A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.
A new online tool, HazardAware, provides disaster readiness reports for 13.3 million addresses in 196 counties along the Gulf of Mexico, including all of Florida. The tool assesses a property's resilience to hazards such as hurricanes and flooding, and offers customized mitigation information to reduce future hazard loss.
Researchers examine the value of studying underutilized crops and identify specific genes that underpin their adaptive traits. The review advocates for extensive genome sequencing to breed favorable varieties with mainstream potential.
The Save Our Seas Foundation awarded 25 new small grants in 2022, supporting young scientists in their research on shark and ray conservation. The projects focus on sustainable fisheries approaches, local knowledge, and community engagement to address species extinction risks and improve conservation efforts.
Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.
A PSU-led research team will investigate microplastic sources and movement across the Columbia River Basin, aiming to secure a larger grant. The project involves diverse stakeholders and will develop an educational course for K-12 educators.
A recent study reveals that lead poisoning from eating contaminated carcasses has reduced bald eagle population growth by 4-6% annually in the Northeast. The researchers emphasize the need for hunters to choose copper-based ammunition to mitigate this issue, which could impact other species as well.
A study by sociologist Dr. Ansgar Hudde found that city dwellers with high education levels cycle significantly more than those living in rural areas, with a strong correlation between education level and bicycle mobility. This trend is attributed to the perceived status and health benefits associated with cycling.
Research reveals that only a few schools have gardens and woods, while most prioritize athletic fields and playgrounds. Teachers play a key role in promoting outdoor learning and play, with environmental education workshops showing promise.
Environmental education provision needs significant support and investment to address the complex issues of the climate emergency. Experts argue that governments must direct more funding to education innovation, making environmental education a cornerstone for social and environmental changes.
A survey of English teachers found that over half support teaching children to take a public stand against climate change and break rules to make their point. The majority believe an action-focussed curriculum is necessary, starting with conservation projects in early primary school.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that Photovoice, an educational intervention, significantly improves STEM-capacity scores and environmental awareness in low-income, urban youth. The results suggest a potential solution to environmental justice issues.
A Virginia Tech professor is leading a study on STEM-based environmental education programs to determine how to promote positive learning outcomes for students. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, will observe 500 single-day field trips and analyze their characteristics to identify factors linked to better outcomes.
A new Stanford-led study provides a framework for environmental education programs to maximize impact. The research highlights four key facets: focusing on locally relevant issues, collaborating with experts, incorporating action-oriented learning strategies, and measuring outcomes. By implementing these principles, citizens can make m...
A new species of Aloe, Aloe sanguinalis, has been discovered in Somaliland with distinctive bright red sap and large clump formations. The discovery was made possible by Ahmed Awale's sighting of the plant while driving through the country.
A new study suggests that natural solutions in the US can equal a quarter of the nation's current net annual emissions, with increased reforestation being the largest means to achieve greater carbon storage. The study highlights various high-performing forest and land management practices to mitigate climate change.
A new study predicts a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, with Australia, Europe, and the US expected to be among the hardest hit. The study suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and deadly.
A new study by University of Sussex researchers recommends targeting highly educated women and retirees for electric vehicle sales, citing their environmental awareness and characteristics that make them ideal customers. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to increase electric car ownership, transcending gender neutral...
A study by TUM researchers found that outdoor instruction enhances students' basic psychological needs, particularly autonomy and competence. This leads to increased motivation in science subjects, with a positive impact on overall learning experience.
Dr. Ron Sims, a USU professor of biological engineering, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). He is recognized for his contributions to biomedical and biological engineering innovation, improving public health and environmental sustainability.
A new project aims to discover how microplastics make their way from land to sea and what risks this contamination poses for various ecosystems. The researchers will also examine the impact on human health, environmental education, and develop strategies for sustainable preservation of aquatic ecosystems.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing funding to improve science education in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. The program aims to increase diversity and retention of students pursuing college degrees in FANH sciences.
