Articles tagged with "environmental-science"
What's Contaminating Our Once-Pristine Water Sources? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical issue of water contamination in the United States, emphasizing the vital role clean water plays in public health, ecosystems, and the economy. It notes that about one-third of the US population relies on streams vulnerable to pollution for drinking water. Despite the importance of reducing water pollution, the article criticizes recent political actions, particularly under the Trump administration, for undermining scientific research and regulatory efforts aimed at protecting water quality. The administration is portrayed as dismissive of peer-reviewed science, often prioritizing private industry interests over environmental and public health concerns. A detailed case study from Iowa illustrates the problem: a comprehensive $1 million research project by the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) found that many of the state’s rivers, which serve as drinking water sources for approximately 600,000 people, are heavily contaminated with harmful substances such as nitrates, phosphorus, nitrogen, bacteria, pesticides, and other chemicals. The study linked these contaminants primarily to
energywater-pollutionenvironmental-sciencewater-qualitypublic-healthsustainabilityclean-waterWorld War II weapons dump site turns into surprising refuge for sea creatures
A recent study has revealed that World War II weapons dumped in the Baltic Sea, particularly V-1 flying bomb warheads, have unexpectedly become thriving habitats for marine life. Using an underwater submersible, researchers discovered dense communities of crabs, worms, anemones, starfish, and fish living on these war relics, with about 43,000 organisms per square meter on the warheads compared to only 8,200 per square meter in the surrounding seabed. Despite the presence of toxic explosives like TNT and RDX, marine species appear to tolerate these compounds, likely because they colonize the metal casings rather than the explosive material itself. The hard surfaces provided by the warheads offer rare attachment points in the Baltic Sea, where natural hard substrates are scarce due to historical removal of stones and boulders. The site’s relative isolation from human activity, caused by chemical contamination, has created a protective environment for these benthic communities, effectively turning a toxic weapons dump into a
materialsmarine-biologyenvironmental-sciencetoxicologyunderwater-ecologyhabitat-restorationmetal-substratesTrump Administration's Harvard Funding Cuts Reversed - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the Trump Administration’s attempt to cut over $2 billion in federal research funding to Harvard University, which was officially justified by allegations of antisemitism. However, a U.S. District Court judge, Allison Burroughs, ruled in September that the administration likely used antisemitism as a pretext for an ideologically motivated attack on leading universities, including Harvard. The funding cuts threatened a broad range of research, including critical climate science and tuberculosis studies, which seemed unrelated to the stated rationale of combating antisemitism. Harvard’s climate research, supported heavily by federal grants, was particularly vulnerable, with many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers dependent on this funding. The article highlights Harvard’s historic and ongoing contributions to climate science, noting its influence on figures like Al Gore and its commitment to fossil-fuel-free initiatives. The judge’s reversal of the funding cuts may be appealed, and while there is concern about the potential success of such an appeal, the article underscores the importance of maintaining
energyclimate-changeresearch-fundingHarvard-Universityenvironmental-scienceclimate-researchfederal-grantsNeed Data To Support Your Climate Conspiracies? Look To The Fake Research Black Market - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explores the rise of climate conspiracies, attributing their persistence largely to a lack of climate literacy, political ideology, and distrust in scientific expertise. It highlights how propaganda rooted in historical, societal, and corporate interests fuels misinformation, compelling people to adopt polarized stances amid complex climate data. The author questions whether individuals possess the critical thinking skills necessary to discern factual climate science from misleading narratives, especially given the decline in hands-on scientific learning and the dominance of social media as an information source. A significant concern raised is the emergence of a "black market" for fake climate research, which proliferates fraudulent studies that contradict established scientific consensus on human-driven climate change. This trend is exacerbated by political efforts, notably during the Trump administration, to undermine climate science by promoting false claims about natural climate variability and downplaying risks like sea level rise and extreme weather. The article warns that as fraudulent publications grow faster than legitimate research, the integrity of scientific discourse is threatened, particularly since scientists
