Examining the nuances of the forest-water connection
The infrastructure that brings drinking water to homes is an investment. For millions of people, forests are part of the system behind their faucets. Over the coming decades, many forested watersheds could be lost to development, lowering water quali.....»»
Tiny robots and AI algorithms could help to craft material solutions for cleaner environments
Many human activities release pollutants into the air, water and soil. These harmful chemicals threaten the health of both people and the ecosystem. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes an estimated 4.2 million deaths annu.....»»
An unexpected protein connection in maize growth and defense could enhance crop resilience
Maize (corn) is one of the most important staple crops in the world and has been extensively studied. Yet, many aspects of the genetic mechanisms regulating its growth and development remain unexplored......»»
"Marine identity" can help restore the ocean, say researchers
People's deep connection with the ocean—their "marine identity"—can help us reset society's relationship with the seas, new research led by Dr. Pamela Buchan, from the University of Exeter, suggests......»»
Scientists discover nonstomatal control of water loss in critical crops
Scientists have discovered that certain plants can survive stressful, dry conditions by controlling water loss through their leaves without relying on their usual mechanism—tiny pores known as stomata......»»
New algorithm rights wrongs of precipitation-type classification over Tibetan Plateau
Like many natural phenomena, precipitation can be both a blessing and a scourge to human life. On the one hand, it supplies our rivers and fields with water; on the other hand, it can cause floods, landslides, and other natural disasters. Either way,.....»»
Study finds mine-drainage treatment cost effective, but far more costs lay ahead
New research led by the University of Pittsburgh shows that state and federal appropriations allowing Pennsylvania to treat abandoned mine drainage works to both successfully and cost effectively clean up the acidic water—particularly to the benefi.....»»
Road networks stretch into Congo Basin forests: Satellites and AI help to monitor
The Congo Basin rainforest is the second-largest tropical forest in the world, storing large volumes of carbon and hosting high levels of biodiversity. While these forests have historically stayed mostly intact, road development has recently become a.....»»
What killed fish for miles in the South River? Atlanta officials are investigating
Officials are investigating a pollution incident that occurred earlier this month a few miles south of downtown Atlanta, which local water advocates say sent toxins into a tributary of the South River and killed fish for miles downstream......»»
Researchers use training model to map planted and natural forests via satellite image
While planting trees may seem like an easy win to combat climate change, planted forests often encroach on natural forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This can reduce biodiversity, disturb the natural environment, and disrupt carbon and water cycling......»»
Paying attention to errors can improve fused remote monitoring of lakes, researchers say
Lakes can tip the scales from healthy to potential environmental hazard quickly when they become eutrophic. In this state, an abundance of nutrients accelerates algae growth, which then crowd the water's surface and block light from reaching organism.....»»
South Sudan May See the First Permanent Mass Displacement Due to Climate Change
Protracted flooding has engulfed the country’s Sudd region due to more water entering the Nile upstream, which is driving conflict and disease and is potentially leaving the region uninhabitable......»»
Del Grande dealerships get ahead of California turf crackdown with low-water landscaping
When California announced a coming ban on watering ornamental turf, Del Grande Dealer Group made a plan to save water, save money and upgrade its Silicon Valley landscaping with native plants.....»»
Researchers identify novel approach to minimize nitrogen loss in crops
While agriculture producers apply nitrogen fertilizer to supply nutrients to their crops, they can't always keep those nutrients in the soil for maximum efficiency, often losing them into the atmosphere or water supply as nitrates and nitrous oxide......»»
New method to break down forever chemicals uses nanoparticles and ultrasound
What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—human-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, tha.....»»
An evolutionary battleground: Plants vs. microbes
Gazing out on a freshwater pond, you may see tiny green plants with oval-shaped leaves floating in clusters. In overgrown ponds, these plants coat the water's surface. These plants—called duckweed or water lentils—can grow so fast that they can d.....»»
The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn't the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water.....»»
Ozone pollution reduces yearly tropical forest growth by 5.1%, study finds
Ozone gas is reducing the growth of tropical forests—leaving an estimated 290 million tonnes of carbon uncaptured each year, new research shows......»»
High-Andean wetlands release more CO₂ under short-term warming, study suggests
The high-Andean wetlands of the Argentinean Puna region, called "vegas" by local inhabitants, although covering less than 1% of this arid mountain region, are important ecosystems as they support biodiversity and provide local people with fresh water.....»»
Proposed underwater data center surprises regulators who hadn’t heard about it
Startup NetworkOcean wants to sink GPUs into San Francisco Bay. (credit: BalticServers.com) Data centers powering the generative AI boom are gulping water and exhausting electricity at what some researchers view as an un.....»»
VW recalls nearly 100,000 ID4s over faulty door handles
Insufficient water protection in the 2021-24 Volkswagen ID4 handles could cause the door to fly open while the vehicle is moving because of circuit board malfunctions......»»