Earth

The evolutionary history of Earth is filled with pivotal moments that have shaped life as we know it today. A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University sheds light on the profound impact that prehistoric worms had on Earth’s biodiversity during the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, approximately 480 million years ago. These seemingly

Freshwater mussels, known for their long lifespans and limited mobility in streambeds, serve as biomonitors of their environment’s cleanliness. Recent research conducted by Penn State reveals the concerning impact of fracking wastewater on these bivalves, ultimately posing a threat to the ecosystem. The study conducted by researchers from Penn State’s Department of Civil and Environmental

In an era where water quality standards are becoming increasingly stringent, researchers at UC Riverside have made a groundbreaking discovery that could transform the way water providers approach the removal of harmful “forever chemicals” from drinking water. Forever chemicals, scientifically known as PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), have permeated various products over the years, leading

The rapid urbanization of Africa is a phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. The continent’s urban population has more than doubled since the early 2000s, reaching over 600 million in 2020. Projections indicate that this population will double again by 2050. This growth in urban areas has outpaced the rate of urban population

Farmland is often a battleground in the fight against climate change. Solar panels and energy crops are pitted against food production, while well-intended policy choices can create incentives for farmers to till up new lands, releasing even more heat-trapping gas into the atmosphere. That’s why strategies for sustainable plant-based fuels focus on marginal lands –

The Salton Sea, which was formed in 1905 due to an overflow of the Colorado River, has been shrinking for years. The reduced flows into the lake have led to various environmental and health issues in nearby communities. A recent study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics sheds light on the impacts of

The issue of water scarcity is becoming increasingly dire as climate change and socioeconomic factors continue to exacerbate the situation. A recent study conducted by Utrecht University, as published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on populations in the Global South. It is evident that clean water is not only

California has been significantly impacted by wildfires over the past few years, with up to 70% of the state covered in smoke during certain periods. A recent study conducted by the University of California, Davis, shed light on the effects of wildfire smoke on California’s lakes. The study utilized a combination of lake-based sensors and

Researchers in Italy have developed a groundbreaking prototype fiber optic gyroscope to monitor ground rotations caused by earthquakes in the volcanic area of Campi Flegrei in Naples. Led by Saverio Avino from CNR-INO, the team aims to improve risk assessment and strengthen early warning systems in this densely populated region. By capturing both linear and

After decades of steady growth in sea ice levels up to 2015, 2023 saw a drastic reduction in Antarctic sea ice with over 2 million square kilometers less ice than usual during winter. This unexpected decline was considered a one-in-a-2000-year event without the influence of climate change, according to a recent study by the British

Plastic pollution in the oceans has long been a concern due to its detrimental effects on marine life. However, a recent study conducted by Northeastern researcher Aron Stubbins has shed light on another alarming consequence of microplastics in the ocean. The study reveals that microplastics may hinder the ocean’s ability to mitigate the climate crisis

In a recent study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA), researchers have highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting the various ways in which nature is valued. The research emphasizes that different perspectives on nature’s value can significantly impact environmental decision-making processes. While international agreements like the Sustainable Development Goals aim for a