Protecting northern water supplies from toxic metals in thawing permafrost
As the climate warms and Arctic permafrost thaws, some of the toxic elements locked away in it are starting to emerge and could contaminate the water supplies that many northern communities rely on......»»
Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor provides rapid ultra-low hydrogen detection
Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly popular choice as we shift towards cleaner energy. It can be burned like traditional fuels, producing only water as a byproduct, and can generate electricity when used in fuel cells. However, as hydrogen productio.....»»
Researchers investigate health risks of potentially toxic elements in surface water in Tarim River Basin, China
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface water in arid areas can pose a serious threat to natural environment and human health......»»
Researchers identify previously unknown compound in drinking water
A team of researchers from the United States and Switzerland has reported the discovery of a previously unknown compound in chloraminated drinking water. Inorganic chloramines are commonly used to disinfect drinking water to safeguard public health f.....»»
Illegal mining clampdown in South Africa: Treating desperate people like criminals is an injustice
Illegal artisanal gold mining in South Africa is in the spotlight again. Under Operation Vala Umgodi ("plug the hole"), South African authorities have since December 2023 been trying to disrupt the illicit gold mining economy by cutting off water, fo.....»»
Decontaminating toxic tires: Researchers show ability to remove toxic particles from end-of-life tires
Tires are an indispensable part of daily life. Without them, our vehicles would just be a bunch of assembled parts—convenient to sit in, but not effective for getting where you are going......»»
"Will you buy fewer plastic bottles?" A simple question can change our behavior
The bottled water market has seen explosive growth—up 73% over the last decade—making it one of the fastest-growing industries globally. However, this growth comes at a significant environmental cost. Plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions from.....»»
Canada"s first moon rover will soon have a name as it prepares to explore a hostile lunar region
The Canadian Space Agency announced a competition today to name Canada's first-ever rover mission to the moon. This unmanned mission will explore the south polar region of the moon to search for water ice and explore its unique geology......»»
Neither desolate nor empty: Deep-sea floor teems with life
The Arctic deep sea harbors significant oil and natural gas reserves along with valuable resources such as rare earths and metals. Climate change and melting ice are facilitating access to these resources, which presents economic opportunities but al.....»»
Light-based photocatalytic system can break down PFAS at room temperature
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a new approach for breaking down PFAS—a group of human-made "forever" chemicals commonly used for their water-resistant properties that can carry health risks from long-term exposure......»»
Superior photosynthesis abilities of some plants could hold key to climate-resilient crops
More than 3 billion years ago, on an Earth entirely covered with water, photosynthesis first evolved in ancient bacteria. In the following millions of years, those bacteria evolved into plants, optimizing themselves along the way for various environm.....»»
Delaware River water levels at 60% as salt front increases amid drought
Parched farms, wildfires, and browned vistas are highly visible signs of this fall's drought......»»
Q&A: Getting serious about atmospheric methane removal
Carbon dioxide, the most important man-made greenhouse gas, gets most of the attention in efforts to stem the effects of climate change. While methane is considered a much more potent greenhouse gas, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water in th.....»»
Nanofibers made of copper-binding peptides disrupt cancer cells
While toxic in high concentrations, copper is essential to life as a trace element. Many tumors require significantly more copper than healthy cells for growth—a possible new point of attack for cancer treatment......»»
California water recycling plant gains $26 million to feed Lake Mead
Toilet water in Los Angeles will soon reduce the strain on Lake Mead, thanks in part to a $26.2 million boost that was announced Monday......»»
Illegal farm fires fuel Indian capital"s smog misery
The illegal burning of farm fields in northern India reached a record high this season, fueling a toxic smog choking millions including in the capital New Delhi, government monitors said Tuesday......»»
Floods strike thousands of houses in northern Philippines
Floodwaters reaching more than four meters high swamped thousands of houses in the storm-battered northern Philippines on Tuesday after rivers overflowed following heavy rain and a dam release......»»
Chicago-area water pollution may be stalling the spread of invasive carp
In a name-your-poison twist, a new study from the University of Illinois adds to the evidence that Chicago-area waterway pollution is slowing the relentless advance of the invasive silver carp......»»
Nvidia’s new GPUs are already running into problems
Nvidia's next-gen Blackwell architecture, after suffering a delay, is in more hot water as data centers deal with overheating problems......»»
Ensuring water for energy and food production in the Andes-Amazon headwaters
A new study, focused on a remote region of the Peruvian Andes where the waters of the Amazon originate, carries lessons for hydropower operators and farming communities worldwide: collaborating on sustainable land management is the best decision they.....»»
India"s capital shuts schools as smog exceeds 60 times WHO limit
India's capital New Delhi switched schools to online classes Monday until further notice as worsening toxic smog surged past 60 times the World Health Organization's recommended daily maximum......»»