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Packages to simplify deep renovation of buildings

A European project developed standard solutions for energy refurbishment, considering various climate zones. These packages include prefabricated façades, decentralized ventilation systems, and smart ceiling fans to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Pilot sites showed significant savings and improvements in tenant well-being.

SourceEurac Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 8, 2021

Would we still have severe thunderstorms over North America if the Gulf of Mexico were filled in with land?

A Purdue University study suggests that the eastern half of the US is a hotspot for severe thunderstorms due to high terrain, while the Gulf of Mexico plays a relatively weak role. Removing the Gulf would shift storm patterns eastward into Illinois and reduce them over southern Texas.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Climate change significantly increases population displacement risk

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that climate change greatly increases the risk of flood-related displacement, with a 50% increase for each degree of global warming. Even if population growth is stabilized, the risk will still rise significantly, with projected increases of up to 110% by the end of this ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2021

Birds risk starvation trying to "keep pace" with climate change

Birds breeding earlier due to climate change face increased risk of mortality, as chicks hatch into unpredictable weather conditions. This study examines the impact on Tree Swallows, finding that advancing breeding dates result in reduced availability of food resources, exacerbating the effects of climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2020

How's the transit weather?

A new study by University of Utah researchers found a correlation between media coverage of weather and air quality, and transit ridership. The study suggests that favorable weather conditions and comfort are associated with increased ridership, while poor air quality may discourage usage.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalVehicles·DateAug 31, 2020

Why hydration is so important when hiking in the heat of summer

A recent study found that hikers' performance during hot weather conditions was impaired, resulting in slower speeds and increased risk of heat-related illness. The researchers also discovered that most hikers did not bring enough fluid to compensate for sweat loss, with less fit participants being most negatively affected.

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 14, 2020

You cannot avoid microplastics

Researchers have found microplastics in air, drinking water, and table salt, highlighting the need for better understanding of their potential hazards to human health. Microplastics can be ingested through indoor air, especially from household plastic products, and may reach the lungs and digestive system.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 13, 2020

Peatlands trap CO2, even during droughts

Researchers found that two Sphagnum species in the Le Forbonnet peatland can survive extreme temperatures and droughts. This suggests that preserving peatlands is crucial for mitigating climate change.

SourceCNRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 17, 2019

New clue in curious case of cassowary casque

A team of Australian scientists has discovered that the cassowary's distinctive helmet-like structure acts as a thermal window to regulate body temperature. The research provides new insights into the bird's ability to cope with high temperatures, and may have implications for our understanding of dinosaur physiology.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 13, 2019

Weather at key growth stages predicts Midwest corn yield and grain quality, study says

A University of Illinois study developed an algorithm to predict both end-of-season yield and grain composition by analyzing weather patterns during three critical periods in corn development. The predictions apply to the entire Midwest corn crop and could influence global markets for animal feed applications.

Violent crime rates rise in warmer winters

A CU Boulder study found a surprisingly strong correlation between warmer winters and higher violent crime rates in the US. The research used powerful climate analysis techniques to investigate year-to-year fluctuations in climate and crime rates, revealing a strong relationship between temperature and crime in winter months.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeoHealth·DateNov 13, 2018

Balloon measurements reveal dust particle properties in free troposphere over desert

The study used balloon-borne measurements to investigate dust particles in the free troposphere over a Chinese desert region. The findings suggest that mineral particles from desert areas have a local influence and are transported long distances, with coarse-mode particles dominating the size distribution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 30, 2018

New research unveils bird migration strategies

Researchers at Cornell University have combined weather radar and human observations to study bird migration patterns in North America. The study confirms key predictions of migration theory, including the role of body size, wind compensation, and behavioral shifts during migration.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 8, 2018

General aviation pilots struggle to interpret weather forecast and observation displays

A study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers found that general aviation pilots had difficulty understanding various types of weather information, including METAR reports and radar displays. The findings suggest that improved pilot training and more effective weather display designs could help advance aviation safety.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalThe International Journal of Aerospace Psychology·DateApr 16, 2018

The heat is on: Asylum-seeking into the EU will increase with climate change

A new study suggests that climate change will increase asylum-seeking into the European Union, with a potential 28% increase by 2100 under a slow-warming scenario. The researchers found a link between weather fluctuations and migration, with countries experiencing temperature increases having more asylum seekers, while cooler countries...