A collaborative group of insect scientists, educators, and professionals created a Bed Bugs and Book Bags curriculum to educate teachers and children about bed bugs. The program, available for free, includes hands-on activities and learning topics to promote awareness and prevention.
The $250,000 award from Meyer Memorial Trust supports BREATHE Oregon's efforts to provide scientific data, legal analysis and community outreach to inform policy decisions on air quality in Portland and Oregon.
The Ecological Society of America will create a new network for 21st century STEM professionals in environmental biology with an innovative mindset. The project aims to prepare students for rapidly evolving career tracks and addresses NSF's goal of building the professional STEM workforce for tomorrow.
A California Lutheran University study found that citizen-designed redistricting in Ventura County led to fairer representation, with most incumbent supervisors re-elected based on their responsiveness to constituents. The new districts also strengthened support for environmental protections and liberal social policies.
A North Carolina State University study found that outdoor education programs significantly improved environmental literacy among minority students. The research showed that time spent outdoors had a positive impact on African-American and Hispanic students, leading to better ecological knowledge and cognitive skills.
A UM doctoral student uses Twitter to share updates from a conservation conference, reaching over 100,000 users worldwide. The study highlights the potential of live-tweeting to promote conservation education and outreach.
A new study shows that children can influence their parents' attitudes and behaviors towards the environment through education. The research, conducted in the Seychelles, found that children participating in wildlife clubs increased their parents' knowledge of wetlands and led to more environmentally friendly practices.
A growing field of study, ecopsychology examines the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships. It highlights various approaches to integrate psychology and environmental content in education, promoting students' appreciation for the link between their well-being and the natural world.
Brazilian scientist Heldio Villar advocates for better physics teaching and environmental education on radioactivity and nuclear power generation. This approach could lead to a more informed public and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
A study by Columbia Business School found that people's beliefs on global warming are influenced by daily temperature, with warmer days leading to increased concern. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and found that perceptions of temperature correlated with reality three-quarters of the time.
A study by Indiana University found that primary and state-secular schools in Israel adopted environmental education changes more likely than secondary and religious schools. Community-based grassroots efforts played a key role in this adoption.
Michigan State University will educate healthcare providers on safe fish consumption guidelines using a $1.5 million EPA grant. The program aims to identify at-risk patients and provide benefits and potential dangers of eating fish, particularly for children and women of child-bearing age.
Research suggests that integrating horticulture lessons into the classroom can significantly boost student test scores in science and environmental awareness. In a study, middle school students who received hands-on horticulture lessons showed substantial improvements in post-test scores, with increases of up to 25 points in some cases.
A recent study by ASHS found that students participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Schoolyard Habitat Program showed significantly increased math scores compared to those using traditional curricula. The program improved academic performance, particularly among Hispanic students, but not equally across all ethnic groups.
A recent study found that hands-on gardening experiences significantly improve children's environmental attitudes and locus of control. Researchers discovered that girls and Caucasians benefited most from the gardening curriculum, highlighting the need for targeted programs to address the needs of diverse groups.
The WELIM initiative will create professional development materials for teachers and develop science curriculum using innovative instructional technologies. The program aims to teach environmental science in a comprehensive and innovative way, addressing global issues such as climate change and energy usage.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) honored four award winners in 2008 for their significant contributions to the biological sciences. These individuals were recognized for their groundbreaking research, exceptional service to the scientific community, and dedication to education and environmental conservation.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new environmental impact model to help Canada reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. The model identifies farming and power generation as the largest sources of Canadian emissions per dollar output, emphasizing the need for alternative fuels and solutions to combat global warming.
Stephen Kellert, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies professor, receives North American Association for Environmental Education award for his theoretical and scientific contributions. His work focuses on the value and conservation of nature, with a particular interest in harmonizing natural and human-built environments.
A nationwide study found that there is no consensus across the US on whether to teach K-12 students about human-environmental interactions. Research suggests that most states prioritize teaching about human impacts on the environment over environmental impacts on humans and society.
