Air pollution makes it harder for bees to smell flowers
Contaminants can alter plant odors and warp insects’ senses, disrupting the process of pollination. Scientists are uncovering various ways that air pollution can interfere with the ability of insects to pollinate plants. (credi.....»»
The fascinating secrets of plant reproduction that scientists are still uncovering
You might think flowers don't have much choice about who they mate with, given they are rooted to the ground and can't move......»»
Sweeping global study charts a path forward for climate-resilient agriculture
Around the world, research on climate change and agriculture has revealed a complex two-way relationship. Global agriculture is a major driver of climate change, extinctions and pollution, and its influence on the environment is growing. At the same.....»»
The amazing flowers growing in pavement cracks and why you shouldn"t pass them by
In spring and summer flowers pop up spontaneously in lawns, playgrounds, fields and even cracks in the pavement. But what do you see: weeds or wildflowers?.....»»
The world is pumping out 57 million tons of plastic pollution a year
The world creates 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year and spreads it from the deepest oceans to the highest mountaintop to the inside of people's bodies, according to a new study that also said more than two-thirds of it comes from the Gl.....»»
Plastic pollution hotspots pinpointed in new research—India ranks top due to high levels of uncollected waste
We have used machine learning to identify the biggest plastic pollution hotspots across more than 50,000 towns, cities and rural areas worldwide. Our new global model reveals the most detailed picture of plastic pollution ever created with the highes.....»»
16 Wheeze-Worthy Photos That Made Me Laugh Harder Than Seeing My Childhood Bully Pump My Gas
16 Wheeze-Worthy Photos That Made Me Laugh Harder Than Seeing My Childhood Bully Pump My Gas.....»»
Plant thermogenesis has played key role in attracting pollinating insects for at least 200 million years, study suggests
Thermogenesis is a process by which organisms generate internal heat. Although it is usually associated with animals, some plants have also developed this ability. This metabolic process allows certain parts of the plant, such as flowers and inflores.....»»
Did you smell it? What was that odor reported from South Jersey to South Philly?
Did you smell it? What was that odor reported from South Jersey to South Philly?.....»»
Do women candidates have a harder time being elected? A political scientist explains
In Congress this term, 25% of senators and 28% of representatives are women, near record highs for both houses, but far below equal representation with men. As Kamala Harris runs for president, will being a woman cost her votes?.....»»
Replacement crop treatment not safe for important pollinator, experts say
A novel pesticide thought to be a potential successor to banned neonicotinoids caused 100% mortality in mason bees in a recent test. The novel pesticide, flupyradifurone, is thought to pose less risk to pollinators and, consequently, has been license.....»»
Soil pollution surpasses climate change as top threat to underground biodiversity, study finds
Earthworms, insects and mites are all at risk from soil pollution, and scientists are worried that we know very little about the damage it's causing......»»
Plankton mark seasons in the sea, just like leaves and flowers on land
Britain's seas are rich in wildlife, but many of its species can only be seen with a microscope. These are the plankton—tiny algae and animals found throughout the ocean that are the foundation of the entire marine food web......»»
City light pollution is shrinking spiders" brains, new study finds
As darkness falls, the nocturnal half of the animal kingdom starts its day. Nocturnal species are perfectly adapted to navigate and survive the dark of night that has existed for countless millions of years......»»
Providing blooms all season long may be key to attracting pollinators, no matter what landscape is near your garden
A diverse and abundant flower planting that provides flowers in bloom all season may be more important to bees and other pollinators than whatever is surrounding the flower garden, according to a study published September 4, 2024 in PLoS ONE by Devon.....»»
RNA editing plays critical role in fruit flies" sense of smell and social interactions
Imagine your DNA as a set of instructions or a recipe book that tells your body how to make everything it needs to function, from proteins to cells. Every time the body needs to build something, it reads these instructions. But sometimes, the body ca.....»»
People eating beef are less likely to live near the industry"s pollution
Anyone who's researched ways to lower their environmental impact has likely heard they should eat less meat, particularly beef. Even at scale, cows are an inefficient way to feed people—it takes nearly four tons of water to recoup one ton of beef,.....»»
Researchers say 40% of UK seabird species are in trouble—bird flu, climate change, overfishing to blame
A visit to a seabird colony in summer is an assault on the senses. First there's the noise, then the overwhelming ammonia smell that stains the memory, and then the swirl of color and activity on the white-washed cliffs......»»
Understanding how human activity impacts zooplankton is essential for managing and protecting lakewater
Freshwater ecosystems are impacted by human activities, including climate change, pollution and invasive species......»»
"More than just numbers:" Statistics expert uses data to predict extreme weather, financial downturns
Using data and numbers, a West Virginia University statistician is exploring new methods that could predict and model extreme patterns in weather events, financial turmoil and pollution levels......»»
Molecularly imprinted polymers help get the stink out of smoke-tainted wine
Wildfires can damage crops, even if flames come nowhere near the plants. One outcome can be an unpleasant flavor and smell of wine that is made from grapes exposed to smoke. But researchers report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry tha.....»»