Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
A team of researchers at Lancaster University developed accessible ways to communicate sustainability research using fairy tale characters. The 'Telling Tales' project aims to make complicated arguments more engaging and understandable for policymakers and the public.
The study reveals significant declines in fish species, particularly sharks and rays, linked to human impacts. Archaeological analysis provides insight into lost environments and informs conservation baselines.
A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.
Researchers found both dryer types produce microfiber pollution, including water pollution from lint traps. Simple remedy is to clean lint filters and dispose of collected fibers as dry waste to reduce microfiber release.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that microplastics decrease bacteriophages' infectivity due to leachates and polymer size. The study highlights the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems, affecting both animals and humans.
Researchers found that mycorrhizal networks are essential for forest stability but not through sharing and caring among trees. The network works like a trading ground for individual trees and fungi, each trying to survive.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University will investigate the links between multimodal transportation, climate adaptation and resilience. The center aims to promote transit access, sustainable communities and resilient development.
A new systematic literature review reveals that virtual consulting can reduce carbon emissions in healthcare by minimizing patient travel time. The review found significant reductions in carbon emissions through the adoption of telemedicine appointments and video-based visits, which will continue to mitigate climate change as health sy...
A study by Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) analyzed water pollution complaints in Alabama and found a significant decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team used AI methodologies to examine sentiment changes and correlations with climatic extremes.
Research found that ZrO2 oxygen vacancies greatly facilitate charge transfer to CO2 molecules, leading to improved adsorption and activation. The study suggests t-ZrO2 with oxygen vacancies is most favorable for CO2 adsorption and activation over different phases of ZrO2.
A study discovered that tiny polystyrene particles can breach the blood-brain barrier two hours after ingestion, increasing the risk of inflammation and neurological disorders. The newly found mechanism relies on a biomolecular corona, highlighting the need to restrict nanoplastic use and exposure.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.
The global economic impact of biological invasions exceeds that of natural catastrophes, with $1208 billion in losses between 1980 and 2019. Biological invasions have a long-lasting effect, causing significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and ecosystems.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new approach to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials by substituting hydrogen for oxygen. This substitution reduces thermal conductivity while maintaining high electronic conductivity, leading to improved thermoelectric conversion efficiency.
A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a microfluidic device using acoustic focusing to collect microplastics from water. The device achieved a 105-fold enrichment of MPs, making it an efficient solution for removing microplastics from laundry and industrial wastewater.
Researchers found record-breaking rates of sea-level rise of about a half an inch per year since 2010, three times higher than the global average over the same period. The acceleration is attributed to man-made climate change and natural climate variability.
The Arctic permafrost is home to thousands of industrial sites storing hazardous substances. As climate change accelerates thawing, these contaminants can be released, causing irreparable damage to ecosystems. The study estimates 13,000 to 20,000 contaminated sites in the region.
Malith Senevirathne, a PhD student from the University of Huddersfield's Global Disaster Resilience Centre, attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2023. The event highlighted the theme 'Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future' and promoted democracy, human rights, and equality for Commo...
A new study in Scotland reveals that stakeholders have diverse and nuanced views on potential lynx reintroduction, with disagreements over sheep farming and ecosystem management. The research highlights the need for a participatory approach to discuss the issue.
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health issues a sweeping new report highlighting the far-reaching health hazards of plastics across their life cycle. The report examines the economic, health, environmental, and social costs associated with plastics from extraction to end states.
A recent study led by Boston University researchers found that payments designed to motivate eco-friendly behavior often don't reconcile the tension between agricultural production and the planet's health. However, including more women in decision-making boosted cooperation between farmers on environmental issues and increased output.
Restoration of Brazil's dry forests and savannas can sequester up to 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon in the long term, while conservation is essential to meet its 2030 climate goal. The new study suggests a focus on these biomes could be more cost-effective than restoration.
Researchers have developed a microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants, which can precisely deliver controlled amounts of agrochemicals to specific plant tissues. This method has the potential to improve crop quality and disease management while minimizing resource wastage and environmental contamination.
A new study by the University of Exeter and the University of Bristol Law School suggests that governments should empower citizens to shape marine environmental decisions. The researchers propose a new definition of marine citizenship, recognizing rights as well as responsibilities, to create transformative change for sustainability.
Researchers from Princeton University found that hydrogen emissions can lead to an increase in atmospheric methane, canceling out climate benefits. They identified thresholds for managing hydrogen emissions to avoid this consequence.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that most people migrate short distances within their own country to adapt to climate change. The research reveals that everyday mobility is a crucial aspect of managing different shocks and stresses, including increasing climate variability.
The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.
A new study finds that flood zone property prices are overvalued by $121–$237 billion, with low-income households losing up to 10% of their market value. The study warns of a real estate bubble threatening the US housing market's stability.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
A new USC study found that people's concerns about severe weather are significantly more predictive of their concerns about water safety than concerns about climate change. This suggests that warning people about water safety and other environmental threats is more effective when linked to extreme weather rather than climate change.
