A new study reveals metabolic-associated kidney disease among young girls and women, and those without heat exposure in Nicaragua. The research found a greater prevalence of poor kidney health among young girls and women than previously known, and risk factors for kidney disease are present at younger ages.
A study of 2.7 million marathon performances found that higher air pollution levels were associated with slower finishing times, particularly in recreational runners. Nitrogen dioxide levels were strongly linked to finishing times, with effects six times larger for recreational runners than elite athletes.
Patients undergoing major surgery are at a higher risk of suboptimal recovery in urban heat islands, with Black patients and those in socially vulnerable communities hit hardest. Researchers recommend incorporating questions about home cooling and hydration into discharge planning to mitigate this risk.
Researchers found 86% of soil samples exceeded the EPA's 200 parts per million residential soil lead hazard level, and nearly 94% exceeded screening levels for multiple sources of lead exposure. In homes without lead-based paint, 80% of floor dust samples exceeded safety thresholds.
Simulations predict that historical carbon emissions from major fossil fuel producers will continue to contribute to global warming for many centuries. The study analyzed various future emissions scenarios, highlighting the long-term impact of past emissions on the environment.
A new study highlights the importance of lived experience, local knowledge, and community voices in climate change communication. Researchers found that people experience and respond to climate change differently, even within similar geographic and socio-ecological settings. The study recommends more place-responsive approaches that br...
Research finds that wildflower strips and organic farming increase biodiversity by 20-30% and profits in wheat fields by 150% compared to conventional farming, with organic farming being the most profitable
A new PNAS special feature examines how segregation shapes environmental risks and benefits in cities, including access to water, safety from floods, and exposure to extreme heat. The authors argue that understanding segregation as a social-ecological system can help break cycles and build more equitable cities.
Researchers analyzed 40,000 industrial plants and 5,000 U.S. House elections to find that firms in Democratic districts have lower emissions due to increased inspections and enforcement actions. This reallocation had potential financial impacts for firms and public health concerns for local communities.
New research estimates that Australia will face significant economic losses of up to $855 billion by 2100 due to rising sea levels and storm surges. The study found that coastal flooding could affect almost 270,000 properties and two million hectares of land across the country.
Researchers found that fish serotonin transporters, similar to human counterparts, can be highly sensitive to antidepressants found in water, highlighting potential risks to aquatic life. The study suggests prioritizing specific pharmaceuticals in environmental monitoring programs and deriving species-specific risk thresholds.
A major report finds that Heathrow expansion is incompatible with UK climate targets due to aviation emissions and the lack of sustainable technologies like sustainable aviation fuels and greenhouse gas removals. The report concludes that the UK's aviation sector already exceeds its share of the Seventh Carbon Budget by around 40%.
The study aims to improve health and quality of life for people with sickle cell disease by understanding the impact of daily life on the disease. Researchers will measure everyday exposures, including air quality, temperature, food, and stress, to develop tools for clinicians to counsel patients.
Researchers have developed a heat-driven, elastocaloric cooling system that leverages waste heat and solar energy for sustainable cooling. The system achieves a temperature difference of 4°C on the component level, demonstrating its feasibility.
A new study finds that illness rates increase with proximity to the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a site contaminated with radioactive and chemical waste. Wealthier residents, who were expected to take more action to protect themselves, were actually driven by fear to take precautions.
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
Scientists warn that Canada's boreal forests absorb enough heat to offset 6-20% of their climate benefit, due to their dark surface reflecting winter sunlight. Mixed forests with deciduous trees and moderate densities outperform dense evergreen monocultures in delivering climate cooling.
Members of Parliament from the UK's three biggest parties overestimated public resistance to climate change policies by a significant margin. Researchers found that politicians consistently overestimated public opposition to climate policies, believing voters and other parliamentarians felt more strongly opposed than they actually did....
