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Researchers identify elusive carbon dioxide sensor in plants that controls water loss

Scientists have discovered a long-sought plant water loss-regulating sensor, composed of two proteins working together to regulate stomatal movements in response to changing CO2 concentrations. This finding has significant implications for trees, crops, and wildfires, as well as efficient plant water use and CO2 uptake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Technique for the isolation of volatile food compounds optimized

Researchers developed an automated method for isolating volatile food ingredients, increasing yields and reducing contamination risks. The optimized 'aSAFE' technique eliminates operator errors and improves the accuracy of odorant analysis, enabling targeted product development in the food industry.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

With changing climate, global lake evaporation loss larger than previously thought

Researchers created a dataset quantifying trends of evaporative water loss from 1.4 million global lakes and artificial reservoirs, revealing a 15.4% increase in long-term lake evaporation volume. This finding highlights the importance of accurate information for water management decision-makers in addressing climate change impacts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 5, 2022

Swiss rivers on track to overheat by the end of the century

According to a new EPFL study, Swiss rivers are at risk of overheating by the end of the century. If greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, river temperatures may only rise by 1°C and discharge decreases by 5% in mountain catchments. Inaction could lead to extreme consequences, including glacier loss and decreased biodiversity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2022

Droplets with coronaviruses last longer than previously thought

Research by TU Wien found that small droplets with coronaviruses can remain airborne for an order of magnitude longer than assumed due to high humidity. This means that even short-range exposure poses a significant risk, highlighting the need for scientifically sound guidelines on mask-wearing and safety distances.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

New study presents evaporation-driven transport-control of small molecules along nanoslits

Researchers develop a new technique to control the transport of small molecules in gas-permeable nanoslits, which enables various applications such as molecule-valving, -concentrating and -pumping. The study shows that evaporation flux and nanoslit length govern the transport of small molecules.

Collective worm and robot 'blobs' protect individuals, swarm together

Researchers discovered how collective worm behavior helps blobs survive longer against desiccation and respond to temperature gradients and intense light. By studying the worms' movements and interactions, scientists gained insights into the principles of living systems that can be applied to human-designed swarm robots.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2021

Changes in land evaporation shape the climate

A new calibration-free version of a physical-based method can better detect long-term trends in continental-scale land evaporation rates than recent remote sensing-based approaches. This improvement is crucial for upgrading general circulation models' existing evaporation estimation algorithms to produce better climatic predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

Researchers solve a scientific mystery about evaporation

A team of researchers from the University of Houston has solved a scientific mystery about evaporation, shedding light on its role in industrial processes. The new understanding eliminates a long-standing bottleneck in predicting evaporation rates, enabling more accurate simulations and design of advanced systems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 13, 2020

Extinct lakes of the American desert west

Research reveals two distinct periods of lake existence in the region, with increased precipitation driving formation during warmer periods. The study's findings suggest a potential analogue for future climate change and highlight the importance of understanding El Niño-driven precipitation patterns in arid regions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 22, 2018