A new study by The Wistar Institute has identified a three-protein complex responsible for producing mature miRNAs in the cell cytoplasm. This complex is associated with Argonaute 2, which plays a crucial role in gene silencing. The research also links miRNA production to HIV replication and tumor suppression.
A study by researchers from Stanford University and the Monterey Bay Aquarium found that Atlantic bluefin tuna have a complex migratory life cycle, with two distinct populations in the western and eastern Atlantic. Tighter restrictions on commercial fishing are needed to protect their feeding and breeding grounds.
A study found 16 non-native species of fish in ocean waters off the southeast coast of Florida, released from home aquariums. Aquarium owners are often unaware of the potential pitfalls of releasing pets into the wild, and education programs can help curtail exotic species introductions.
A team of researchers found nearly complete genomes of two organisms in a microbial community from a hot, acidic solution, revealing clues about metabolic activity and speciation. The study sheds light on how bacteria function collectively in acid-adapted environments.
Distributed computing experiment simulates protein folding, predicting folding rates and trajectories. Laboratory experiments confirm predictions, showing excellent agreement with simulated data.
A new study by Stanford University geophysicists challenges the widely used time-predictable recurrence model, which estimates the time when an earthquake will occur. The researchers found that the model failed to predict a magnitude 6 quake on the San Andreas Fault in Central California.
A new study reveals that white sharks can range across vast stretches of the open ocean, with some migrating thousands of miles from California to Hawaii. The researchers used electronic tagging technology to track the movement and behavior of six adult white sharks, finding that they were not coastal animals as previously thought.
The NIH-NSF Ecology of Infectious Diseases initiative aims to understand ecological relationships between human-induced environmental changes and infectious disease emergence. The research projects will study the effects of habitat destruction, biological invasion, and pollution on disease risks in humans and animals.
John P. Holdren receives Tyler Prize for his leadership in research and policy on global energy and environmental issues. His work has shaped new understanding and policies on sustainable development, climate change, and nuclear nonproliferation.
A five-year program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from China by 100 million tons, improving energy efficiency in the country's largest refrigerator industry. The project will also reduce air pollutants and help the government of China achieve its goal of using energy more efficiently.
A special symposium discusses children's exposure to environmental hazards, including air and food pollution, insecticides, and pesticides. The event highlights the need for better regulation and science-based decision-making to protect children's health.
Researchers have detected fluorocarbon- and hydrocarbon-based surfactants in groundwater at military bases in Florida and Nevada. The presence of these surfactants poses concerns about their impact on human health and the environment, as they are resistant to degradation and may also contaminate other pollutants.
The National Water Initiative aims to address the US water crisis through collaboration among universities, states, and federal agencies. The initiative proposes decentralized research work at the state level, with $250 million in new funding for results-oriented research.
A new Institute for Environmental Catalysis will be established at Northwestern University, focusing on catalytic oxidation processes and their applications. The researchers aim to improve environmental impact by reducing pollutants in the environment and industrial activities.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that Blacks' environmental concerns equal or exceed those of whites, with greater concern about local pollution and poorer environmental quality. The survey of 793 people identified significant differences in environmental attitudes between Black and white neighborhoods.
E. Imre Friedman, a renowned desert researcher, has been awarded the Procter and Gamble Award in Applied and Environmental Microbiology for his groundbreaking work on microbial life in hot and cold deserts. His discoveries expanded our understanding of life's limits and pushed the boundaries of biogeochemistry and microbiology.
Industrial ecology focuses on sustainable development, encouraging recycling, reuse, and upcycling. Graedel advocates for dematerialization, reduced energy intensity, and mining residue recovery to minimize environmental impact.
Agricultural workers in Georgia are now being educated about skin cancer risks through a new program, thanks to $1.15 million in funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The program includes sun block, hats with built-in neck protection, and educational materials targeted at farmers' families.