Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
Researchers will test the hypothesis that environmental manganese exposure is associated with the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and measure neuroinflammation in the brain using MRI scans. The study aims to inform environmental regulations for manganese worldwide and address an environmental justice concern.
Bamboo invasion decreases mean and maximum diameter at breast height, maximum height, and total basal area of stands, while increasing stem density. The study reveals a greater allocation of biomass to height growth in bamboo, contributing to its invasive success.
Researchers observed microfiber plastics tumbling, rolling, and getting stuck in soil particles, revealing slow movement and potential trapping. The study improves understanding of exposure risks and possible health impacts of widespread plastic pollutants.
The MINE-THE-GAP project aims to bridge the gap in mining's environmental and social impacts by providing reliable mining indicators using advanced satellite data and artificial intelligence. The project will provide mine-level indicators, including on land use, waste generation, and extracted minerals.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement reduced their methane emissions by nearly 40% without affecting health or weight. The study provides a promising approach to make cattle farming more sustainable and play a role in fighting climate change.
A new UN University study reveals Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts, with over 31,000 buildings affected and $12.5 billion in threatened property value. The disaster highlights the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and improved land-use planning to mitigate future extreme weather events.
A new legal framework proposes addressing climate change through the lens of unjust enrichment, circumventing challenges of quantifying abstract harms and allowing for accountability without strict proof of wrongdoing. This approach offers a means to address environmental violations even when specific damages are difficult to establish.
The Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest cross-border groundwater reservoir, is being overused in São Paulo state, Brazil. The study found that rainwater is insufficient to replenish the aquifer due to increased water withdrawals for human activities.
A new study by the University of Birmingham has found that air fryers emit significantly lower levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other cooking methods. The researchers measured pollutant levels in a well-controlled research kitchen and found that improving ventilation can help reduce indoor pollution.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.
Researchers advocate using imagination and 'design-based research' to prepare urban river deltas for climate change. By visualizing possible futures, civic engagement and motivation can be encouraged, leading to more effective climate adaptation.
A recent study using satellite imagery analyzed drought dynamics over five years to show increasing droughts in the Arkansas Delta. The user-friendly Arkansas Vegetation Drought Explorer v.2.0 web app provides maps showing drought levels by county, year, and month.
A 20-year experiment found that warmer soils alter the behavior of tree roots in different ways, with oak trees changing their interactions with soil microbes but maple trees maintaining their patterns
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
Historical records show manatee populations increased alongside human populations in the 1800s and 1900s. The study suggests that Florida manatees are more abundant today than any previous time in North American human history.
A UCF researcher is working with PACCAR to create a hydrogen-based combustion engine for heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The project aims to develop a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel, which is currently the dominant choice for commercial vehicles.
The GAIA Initiative uses AI algorithms to classify white-backed vulture behaviors and automatically locate carcasses, providing an early warning system for environmental changes. By combining animal tag data with artificial intelligence, scientists can quickly recognize critical incidents like droughts or disease outbreaks.
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
The Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) at USC aims to accelerate environmental health research and find practical solutions. CTER investigates how different exposures impact health across populations using population studies, lab experiments, and community engagement.
A resilience index is proposed as a more suitable indicator of policy success than GDP, incorporating social and environmental components. This approach aims to steer decision-makers within the planet's 'safe operating space', balancing competing interests and trade-offs.
Research led by the University of Göttingen found enriching beech forests with commercially valuable native and non-native conifer species can enhance biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and economic performance. The study showed that mixing beech with Douglas fir resulted in positive gains, particularly for biodiversity and economic ...
Researchers suggest a 'Natural Capital' approach would deliver better value for money and improve chances of meeting environmental targets, such as Net Zero. This approach prioritizes areas with greatest environmental, climate change, biodiversity, and recreational value.
The MMinE-SwEEPER project aims to develop a systematic approach for detecting, assessing, and clearing unexploded ordnance in European waters. The project seeks to minimize risks to people and the environment while protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable munitions clearance.
Young people face significant obstacles in participating in UN climate conferences due to economic barriers and red tape. The majority of participants are older than 26, and those who do participate often have limited influence on decisions affecting their future.
A new study found that artificial light significantly disrupts the circadian rhythms of honey bees, leading to impaired behaviors and reduced sleep periods. This poses a threat to their essential role as pollinators, supporting ecosystem stability and global food security.
A groundbreaking review finds that environmental exposure to air pollutants during prenatal development and early childhood significantly impact autism risk. The study identifies several key pathways through which air pollutants may influence ASD development, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic modifications.
A new biomass densification technique increases bioethanol production efficiency by up to 95% sugar retention and 90% enzymatic sugar conversion. The method also utilizes biomass residues as effective bio-adsorbents for dye wastewater treatment, achieving removal rates of over 90%.
The collaboration aims to detect red tide occurrences early and provide information to fisheries stakeholders to prevent damage to marine environments. The system will also be used for broader environmental monitoring of forests and oceans, improving accuracy through repeated validation.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a novel nanotechnology-based solution to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. The process uses magnetic nanoparticles that bind to tiny plastic particles and can be removed with a magnet.
Scientists from leading institutions and societies urge governments to adopt scalable, innovative microbial technologies to combat climate change. These solutions have shown promise in carbon sequestration, methane mitigation, bioenergy production, bioremediation, and more.
