Articles tagged with Water
A study published in Nature Geoscience elucidates the discrepancy between Martian and Earth-based organic matter. Researchers found that photodissociation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to organic matter with depleted carbon-13 content, pointing to an atmospheric process as the main source.
A UC San Diego study found that people injecting drugs in San Diego and Tijuana often lacked access to drinking water, toilets, handwashing facilities, and showers. The study highlights the need for improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in both cities to reduce health disparities.
A new computer model uses improved artificial intelligence to predict snow and water availability more accurately, considering both time and space. This information can help farmers and water planners make better decisions about water allocation.
The study reveals that the formation of pyramid-shaped structures around water molecules is dominant at low ethanol concentrations, but chain-like structures become more prevalent at higher temperatures. This explains why baijiu has a distinct taste at room temperature, which disappears at higher temperatures.
New research demonstrates that incorporating widgeongrass into seagrass restoration efforts can increase the portfolio of species diversity and enhance long-term success. The study found that seeding widgeongrass in the fall with minimal pre-treatment resulted in highest survival and growth rates.
MIT researchers demonstrate that light can break water molecules away from the surface and float them into the air, causing evaporation in the absence of heat. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding cloud formation and precipitation, as well as designing new industrial processes such as solar-powered desalination.
Researchers at UCSF have identified laryngeal and tracheal neuroendocrine cells that sense water and acid in the upper airway, triggering a cough reflex. The discovery could lead to interventions to prevent pneumonia and treat certain types of chronic cough.
A team of UCF researchers is exploring the use of gold to develop a novel method to rid drinking water of harmful algal blooms, which produce toxic effects on humans and wildlife. The project aims to remove microcystins, toxins linked to liver damage, kidney failure, and allergic reactions.
Researchers found that continuous, real-time eco-feedback technology reduced shower water runtime by 77 seconds (25.79%) and raised over £1 million in investment for smart water saving solutions.
A research team proposes a method to quantify the 'golden-hour water use efficiency' (GHW) trait, aiming to breed high-yielding and water-efficient crop varieties. The study focuses on the importance of balancing water conservation with biomass output in crops, offering a greener alternative for agricultural productivity.
A new hypothesis paper proposes that Parkinson's disease starts in either the brain's smell center or the body's intestinal tract, tied to environmental factors. The study suggests that exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and tainted food may predispose to the disease.
A new UNSW-led international study reveals that much of the world's global source water contains PFAS levels above recommended drinking water guidelines. In Australia, firefighting foams used in military institutions and fire training facilities are a common source of contamination, with many locations exceeding safe limits.
A study from Colorado State University explores how human activity is altering the atmospheric water cycle, leading to changes in precipitation distribution and cloud formation. The research uses science fiction narratives to imagine possible futures and spark conversations around water management policies.
The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
A new water quality analysis technique can detect organic chemicals in rivers and lakes, identifying their source and predicting their impact. This method uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze water samples within an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of all organic molecules present.
A randomized controlled trial found that filters, coupled with a digital health program, reduced urinary arsenic levels by 47% in households relying on well water. The study, conducted in American Indian communities, also showed significant increases in household use of filtered water for drinking and cooking.
Researchers are exploring engineered geothermal systems and innovative drilling technologies to unlock superhot rock energy. However, significant gaps in research and development need to be addressed to achieve temperatures over 375°C.
A new study finds that nearly half of America's carceral facilities are in watersheds contaminated with PFAS, putting millions at risk. The research highlights the need for better water quality monitoring and mitigation in prisons, jails, and detention centers.
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that around 32% of the global population is at risk of serious health issues due to high levels of arsenic in drinking water. The majority of these countries are in Asia, where rice is a staple food and exposure can be exacerbated by cooking with contaminated water.
Climate change is causing rapid warming of Scotland's lochs, with potential costs of £16.5 million annually due to algal blooms and reduced water quality. Implementing efficient land management practices could reduce phosphorus pollution by 20% under a best-case scenario.
Virginia Tech researchers have received a five-year National Science Foundation grant to develop an open-source automated forecasting system for lakes. The system will enable real-time data collection and publishing, allowing researchers to predict water quality in lakes around the globe.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new metric to measure water storage in snowpacks, which reveals a 22% drop in annual storage over the past four decades. This finding is important for water managers as it can help make long-term planning decisions for adjusting infrastructure options.
A potentially fatal parasite has been discovered in the Colorado River in California, affecting dogs and causing liver and intestinal illness. Researchers confirm the presence of Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm that can be transmitted through snails and water, highlighting the need for awareness and precautions among dog owners.
Scientists have developed an engine that efficiently converts energy from water evaporation into electricity, producing outputs exceeding 100 volts. The device can operate for several days using only 100 milliliters of water as fuel.
Cranfield University has secured over £25 million to establish two new Centres for Doctoral Training, focusing on advancing water security and net zero aviation. The centres will equip students with high-level skills and technologies to drive positive change in these critical areas.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new sensor that can detect tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The device uses lateral flow technology and can measure concentrations as low as 200 parts per trillion, offering a potential solution for consumer testing and industrial applications.
Competitive DOM removal impacts OMP adsorption, with nonpolar molecules having higher competitiveness due to medium aromaticity. Aromatic DOM is not competitive against OMPs in adsorption, contrary to initial expectations.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a metal-organic framework that can completely remove and break down glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The material, Sc-TBAPy, shows faster adsorption and photodegradation of glyphosate compared to other MOFs.
Researchers found that boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water can effectively remove nearly 90% of nano- and microplastics. Boiling even in soft water samples removed around 25% of NMPs, suggesting this simple method could be a game-changer for reducing human plastic consumption.
