Water treatment: Removing hormones with sunlight
Organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and hormones, even at nanoscale concentrations, contaminate drinking water in a way that poses significant risks to humans, animals and the environment. In particular, the steroid hormones estro.....»»
Atmospheric methane increase during pandemic due primarily to wetland flooding, satellite data analysis finds
A new analysis of satellite data finds that the record surge in atmospheric methane emissions from 2020 to 2022 was driven by increased inundation and water storage in wetlands, combined with a slight decrease in atmospheric hydroxide (OH). The resul.....»»
Tree frog tadpoles have a unique way of not contaminating their water supply: Not pooping
The Eiffinger's tree frog (Kurixalus eiffingeri), found on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands in Japan, has a unique biological adaptation: its tadpoles do not defecate during their early developmental stages. This finding by researchers at Nagoya Univers.....»»
Navigating complex systems to preserve prairie wetlands
From grasslands to boreal forests, Saskatchewan has some of the most dynamic ecosystems in the country and is home to equally complex water systems. Researchers like Dr. Colin Whitfield (Ph.D.), associate professor in the School of Environment and Su.....»»
Sharks and rays leap out of the water for many reasons, including feeding, courtship and communication
Many sharks and rays are known to breach, leaping fully or partly out of the water. In a recent study, colleagues and I reviewed research on breaching and ranked the most commonly hypothesized functions for it......»»
Businesses trying to come clean about their impact on nature can end up concealing more than they reveal
Humans have overfished the ocean, cleared forests, polluted water and created a climate crisis by burning fossil fuels. These actions are affecting biodiversity around the world, from remote islands to our own backyards......»»
Compact "gene scissors" enable effective genome editing, may offer future treatment of high cholesterol gene defect
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known "gene scissors" but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells......»»
High-pressure reactions can turn nonporous rocks into sponges
In deep Earth, rocks take up and release water all the time, and the effects can be wide reaching. Dehydration can cause rocks to crack and trigger earthquakes, and over geologic timescales, this water cycling can influence plate tectonics and move c.....»»
Water-free manufacturing approach could help advance 2D electronics integration
The future of technology has an age-old problem: rust. When iron-containing metal reacts with oxygen and moisture, the resulting corrosion greatly impedes the longevity and use of parts in the automotive industry......»»
Sources of water and hydroxyl are widespread on the moon, new analysis of maps finds
A new analysis of maps of the near and far sides of the moon shows that there are multiple sources of water and hydroxyl in the sunlit rocks and soils, including water-rich rocks excavated by meteor impacts at all latitudes......»»
From pollution to power: Merging wastewater treatment and energy generation with capacitive MFC innovations
Imagine standing on the edge of a new frontier, where waste—something we often view as a problem—becomes the solution. We live in a world that needs innovation, where environmental challenges demand a sustainable approach, and where we need techn.....»»
Phytoplankton shield ice shelves from summer heat
In spring, stretches of Antarctic sea ice melt to form pockets of open water called polynyas, which make perfect homes for phytoplankton. These marine microbes can become so abundant that they turn the water green......»»
California cracks down on another Central Valley farm area for groundwater depletion
California water regulators are cracking down on a second farming area in the San Joaquin Valley for failing to take adequate steps to curb overpumping that is depleting groundwater, causing the land to sink and damaging a canal that transports water.....»»
Hungary Danube waters reach decade high after Storm Boris
The Danube peaked at a 10-year high in a heavily fortified Budapest on Saturday with the water reaching the steps of parliament, after deadly Storm Boris lashed Europe......»»
US city of Flint still reeling from water crisis, 10 years on
Turning her faucet on one day in 2014, Chanel McGee watched in disgust as a brownish trickle poured out......»»
New tool to help decision makers navigate possible futures of the Colorado River
The Colorado River is a vital source of water in the Western United States, providing drinking water for homes and irrigation for farms in seven states, but the basin is under increasing pressure from climate change and drought. A new computational t.....»»
Saturday Citations: Football metaphors in physics; vets treat adorable baby rhino"s broken leg
This week, researchers reported an effective way to protect working dogs from heat stress: training them to dunk their heads in cool water. A new computational technique provided a breakthrough in understanding the so-called "pseudogap" in quantum ph.....»»
Genome sequence analysis identifies new driver of antimicrobial resistance
Antibiotics are a lifesaving tool. Yet, due to their chronic overuse, microbes are evolving and developing immunity against them. As a result, once-effective medications can no longer stave off infections, complicating treatment and increasing mortal.....»»
Scientists study how to increase water, nutrient-use efficiency in greenhouses, nurseries
Tom Fernandez, an MSU professor in the Department of Horticulture, has spent much of his 25-year career at MSU studying how to effectively manage water in greenhouses and nurseries to increase water-use efficiency and reduce nutrient runoff......»»
Schottky junction catalysts boost hydrogen production with non-precious metals in water electrolysis
Electricity-driven water electrolysis has garnered notable attention as an environmentally friendly method for hydrogen production, with high-purity hydrogen being crucial for addressing the energy crisis. Nonetheless, water electrolysis hydrogen evo.....»»
Location, location, location: Snowpack storage and runoff timing in burn scars depend on site and terrain
Increasingly severe wildfires at high elevations are impacting snowpack—an important reservoir for the U.S. West. The altered landscape makes it more challenging to predict when snow will melt and how much water will be available for use......»»