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsclimate-conspiraciesenvironmental-sciencemisinformationpolitical-ideologyClimate Scientists, Epstein Survivors Speak Out: This Is No Hoax - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the ongoing conflict between climate science and political denialism, particularly under the Trump administration. It underscores how former President Donald Trump repeatedly dismissed climate change as a "hoax," a stance that resonated with many of his supporters despite overwhelming scientific consensus on the issue. The piece notes that while climate-related disasters are increasingly impacting millions of Americans, climate science remains a low priority for much of the US electorate, suggesting that meaningful political action on climate change is unlikely in the near term. A significant focus of the article is the controversy surrounding a July report released by the US Department of Energy under the Trump administration. The report was widely criticized by over 85 climate experts for misrepresenting scientific data, cherry-picking information, and failing to reflect the current understanding of climate change. This critique was echoed by major media outlets like CBS News and even Fox News, which highlighted the report’s flaws and the questionable backgrounds of its contributors, all of whom have histories of disputing climate
energyclimate-changeDepartment-of-Energyenvironmental-scienceclimate-policyrenewable-energyclimate-crisisFederal Hurricane Forecasting Saves Lives & Money - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical role of federal hurricane forecasting, particularly by NOAA, in saving lives and reducing economic losses. Since Hurricane Katrina, the accuracy and lead time of hurricane forecasts have significantly improved due to the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program established in 2007. A 5-day forecast today offers the same reliability as a 2-day forecast did in 2005, effectively doubling the lead time and enabling better preparedness. This advancement has contributed to fewer casualties and lower damage costs despite hurricanes becoming more intense and destructive over recent decades. The article also emphasizes that while the number of hurricanes hitting the U.S. annually has not increased, their severity has, with Category 3 or higher storms doubling since 1980. Climate change is identified as a key driver behind this trend, as warmer oceans increase evaporation and fuel more intense storms and rainfall. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and its research division play an indispensable role in forecasting by integrating real-time data from ocean buoys and other monitoring tools.
energyclimate-changehurricane-forecastingNOAAweather-predictiondisaster-managementenvironmental-scienceWhy the Recent Slowdown in Arctic Sea Ice Loss Is Only Temporary - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines the recent slowdown in Arctic sea ice loss observed since the late 2000s, despite the long-term trend of rapid decline linked to climate change. While Arctic sea ice extent at the end of summer has halved since satellite records began in the late 1970s, data over the past two decades show no statistically significant decline. The authors attribute this temporary slowdown primarily to natural climate variability, which can cause fluctuations that either accelerate or decelerate ice loss. Climate model simulations indicate that such periods of slowed decline are expected to occur relatively frequently and may continue for another five to ten years, even as global warming persists. The article highlights that the Arctic has lost more than 75% of its sea ice since the 1980s, with human-caused warming responsible for about 60% of this decline and natural variability accounting for the rest. The slowdown is evident not only in summer minimum extents but year-round, supported by satellite observations and sea ice
energyclimate-changeArctic-sea-iceclimate-modelsglobal-warmingenvironmental-sciencenatural-fluctuationsScientists Hack Microbes to Identify Environmental Sources of Methane - CleanTechnica
Researchers at UC Berkeley have used CRISPR gene-editing technology to manipulate a key enzyme in methane-producing microbes (methanogens) to better understand how these microbes influence the isotopic composition of methane. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is largely produced by microbes in oxygen-free environments such as wetlands, rice fields, landfills, and animal guts. Identifying the precise environmental sources of methane has been challenging because scientists rely on isotopic signatures—variations in the ratios of carbon and hydrogen isotopes—to trace methane origins. This study reveals that the activity of the microbial enzyme significantly affects these isotopic fingerprints, complicating efforts to accurately attribute methane emissions to specific sources. The findings suggest that current methods for quantifying methane sources may have large uncertainties, sometimes within tens of percent, limiting the ability to track changes over time or prioritize mitigation efforts effectively. By integrating molecular biology with isotope biogeochemistry, the researchers provide new insights into how methanogen biology controls methane’s isotopic signature.