Researchers from EPFL have made significant strides in deciphering the electronic structure of water using computational methods that go beyond current approaches. The study accurately determines water's ionization potential, electron affinity, and band gap, essential for understanding its interactions with light and substances.
A global team of researchers has invented recyclable water batteries that don't catch fire or explode, addressing safety concerns in lithium-ion technology. The batteries use abundant materials like magnesium and zinc, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental risks.
The team developed a 'catch-and-release' mechanism to oxidize hydrophobic compounds, selectively and efficiently producing hydrophilic products under mild conditions. This breakthrough enables the selective two-electron oxidation of anthracene and aromatic compounds from mixtures, solving a long-standing challenge.
Researchers use a new technique to isolate energetic electron motion in liquid water, providing a window into electronic structure on an attosecond timescale. This breakthrough resolves long-standing debates about X-ray signals in liquid water and opens up a new field of experimental physics.
Scientists have developed a cage-like molecule to trap sulfate in water, which could help control its concentration in health, industry, and environmental management. The molecular trap can be prepared inexpensively from off-the-shelf chemicals and has potential applications in medicine, such as treating cystic fibrosis.
New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists have developed a lab-based method to detect traces of PFAS from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or less. The approach, involving paper spray mass spectrometry, is 10-100 times more sensitive than current standard techniques for PFAS testing.
Engineers developed an ultra-sensitive sensor made of graphene that can detect low concentrations of lead ions in water, achieving a record limit of detection down to the femtomolar range. The device's high sensitivity enables the detection of even one lead ion in a reasonable volume of water.
Researchers have identified two distinct brain regions involved in regulating salt and water intake, which can help prevent excessive consumption. The parabrachial nucleus plays a crucial role in feedback mechanisms that reduce thirst and salt appetite after ingesting water or salt.
A 2020 Trump administration rule removed Clean Water Act protection for one-fourth of US wetlands and one-fifth of US streams, while a new Biden White House rule expanded jurisdiction. Machine learning analysis estimated $1 billion in annual permitting cost savings.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba designed a new plasma reactor that generates reactive species capable of degrading organic compounds and killing microorganisms in water. The new configuration expands the applicability of this type of plasmas, enabling efficient removal of high concentrations of dyes from water in minutes.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin developed a portable and affordable water filtration system that can catch up to 100% of particles larger than 10 nanometers. The device uses low-cost, sustainable materials and is easy to use, making it an attractive solution for improving freshwater availability in remote regions.
A landmark study reveals widespread presence of PFAS in German drinking water, exceeding detection limits in some samples. The research highlights the need for future regulatory decisions and public health guidelines, emphasizing the importance of monitoring PFAS levels in drinking water to ensure environmental and health safety.
Researchers have created a prototype model that detects 'forever chemicals' in water using a luminescent metal complex attached to a sensor surface. The approach can detect 220 micrograms of PFAS per liter of water, but needs to be more sensitive to detect nanogram levels for drinking water.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
Researchers found Nafion byproduct 2 frequently in private wells and in the blood of participants who used them, with higher levels correlated to longer exposure. The study highlights the impact of well-water consumption on PFAS exposure.
A new study by Cornell University found that only 5% of Adirondack lakes can maintain cold and oxygenated water, making it unlivable for trout and other cold-water species. Climate warming and lake browning have severe consequences for temperate lakes in the region.
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
Researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials created a sensor to monitor metronidazole levels in organisms and the environment. The sensor, combining magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, showed good sensitivity and practical advantages, enabling real-time analysis and ease of handling.
Researchers have developed a promising new solar-powered technology to harvest water from air, capable of increasing daily water supply needs in dryland areas. The system uses a super hygroscopic gel to absorb and retain large amounts of water, with the potential for large-scale practical applications.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
A UMass Amherst study identifies building age as key factor in elevated lead levels; facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s are at greatest risk. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recommends achieving lowest lead levels possible, with a goal of 1 ppb or less.
A single Bitcoin transaction consumes approximately 16,000 liters of water, equivalent to filling a backyard swimming pool. This staggering amount of water is part of the larger environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, which could worsen water scarcity in countries already struggling with droughts.
Researchers discovered that impure ice is less sticky than pure ice due to its unique structure and quasi-liquid layer. The study found that slow freezing processes preserve contaminants within the ice, leading to weaker adhesion. This discovery could lead to the design of next-generation winterization techniques.
Researchers found that cultivating Euglena in tomato juice resulted in high cell densities and tightly packed chloroplasts, outperforming other beverages. The nutrient composition of tomato juice is suitable for Euglena growth, offering a promising solution to the shortage of animal protein and potential health benefits.
A team of engineers and public health experts from USF helped decrease blood lead levels of 87% of children tested in Toamasina, Madagascar. The team replaced old car batteries with lead-free check valves in pumps, educating city technicians on the dangers of lead.
Furst and Graham will evaluate the effect of extreme heat on disinfection efficacy and failure risk, using simulated distribution system studies for conventional chlorine and chlorocyanurates. They anticipate chlorocyanurate disinfection to be most resilient to high temperatures.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen finds that reducing nitrate levels in Danish drinking water could avoid 127 cases of colorectal cancer annually and save $300 million a year. Implementing stricter nitrate limits, such as lowering the maximum standard to 4 mg/L, can result in an additional $138 million saved.
A new study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to manganese may be beneficial for verbal learning and memory in adolescence. Manganese levels were linked with fewer errors in adolescents, particularly males.
Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.
A Drexel University study projects 82 more days of water shortfalls in the Schuylkill Watershed, which could only meet demand about 67% of the time due to climate change. This would lead to drought-like conditions and require difficult tradeoffs in resource management.