Articles tagged with Water
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that higher salinity in drinking water is associated with higher blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension. Researchers analyzed data from 27 population-based studies involving over 74,000 participants across several countries.
A recent study has reconciled the debate over the existence and thickness of a microscopically thin liquid layer, known as premelting film, on ice surfaces. The research suggests that this layer is restricted to a limited thickness near the equilibrium point due to water's unusual density properties.
A large cohort study found no association between community water fluoridation and adverse birth outcomes, providing reassurance about its safety during pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of rigorous causal designs in evaluating public health interventions.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
Researchers have developed a simple crystallization method that achieves chiral resolution under mild conditions, enabling the production of homochiral inorganic crystals. The study uses organic solvents and an achiral crystalline phase to control the growth environment, resulting in single-handed forms of cesium copper chloride.
Researchers at CU Boulder have introduced a solution to improving desalination plant performance by observing in real-time membrane fouling using SRS. The technique helps maximize filtration efficiency and reduce energy use, making it crucial for ensuring global access to clean water.
A new 'River Literacy' concept has been developed to educate communities about the vital roles rivers play in daily lives, cultures, and ecosystems. The framework highlights seven easy-to-grasp principles designed for schools, riverside communities, and the general public.
A new method uses machine learning and flow cytometry to detect contaminated bathing water, providing faster and more complete answers on water safety. The method has several advantages, including being open-source and able to detect changes in entire bacterial communities.
A study published in the journal Children found that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20%. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 children and found that clean water access had a stronger impact on child growth than sanitation.
A study analyzing over 100 cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America found that compact urban planning is crucial for delivering water and sanitation to growing populations. The research suggests that if cities spread outward rather than building more densely, access to clean water and basic sanitation could be significantly impacted.
MIT engineers have developed an ultrasonic device that vibrates at high frequency to shake out water molecules from a material, recovering clean drinking water in minutes. This design is 45 times more efficient than existing heat-based systems, which can take hours or days.
A study found that lowered arsenic exposure was associated with a decrease in mortality rates from chronic diseases among populations exposed to contaminated drinking water. The findings support the importance of reducing arsenic levels in drinking water for public health benefits.
The EU-funded INNOVATILE project aims to reduce the environmental impact of ceramic tile manufacturing through innovative technology, targeting a 10-20% decrease in raw material and water consumption. The project also focuses on using secondary raw materials and replacing critical resources with alternative resources.
Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.
A study published in Water Resources Research reveals that human groundwater pumping has depleted Tucson-area aquifers more than natural climate variation over the past few decades. The research team reconstructed groundwater ages, recharge rates, and water table depths using chemical and isotopic markers.
Researchers developed a technology to detach cells from surfaces on demand, reducing waste and improving workflow in industrial processes. The system uses electrochemically generated bubbles to separate cells without damaging them, paving the way for more efficient CO2 absorption and lifesaving cell therapies.
A new study by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reveals that water quality can significantly impact the type of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and litter. The study found a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in biofilms from poultry houses with normal sulfur-iro...
A study analyzing over 15,000 US treatment plants found that methane and nitrous oxide are the dominant greenhouse gases, exceeding current government estimates by 41%. The researchers identified opportunities for low-hanging-fruit reductions in emissions through fixing leaks and developing new technologies.
A Peking University study maps the hidden life of river carbon along the upper Yangtze River, revealing how landscape, fire, and sunlight shape the global carbon cycle. The research found that organic carbon changes as it travels from the river's high-altitude headwaters to its densely populated downstream reaches.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the hierarchical dynamics of water in crystal nanopores, revealing a new phase called premelting state. This phase exhibits contradictory states and fast rotational motions.
In a new study, researchers from Umeå University found that ice at minus ten degrees Celsius releases more iron from common minerals than liquid water at four degrees Celsius. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles increase dissolution, releasing organic compounds and fuelling further chemical reactions.
A team of researchers discovered that liquid water once flowed on the ancient asteroid Ryugu, which was formed more than a billion years ago. The finding suggests that carbon-rich asteroids may have delivered much more water to Earth than previously thought, impacting models of the planet's early oceans and atmosphere.
A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.
Researchers found that targeted snow monitoring at hotspots can improve water supply predictions in most basins, with typical gains of 11-14% compared to 4%. This approach is more cost-effective than basin-wide surveys and has potential for more accurate forecasts.
Advanced filtration systems can cut levels of cancer-causing DBPs, nitrates, and heavy metals, in addition to removing toxic PFAS from drinking water. The Environmental Working Group study found significant reductions in these contaminants across 19 US utilities.
A new method uses narrow bandgap λ-MnO2 to extract lithium from salt water while desalinating it to generate freshwater. The method achieved high lithium selectivity and reduced energy demand by 87%, indicating its potential as a solution for both lithium recovery and water purification.
A new study published in Earth's Future journal reveals that sea-level projections from the 1990s were remarkably accurate, with global sea-level rise averaging about one eighth of an inch per year. The researchers compared these projections with recent satellite measurements and found a remarkable match.
Scientists at Virginia Tech mimic the natural movement of boulders on Racetrack Playa by creating a metal surface with asymmetric grooves that propel melting ice. The discovery has potential applications in rapid defrosting and energy harvesting.
A new project at FAU aims to advance water quality monitoring in Lake Okeechobee by understanding how common contaminants break down after being released into freshwater environments. The team will deploy passive sampling devices and use cutting-edge chemical analysis to predict which contaminants are forming dangerous byproducts.
Five papers published in ACS journals provide new strategies for protecting natural water sources, including innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. The findings also highlight the importance of ensuring global access to safe drinking water, supporting human health and well-being.