energymethane-emissionsmicrobial-methane-productiongreenhouse-gasesenvironmental-scienceCRISPRisotope-analysisNASA supercomputer reveals how Greenland ice melt boosts ocean life
A recent NASA-backed study reveals that the massive annual melt of Greenland’s ice sheet—losing about 270 billion tons of ice each year—is unexpectedly boosting ocean life by stimulating phytoplankton growth. Using the advanced ECCO-Darwin computer model developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MIT, scientists simulated how glacial meltwater interacts with ocean waters. The freshwater runoff from glaciers like Jakobshavn creates turbulent plumes that lift vital nutrients such as iron and nitrate from deep waters to the sunlit surface, enhancing phytoplankton growth by an estimated 15% to 40% during summer months. This process helps explain satellite observations of a 57% increase in Arctic phytoplankton between 1998 and 2018. Phytoplankton, though microscopic, play a crucial role in the marine food web by absorbing carbon dioxide and serving as the base food source for krill and other small animals, which in turn support larger marine species. However, scientists
energyclimate-changesupercomputingoceanographyglacial-meltNASAenvironmental-scienceYou may be inhaling 68,000 microplastics a day inside your home
A recent study by French scientists reveals that people may be inhaling up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily inside their homes and cars, far exceeding previous estimates. Using advanced Raman spectroscopy, researchers detected plastic particles predominantly smaller than 10 micrometers—tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. These microplastics originate from the degradation of common household items such as carpets, curtains, paint, textiles, and especially car interiors, which contain numerous plastic-based materials that shed particles due to heat, friction, and sunlight exposure. The study highlights a significant but overlooked source of microplastic pollution: indoor air, where people spend about 90% of their time. Unlike prior research focused on oceans or outdoor environments, this work emphasizes the intimate exposure risks within everyday living spaces. The health implications are concerning, as inhaled microplastics may cause respiratory inflammation and carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, which are linked to various health problems including endocrine
materialsmicroplasticsindoor-air-pollutionplastic-pollutionhealth-risksenvironmental-scienceair-qualityNuclear war could starve world, wipe out 87% of global corn: Study
A recent study from Penn State highlights the devastating impact a nuclear winter could have on global corn production, potentially triggering catastrophic worldwide famine. The research modeled six nuclear war scenarios with varying soot injections into the atmosphere, simulating corn yields across 38,572 locations. A regional nuclear war injecting about 5.5 million tons of soot could reduce global corn production by 7%, severely straining food security. In contrast, a large-scale global nuclear war releasing 165 million tons of soot could slash corn yields by 80%. Additionally, the destruction of the ozone layer would increase harmful UV-B radiation, further damaging crops and potentially driving total corn production losses to 87% in the worst-case scenario. The study utilized the Cycles agroecosystem model to simulate crop growth and accounted for the combined effects of reduced sunlight, lower temperatures, and increased UV-B radiation. The researchers also proposed a potential mitigation strategy involving “agricultural resilience kits” containing region-specific, cold-adapted, fast-growing
energynuclear-waragricultureclimate-impactfood-securityenvironmental-sciencecrop-productionWaxworms can eat plastic, poop profit and possibly save the planet
A recent study from Brandon University, led by Dr. Bryan Cassone, reveals that waxworms—the caterpillars of the greater wax moth—can rapidly degrade polyethylene, the most common plastic worldwide. Remarkably, about 2,000 waxworms can consume an entire polyethylene bag within 24 hours, a process that normally takes decades or centuries in the environment. The research shows that waxworms metabolize the plastic into lipids stored as body fat, similar to how humans store fat from food. However, an all-plastic diet is lethal to the caterpillars, causing mass loss and death within days. Cassone suggests that co-supplementing their diet with other food sources could sustain and even enhance their health, enabling mass rearing. The implications of this discovery are twofold: waxworms could be farmed on a supplemented polyethylene diet to help reduce plastic waste as part of a circular economy, or scientists could isolate and replicate the enzymes responsible for plastic degradation in laboratory or industrial settings
materialsplastic-degradationpolyethyleneenvironmental-sciencebiodegradationwaste-managementsustainable-materialsHot Enough For Ya? - CleanTechnica
The article "Hot Enough For Ya?" from CleanTechnica highlights the extreme heatwave affecting the central and eastern United States, with temperatures significantly above normal—ranging from about 9.6°F hotter in Washington, D.C. to over 20°F hotter in Concord, New Hampshire. Similar extreme heat is also impacting Western Europe, with temperatures up to 28.6°F above average. These temperature anomalies are linked to climate change, as explained through data and visualizations provided by Climate Central, an independent nonprofit organization that uses scientific research and technology to illustrate the local impacts of climate change. Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index (CSI) attributes these extreme temperature events to human-driven climate change, showing that the recent heatwave in the eastern US is five times more likely to be caused by global warming than by natural variability. The organization emphasizes that climate change is a critical context for understanding a wide range of societal issues beyond just environmental science, including politics, health, and economics. The article also