Researchers discovered a microbial culture from baby kangaroo feces that can inhibit methane production in cow stomach simulators, replacing it with beneficial acetic acid. This innovation has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve cow health.
Researchers found a significant gap between when private wells were sampled and when they were likely to become contaminated, with higher levels of bacteria detected in summer months. The study has implications for national and global water sources, highlighting the need for more guidance on seasonal timing for testing.
Researchers developed a novel method to convert CO2 into formic acid using ruthenium complexes, achieving a high turnover number of 63. This technology has the potential to decrease global warming and provide valuable organic compounds.
A new study by Jonas Peisker found that favorable economic contexts, such as high income levels and low inflation, foster environmental concern. Social cohesion also played a significant role in prioritizing environmental issues. Regions with greenhouse gas-intensive industries had lower environmental concerns among locals.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
A £5.4 million project, backed by Innovate UK, aims to develop a new value chain to convert industrial waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products. The consortium, including Unilever and BASF, will seek to demonstrate how the UK can cut 15-20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.
Climate change may lead to significant declines in US forest inventories, particularly in the South, resulting in reduced timber production and increased costs. The study projects losses of up to 23% by 2100, with potential gains in some regions driven by climate-adaptive species.
A UC Riverside study found that fathers exposed to chemicals in plastics can affect the metabolic health of their offspring for two generations. Paternal DCHP exposure led to high insulin resistance and impaired insulin signaling in F1 offspring, while F2 offspring showed weaker effects.
A joint team of researchers uncovered serious management and compliance issues on lion farms in the Free State, including potentially fraudulent activities with microchip reuse and incomplete record keeping. The study highlights concerns that lion farm owners may be laundering wild-caught lions through microchip reuse.
A study by University of Reading ecologists suggests that social and economic factors drive the decline of large carnivore species, with habitat loss being less significant. The researchers propose a sustainable model of development to protect carnivores, but note that this may come at the cost of locking people into poverty.
A recent study compiled over 125,000 river locations across 93 countries, showing that hypoxia in rivers is more prevalent than previously thought. The research found that 12.6% of all locations exhibited at least one hypoxic measurement, with warmer, smaller, and lower-gradient waters being most affected.
Research finds that childhood trauma is associated with increased interest in both public and private environmental issues, suggesting a powerful motivator for engagement. Childhood experiences in nature also predict green behavior later in life.
Measurements taken by University of Copenhagen researchers show high air pollution levels in the Copenhagen metro, with ultra-small particles 10-20 times higher than on heavily trafficked streets. The pollution comes mainly from trains' brakes and rails, posing a health risk to frequent users.
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists reveals that consuming one serving of freshwater fish per year is equivalent to ingesting water with high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS for a month. The study analyzed data from over 500 fish samples and found median amounts of PFAS in freshwater fish to be 280 times greater tha...
A Florida Atlantic University study found that urban noise exposure during development affects the color of songbirds' beaks, which influence social interactions and mate choice. Males developed less bright beak coloration, while females developed brighter orange coloration than untreated birds.
Researchers at KAUST developed a high-efficiency metal-free battery using ammonium cations as charge carriers, outperforming existing analogues with a record operation voltage of 2.75 volts. This breakthrough provides potential for lowering battery costs and enabling large-scale applications.
Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that subway stations near river tunnels have significantly higher concentrations of hazardous particles in the air. The study suggests increasing ventilation and cleaning efforts to improve air quality in these areas.
A new UW-led report emphasizes the unequal burden of marine plastic pollution on different communities, particularly in developing countries. The study calls for a more equitable approach to address the issue, focusing on plastics production rather than waste management.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that nanoplastics from polystyrene can produce reactive oxygen species when exposed to light, which can harm wildlife and the aquatic ecosystem. The study suggests that smaller particle sizes of nanoplastics may be more reactive and decompose faster under light.
Researchers found that microplastic mass sequestered in seafloor sediments mimics global plastic production from 1965 to 2016. The study revealed a tripling of microplastics deposited on the seafloor since 2000, with accumulation rates mirroring global use of plastics.
Researchers at POSTECH developed high-performance n-type semiconductor Bi2S3 and p-type Te semiconductor through thermal evaporation, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method can be integrated into standard OLED manufacturing, lowering production costs and contributing to the growth of sustainable electronics.
Research by Cornell University reveals that biodegradable medical gowns release harmful emissions due to faster decomposition rates. The study suggests adopting landfill gas capture and utilization processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and toxicity.
Experts, including a pediatrician, suggest phasing out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings due to its damaging effects on children's health and the environment. They propose alternative gifts, such as recycled or plant-based options, to foster friendships and combat anxiety.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a novel method to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', in contaminated water. The hydrogen-infusion and UV light-based process achieves high molecular destruction rates without generating unwanted byproducts.
Researchers found biocide-free silicone-based paint to be more effective against fouling than copper-based paints in the Baltic Sea region. The environmentally friendly alternative drastically reduced heavy metal releases into sensitive sea ecosystems.