A study by Texas A&M University has revealed high levels of lead, barium, and chromium in soil samples from the Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood. The findings highlight the need for environmental protection programs to address health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers reveals inadequate policies and infrastructure leave incarcerated people vulnerable to climate hazards. The team conducted interviews with 35 formerly incarcerated individuals who reported experiencing extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and water issues.
A recent study by Probal Dutta finds that companies with good environmental performance tend to disclose more information about their activities and effects on nature, often with external verification. This is a positive association, suggesting that companies are taking responsibility for their impact.
A new study has found that grey squirrels are more likely to visit bait feeders in the spring, making it a suitable time to deliver oral contraceptives. The research developed a bait and monitoring system that demonstrated high species-specificity, with only grey squirrels accessing the feeder bait.
A new study published in Science Advances found that the Arctic Ocean has seen a sharp rise in legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decades after global regulations were put in place. POPs, which are toxic and bioaccumulative, pose potential dangers to animals and people in the fragile ecosystem's food web.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers has detected lead pollution in ice cores from the Guliya ice cap in northwestern Tibet, revealing a significant change in its origin beginning in 1974. This shift was likely caused by stricter emissions policies implemented in the US during that time period.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University predicts how the environment affects the life choices of salmon, revealing a complex impact on population evolution. The model correctly forecasts changes in migration patterns in response to environmental conditions, shedding light on eco-evolutionary respo...
A new study by Penn State researchers finds that microplastics are increasing in freshwater environments and are directly tied to rising global plastic production. The study tracks microplastic levels in freshwater sediment from before the 1950s to today, showing a rise in line with plastic production.
Natasja van Gestel, a Texas Tech researcher, has been named Station Science Leader for her work on climate change's impact on glaciers in Antarctica. She will oversee multiple scientific initiatives and ensure compliance with the Antarctic Treaty's regulations.
Researchers have developed a production method for a nanofibrous cellulose matrix, replacing non-renewable industrial materials with environmentally friendly alternatives. The new method has potential biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility properties.
The Dingus family donation supports the launch of the Earth and Planetary Opportunities in Research (EXPLORE) program, which provides hands-on experience for undergraduates in research projects related to Earth and space. The fund also enables fellowships for graduate students working in environmental science and sustainability.
A new commentary found that power plants' use of air pollution control devices (APCDs) saved up to 9,100 lives and up to $100 billion in health costs in 2023. The researchers estimated that APCD use could plummet and severely jeopardize the health of the public if Project 2025 or the America First Agenda is enacted.
A new study by University of Southern Denmark researchers reveals that microbes cling to iron surfaces using sticky enzymes, extracting nutrients without wasting energy. This efficient corrosion method poses environmental concerns due to methane production and potential climate change implications.
Researchers found that 57% of tested chemicals altered fruit fly larvae behavior significantly, even at non-lethal doses. Long-term survival was compromised in a dose-dependent manner, with a 60% drop in egg-laying rates observed among exposed mosquitoes and Painted Lady butterflies.
A three-decade study found polar bears exposed to increased pathogens due to environmental changes, with females at higher risk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the need for further disease screening in polar bear populations.
A new type of prototype water harvester uses temperature-sensitive materials to pull more water out of the atmosphere in 30 minutes on average than an alternative dehumidifier system using only half the energy. The device is also portable, making it suitable for regions where access to clean drinking water is limited.
Scientists have experimentally demonstrated the bulk photovoltaic effect in a promising material, enabling certain materials to outperform conventional p–n junctions used in solar cells. This advancement signals a promising development for future solar cell technologies and photosensors.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
Researchers developed a system using woodchips and biochar to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The treatment-train approach showed significant removal of pollutants, with the biochar acting like activated carbon to efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues.
Researchers at WVU have developed microwave technology to recover propylene from polypropylene waste, which can be reused in new plastics or products. The process uses precise control and lower temperatures than traditional methods, offering energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
Researchers found that foamed cellulose diacetate (CDA) degrades 15 times faster than solid CDA and even faster than paper. The study's results suggest that foamed CDA could be used to replace Styrofoam plastic and single-use plastics, reducing plastic pollution and environmental impacts.
A new study by Harvard researchers finds alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in fish tissues even up to 8 km from the military base. The results underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where freshwater fishing is an important food source.
The school will focus on methods to address structural safety and infrastructure resilience challenges in a climate change context. Key findings include the importance of increasing infrastructure resilience to reduce social wellbeing impacts.
A new study analyzed climate factors' impact on internal migration, revealing regions prone to drought-induced migration, such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The research highlights the need for policies addressing drivers of migration and consequences for destination regions.
A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers uses evaporative ion exchange (EIX) to concentrate hypersaline brine at room temperature, avoiding scaling and fouling. The process has shown promising results in concentrating salts from hypersaline water, with the potential for widespread use.
Researchers have developed a natural fabric that reflects sunlight and allows heat to escape, while blocking the sun's rays and lowering temperature. The fabric leverages radiative cooling, with three layers designed to optimize cooling, promising relief to city dwellers experiencing warmer temperatures.
Researchers at York University have developed a novel technique to measure gaseous fluorine, revealing that up to 99% of airborne PFAS are unaccounted for. This discovery highlights the need for further research into the sources and environmental implications of PFAS, which can contribute to climate change.