energyclimate-changetemperatureClimate-Centralextreme-weatherdata-visualizationenvironmental-sciencePlant chemical repels bugs but worsens air quality, study shows
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers has uncovered that isoprene, a natural chemical emitted by certain plants, serves as an insect-repellent defense mechanism. Through greenhouse experiments with genetically modified tobacco plants, scientists observed that insects like whiteflies and hornworms avoided or were weakened by plants emitting isoprene. The chemical itself does not directly harm the insects; rather, it triggers an increase in the plant’s jasmonic acid, a hormone that disrupts insect digestion and growth. Additionally, soybeans—previously thought to have lost the ability to produce isoprene—were found to release it in small amounts when their leaves are damaged, indicating a stress-activated defense mechanism. While isoprene helps protect plants from pests, it also contributes to air pollution. Isoprene is a volatile hydrocarbon that reacts with sunlight and nitrogen oxides from human activities, leading to the formation of ozone and other pollutants that degrade air quality. This dual role presents a dilemma for agriculture and environmental
materialsplant-chemistryair-pollutionisopreneinsect-repellentenvironmental-scienceplant-defense-mechanisms"The Loss of Anybody at NOAA is Directly Connected to Services Lost By Every Individual in the United States" - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the severe consequences of proposed budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), particularly targeting its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). The suggested reduction of $485 million would slash OAR’s funding to just over $171 million, effectively eliminating it as a line office. This would dismantle critical research efforts on climate change and atmospheric phenomena, reversing decades of scientific progress and severely undermining the United States’ ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather events such as hurricanes. The article underscores that despite having reliable NOAA data, recent storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant destruction and loss, emphasizing the vital role NOAA plays in disaster preparedness. Key institutions such as the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (CIMAS) and the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) face closure under the proposed cuts. These centers are essential for hurricane hunter missions that provide critical data for forecasting hurricane paths and intensities, contributing to nearly $5 billion in savings per major hurricane. The article stresses that shutting down these institutions would not only reduce forecasting accuracy but also lead to substantial financial and human costs. Additionally, NOAA’s Regional Climate Centers, which support farmers with climate data for managing frost, drought, and other weather-related risks, would cease operations, further impacting agricultural decision-making and resilience. In summary, the article argues that defunding NOAA’s research capabilities is both economically and socially detrimental, threatening public safety, agricultural productivity, and the nation’s ability to respond to climate change. It calls the proposed budget cuts absurd and inhumane, noting that maintaining and enhancing NOAA’s services is crucial for protecting lives, property, and the environment across the United States.
energyclimate-changeNOAAhurricane-predictionatmospheric-researchenvironmental-sciencedisaster-preparedness230 giant viruses discovered with surprising effects on ocean health
Researchers at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science have discovered 230 new giant viruses in the ocean, along with 530 new proteins, including nine associated with photosynthesis. These findings suggest that giant viruses can interfere with their hosts’ energy conversion processes, particularly in key marine microorganisms like algae, amoebas, and flagellates that form the base of the oceanic food chain. The study highlights the significant impact these viruses have on marine ecosystems, including their potential role in harmful algal blooms that affect human health globally. To identify these viruses, the team developed a novel computational tool called BEREN, which improved detection and classification of giant viruses from vast DNA sequencing datasets collected from nine major ocean sampling projects worldwide. Analysis revealed that these viruses carry genes involved in critical cellular functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis, indicating they can alter host metabolism and influence marine chemical cycles. The research, published in npj Viruses, not only expands understanding of viral diversity and function in ocean ecosystems but also offers new avenues for monitoring environmental health and biotechnological applications.
energymarine-biologyphotosynthesisocean-virusesbiotechnologyenvironmental-scienceviral-genomicsMicrobes capture CO2, developed this trait by adopting harsh conditions
energyclimate-changecarbon-capturemicrobessustainabilityenvironmental-scienceextremophilesHồ nước thải có thể cung cấp 40 tấn đất hiếm mỗi năm
rare-earth-elementswastewater-treatmentmining-technologysustainable-resourcesenvironmental-sciencechemical-engineeringresource-extractionScientists Have Just Discovered a New Type of Electricity-Conducting Bacteria
energyelectricitybacteriaconductivitybiological-wireCandidatus-Electrothrixenvironmental-scienceCopernicus: Warmest March In Europe & Lowest Arctic Winter Sea Ice
climate-changeArctic-sea-iceEurope-weathertemperature-anomaliesenvironmental-scienceglobal-warmingCopernicus