Articles tagged with Environmental Monitoring
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A study found that sediment resuspension triggered by trawling and natural processes releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere through pyrite oxidation. The research reveals that protecting sensitive seafloor areas with fine-grained sediments is crucial to maintain the region's carbon sink capacity.
A Brazilian study estimated deer population density in the Atlantic Rainforest, revealing human pressures like hunting and livestock diseases significantly impact deer numbers. The research provides strong evidence for conservation management and protected area protection.
MIT engineers developed ultrathin electronic films that sense heat and other signals, reducing the bulk of conventional goggles and scopes. The new pyroelectric thin film is highly sensitive to heat and radiation across the far-infrared spectrum, enabling lighter, more portable night-vision eyewear.
The World Cocoa Foundation and Alliance of Bioversity International assessed the accuracy of key maps for deforestation, tree planting, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. The study found that open access global maps are not accurate enough for cocoa analyses in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
Physicists at Harvard SEAS have created a compact, on-chip mid-infrared pulse generator that can emit short bursts of light without external components. This device has the potential to speed up gas sensor development and create new medical imaging tools.
A study mapped US counties with high rates of water system violations and inequalities in access to safe drinking water. Counties in West Virginia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania ranked among the top 10 for violations, while Mississippi, South Dakota, and Texas topped the list for water injustice.
The new centre will focus on air quality, extreme heat, and water supply issues, bringing together experts from across NTU and regional partners. It aims to develop evidence-based policies and real-world solutions to address the growing health threats posed by climate change in tropical regions.
A new DNA detection system allows for the efficient surveying of cephalopods in deep-sea habitats. The technique uses environmental DNA metabarcoding to detect specific species, providing insights into their ecology and behavior.
Researchers from Rutgers University mapped mercury contamination in penguins of the Southern Ocean, revealing variations in mercury accumulation among different species. The study found that Adelie and gentoo penguins had low mercury levels, while chinstrap penguins showed significantly higher exposure due to their migration patterns.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a cost-effective way to track atmospheric mercury using wild fig tree rings in the Peruvian Amazon. This method offers a potential solution for understanding mercury spread and impact on ecosystems.
Researchers found that Ficus insipida tree cores can be used to characterize spatial and potentially temporal mercury emissions from artisanal gold mining. Tree rings showed higher mercury concentrations near mining sites, indicating a potential network of biomonitoring.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
A new system, Amalur EIS, analyzes European industrial plant emissions and finds the energy sector generates 59.5% of total environmental impacts. Climate change has the greatest weight in Europe's total impact.
The UK's first water monitoring center is launched to detect disease outbreaks and community health issues. Researchers will analyze wastewater samples from four urban areas, tracking chemicals and biological markers to identify early warning signs of infectious diseases and chronic health conditions.
Recent 'unprecedented' floods are not exceptional if looking further into the past, new research suggests. Geological palaeo-flood records reveal many previous floods exceeded modern peaks, highlighting the need for using these records in flood planning.
A study by YOKOHAMA National University found that species asynchrony and compositional stability jointly stabilize moorland communities, while bryophyte cover destabilizes them. Dominant species play a crucial role in maintaining community stability.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
A new real-time surface PM10 retrieval framework uses interpretable automated machine learning to provide accurate data across China. The framework demonstrates robust generalization and stability, outperforming previous studies in cross-validation and rolling iterative validation experiments.
The HyperNIR technology uses hyperspectral imaging to obtain detailed spectral information from various materials and biological samples in real time. This allows for efficient monitoring of environmental processes and has potential applications in biomedicine, such as detecting nutrient content in plants and identifying pest infestati...
A new method using terahertz radiation has been developed to accurately measure the water content in biogas produced during biomass recycling. This allows for efficient operation and reliable results over a wide range of water vapor concentrations and temperatures.
Researchers found systemic monitoring disparities for six major pollutants across US Census groups, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders facing the largest gaps. The study highlights the need to consider biases in datasets beyond algorithmic bias.
A new study led by the University of Exeter shows that social media can be used to monitor animal species relocating due to climate change. The researchers examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr, finding they are unexpectedly common in towns and cities.
A University of Malaga study highlights the importance of accurate estimates of marine litter to address the environmental concern. The research found that current monitoring strategies are inadequate, and simulation experiments identified the most appropriate sampling strategies to achieve more accurate results.
A new study reveals that tropical forests in the Americas are not adapting quickly enough to keep pace with climate change, with some species thriving while others struggling. The research found that traits such as being deciduous and drought tolerance influence a tree's ability to survive in a changing climate.
A recent study published in Nature Communications provides detailed data on the far-field spatial footprint of mining-induced plume dispersion and redeposition beyond the mining area. The research found that sediment concentrations were up to 10,000 times higher near the mining site and returned to normal levels after 14 hours.
