Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
Research by Ostfeld and Holt found that mobile predators like foxes, coyotes, and falcons effectively suppress rodent numbers, reducing disease transmission to humans. In contrast, specialized predators like weasels cause periodic population booms, promoting the spread of rodent-borne pathogens.
A symposium at AAAS explores environmental microorganisms as human pathogens, highlighting devastating diseases and antibiotic resistance. Global climate change and biowarfare threaten disease prevalence and prevention.
Research in the Journal of Industrial Ecology reveals that seemingly small e-commerce decisions can have significant environmental impacts, often shifting from positive to negative effects. Positive IT effects are typically limited to 5-20% reductions in pollution or energy use.
Researchers at Cardiff University are launching a survey to gather detailed data on commercial and industrial waste arisings in Wales. The survey will question 2,400 businesses across the country, providing valuable insights into waste generation and management practices.
The study reveals African Americans are more likely to make environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices and prioritize environmental issues. Despite this, they face poorer environmental conditions in their neighborhoods, sparking greater concern than their white counterparts.
A study found that 20% of all land area in the US is within 127 meters of a road, while 50% is within 382 meters. This highlights the significant ecological impact of roads on forest ecosystems.
Scientists at Michigan State University have identified a new bacterium that can break down the toxic chemical TCA, which contaminates groundwater and erodes the ozone layer. The discovery holds promise for cleaning up contaminated sites in the US, as the microbe can convert TCA into less toxic substances.
The AAAS CEO emphasizes the need for international scientific cooperation to address global challenges. The organization supports unfettered information exchange and travel freedom, highlighting the benefits of science-based diplomacy in bridging political divides.
Ships transport over 10 billion tonnes of ballast water annually, releasing foreign marine plants and animals into ecosystems. Researchers in the Newcastle University-led project investigate various treatment methods to dispose of ballast water at ports.
A science reviewer strongly criticizes Bjørn Lomborg's book, arguing that it gives little recognition to modern environmental professionals and fails to make the connection between new policies and environmental advances. The reviewer highlights the importance of economic incentives, such as those contained within the Kyoto Protocol, i...
War has a profound impact on the environment and human health, causing widespread destruction of infrastructures, displacement of populations, and ongoing presence of radioactivity and toxins. Medical personnel working in conflicts must recognize and document sexual violence, provide necessary care, and advocate for justice to prevent ...
Partners in Amphibians and Reptile Conservation (PARC) received an Environmental Merit Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency Region 4. The organization, formed in 1999, has made significant contributions to long-term conservation of amphibians, reptiles, and their habitats through public/private partnerships.
The book analyzes the accumulative effects of industrial development over 40 years, showing changes in pollution patterns and potential risks to agricultural food production. Historical studies of heavy metal pollution are used to illustrate how spatial patterns have changed over time.
The University at Buffalo will host a global conference on environmental health, bringing together over 500 researchers and experts from around the world. The conference aims to assess the worldwide disease burden caused by environmental problems and build connections among health centers in Pan America and globally.
Dr. David Suzuki will speak at the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting, discussing his efforts to prevent ecological crises and find ways for humans to live in balance with nature. He focuses on Climate Change and Pacific Salmon Forests, aiming to educate the public about urgent strategies for reducing global warming.
Researchers studied microbes living in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs to better interpret samples from Mars for signs of life. They developed a systematic model for travertine deposition, which could aid in identifying ancient microbial life.
Researchers from around the world present real-world and theoretical findings on valuing environmental services, exploring challenges of assigning economic values to ecosystems and regulating the environment. The study highlights the complexities of managing ecosystem resources and incorporating costs of pollution into prices.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill argue that US environmental policies should focus on pollution prevention practices rather than stringent regulation. The study suggests that widespread adoption of eco-efficiency practices can lead to significant gains in environmental quality.
A new archaeon, Ferroplasma acidarmanus, is found in mining sites and accelerates the production of sulfuric acid, a major environmental pollutant. The microbe's ability to thrive in acidic conditions without a cell wall defies conventional understanding.
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.
University of New Orleans researchers have developed a nontoxic corrosion inhibitor for aluminum that inhibits corrosion as much as chromium without hazardous materials. The coating is environmentally acceptable and applies easily, making it safer for workers and the environment.