The climate impact taxonomy provides a shared framework linking measurable climate changes with risks and adaptation options, helping policymakers and practitioners make informed decisions. The taxonomy identifies key patterns, including regional scales and the need for both mitigation and adaptation.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that centipedegrass can serve as a crucial food source for bees. By delaying lawn mowing and allowing grass to flower, people can create an alternative meal source for pollinators, which lasts longer than traditional flowers.
A new UN University publication reveals that many people in England fail to take action to protect themselves during heatwaves despite receiving warnings. The most common reason is a lack of perception of personal risk, highlighting the need for improved communication and long-term adaptation strategies.
North Americans breathed unhealthy air for nearly 106 million person-days as Ontario wildfires exposed people on both sides of the border. Canada's slow fire season intensified within weeks, with Toronto recording the poorest air quality in the world.
Researchers discovered 86% of bare surface soil samples exceeded EPA's residential soil lead hazard level, with nearly 94% exceeding screening levels. In homes without interior lead-based paint, 80% of floor dust samples exceeded safety thresholds.
New research suggests that collecting and spraying rainwater on rooftops during hot weather can significantly reduce energy demand for air conditioning and lower urban temperatures. The study found that this approach could cut the number of heatwave days overall and lessen the intensity of extreme heat events.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
A new study finds that global inequality has increased by 170-270% since 1960, challenging the idea of catch-up development. The research highlights the role of neoliberal policies and geopolitical strategies in perpetuating core-periphery inequality.
Climate change has become Europe's top environmental issue, with concerns rising despite global crises, particularly in Nordic countries. Local impacts are also being recognized, such as water scarcity in Spain and air pollution in Italy.
A new study recommends reducing and reusing nappies, developing recycling technologies, and creating compostable products to tackle the plastic waste crisis. The research team identifies three system interventions that can radically reduce the environmental impact of absorbent hygiene products.
A study of almost 2800 Australians over four years found no evidence that personal environmental actions like recycling and using public transport hinder support for broader climate action. Everyday behaviours are expressions of existing values rather than catalysts or obstacles for political engagement.
The partnership aims to develop genomic tools addressing large-scale problems in health and the environment, combining research strengths across UC San Diego's departments. The collaboration will accelerate discovery and drive real-world impact, leveraging CRISPR technology and microbiome-editing tools.
Researchers recommend global framework for monitoring and managing novel entities, including tailored target values based on hazard potential. A three-step evaluation process assesses production, environmental behavior, and impacts of these substances.
A new tool, Tree Value Visions, aims to support councils and communities in thinking about the future of trees in towns and cities in a more inclusive way. The research highlights the importance of considering deeper connections people have with nature and integrating urban tree planning across different policy areas.
This study found that households in metropolitan areas with higher population density and income levels show stronger voluntary water conservation during drought. The AI-based scenario analysis showed that increased drought-related news coverage leads to significant water savings in these regions, but has a limited impact on rural areas.
A KAIST study found that immigration-related legislation can lead to increased toxic chemical releases from manufacturing facilities in the US. The research team analyzed data from 14,390 facilities and found a significant increase in pollution when political attention shifted to immigration.
A new book reveals Iran's government failure to address devastating environmental catastrophes, while persecuting campaigners trying to raise awareness. The country's rulers have failed to provide a comprehensive plan, despite the concerning state of its natural environment, leading to issues like water scarcity and deforestation.
Researchers at Göttingen University found that virtual fences lead to a more even distribution of animals across the pasture and reduced movement near edges. Virtual fences also elicit similar behavior from cattle as conventional electric fences.
A new study reveals that microplastics in the air can trap heat, making them a previously unknown contributor to climate change. Researchers found that colored microplastics absorb roughly 16% as much heat as black carbon, with an effect equivalent to running 200 coal-fired power plants annually.
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A nationwide study found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in northern Spain recording the strongest semen quality. Lifestyle habits were broadly similar across regions, suggesting environmental exposures may play a role in male reproductive health.
