Using microbes to get more out of mining waste
Researchers have developed a new mining technique which uses microbes to recover metals and store carbon in the waste produced by mining. Adopting this technique of reusing mining waste, called tailings, could transform the mining industry and create.....»»
Scientists identify “universal network” of microbes for decomposing flesh
Findings could help forensic scientists better determine a body's precise time of death. Enlarge / It's tough to precisely determine cause of death in a corpse. Microbes found on decomposing flesh can help. (credit: Ralf Roletsch.....»»
New study on decomposing microbes could help transform forensic science
For the first time, researchers have identified what appears to be a network of approximately 20 microbes that universally drive the decomposition of animal flesh. The findings have significant implications for the future of forensic science, includi.....»»
Surprising discovery of pharmaceuticals in Norwegian food waste
New research reveals that recycled food waste may be contaminated with pharmaceutical residues. The good news is that fungi cultivated in biogas digestate show minimal absorption of these contaminants. On February 16, Astrid Solvåg Nesse will defend.....»»
Secrets of soil-enriching pulses could transform future of sustainable agriculture
From lentils to chickpeas, and even the humble baked bean, pulses are perhaps best known as an alternative, plant-based source of protein. These plants are environmental heroes: they work together with soil microbes to "fix" nitrogen from the air, en.....»»
An eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soil ecosystem
In today's world, plastics are used extensively due to their favorable properties and affordable costs. The widespread use of these non-biodegradable materials, however, makes them a waste management nuisance and global environmental concern. It is e.....»»
It"s award season: Let"s celebrate microbes in movies
Usually, show business depicts viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms as one of the worst menaces to humankind. Entertainment movies influence the way audiences understand and perceive these topics. Yet, few films accurately portray the science.....»»
Population can"t be ignored—it has to be part of the policy solution to our world"s problems, says researcher
There is a growing consensus that environmental problems, particularly the effects of climate change, pose a grave challenge to humanity. Pollution, habitat destruction, intractable waste issues and, for many, deteriorating quality of life should be.....»»
A former mine at a fossil-rich site is causing the BLM headaches
Blasting is happening at a former mining site that's also home to unique fossils. Enlarge / Blasting taking place at the fossil-rich site. (credit: Bureau of Land Management) Blasting has begun in an area known as “Com.....»»
Creating a toolkit of yeast strains that over-produce key cellular building blocks
Microbes such as bacteria and yeast are increasingly being used to produce components of medicines, biofuels, and food. Indeed, baker's yeast, also known as brewer's yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is responsible for the fermentation process used.....»»
Large cryptocurrency miners in US now have to report energy use to government
137 mining facilities in the US account for 2.3 percent of electricity demand. Enlarge / A worker installs a row of new mining machines at the largest bitcoin mining facility in the US, located in Rockdale, Texas, on October 9, 2.....»»
Contaminated soil landslide threatens Danish village
A small hamlet in the west of Denmark is facing an unusual existential threat: a landslide of contaminated waste that is bearing down on the community and a nearby river......»»
Researchers reveal elusive bottleneck holding back global effort to convert carbon dioxide waste into usable products
Think of it as recycling on the nanoscale: a tantalizing electrochemical process that can harvest carbon before it becomes air pollution and restructure it into the components of everyday products......»»
Household food waste reduced through whole-family food literacy intervention
Food waste is a global issue, with the estimated value of wasted food totaling $230 billion CAD in 2023. In Canada, estimates suggest half of the food wasted occurs at the household level, which roughly equals $1,000 CAD per family per year. A recent.....»»
Microfluidic environments alter microbe behaviors, opening potential for engineering their social evolution
Microbes are social beings. Much like humans, they communicate and cooperate with each other to solve problems bigger than themselves. In a microbial community, there will even be free riders and others that police them......»»
How does car traffic influence airborne fungal diversity?
Microbial particles including fungi, bacteria, allergens, etc., are common natural components of air. In particular, fungi represent a large portion of the airborne microbes since they are among the most abundant, widely dispersed, and pervasive orga.....»»
Research reveals minerals in soil shield microbial remains to aid carbon storage
A new study by Chinese researchers has revealed that soil minerals play a critical role in protecting the remains of dead microbes, thereby promoting carbon and nitrogen storage in the soil......»»
Improving climate predictions by unlocking the secrets of soil microbes
Climate models are essential to predicting and addressing climate change, but can fail to adequately represent soil microbes, a critical player in ecosystem soil carbon sequestration that affects the global carbon cycle......»»
Hermit crabs find new homes in plastic waste: Shell shortage or clever choice?
The crustaceans are making the most of what they find on the seafloor. Enlarge / Scientists have found that hermit crabs are increasingly using plastic and other litter as makeshift shell homes. (credit: Luis Diaz Devesa/Getty).....»»
Saturday Citations: A dog regenerates a body part that may surprise you; plus microbes, neurons and climate change
Coming in hot on February 3 with a photo of a cute French bully who did an amazing trick with his jawbone. Good boy! (Click!) Happy Saturday. Here's a roundup that includes news about additive printing of neurons, evidence that microbes like stuff, a.....»»
Common food preservative has unexpected effects on the gut microbiome
Food manufacturers often add preservatives to food products to keep them fresh. The purpose of these preservatives is to kill microbes that could break down and otherwise spoil the food. Common additives like sugar, salt, vinegar and alcohol have bee.....»»