TaxaBind, a new multimodal AI tool, addresses ecological problems by combining multiple models for species classification, distribution mapping, and other tasks. The tool outperformed state-of-the-art methods in zero-shot classification and cross-modal retrieval tasks.
Scientists are studying how microplastics affect microbial communities in ponds, with potential implications for carbon cycling and the global biosphere. Microbes have adapted to plastic surfaces, which could impact aquatic environments.
Global glacier mass loss has increased by 36% since 2000, with 6,542 billion tons lost between 2000 and 2023. This results in an 18 mm annual contribution to global sea-level rise, making glaciers the second-largest contributor after ocean warming.
Researchers developed a compact swimming robot that can maneuver through tight spaces and transport heavier payloads. The robot uses silently undulating fins to propel itself and achieves impressive speeds of 12 centimeters per second.
A study found that algal blooms increased significantly in global large lakes over the past two decades, particularly in subtropical regions. The median annual bloom frequency increased by +1.8% per year, with a stronger correlation between temperature fluctuations and bloom events.
Researchers have created a novel self-healing electronic skin that repairs itself in seconds, surpassing existing technologies by up to 80%. This technology integrates artificial intelligence and offers real-time fatigue detection and muscle strength assessment with remarkable precision.
The FAU-designed autonomous observation platform system offers a comprehensive approach to studying the Arctic environment and monitoring the impact of melting sea ice. The system integrates with the environment it monitors, providing new data on Arctic Sea ice melt beyond what satellites and manned ships can provide.
A Tel Aviv University study found urban bats have shorter pregnancies and start reproducing earlier due to favorable temperatures and food abundance in cities. This is the first study linking urban living to mammalian reproductive patterns.
Despite decades of restoration efforts, biodiversity growth has stalled in restored Danish wetlands. The study highlights the need for concrete measures such as grazing animals and full restoration of watercourses to improve plant species richness.
A new bioenergetic model reveals that sea ice loss and feeding limitations are the primary drivers of a ~50% polar bear population decline since the mid-1990s. The study's findings have implications for conservation efforts, suggesting that individual energetic constraints can shape population-level outcomes.
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
Seagrass meadows promote biodiversity, coastal protection, and water quality improvement while effectively storing carbon dioxide. A new project aims to develop strategies for their conservation and restoration in the Baltic Sea.
Researchers developed biodegradable paper-based temperature and humidity sensors that detect changes in relative humidity levels from 20% to 90% and temperature variations from 25°C to 50°C. These sensors are affordable, reusable, and environmentally friendly, offering a potential solution for precise monitoring of plant growth.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is monitoring farm ponds across Oklahoma to understand their response to human- and climate-based changes. Daily satellite data will provide near real-time updates on the effects of climate change and human activities on these sensitive water bodies.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found an association between levels of manmade “forever chemicals” in drinking water and certain digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers. The study estimated that PFAS contamination contributes to 6,864 cancer cases per year.
Researchers from Okayama University create nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy centers, exhibiting strong fluorescence and stable spin states for biological applications. The developed nanodiamonds have improved spin quality compared to bulk diamonds, making them suitable for bioimaging and quantum sensing.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities utilizes remote sensing technology to monitor plastic debris in freshwater environments like the Mississippi River. The research helps increase understanding of plastic debris behavior in these systems, shedding light on a growing environmental issue.
Researchers developed a miniaturized all-fiber photoacoustic spectrometer for intravascular gas detection, achieving detection limits of 9 ppb and response times as quick as 18 milliseconds. The system detects trace gases at the ppb level and analyzes nanoliter-sized samples with millisecond response times.
A study found that wild hedgehogs in the same area have varying hibernation patterns, with some starting as early as mid-September and others not entering until December. This flexibility could help them adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A recent study of Texas high school indoor air revealed the presence of phthalates and PBDEs, linked to cancers, reproductive disorders, and nervous system damage. Researchers found correlations between SVOC concentrations and building characteristics, such as flooring type and classroom design.
Researchers found that zooplankton communities remained stable and tolerated moderate chemical changes associated with Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement. However, nutritional quality of particulate matter may deteriorate, potentially affecting marine food web structure and productivity.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
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.
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.
A global research team has discovered 'natural data loggers' in aquatic species, providing a historical record of the environment. The unique chemical fingerprints left by these organisms can help scientists track water temperatures, pollution levels, and ecosystem health.
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.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a new method called Sensor-seq to identify small molecules in samples quickly and inexpensively. This can help detect pollutants and environmental toxins, improve first-response and emergency medicine, and enable at-home health monitoring.
A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.
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.
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 developed a machine learning framework that predicts inorganic pollutants in groundwater based on limited water quality samples. The model suggests 15% to 55% of sites may truly be risk-free, identifying critical gaps in groundwater quality datasets.