A study of 17,000 EU citizens found that most view economic growth as compatible with sustainability, with values like equality and collective welfare driving support. Citizens in wealthier societies tend to be less supportive, suggesting they feel more secure when basic needs are met.
A study by researchers from the University of Ottawa found that Calling and Non-calling western toads are genetically distinct, behaviourally different, and have ecological variations. This discovery has important implications for conservation and wildlife management in Canada.
A new study led by King's College London finds that human-driven climate change has intensified the retreat of Pine Island Glacier, one of the single biggest contributors to global sea level rise. The glacier retreated by around 18-20% since the 1940s, adding several kilometers to its landward withdrawal.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes boost plants' ability to survive in salty conditions. Pseudomonad bacteria stimulate the production of lignin, a tough substance found in plant cell walls, helping plants withstand environmental stress.
The UN has launched an initiative calling on AI companies to publicly disclose their environmental impacts, including carbon, water and land footprint. The move comes after a report highlighted the massive electricity demand and environmental impacts of AI systems.
The study found that an abortion ban in Texas was associated with a worsening of maternal mental health among reproductive-age mothers. This highlights the need for strengthened support for post-Dobbs policy environments.
Climate change is projected to increase frequency and intensity of hydroclimatic whiplash events, with regions experiencing both floods and droughts. This may lead to increased flash flooding, water quality deterioration, and soil erosion, as well as challenges for flood and drought planning.
A University of Göttingen study reveals that traditionally farmed landscapes can produce food while protecting nature and preserving cultural traditions. The research highlights four key strategies for adapting these systems to local environments and markets.
Researchers studied plant responses to heat at the molecular level, finding PIF4 acts as a control switch for temperature-induced growth responses. The protein's ability to team up with other proteins could inform future efforts to develop heat-resistant crops.
A study predicts climate change will trap air pollutants over coastal areas, increasing health risks for millions in Barcelona. Ozone concentrations are projected to rise substantially along the coastline by 2100.
Natural waters slow down nature's cleanup process by shielding plastics from sunlight and microbes, according to a new study. The chemical makeup of natural waters, especially combinations of salt and organic matter, significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene plastic.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
UC San Diego Health has received multiple awards from Practice Greenhealth for its achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, including the Greenhealth Leader Award and Circle of Excellence Award. The institution's commitment to operations supporting healthier patients, staff, and communities is recognized nationally.
Mangrove forests worldwide are no longer in net decline and are now growing overall, driven by natural regeneration and expansion. The research highlights a more hopeful trajectory for these ecosystems, which play a critical role in protecting coastlines and storing climate-warming carbon.
The global data centers powering artificial intelligence are projected to consume nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria by 2030. AI's environmental cost is being systematically mismeasured, with its water footprint equaling the basic annual domestic water needs of all 1.3 billion people ...
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
A new Northwestern University study finds that most proposed US lithium mines could face significant water shortages, posing challenges to the country's growing industry. Climate change and competition for resources exacerbate existing water stress in areas like southern California and Nevada.
A new study suggests that temporary carbon storage can play a significant role in climate mitigation, particularly in sectors with persistent methane emissions. The researchers found that neutralizing the climate impact of 1 kilogram of methane requires removing roughly 498 kilograms of CO₂ stored for 20 years.
Researchers at Arizona State University measured air temperatures downwind and upwind of data centers in Phoenix, finding a significant impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Temperatures downwind averaged 1.3-1.6 degrees warmer than upwind, with detectable effects up to five city blocks away.
A pilot study discovered over 100 different algae species in German farmland, with blue-green and green algae prevalent during summer, and yellow-green algae during spring and autumn. The research highlights the importance of soil algae in maintaining soil health and fertility.
A study by Dartmouth researchers shows that annual rainfall is increasingly concentrated into bigger and wetter storms with longer dry periods in between. This means less water is available for land, soil can only absorb so much at once, and what's not soaked up evaporates more readily.