Lake turbidity mitigates impact of warming on walleyes in upper Midwest lakes
Research finds that water clarity affects how growth rates of walleyes change as lakes start to warm; growth rates increased in some lakes and decreased in others
Natural Resources
Articles tagged with Natural Resources
Nebraska anglers are creatures of habit
A new study published in Ecological Applications reveals that Nebraska anglers tend to visit the same seven popular fishing spots consistently, drawn from the same ZIP codes throughout the year. This finding provides valuable insights for natural resource managers seeking to optimize lake management and sustainable fishing experiences.
Trees set sixth-graders up for success
A University of Illinois study suggests that tree cover around schools improves standardized test scores, regardless of student demographics or school resources. The study found that even small amounts of tree cover closer to the school made a significant difference.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateNov 9, 2020
Survey identifies learning opportunities related to health impacts of climate change
A global survey of health professions schools reveals that 63% offer climate change education, with most commonly integrated into core courses. However, many schools face institutional challenges and limited resources in developing curricula.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 28, 2020
Adapting to climate change: We're doing it wrong
A new research review argues that societal adaptation to climate change should focus on collective action and systems-level thinking, rather than individual coping strategies. The authors propose transformational change to ensure society's resilience in the face of increasing hazards.
Targeting deeply held values crucial for inspiring pro-environmental behavior
A recent study suggests that targeting deeply held values is crucial for inspiring pro-environmental behavior. Researchers found that people with egalitarian values tend to care more about benefiting the environment, while those with hierarchical values prioritize authority and influence. The study's conclusions highlight the importanc...
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSustainability Science·DateOct 15, 2019
UH Law Center shares European Commission award for climate change work
The University of Houston Law Center has been awarded a three-year energy research grant to explore ways to facilitate public and private efforts to achieve goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The partnership will focus on key global issues in addressing climate change, with faculty members working together to develop new s...
UTIA student wins national scholarship from The Wilderness Society
Cristina Watkins, a UTIA doctoral student, has won a national scholarship to study the connection between wilderness areas and diverse societies. Her research focuses on socio-demographic groups' values of wilderness areas and creating accessible opportunities for minority groups in outdoor recreation.
Holy crocodiles
A study on the cultural status of saltwater crocodiles in East Timor reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals. The research highlights the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into wildlife management to address severe human-crocodile conflict.
Rethink environmental regulations in Africa, study urges
A new Illinois study finds that Western environmental systems and regulations in Africa are not working as intended, leading to conflict between small-scale miners and multinational corporations. The researchers argue that domestic-level 'translators' have become part of the global system of governance, leading to a lack of translation...
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWorld Development·DateJun 27, 2019
Cash programs that help the poor can harm natural resources
Researchers found that cash transfer programs can exacerbate environmental degradation, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods depend on natural resources. The study suggests that these programs need to be implemented with environmental policies to maximize their effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
Why North Carolinian boats are fishing off New Jersey's coast -- and how a CSF might help
Climate change is causing fishing communities to adapt by changing their fishing locations and strategies. Large North Carolina-based trawl vessels are now sailing 250 miles north to catch summer flounder and Atlantic croaker off the coast of New Jersey.
New integrative stratigraphy and timescale for China released
A new integrative stratigraphy and timescale for 13 geological periods in China has been published, highlighting advances in stratigraphy and timescale development. The research provides a precise framework for geological mapping and natural resource exploration, benefiting all geologic disciplines.
Widespread decrease in wind energy resources found over the Northern Hemisphere
A new study reveals a significant decline in wind energy resources over the Northern Hemisphere, with 30-80% of stations losing wind power potential since 1979. Climate models are found to be inadequate in simulating long-term wind energy changes, underscoring the need for careful consideration when using GCM-based projections.
Salmon are shrinking and it shows in their genes
A study of salmon in Northern Finland found that the gene version urging them to mature earlier has become more prevalent, while the version for larger growth is rarer. This suggests that evolution is at play as salmon adapt to their environment.
Reprocessing cultural heritage
A project at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences combines traditional woodworking techniques with innovative cinematic forms of communication to create documentary-style tutorials. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, aims to preserve traditional crafts for future generations.
Switch in the climatic factors controlling vegetation dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau
Researchers analyzed precipitation and temperature records with NDVI data from 1982-2011 to find a shift in the climate factors controlling vegetation dynamics on the central and southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The study suggests that global warming may be contributing to this change, potentially impacting regional ecosystems.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018
Giving tortoises a 'head start'
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that raising tortoises in captivity and releasing them into a protected habitat can significantly boost wild populations. The study found that 70% of head-started tortoises were still alive after one year, with strong site fidelity allowing them to reproduce.
UTIA researcher named Fulbright scholar
Seong-Hoon Cho, a UTIA researcher, will spend six months in South Korea designing the country's framework for forest carbon sequestration payments. The project aims to optimize risk/reward trade-offs and encourage forest carbon sequestration through innovative economics and finance modeling.
Chance is a factor in the survival of species
A recent study by Lund University found that chance plays a significant role in local species survival, sometimes overriding conservation initiatives. The researchers also discovered negative frequency-dependence, which counteracts the role of chance and helps rare species recover.
In 16 years, Borneo lost more than 100,000 orangutans
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.
University of Tennessee associate dean named ASA Fellow
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.
USDA invests in colleges and universities serving Alaska natives and native Hawaiians
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.
Massachusetts 'Wildlife Climate Action Tool' wins national award
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.
Study finds knowledge gaps on protecting cultural sites from climate change
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.
Using sound to stop destructive beetles in their tracks
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.
Potentially harmful chemicals widespread in household dust
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.
SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 14, 2016
Global forecast assesses countries' invasive species risk, response capacity
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.
New virus found during investigation into largemouth bass fish kill
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.
1815 UK geologic map remains the benchmark
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.
Livestock pens approximately 5,000 years old in Álava, Spain
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.
Western lifestyle spells the end of biodiversity
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...
SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Studies·DateApr 4, 2016
Antitrust laws may hinder socially-responsible business collaboration
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.
Rice U. study identifies factors that affect state-owned enterprises' welcome overseas
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 takes from the poor, gives to the rich, study finds
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.
Global warming will drive vast, unpredictable shift in natural wealth
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.
Air pollutions control policies effective in improving downwind air quality
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.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 9, 2015
Be on the lookout this fall: Deer-vehicle collisions increase during breeding season
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.
UGA collaboration discovers toxic chemical in birds outside of Superfund site
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.
Climate change may impact future tourism at some US national parks
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.
Consumer preferences and the power of scarcity
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.
Predators and isolation shape the evolution of 'island tameness,' providing conservation insights
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.
Breaking benzene
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 vote for cooperation
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.
Significant baseline levels of arsenic found in Ohio soils are due to natural processes
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.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 16, 2014
Treasures found and lost in US National Parks
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.
Geoscience Workforce Currents #80
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.
Wari, predecessors of the Inca, used restraint to reshape human landscape
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.
Geoscience Workforce Currents #79
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.
Geoscience Currents No. 78
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.
Protecting underground pipelines from corrosion in sub-zero environments
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.
Buildings of the future
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.
Fire in Cape Cod
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.
Protected areas successfully prevent deforestation in Amazon rainforest
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.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2013
Nano-machines for 'bionic proteins'
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.
Drainage ditches can help clean up field runoff
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.
Humans were already recycling 13,000 years ago
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.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateSep 20, 2012
Researchers work to further biofuel production without increasing food prices
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.
Can nature parks save biodiversity?
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.
Researchers give long look at who benefits from nature tourism
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.