Catalyzing ammonia formation at lower temperatures with ruthenium
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. While about 80% of earth is nitrogen, it is mostly contained in the atmosphere as gas, and hence, inaccessible to plants. To boost plant growth, especially in agricultural settings, therefore, chemi.....»»
New study unveils 16,000 years of climate history in the tropical Andes
A new study that explores ancient temperatures and rainfall patterns in the tropical Andes of South America has revealed how 16,000 years of climate history in this part of the world was driven by carbon dioxide levels and ocean currents from global.....»»
Heat killed nearly 50,000 in Europe in 2023: Study
High temperatures which scientists say are being worsened by human-driven carbon emissions caused nearly 50,000 deaths in Europe last year, a study published Monday found......»»
Unveiling the ancient Maya"s relationship to animals and nature
As the scorching May sun of Central Belize blazes down on us, temperatures soar to a staggering 106°F. Local farmers anxiously await the onset of the rainy season to sow their crops, but the much-needed first rain remains elusive. This property is o.....»»
"Wake-up call to humanity": Research shows the Great Barrier Reef is the hottest it"s been in 400 years
The Great Barrier Reef is vast and spectacular. But repeated mass coral bleachings, driven by high ocean temperatures, are threatening the survival of coral colonies which are the backbone of the reef......»»
Researchers discover new mechanism to cool buildings while saving energy
With temperatures rising globally, the need for more sustainable cooling options is also growing. Researchers at UCLA and their colleagues have now found an affordable and scalable process to cool buildings in the summer and heat them in the winter......»»
Powering enzymes with light to make ammonia
The Earth's atmosphere contains large amounts of nitrogen in the form of dinitrogen gas (N2). Converting N2 to ammonia (NH3) is critical for making the fertilizer needed for agriculture......»»
String of record hot months came to an end in July
July had the two hottest days recorded but fell 0.04° Celsius short of last year. Enlarge / Absolute temperatures show how similar July 2023 and 2024 were. (credit: C3S/ECMWF) The past several years have been absolu.....»»
How this summer"s heat waves may impact the economy
This sweltering summer has brought record-breaking high temperatures to 63 countries, all but cementing 2024's status as the world's hottest year on record (even though we're barely past the halfway point). Such extreme weather trends are bound to ha.....»»
Novel X-ray imaging technique resolves fusion-related nanofoams in 3D
The sun's fusion reactions drive its temperatures to thousands of degrees, and today scientists are seeking to recreate these star-powering processes in the lab as a means of an alternative clean energy......»»
Smooth sailing for eggplant: Breakthrough in understanding prickle formation
Scientists have discovered the gene responsible for prickles in eggplants, a trait that complicates farming. Using advanced genetic techniques, they identified the Prickly Eggplant (PE) gene on chromosome 6 and pinpointed SmLOG1 as the key factor......»»
Forecasters still predict highly active Atlantic hurricane season in mid-season update
Federal forecasters are still predicting a highly active Atlantic hurricane season thanks to near-record sea surface temperatures and the possibility of La Niña, officials said Thursday......»»
Ancient grains of dust from space can be found on Earth—and provide clues about the life cycle of stars
In space, there are clouds that contain gas and dust ejected from stars. Our solar system was formed 4.6 billion years ago from such a molecular cloud. Most of these dust grains were destroyed during solar system formation. However, a very small amou.....»»
Harvest starts very early in Sicily"s drought-hit vineyards
On the hills of the Contessa Entellina vineyard in western Sicily, the harvest is already well underway, the grapes ripening earlier than usual because of drought and high temperatures......»»
How Extreme Heat Harms Planes, Trains, Water Mains and Other Crucial Infrastructure
Scorching temperatures are further burdening an already-troubled infrastructure system across much of the U.S. in ways people are still learning to recognize.....»»
Hazardous Melting Ice Could Sink Arctic Shipping
Warmer temperatures were supposed to make Arctic shipping easier. But thick floating ice created by local melting is a bigger risk than people realized.....»»
South Florida estuaries warming faster than Gulf of Mexico, global ocean, research shows
Sea surface temperatures are on the rise around the world, but the problem is pronounced in South Florida, according to a series of studies published by researchers at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science......»»
New 400-year temperature record shows Great Barrier Reef is facing catastrophic damage, researchers warn
The Great Barrier Reef is under critical pressure, with warming sea temperatures and mass coral bleaching events threatening to destroy the remarkable ecology, biodiversity, and beauty of the world's largest coral reef, according to new research......»»
Team fabricates world"s highest-performance superconducting wire segment
Our future energy may depend on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires. This technology's ability to carry electricity without resistance at temperatures higher than those required by traditional superconductors could revolutionize the electric.....»»
More than 120 people died in Tokyo from heatstroke in July as average temperatures hit record highs
More than 120 people died of heatstroke in the Tokyo metropolitan area in July, when the nation's average temperature hit record highs and heat warnings were in effect much of the month, Japanese authorities said Tuesday......»»
Antarctic heat, wild Australian winter: What"s happening to the weather, what it means for the rest of the year
Australia's south and east have seen freezing temperatures and wild weather this winter. At the same time, the continent as a whole—and the globe—have continued to warm......»»