A recent survey of UK banks suggests that extending environmental liability to lenders could have a significant impact on their willingness to lend to environmentally risky industries. The study's findings highlight the need for careful design and harmonization of environmental liability regimes with banking regulations to avoid damagi...
The US Navy is developing a new system to treat non-oily wastewater from its vessels, eliminating costs and fines associated with discharging wastewater. The Aerated Non-Oily Wastewater Membrane Treatment System (AMTS) has shown promise in treating graywater and vacuum-collected sewage, allowing ships to remain on their stations longer.
A recent study reveals that much of the information on global pollution is flawed due to the chirality of chemicals. This asymmetry affects how toxic pollutants interact with living organisms. The study finds that some pollutants may be less harmful than thought, while environmental changes could increase or decrease their toxicity.
The Aldo Leopold Leadership Program has selected its first cohort of 20 Fellows, including experts in water and air quality, diseases, and global climate change. The five-year program aims to enhance their ability to communicate environmental science effectively among various audiences.
Some smelter slags produce toxic elements like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper when exposed to natural weathering conditions. Researchers have found high levels of these elements in slag dumps, contaminating nearby water sources.
The study concludes that recycling packaging waste reduces energy consumption and generates positive environmental effects, including a reduction in landfill use. The focus on packaging has also led to increased recycled materials, with over 140,000 tons of recyclable packaging increased since 1994.
Researchers found up to 30% of fish showed signs of damage, including open wounds and underdeveloped ovaries, affecting reproduction. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause and potential consequences for other landfill sites.
A new report by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency examines the association between hormone-disrupting substances and observed effects in humans and wildlife. The study found potential links between EDSs and changes in reproductive health, behavior, and cancer incidence.
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.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory predicts significant advancements in environmental technology by 2008. Key breakthroughs include smart water treatment, renewable energy storage, micro manufacturing, and bioprocessing for producing environmentally friendly chemicals.
A team of 13 Virginia Tech researchers is developing a comprehensive model to assess the hydrologic, ecological, and economic effects of urban development on watersheds. The project aims to help local governments manage urban growth while sustaining good environmental quality.
A new study found significant climatic change in the Arctic without human influence, contradicting previous assumptions. The research, led by Dr. Marianne Douglas, analyzed diatom assemblages in lake and pond sediments, revealing warming trends that began in the 1840s and ended the Little Ice Age.
A new report from Cornell University predicts climate change will have a significant impact on US workplaces, with potential job losses of up to 1.6 million. The report identifies numerous strategies for unions and workers to improve environmental performance and create sustainable jobs.
Researchers at UNC-CH have invented a process using carbon dioxide to separate liquids, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic solvents. The new method, described in Nature, has shown success in removing dye from water and could be applied in industries releasing vast amounts of waste water into the environment.
A comprehensive international study by Duke University researchers found that waste-to-energy incineration is a competitive alternative only where economic and environmental considerations discourage landfills. Despite improved technology, WTE facilities cannot match conventional power plants in energy outputs or economics.
Researchers at Resources for the Future (RFF) argue that tighter ozone standards won't resolve urban smog problems due to local conditions and economic competition. The authors suggest targeting individuals' driving habits and activities as an alternative to mandated regulation.
Researchers at Resources for the Future (RFF) found that leading federal programs relying on incentives have little impact on the environment or regulatory system. The report identifies three major concerns: lack of statutory basis, poor management by EPA, and mistrust among parties involved.
A new report by Resources for the Future highlights the District of Columbia's environmental priorities, ranking drinking water and air pollution as top concerns. The study suggests creating a separate environmental agency to address these issues, which have serious consequences for attracting businesses and residents.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati and US EPA found that water-saving shower nozzles can increase lung trouble risk due to finer spray particles, which can stir up contaminants and microbes growing in biofilms
The Next Generation Project aims to refloat the US environmental policy debate with fresh thinking and new directions. A comprehensive compendium of ideas will be released at a workshop in Yale Law School, contributing to this fall's state and federal election campaigns.
Researchers find Candida wickerhamii yeast neutralizes pollutant in sauerkraut brine, producing Beta-glucosidase enzyme to extract natural flavors from fruit pomace. The technology can add value to foods and beverages by adding specific fruit flavors, such as natural grape flavoring.