Newswise Feature Channel: Environmental Science

How an Iconic Desert Tree Survives Extreme Heat--and the Unique Risk It's Facing Now

Northern Arizona University — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:15:42 EST

Even in extreme heat waves, Fremont cottonwood trees can cool themselves through evaporation in their leaves, similar to the way we sweat when we're hot. It's how they've survived in Arizona and throughout the Southwest.

Mapping Carbon Emissions: The Role of Territorial Dynamics in China

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:40:55 EST

In a pivotal study, scientists have unveiled the intricate relationship between China's territorial functions and its CO2 emissions, offering a fresh perspective on the environmental implications of regional development.

As Wildfires Intensify, Prolonged Exposure to Pollution Linked to Premature Death

Ohio State University — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:05:37 EST

Researchers have found evidence that living in areas prone to wildfire smoke may negatively impact an individual's life expectancy.

How Much CO₂ Does Zurich Emit?

Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:45:27 EST

To achieve net zero, we need to reduce our CO₂ emissions quickly and efficiently. An EU project involving Empa has selected Zurich as one of three pilot cities in Europe to accurately measure and model their carbon dioxide emissions. The findings will help cities to achieve their climate targets.

Major Biodiversity Report to Be Issued Next Week by a Global Organization.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:25:27 EST

Infrared Quantum Ghost Imaging Illuminates--But Doesn't Disturb--Living Plants

Department of Energy, Office of Science — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:30:19 EST

A method called quantum ghost imaging (QGI) allow scientists to capture images at extremely low light levels. QGI also enables the use of one color to examine a sample with extremely low light and another color to form the image. The method allows detailed imaging and monitoring without damage to live plants, allowing examination of active plant processes such as photosynthesis.

Sprouting New Landscape to Save 2.6 Million Gallons of Water Per Year

University of Northern Colorado — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:45:34 EST

On any given day, once a class is dismissed, the sidewalks north of the University Center are filled with University of Northern Colorado (UNC) students navigating to and from Central and West Campus. Students walking single file often fill the concrete pathways that wrap around the center point of campus, rarely stepping on the gently sloping 3.4 acres of Kentucky bluegrass nearby.

Conservationists Have Successfully Restored Tiger Population in Russia Where Absent for 50 years

Wildlife Conservation Society — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:20:37 EST

Conservationists have succeeded in restoring tiger populations in a region where they were virtually absent for more than 50 years in Russia. This restoration took place from 2012-2021 in the Pri-Amur region of Russia.

The Arctic Is on Fire

Universite de Montreal — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:18 EST

Wildfires have turned the Far North into a carbon emitter, putting the region's permafrost at risk, according to an alarming new report co-authored by UdeM researcher Oliver Sonnentag.

Ocean's "Big Data": Fusion of Satellite Data for Better Sea Views

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:30:22 EST

Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking method (CSAC) to harmonize satellite ocean color data across various satellites, which paved the way for the generation of reliable, global-scale, long-term, bio-optical properties of the upper ocean. Such "big data" is the base to assess the status and climate-related dynamics of the marine ecosystems. The CSAC (Cross-Satellite Atmospheric Correction) system ensures consistent remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) products across different satellite ocean color missions, a crucial step for expanding spatial coverage and extending the temporal reach via the fusion of various satellite ocean color measurements.

New Research Unlocks Jaw-Dropping Evolution of Lizards and Snakes

University of Bristol — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:05:00 EST

A groundbreaking University of Bristol study has shed light on how lizards and snakes -the most diverse group of land vertebrates with nearly 12,000 species - have evolved remarkably varied jaw shapes, driving their extraordinary ecological success.

Pioneering Research Reveals Growing Dangers and Repression of Climate Activism Globally

University of Bristol — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:00:00 EST

A new report has uncovered the many risks of participating in climate and environmental protests across the world - and how more countries are criminalising and repressing this activity in a bid to keep it in check.

Well-Meaning Dogs Led Astray by Rule-Defying Owners

University of Adelaide — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 18:25:29 EST

While good dogs never mean harm, they are often directed to remain on-lead in nature reserves to protect wildlife. Research from the University of Adelaide has found that whether dog owners follow this rule is mostly driven by social factors.

Australia's Extinction Tally Is Worse Than We Thought

University of Adelaide — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:15:16 EST

A new study estimates that more than 9000 insects and other native invertebrates have become extinct in Australia since European arrival in 1788 and between 1-3 additional species become extinct every week.

The Inequity of Wildfire Rescue Resources in California

Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:30:00 EST

A detailed analysis of more than 500 California wildfire incidents from 2015 to 2022 by University at Buffalo scientists shows that disaster recovery resources in California favor people living in wealthy communities over disadvantaged residents who lack the resources to plan for and recover from a wildfire. "We discovered that racial and economic inequity plays a pivotal role in resource allocation for wildfire recovery and mitigation," says lead author Poulomee Roy, Ph.D. candidate in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She will present the results in December at the annual meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis in Austin, Texas.

Controlling Infectious Disease Between Wildlife and Livestock on Shared Rangeland

Texas A&M AgriLife — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:50:03 EST

Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Ph.D., assistant professor in microbial ecology and microbiome interactions, Department of Animal Science, is studying the ongoing threat of emerging pathogens that can necessitate prompt deployment of medical countermeasures for life-saving interventions.

EPA Study Finds That U.S. Public Schools with the Highest Potential Exposure Risk to Air Toxics Have Higher Proportions of Disabled Latino, Hispanic, and Asian Children

Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:00:00 EST

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a nationwide study to assess the estimated non-cancer exposure risks of public school students to ambient air respiratory toxicants. The analysis also examined how disability status, race, and ethnicity were related to exposure risk in more than 88,000 regular public schools located in the 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Lower-Quality Public Housing Is at High Risk of Flood Damage

Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:30:00 EST

Preliminary findings suggest that lower-quality public housing structures (with lower inspection scores) are more likely to be located in a FEMA flood zone and in areas with higher flood risk as defined by FEMA's National Risk Index. They are also more likely to be home to higher percentages of people of color. Kelsea Best, assistant professor of Urban Climate Resilience and Adaptation Disparities in Ohio State University's College of Engineering, will present the team's research in December at the annual Society for Risk Analysis meeting in Austin, Texas.

Researchers Uncover a Troubling Trend in Tropical Rainforest Biodiversity

Northern Arizona University — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:00:00 EST

Scientists across four continents worked together to create and analyze three-dimensional maps of tropical rainforests throughout the globe. What they found is worrying: three- quarters of rainforests worldwide are suffering from human intervention, endangering thousands of animal species and threatening delicate ecosystems that are crucial to human survival.

Climate Change Impacting Freshwater Fish Species, Study Finds

University of Bristol — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:00:00 EST

Freshwater fish populations that dwell nearer the poles are outperforming their equatorial counterparts, researchers have found.