Uncovering the green miracle of urbanization
Between 1990 and 2005, the national average urban fractional vegetation cover (FVC) decreased from 0.38 to 0.35 due to the increase in floor area ratio and impervious surface in urban areas. The decline is particularly pronounced in megacities, small.....»»
The deadly cost of workplace rudeness: Study highlight adverse effects on team performance
Teams from the University of Florida, Indiana University, and other universities across the U.S. and Israel recently conducted five eye-opening studies about rudeness, uncovering that even mild instances of this behavior can significantly impair empl.....»»
From antiquity to adaptation: Tracing the genetic journey of east Asian chestnut varieties
Uncovering the genetic saga of Castanea trees, a study maps their evolutionary journey and local climate adaptations. This research reveals the genetic markers and molecular mechanisms that have allowed these nut fruit trees to adapt and flourish acr.....»»
FDA green-lights fall COVID-19 boosters
Updated mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are ready to roll. Enlarge (credit: Getty Images) As the COVID-19 case count continues to tick upward, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved an updated vaccine for.....»»
The Green Economy Is Hungry for Copper—and People Are Stealing, Fighting, and Dying to Feed It
With the possible exception of gold, no other metal has caused as much destruction as copper. In the coming years, we’ll need more of it than ever......»»
That book is poison: Even more Victorian covers found to contain toxic dyes
Old books with toxic dyes may be in universities, public libraries, private collections. Enlarge / Composite image showing color variation of emerald green bookcloth on book spines, likely a result of air pollution (credit: Winte.....»»
This year’s summer COVID wave is big; FDA may green-light COVID shots early
Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 levels suggest the summer surge is high and peaking right now. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Thomas Trutschel) With the country experiencing a relatively large summer wave of COVID-19, the Food and Drug.....»»
Green light for accurate vegetation research: Evaluation of global SIF datasets
A recent study has pinpointed the top-performing solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) products for precise global monitoring of photosynthesis and vegetation dynamics. By thoroughly evaluating eight widely-used SIF datasets, the research team.....»»
Mining the microbiome: Uncovering new antibiotics inside the human gut
The average human gut contains roughly 100 trillion microbes, many of which are constantly competing for limited resources. "It's such a harsh environment," says César de la Fuente, Presidential Assistant Professor in Bioengineering and in Chemical.....»»
Chloroplast genome study separates C. meiocarpa and C. oleifera to enhance tea-oil camellia breeding
A research team sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa, uncovering significant differences that clarified their phylogenetic relationship. This study developed 17 chloroplast DNA primers for distinguis.....»»
Green warriors: Plants on the frontline against microplastics
With escalating concerns about the enduring impact of plastic waste, phytoremediation emerges as a promising solution. This method utilizes plants to capture and degrade pollutants, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.....»»
"Climinator" vs. greenwashers: Researcher develops AI tool to debate climate on a factual basis
Companies like to act "green" by publishing thick environmental sustainability reports replete with photography of pristine landscapes, but precious few of them keep their promises. Finance professor Markus Leippold is using AI-based tools to fight g.....»»
New generation of ecological models needed to safeguard future of biodiversity, says researcher
Protecting animals, ecosystems and biodiversity is one of the big challenges of our time. With climate change dramatically impacting the planet and transformations in society such as housing development and urbanization, protecting ecosystems and the.....»»
Teams forge communication shortcuts across large organizations to keep information flowing
When it comes to successful organizations, communication is key. But what does successful communication look like? A new study from North Carolina State University examines communication dynamics within a successful organization, uncovering the cruci.....»»
New method paves the way for cost-effective and high-efficiency green hydrogen production
The principle of preventing the deterioration and oxidation of ionomers in hydrogen production through anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) has been discovered for the first time. This breakthrough is expected to enhance both the perf.....»»
The next full moon is a supermoon blue moon
The next full moon is a supermoon, a blue moon; the sturgeon moon; the red, corn, green corn, barley, herb, grain, or dog moon; Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima; and Tu B'Av......»»
Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing
Eco-conscious consumers are not well-served by clothing companies claiming green credentials, as shoppers' location has a major impact on the effectiveness of clothing return schemes, a new study reveals......»»
3D laser printing with bioinks from microalgae
Microalgae such as the diatom Odontella aurita and the green alga Tetraselmis striata are especially suitable as "biofactories" for the production of sustainable materials for 3D laser printing due to their high content in lipids and photoactive pigm.....»»
Why wildfires are getting more dangerous
After more than a year of record-breaking heat, the peak of fire season is approaching across vast swathes of our green planet......»»
Green belts need modernizing—a more "multifunctional" approach can benefit people and planet
Green belts are more than just spaces; for many people, they're places providing a brief escape from the city. Land designated as green belt—and protected from building—can also store carbon and hold water at times of flooding and drought......»»
Elephants on the move: Mapping connections across African landscapes
Elephant conservation is a major priority in southern Africa, but habitat loss and urbanization mean the far-ranging pachyderms are increasingly restricted to protected areas like game reserves. The risk? Contained populations could become geneticall.....»»