Plastics Are Devastating the Guts of Seabirds
New research shows that seabirds’ ingestion of the pollutant scars their insides—a new disease called “plasticosis”—and may disturb their microbiomes......»»
Uncovering how tiny plastics threaten our soil and health
In a study published online in Eco-Environment & Health, researchers from Zhejiang Shuren University and China Agricultural University have delved into the interaction of tiny plastics and soil, aiming to provide insights into the mechanisms and impl.....»»
AI predicts the influence of microplastics on soil properties
Plastic waste and its buildup in nature has become a major environmental concern in recent times. While plastic pollution in the oceans is undoubtedly a problem, the presence of plastics in soils around the world is also known to cause severe environ.....»»
Reusing plastic waste to kickstart radical chain reactions, improving process safety and efficiency
Single-use plastics are a major environmental concern, but now, rather than being disposed of as garbage, used plastic bags from the grocery store could be utilized to carry out a reaction that can detoxify hazardous chemicals......»»
Avian influenza has killed millions of seabirds around the world: Antarctica could be next
Antarctica is often imagined as the last untouched wilderness. Unfortunately, avian influenza ("bird flu") is encroaching on the icy continent. The virus has already reached the sub-Antarctic islands between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America......»»
Can seabirds hear their way across the ocean? Our research suggests so
Animals cover astonishing distances when they are looking for food. While caribou, reindeer and wolves clock up impressive mileage on land, seabirds are unrivaled in their traveling distances. Arctic terns travel from the Arctic to Antarctica and bac.....»»
Vaccinating livestock against common diseases is a form of direct climate action, say researchers
Animal diseases have a devastating impact on livestock production. In 2022, for example, 131 million domestic poultry died or was culled as a result of avian influenza (also called "bird flu")......»»
University isn"t right for everyone. Pushing young people to go can have devastating effects, say researchers
(Names have been changed to protect identities.).....»»
Myrtle rust is devastating Australian forests: New high-tech spray holds out hope for native trees
Around a decade ago, an invasive fungal disease called myrtle rust reached Australia and began to spread like a plague through certain plants. The disease affects plants of the Myrtaceae family, which includes eucalypts, paperbarks and lilly pillies,.....»»
Puerto Rico case study sheds light on academic-NGO collaborations for disaster resilience
Puerto Rico has faced several human-made and natural crises in recent years, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Building disaster resilience and recovery is crucial for community well-being and requires a comprehensive appr.....»»
Q&A: Finding more sustainable ways to use plastics in agriculture
Every year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, some 12.5 million tonnes of plastic are used in agricultural production worldwide. Plastic is a boon to farmers, but leads to large quantities of macro-, micro- and nanopl.....»»
The hidden impacts of climate change on a freshwater ecosystem
From melting glaciers to rising sea levels, from raging wildfires to devastating floods, society has grown increasingly aware of the increasingly frequent climate crises. But what about its subterranean flow? A research group led by Li Dongfeng at th.....»»
Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat
Record breaking marine heat waves will cause devastating mass coral bleaching worldwide in the next few years, according to a University of Queensland coral reef scientist......»»
Research pieces ancient ecosystems together to reveal new details about the end-Triassic mass extinction
Startling new insights into the catastrophic impact of one of the most devastating events in Earth's history have been revealed by a team led by researchers with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. More than deepening our understa.....»»
Novel viral treatment found to be effective against devastating bone cancer in dogs
Researchers from the University of Minnesota partnered with Mayo Clinic to conduct a groundbreaking study that could offer hope for dogs, and potentially humans, diagnosed with osteosarcoma— a devastating bone cancer predominantly affecting childre.....»»
Do terrorist attacks and mass shootings make big companies more "honest"?
Terrorist attacks and mass shootings are devastating for the people and communities they affect. These events impact our society in many ways, including perhaps unexpectedly, by changing how big companies calculate and report their earnings......»»
Potentially harmful chemical byproducts left behind when sunlight breaks down ocean plastics
Northeastern researchers found in 2021 that an estimated 4 million to 10 million tons of plastic carbon enter the ocean each year. Much of it ends up floating in subtropical currents......»»
Nikola Tesla’s historic Wardenclyffe lab site at risk after devastating fire
The crowdfunded Tesla Science Center has launched a new fundraiser to repair the damage. Enlarge / Nikola Tesla's Wardenclyffe plant on Long Island circa 1902 in partial stage of completion. (credit: Public domain) Back.....»»
River floods and plastics: Where did the litter go when the Meuse flooded?
Plastic pollution is a global problem and Dutch rivers are no exception. Anyone who has ever walked along their banks will know the sight of bottles, caps and food packaging. But some of that litter may originate from elsewhere. How much plastic wast.....»»
Nano-sized cell particles are promising intervention tool in treating infectious diseases, says study
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of being prepared with drug interventions to contain viral outbreaks that can otherwise have devastating consequences. In preparing for the next pandemic—or Disease X, there is an urgent need for ve.....»»
Deoxygenation levels similar to today"s played major role in marine extinctions 200 million years ago
Scientists have made a surprising discovery that sheds new light on the role that oceanic deoxygenation (anoxia) played in one of the most devastating extinction events in Earth's history. Their finding has implications for current-day ecosystems—a.....»»