Arctic's natural resources, ecosystems, and people with global events. Climate change, conflict, and increased resource extraction are identified as key drivers of socioeconomic and environmental changes in the region.
A University of Illinois study found that neighborhoods with fewer trees have higher medical costs and poorer health outcomes. Residents in areas with more tree cover incur $374 less in medical costs per year, a difference that translates to approximately $194 million annually.
A new study by a University of Georgia researcher finds that plastic bag bans or fees can lead to an increase in the sale of smaller trash bags, potentially offsetting any reduction in plastic waste. Sales of larger trash bags remain relatively unchanged.
A study by HSE University and University of Basel found that the brain's pleasure centre is suppressed when resources are depleted, but responds differently to private and public resources. This understanding may help identify measures to preserve common natural resources.
Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.
Research by Shan Jiang found that introducing nature views into hospital corridors can significantly ease confusion and anger in navigating large medical complexes. The study revealed that participants used shorter time and walked less distance to complete wayfinding tasks when exposed to green spaces.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.
The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.
The study tracked nations' progress in meeting basic needs and respecting environmental limits, finding that no country meets both criteria without overconsuming resources. Wealthy countries like the US and UK drive ecological breakdown while poor countries like Bangladesh struggle to meet basic human needs.
A new study describes a proof of principle for engineering Gluconobacter oxydans bacteria to extract rare earth elements from ore in a way that meets U.S. environmental standards. The method is more efficient than current thermochemical extraction and refinement methods, with potential to control the resource and meet domestic demand.
A URI researcher has published a series of articles in the journal Biological Invasions to address concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion. The study found that the editorial board was overwhelmingly American and white, with most papers published by Americans and Europeans.
A new study suggests that larger conservation areas are ineffective in protecting threatened species in central Africa, citing a lack of funding and resource management issues. The research found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations due to the lands being too large to manage effectively.
A new model suggests that integrating massive offshore wind generation, power storage, electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and expanded transmission can reduce costs of renewable power integration into the grid. This strategy could make achieving China's carbon neutrality by 2050 feasible without significantly increasing costs.
Researchers found that most anglers weren't thinking about how invasive species could affect their own lives, highlighting the need for personalized messaging. Tailoring education campaigns to an angler's values and risk perceptions can motivate action, such as decontaminating boats or attending cleanup events.
A new kind of concrete made from recycled waste materials could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The calcium carbonate concrete uses captured carbon dioxide and discarded concrete to create a durable and versatile building material.
A new study projects that marine heatwaves will wipe out hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish available for catch in a country's waters by the century's end. Researchers warn that extreme temperatures will exacerbate impacts on fisheries and human communities, leading to significant job losses.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a non-toxic alternative to traditional cyanide-based gold extraction processes. The new chloride-based method, called EDRR, achieves an impressive 84% gold recovery rate, surpassing the 64% recovered with traditional cyanide methods.
A new study found that bigleaf maple trees are declining due to warmer, drier summers in Western Washington. The research team discovered that the trees' growth is sensitive to dry weather conditions, leading to smaller leaves and reduced overall mass.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that many catch share fisheries globally are not paying royalties on their harvests, despite generating an estimated US$17.7 billion in value. The study highlights that countries like Canada do not charge for the use of these natural resources.
Researchers found socio-cultural barriers, lack of maintenance and funding, economic challenges, institutional barriers, technological and environmental barriers hinder GI adoption. Community-based approach identified the need for increased transparency and communication from government, as well as resident participation and engagement.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that seagrass ecosystems are more vulnerable to loss and degradation than mangrove ecosystems. Communities with greater reliance on fisheries and tourism income have higher socio-economic sensitivity due to low adaptive capacity, leading to limited alternatives to fishing. Improving acce...
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a wave energy converter that doubles the power harvested from ocean waves, overcoming technical challenges and unlocking vast untapped potential. The dual-turbine design is cost-effective and requires no special syncing technology.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.
Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...
New research from the University of Arizona identifies climate-related threats to US Department of Defense facilities in the southwestern United States. The study recommends emphasizing risks to DOD missions, finding champions at individual bases, and integrating climate considerations into existing plans to mitigate these challenges.
A collection of articles shows community monitoring can provide information about resource conditions and counter overuse, but may require compensation to be effective. Training and incentivizing community members to patrol forests has been successful in some cases.
A comprehensive review of US fatalities linked to methylene chloride paint strippers reveals more deaths than expected, with 85 reported between 1980 and 2018, most in occupational settings. Safer alternatives are available, and experts urge the EPA to limit use and prevent further deaths.
Researchers from the University of Illinois highlight the importance of proper bat box design and placement to prevent overheating. They recommend using large, well-ventilated designs with materials that provide better temperature buffers.
A study by researchers from Russia, Germany, and Switzerland found that natural resources decrease income inequality in countries like Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands. These nations' developed democracies and transparent market economies hindered the concentration of control over resources, preventing an increase in inequality.
A new report finds that western US butterfly populations are declining rapidly due to fall warming trends, which induce physiological stress and affect development and hibernation preparation. Conservation efforts in urban areas with constant water flow will be crucial in preventing further declines and extinction.