A predictive model has been developed to reduce water leaks in distribution networks, utilizing pressure change data. This system enables companies operating water distribution networks to detect variations in advance and take preventive measures.
Researchers have developed a sustainable desalination method using a sponge-like material with long microscopic air pockets that can turn saltwater into freshwater in natural sunlight. The system successfully produced potable water in a proof-of-concept test, providing a scalable and energy-free solution for producing clean water.
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
A new review paper explores six approaches to conserving water nationwide, including growing crops suited to local climates, using treated wastewater, and reducing food waste. The authors emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach due to the inherent complications of each strategy.
A study of Iowa's birth records and county-level nitrate measurements found a link between prenatal nitrate exposure and increased preterm birth and low birthweight babies. The study suggests that current regulatory standards may be insufficient to protect against the risks of nitrate exposure.
Researchers discovered that sunlight's oscillating electric field plays a crucial role in enhancing interfacial water evaporation. The stronger the electric field, the faster water evaporates. This finding has implications for engineering more efficient water-evaporation technologies.
A new Policy Brief by UNU-INWEH reveals that expanding irrigation correlates with higher dietary diversity among children under five in regions where water resources are already under severe stress. Despite this association, nearly one-third of gains occurred in areas exceeding renewable freshwater supplies.
Researchers from Binghamton University confirm the long-held 'urban myth' that saltwater dries out skin, increasing tissue stiffness and stress. A simple solution to alleviate tightness is taking a shower after coming out of the ocean.
A study of 100,000 water samples from 500 river basins found elevated levels of contaminants like organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment persisting for years after wildfires. Water managers can use this data to inform planning strategies for increasing wildfire resilience.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
The African Union's new policy brief proposes implementing the IDAWM framework to address agricultural water management challenges in Africa. This will involve balancing environmental, social, health, and governance trade-offs to create resilient agri-food systems that deliver multiple benefits for people and the planet.
A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.
Researchers investigate how increased warm, salty offshore water affects the cold pool on the continental shelf. Salinity measurements reveal seasonal salinification of the cold pool, shedding light on coastal ecosystem conditions.
Researchers at Rice University have created a scalable, low-maintenance desalination system that harnesses sunlight and recycles heat for a steady supply of fresh drinking water. The new technology, STREED, can handle high-salinity brines without significant decreases in water production or quality.
A recent study has identified a key factor contributing to nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment plants: an imbalance between bacteria groups and oxygen levels. By increasing oxygen concentrations, the researchers suggest that emissions can be significantly reduced without requiring major infrastructural changes.
A multidisciplinary team analyzed seismic waveforms to reveal a significant low shear-wave velocity anomaly at a depth of 5.4–8 km, indicating possible liquid water in the upper crust.
A new study has found that people with celiac disease can safely kiss their partners without worrying about gluten transfer. In a two-part study, researchers found minimal gluten in the saliva of partners with celiac disease, even when they kissed after consuming gluten.
A new study developed a method to measure evapotranspiration in the understorey of native forests, which can contribute up to 50% of ecosystem water use. The research aims to improve management decisions for water scarce resources in Australia.
The Colombian government is implementing a new agenda including climate- and biodiversity-related programs to compensate landowners for restoring forests or following management practices that maintain nature's benefits. A natural capital account has been developed to quantify natural assets, benefits, and changes over time, providing ...
Bank filtration (BF) was shown to effectively enhance the permeate quality of gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration by removing turbidity, particulate organic matter, and micropollutants. This pretreatment also improved membrane stability and increased stable flux, making it a promising strategy for treating polluted source water.
A new study maps the daily movement of cyanobacteria in Florida's largest freshwater lake, revealing how these harmful algal blooms form and behave. The research provides critical insights into managing the risks associated with cyanobacteria blooms.
Scientists have developed two new methods to detect water ice on the lunar surface, with one approach analyzing images from a specialized camera and another detecting buried ice deposits through cosmic rays. The research aims to support future lunar bases and provide resources for humans or be broken down to hydrogen and oxygen.
A new Princeton startup has developed a technology to boost minerals production from evaporation ponds, doubling the efficiency of lithium and nitrate extraction. The innovation uses a black disc with an anti-fouling coating to accelerate evaporation rates, alleviating the need for large-scale construction of new ponds.
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.
Researchers from UT Arlington discovered that many wastewater treatment plants are unable to effectively remove dangerous microplastics, which can transport other pollutants into the environment. This poses potential long-term health impacts for humans, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Arup K. SenGupta, a renowned water scientist at Lehigh University, has been honored with the ASCE Freese Award and Lecture for his pioneering work in ion exchange science and technology. He will present on 'Development and Global Application of Hybrid Ion Exchange Processes' during the 2025 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress.
Researchers warn that wildfires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing substantial public health risks. Over 50 volatile organic compounds have been detected in water distribution systems after wildfires, including carcinogens such as benzene.
A Northwestern University study reveals that water molecules flip before releasing oxygen atoms, significantly increasing energy consumption. Increasing pH levels of water reduces this energy cost, making water splitting a more practical and cost-effective process.
Researchers found that inactive amines used in herbicides could be more important nitrosamine precursors than previously thought, potentially posing serious health risks even at low concentrations. The study suggests shifting trends in herbicide formulation and use necessitate closer examination of these chemicals
A study mapped US counties with high rates of water system violations and inequalities in access to safe drinking water. Counties in West Virginia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania ranked among the top 10 for violations, while Mississippi, South Dakota, and Texas topped the list for water injustice.