The latest analysis of freshwater resources worldwide reveals a grim reality: humanity has surpassed the planetary boundary for freshwater change by the mid-twentieth century. The stable conditions that existed prior to industrialization have been disrupted by human activities such as dam construction, large-scale irrigation, and global warming. The research, recently published in Nature Water, highlights
Earth
The Labor Day wildfires of 2020 not only ravaged through parts of the Pacific Northwest but also brought with it extreme weather conditions that impacted the Rocky Mountains in an unexpected way. A recent study conducted by Portland State University sheds light on the meteorological factors behind this catastrophic event, with insights provided by lead
Glacier-fed streams are experiencing significant changes, as highlighted by researchers from EPFL and Charles University. The impact of glacier shrinkage on these ecosystems has led to a ‘green transition’, with microbial life flourishing in these mountain streams. This article delves into the findings of the Vanishing Glaciers project, shedding light on the implications of these
The recent modeling results published in Scientific Reports indicate that several regions across the globe, such as the Bay of Bengal, the Philippines, and the Caribbean Sea, are expected to experience record-breaking average surface air temperatures in the period leading up to June 2024 due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. This phenomenon, part of
The potential impact of Greenland and Antarctic glaciers melting on global sea levels is a significant concern. The process by which glaciers fracture and break apart is crucial in determining the rate at which sea levels will rise in the future. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington sheds light on
In a groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Brian Pratt and Dr. Colin Sproat from the University of Saskatchewan, evidence of a tsunami that occurred hundreds of millions of years ago in the ancient sea covering part of Western Canada and the northern United States has been uncovered. Despite the region not being known for coastal
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary revealed a significant link between radon exposure in rural homes and their proximity to drilled groundwater wells. This transdisciplinary team, comprised of experts from the faculties of medicine, science, and architecture, set out to investigate the reasons behind the elevated levels of radon found
When we think about the aftermath of earthquakes, we often focus on the immediate human impact – the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure. However, a recent study published in Nature Geoscience highlights the long-lasting effects of earthquakes on forest ecosystems. Research conducted by Dr. Shan Gao and his colleagues from the Chinese Academy of
Understanding the behavior of clouds in our changing climate is crucial for predicting the impact of extreme weather events on society and nature. A recent study conducted by scientists from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and the Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology sheds light on how the clustering of clouds and storms affects extreme
Recent research conducted by the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna has shed light on the relationship between soil temperature and microbial diversity. This study, published in Science Advances, challenges previous assumptions about how soil temperature influences microbial activity and its impact on the global carbon cycle. The
The atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, in August 1945 by the United States has left a long-lasting impact on the city and its residents. The devastating event resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and has continued to affect the population through elevated rates of cancer from radiation exposure. Recent research on
One of the few places on Earth where researchers can analyze rocks from the early Earth is the Pilbara Craton in Western Australia. These rocks, dating back around 3.5 billion years, contain traces of the microorganisms that inhabited the planet during that time. A recent study led by the University of Göttingen has provided new