Biodiversity in the city: Designing urban spaces for humans and animals
Animals and plants also live and thrive on public squares. This creates opportunities for greater biodiversity and well-being for the human population. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have studied at 103 locations in Munich ho.....»»
Q&A: What fossils reveal about ancient Australian forests and fire
Australia's forest ecosystems, renowned for their extraordinary diversity of rare plants and animals, also play a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon. However, fossils from these ancient forests are reshaping the u.....»»
Are US "news deserts" hothouses of corruption? Researchers demonstrate impacts of losing local papers
The March 24, 2021 edition of neighborhood newspaper Northeast News, out of Kansas City, Missouri, contained a surprise for its 9,000 subscribers. Where the front-page news should have been, there was a big, blank white space. This was no printer's e.....»»
Bird dispersal ability shapes biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide, new study finds
You can know a lot of things about birds just by the shape of their wings. A seafaring albatross, stretching out its sail-like airfoils, lives a very different life from a ground-dwelling antpitta with its long legs and short, stubby wings that it us.....»»
Nationwide assessment finds urban areas face higher cancer risk from air pollution
New research builds on scientific understanding of how air pollution and cancer risk are distributed throughout the U.S. Air pollution, often resulting from industrial or vehicle emissions, can travel for hundreds of miles and impact the health of co.....»»
The "donut effect" persists: Major US cities may never again look like they did before the pandemic
What is the shelf life of a freshly baked donut? Two days, tops. But when it comes to an entirely different kind of donut—one that Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom described early in the pandemic when he measured the exodus of people from city cen.....»»
The role masculinity is playing in the climate crisis
Now that the COP16 biodiversity and COP29 climate change summits have come to an end, one thing that is glaringly clear—as photos of world leaders notoriously show—is just how much these crucial conferences continue to be dominated by men......»»
Backyard chickens in Australia perceived as companion animals and food source, interviews reveal
Chickens have been a mainstay in Australian backyards for generations. New research from the University of Adelaide reveals that owners see their chooks as a blend between pet and livestock as well as a trustworthy source of produce......»»
Plant ecosystems study questions common assumption about biodiversity
Plant species can fulfill different functions within an ecosystem, even if they are closely related to each other. This surprising conclusion was reached by a global analysis of around 1.7 million datasets on plant communities......»»
Here’s everything Apple TV+ has coming in December
After a big fall for Apple TV+, and with highly anticipated series returning in January, December offers a lighter slate of original content for the streamer. There’s one high-profile movie release, a new documentary series on animals, and some kid.....»»
Disadvantaged urban populations are subject to greater heat stress, poor air quality
Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) have employed a NASA open-source program to reveal that disadvantaged populations may be subject to greater heat stress and poor air quality. The study is published in the journal GeoHealth.....»»
"Forever chemicals" are polluting African waters
Every week seems to bring a new report about where "forever chemicals" have been found: in soil, drinking water, our bodies and marine animals. Their proper scientific name is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). But they're more com.....»»
Canada must turn its impressive biodiversity protection goals into real actions
With biodiversity declining at unprecedented rates worldwide, Canada stands at an important crossroads......»»
Cheaper housing and better transport? Australia"s new National Urban Policy
Imagine a city where everyone can afford a safe home, reach work or school without long, stressful commutes, and enjoy green parks and clean air......»»
Lagos street hawkers are blamed for crimes in traffic—but gangs are the real problem
Traffic in Lagos, Nigeria's biggest city, is congested and chaotic. About 1.8 million vehicles used Lagos roads in 2022. The city has 226 vehicles per kilometer. The global average is 11 cars per km and the Nigerian national average is 16......»»
Muddy footprints suggest 2 species of early humans were neighbors in Kenya 1.5 million years ago
Muddy footprints left on a Kenyan lakeside suggest two of our early human ancestors were nearby neighbors some 1.5 million years ago......»»
How our public spaces can be safer and more welcoming for children
A Georgia mother was recently arrested for reckless endangerment after her 10-year-old son was seen walking outside alone. The warrant for her arrest claimed she "willingly and knowingly" endangered her son's safety......»»
Warming temperatures impact immune performance of wild monkeys, study shows
The immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys declines when the animals experience higher temperatures, and younger monkeys seem to be particularly vulnerable to heat, according to a University of Michigan study......»»
Sea anemone study shows how animals restore "shape" following major injury
Our bodies are remarkably skilled at adapting to changing environments. For example, whether amid summer heat or a winter freeze, our internal temperature remains steady at 37°C, thanks to a process called homeostasis. This hidden balancing act is v.....»»
Sea anemone study shows how animals restore "shape" following major injury
Our bodies are remarkably skilled at adapting to changing environments. For example, whether amid summer heat or a winter freeze, our internal temperature remains steady at 37°C, thanks to a process called homeostasis. This hidden balancing act is v.....»»
The Whole Story of How Humans Evolved From Great Apes
The picture of human evolution has changed repeatedly and dramatically over the past half century, shaped by waves of new fossil discovery, technology, and scientific techniques......»»