Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
Researchers have developed a new way to produce ammonia, a common fertilizer, that is cleaner and more efficient than traditional methods. The process uses calcium nitride and hydrogen atoms to create ammonia without emitting carbon dioxide, and can be scaled up for widespread use.
Research led by University of Notre Dame biologist Jason Rohr found that chronic exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes fish to age faster at the cellular level, leading to accelerated aging and reduced lifespan. The study suggests that low-level exposures can silently accumulate damage over time.
Fine particulate matter and ozone exposure independently associated with poorer cardiac health outcomes in breast cancer patients treated with cardiotoxic therapy. Environmental exposure modifications are crucial to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that satellite-derived forest maps often disagree, creating uncertainty for conservation, climate, and development policies. The discrepancies can be as high as a factor of 10, affecting millions of hectares and human lives.
New research shows that vulnerable populations in the US are exposed to a larger number and higher intensity of environmental burdens. The study found strong relationships between concentrated environmental burdens and vulnerable communities, with communities of color and those with limited English fluency facing the greatest risks.
Researchers found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated at least five times during warmer periods millions of years ago, indicating its extreme vulnerability to future warming. The study analyzed deep-sea sediments and identified 14 prominent melt events between 4.65 and 3.33 million years ago.
A University at Buffalo researcher has developed a framework to help scientists incorporate community input into Earth system models, providing more accurate and relevant regional climate data. The framework outlines four levels of co-design, allowing modelers to incorporate local knowledge and observations directly into the model.
A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
Research shows that companies with strong environmental, social, and governance track records perform better after adopting rigorous auditing standards. Investors view ESG practices as a signal of corporate quality, amplifying the benefits of transparent auditing.
A new perspective highlights emerging household contaminants that may increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and developmental problems. The authors emphasize the need for systematic monitoring and research to inform next-generation indoor air standards.
A survey of 4,000 Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and US citizens found that people were more supportive of climate policies in their own country if they believed other countries were also taking action. The study's findings suggest that reciprocity plays a significant role in shaping public opinions on climate policy.
Research reveals that exposure to addictive drugs like fentanyl and ketamine affects the behavior and survival rates of oyster larvae. The study found that after two weeks of exposure, survival declined in all treatments and doses, with benzoylecgonine causing the greatest reduction.
Simulations predict a 22-26% and 37-43% increase in extreme floods on the Karnali River between 2020 and 2099, with high emissions expected to see a 73-84% increase. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate flood hazards.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute present efficient and low-CO2 process to extract copper, nickel, and cobalt from deep-sea ore nodules. The method generates significantly less waste and deforestation compared to traditional land-based mining.
Avenas has won the Rhodium Ventures 2025 Competition with its groundbreaking transparent nano-coating, reducing heat buildup in buildings and vehicles without consuming energy. The company will receive up to NIS 6.5 million in investment commitments from the Earth & Beyond Ventures fund.
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
The upgraded facility enables efficient testing of equipment moving heavy oils, addressing the growing need for advanced gas separation technologies. SwRI's expanded High-Viscosity Flow Loop offers a more comprehensive solution, allowing for cost-effective and efficient testing of pumps in extremely viscous conditions.
A comprehensive investigation reveals significant public support for degrowth's key ideas across the UK and US. The study challenges the notion that such policies lack popular backing. Majority support was found for the full proposal with or without labels, while the 'degrowth' label alone received lower support due to low awareness.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Alberta reveals that flood-driven contamination significantly increases concerns about future flooding in coastal industrial communities. Residents who suspect their neighborhoods are contaminated by floods express higher worry about climate futures.
A new deep-learning tool can rapidly identify wild and farmed salmon by analyzing fish scales, with 95% accuracy. This technology has the potential to mitigate the ecological impact of escaped farmed salmon on wild populations.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has partnered with the Indian National Horticulture Board to improve agricultural production in India. The project aims to establish nine clean plant centers in India, providing training in advanced diagnostic methods, virus elimination, and science-based certification systems.
A study conducted in a Japanese ICU found that healthcare workers experience reduced satisfaction and concentration due to poor lighting and excessive noise. The findings suggest that designing ICUs with improved natural light and mitigating noise can enhance worker satisfaction, productivity, and quality of patient care.
Researchers found a strong association between nitrogen dioxide levels and increased risk of cardiac arrest, with a 7% rise for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre increase. The study highlights the importance of considering environmental data in health forecasting systems.
According to a new study, humans travel for approximately 1.3 hours per day, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This constant travel time is influenced by psychological desires and practical limitations, resulting in a convergent range of travel times across different modes of transport.
The COP30 climate summit in Brazil has seen countries favoring land-based carbon removal initiatives over emission cuts. However, a new report by the University of Melbourne warns that these efforts may be unrealistic due to global commitments to halt deforestation and forest degradation. The report highlights two essential flaws in na...
Climate change is expected to lead to a significant increase in methane emissions from lakes and reservoirs, with current emissions potentially doubling by the end of the century. This would contribute to faster climate change than currently predicted, highlighting the urgent need for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A study reveals that nearly half of the global population lives in regions facing three or more environmental problems, including polluted air, unsafe water, and biodiversity loss. The analysis provides strong evidence for urgent climate action as countries prepare to convene for COP30.
A new report from Earth4All argues that Brazil's vast forests and renewable energy potential are complemented by the power of trust and social cohesion in tackling the climate crisis. The study identifies five areas for coordinated reforms to accelerate decarbonisation and build resilience, including poverty reduction and inclusive gov...
