Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 new study estimates that safe underground carbon storage can reduce warming by 0.7°C, significantly lower than previous estimates of 6°C. The study highlights the need for responsible management of this limited resource to achieve long-term climate goals.
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.
A new study led by Professor Jonghun Kam predicts that Pakistan will experience major floods and severe droughts on a periodic basis, exacerbated by accelerating global warming. The AI model forecasts these extreme weather events every 15 years for the upper Indus River, and roughly every 11 years for surrounding rivers.
New research demonstrates that corals naturally thriving in extreme environments can be used to boost the resilience of reef sites. Despite being transplanted to more stable conditions, these corals retained their heat tolerance and activated pathways associated with DNA repair and homeostasis.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a DNA-free gene editing technique for raspberries, which could lead to the creation of more sustainable and resilient varieties. The new method uses CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the genome of raspberry protoplasts, resulting in faster breeding times and reduced food waste.
The New Contaminants journal is a premier multidisciplinary platform connecting scientists worldwide to share discoveries in environmental science. The journal publishes high-impact research on emerging contaminants, including limited-time opportunities for free publication and APC waivers.
The international community is building momentum to establish ecocide as a new international crime, allowing individuals to be held accountable for serious environmental destruction. The UK has an opportunity to take on a leadership role by adopting its own legislation to criminalize ecocide.
Researchers found that heat waves across Africa are now hotter, longer, and more frequent, mainly due to human activities. The study aimed to fill the knowledge gap on climate extremes in Africa and provide insights for mitigation and adaptation strategies.
High humidity exacerbates extreme heat's negative impact on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart-related emergencies by six times. Researchers analyzed over 340,000 emergency room visits in Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding a significant association between high heat and humidity levels.
A study by the University of Michigan found that counties with animal feeding operations have higher levels of air pollution, particularly PM2.5, linked to heart and respiratory issues. These operations also tend to be located near vulnerable communities with lower health insurance coverage and education.
A renowned climate scientist is sounding the alarm on extreme weather events in Asia, proposing an eight-point plan to address climate change. The plan focuses on investing in climate science, accelerating renewable energy, transforming urban mobility, and strengthening climate resilience.
A University of Toronto study finds that global warming may increase the risk of invasive ant species by enabling them to expand into outdoor environments. Researchers warn that some indoor-only ant species have the potential to cause significant damage if they become established outdoors.
Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics monitors the effects of plastic pollution on human health, citing $1.5 trillion in annual economic losses. Researchers track the life cycle of plastics to identify key drivers of harm, including production, use, and disposal.
Researchers found that hot days increase emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while cold days are associated with fewer deaths, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that health policy needs to account for temperature-related impacts across different age groups.
A study evaluates a city-level warning system based on wastewater data to detect COVID-19 outbreaks early. The proposed system offers broader coverage, earlier outbreak detection, and lower costs compared to clinical surveillance.
Researchers at K-State utilize aerial data and machine learning to accurately detect woody encroachment in grasslands, supporting conservation efforts. The system combines aerial imagery with ground-based data, achieving 97% accuracy in classification.
ShadeLA aims to reduce heat risk by expanding tree canopy and shade infrastructure in key public spaces, targeting major sporting events and heat waves. The initiative builds on USC's Urban Trees Initiative and engages community-based organizations to create locally driven solutions for a more comfortable L.A.
A study analyzing data from 2002 to 2022 found a 50% decline in economic gains from fishing due to the introduction of exotic species. The size of native fish decreased, while invasive species increased in body size and abundance.
Over 60 academic experts urge global plastics treaty to include human health impacts, toxic chemical regulation, and production caps. The briefing event, hosted by Cambridge University Press, offers clear evidence-based recommendations for a legally binding treaty.
The Amazon has experienced a 163% increase in degradation and a 54% decrease in deforestation between 2022 and 2024. This 'negative balance' of biome protection threatens Brazil's international climate commitments, particularly its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59-67% by 2035.
New UGA research reveals wild pigs are a significant cause of damage on farms and crops, with estimated losses of $107,000 per year. The invasive species' high birth rate and ability to uproot seeds and trample plants make them a destructive force in Georgia agriculture.
The elimination of federal and state tools to monitor and forecast climate disasters imperils public health efforts. Climate data is crucial for preparing and responding to heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Waseda University discovered myosin XI's critical role in plant drought response. Myosin XI enables plants to close stomata more effectively and conserve water by coordinating ROS signaling, microtubule remodeling, and gene activation in guard cells.
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
Health experts urge the UN to strengthen the treaty's focus on ending plastic production and reducing toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization estimates that one-quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental harm, including chemicals, pollution, and waste.
A University of Houston engineer has developed a method to create strong and eco-friendly materials from bacterial cellulose, which could replace plastic in various industries. The new material has high tensile strength flexibility, foldability, optical transparency, and long-term mechanical stability.
A new study from ICTA-UAB reveals that urban growth can be unsustainable if not managed carefully, with environmental consequences including increased consumption and emissions. The research provides a comparative framework for understanding different approaches to urban growth, highlighting the need for evidence-based solutions.
A new analysis reveals that religion, politics, and war can drive evolutionary changes in urban wildlife, leading to population differences and genetic drift. The study's findings have implications for city planning and management, highlighting the need for researchers to record changes as they happen using digital technology.
New research highlights that warming peatlands releases substantial methane, offsetting their carbon storage capacity and increasing the global temperature overshoot challenge. This means policymakers may need to remove more carbon from the atmosphere to return to safer climate levels.
Scientists have discovered that certain species of gut bacteria can absorb PFAS, potentially protecting against its harmful effects. The researchers plan to develop probiotic dietary supplements to boost the levels of these helpful microbes in our gut.
Climate anxiety is growing, especially amongst young people, due to the polarized debate around climate change. Professor Beattie's book offers psychological tips on how to handle climate anxiety, including writing personal narratives about difficult emotional experiences. Strategies focus on improving mental well-being and empowering ...
A new IIASA-led study finds that Earth's carbon-climate system may be more fragile than thought, with quantified 'stress power' reaching between 12.8 and 15.5 pascals per year. The researchers also identified a turning point in the planet's response to stress around 1925-1945.
Researchers detected microplastics in 69% of women's follicular fluid and 55% of men's seminal fluid, with PTFE being the most prevalent polymer. The study highlights the need to explore possible implications for human reproductive health and fertility.