A survey by Göttingen University found that consumers overestimate the environmental benefits of locally sourced food, while underestimating the advantages of imported goods. This misjudgment can lead to environmentally unfriendly choices.
The proliferation of SUVs poses significant risks to health and the environment, with taller vehicles increasing the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities. Higher parking fees and reforms to vehicle tax are proposed as measures to curb sales and reduce air pollution.
A new study from the University of Oxford estimates that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce global agricultural labor needs by 5-28% by 2030, which is equivalent to 18-106 million full-time jobs. This shift could also cut global labor costs by $290-995 billion per year.
Researchers evaluate ways to redesign land use and nature conservation using integrated approaches to meet ecological, social, and economic goals. Multifunctional landscapes can promote biodiversity, food production, climate regulation, and human well-being.
A practical, evidence-based checklist developed by scientists at the University of Surrey is helping everyone plan their next greening project with confidence. The study found that mixed gardens, such as small front gardens with a tree, shrubs, and green walls, give the greatest economic benefits for their size.
A study found that lignin, a polymer from plant cell walls, can improve the performance of nanoparticles with herbicide. Lignin was subjected to a green process and showed distinct properties, making it suitable for customizing different applications. The substance demonstrated potential for sustainable agricultural pest management.
Scientists found that breathing dusty air from the Salton Sea can alter the lung microbiome and trigger immune responses in mice. The study suggests that chronic exposure to such dust could have significant health effects, including asthma.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A study by Pusan National University finds that aerosols intensify ocean rainfall while delaying land storms, affecting water resources and flood protection. High aerosol levels alter precipitation patterns, with increased rainfall over the ocean and decreased rainfall over land.
Researchers from Kyushu University have identified a potent compound, 2Z-decaprenol, in the leaves of the Manchurian walnut tree that inhibits weed growth. The discovery could pave the way for a new class of sustainable herbicides.
Young adults adopting pro-environmental behaviors such as active travel and reduced meat consumption during the university transition period may benefit from targeted interventions. This study identifies significant life events as key drivers of behavior change in early adulthood.
A University of Bath study found that starting university leads to increased recycling and green travel habits. Values and supportive infrastructure play key roles in driving these changes.
A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that diverse pasturelands have no effect on milk production or methane emissions, but a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk yield. The study suggests that farms should consider the benefits of diverse grassland areas for overall productivity and ecosystem benefits.
Critical raw materials are projected to grow from 1 million tonnes in 2022 to between 1.2 and 1.9 million tonnes by 2050. Europe can recover more of these essential materials by improving collection, design, and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Coccolithophores are microscopic ocean organisms that regulate Earth's climate by drawing carbon out of seawater, producing oxygen, and creating chalk and limestone that preserve climate history. Climate change is altering their survival and the ecosystems they support, making International Coccolithophore Day a crucial awareness campa...
A recent study found that after the Flint water crisis, US public water systems were less likely to report suspiciously rounded lead levels. The research employed new statistical tools to detect threshold manipulation and reported a significant decrease in such instances.
A new survey of over 6,000 Europeans reveals that trusting politicians is crucial for accepting climate policies, especially those involving taxes. Regulations and subsidies tend to receive more support than environmental taxes or bans.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that soil properties control arsenic behavior and toxicity, with mobile fractions posing a stronger threat to juvenile springtails. The findings support targeted ecosystem management and remediation strategies to protect ecosystems from arsenic contamination.
A team of researchers from Japan has developed a novel approach to convert waste heat into electricity with higher efficiency than traditional methods, leveraging non-thermal Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid. This breakthrough could pave the way for more sustainable low-power electronics and quantum computing.
A new gas-solid separation method promises cleaner and cheaper recycling of critical elements. The technique uses flash Joule heating to extract REEs in seconds without water or acids, achieving over 90% purity and yield for REE recovery.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that social pressure is the primary driver behind farmers' willingness to protect their livestock from wolves. Financial support, such as subsidies for electric fences, also encourages farmers to take action. However, guard dogs are not a preferred option.
Despite a US federal government retreat from its net zero target, global climate commitments continue to grow. Corporate net zero targets have matured, with 70% of the largest listed companies having set goals, while US states remain committed to reducing emissions, sustaining domestic and global momentum.
A study by ISGlobal and published in Nature Medicine estimated that over 181,000 heat-related deaths occurred in Europe between 2022 and 2024. Italy experienced the highest number of heat-related deaths, with an estimated 19,038 deaths in 2024.
A new study has found that while vertical farms can deliver more than 20 times the yield of field farms and use far less water, their carbon footprint still exceeds traditional farming due to high energy demands. Researchers suggest switching to alternative materials could cut the environmental cost by over 95%.
The authors argue that energy availability has driven architectural design throughout history, with fossil fuels transforming buildings in the 17th century. They challenge conventional wisdom on sustainability, highlighting the high energy costs of modern minimalist designs like the Seagram Building.
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
A new study reveals how powerful industries are quietly shaping laws, research, and public messaging in ways that delay environmental and health action. The study calls for stronger conflict of interest rules and greater transparency in funding to safeguard against negative influence.
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
A new study finds that sargassum seaweed can significantly slow down sea turtle hatchlings in Florida, increasing their risk of predation and heat exposure. Researchers found that even small amounts of sargassum can impede hatchlings' progress, with leatherbacks taking 54% longer to crawl through light sargassum.
A study by Ben-Gurion University reveals that desert soils can release powerful greenhouse gases within minutes of being wetted, even without microbial life. The team found that chemical reactions drive these emissions, especially for nitrogen-based gases.