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Categories: Geoscience: Environmental Issues, Space: General
Published Safeguarding urban infrastructure from subsidence and liquefaction risks



During an earthquake, soil can weaken through subsidence and liquefaction. These processes can cause buildings to collapse as the soil becomes unable to support their weight. Researchers have now developed a model that predicts soil-bearing strength and thickness to identify stable construction sites and reduce structural risks. Additionally, the model can also predict other soil conditions in real-time and function as an early-warning system to identify potential hazards.
Published Indian Ocean surface temperature could help anticipate dengue outbreaks



Although dengue outbreaks cannot be prevented, it is possible to anticipate them. Scientists have recently identified a global climate indicator that may help improve predictions about the magnitude of dengue outbreaks several months in advance. This indicator, which can be used for any world region, is based on temperature fluctuations at the surface of the Indian Ocean. Obtaining reliable long-term predictions could facilitate efforts to tackle this infection, which has been on the rise for several decades and threatens half of the world's population.
Published Antibiotic pollution disrupts the gut microbiome and blocks memory in aquatic snails



Antibiotics prevent snails from forming new memories by disrupting their gut microbiome -- the community of beneficial bacteria found in their guts.
Published A drying Salton Sea pollutes neighboring communities



Dust particles from the Salton Sea's exposed lakebed increased air pollution in local communities, found a new study. The pollution coincides with reduced flows into the lake and diversions to San Diego.
Published Abandoned farmlands could play a role in fighting climate change: A new study shows exactly where they are



The team used machine learning to map nearly 30 million acres of United States cropland abandoned since the 1980s, creating a tool that could guide decisions about how to balance production of energy and food.
Published Moon orbiting 'dinky' asteroid is actually two tiny moons stuck together



The moon orbiting the asteroid Dinkinesh is actually two tiny moons stuck together. Collectively called 'Selam,' the two moonlets bring new insight into the complex processes behind planetary formation and evolution.
Published The case of the missing black holes



Researchers have applied the well-understood and highly verified quantum field theory, usually applied to the study of the very small, to a new target, the early universe. Their exploration led to the conclusion that there ought to be far fewer miniature black holes than most models suggest, though observations to confirm this should soon be possible. The specific kind of black hole in question could be a contender for dark matter.
Published Electrochromic films -- like sunglasses for your windows?



Advances in electrochromic coatings may bring us closer to environmentally friendly ways to keep inside spaces cool. Like eyeglasses that darken to provide sun protection, the optical properties of these transparent films can be tuned with electricity to block out solar heat and light. Now, researchers report demonstrating a new electrochromic film design based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that quickly and reliably switch from transparent to glare-diminishing green to thermal-insulating red.
Published Risky path to meeting climate targets for Stockholm



The Swedish capital Stockholm aims to capture more carbon dioxide than is emitted by 2030. Therefore, the city is investing in new technology at a combined heat and power plant. But it is a strategy that has been adopted without sufficient discussion of the risks.
Published What makes some plant groups so successful?



Researchers involved in cataloguing the world's plant species are hunting for answers as to what makes some groups of plants so successful. One of their major goals is to predict more accurately which lineages of flowering plants -- some of which are of huge importance to people and to ecosystems -- are at a greater risk from global climate change.
Published Aerosol pollution, greenhouse gases must be reduced simultaneously to keep forest fires in check



If we want cleaner air, fewer forest fires, and less severe climate change, a new study shows we must reduce aerosol pollution and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide at the same time.
Published New technique offers more precise maps of the Moon's surface



A new study may help redefine how scientists map the surface of the Moon, making the process more streamlined and precise than ever before.
Published Some species may tolerate climate change better than expected



A new model reassesses the proportion of terrestrial and marine species threatened with extinction by climate change. While the forecasts of traditional models estimate that the diversity of terrestrial species in tropical areas could decrease by 54% between now and 2041-2060, this model is more moderate, predicting a decrease of 39%. Nevertheless, this proportion remains alarming and confirms the importance of taking urgent measures to mitigate climate change and its impact on biodiversity.
Published Biobased building materials less sustainable than concrete in South Africa, experts find



Scientists have discovered that mycelium composites, biobased materials made from fungi and agricultural residues, can have a greater environmental impact than conventional fossil-fuel-based materials due to the high amount of electricity involved in their production.
Published Health risk from global warming predictor of city climate action during COVID-19, study finds



City officials were more likely to maintain climate action during the pandemic in places with more climate-related health issues affecting residents.
Published Slugs and snails love the city, unlike other animals



Most native species avoid more urbanized areas of Los Angeles, but slugs and snails may actually prefer these environments, according to a new study.
Published Research to uncover the impact of water use in the Colorado River Basin



Persistent overuse of water and long-term drought has depleted the Colorado River and highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of how waters are allocated and used to develop effective management strategies.
Published Altering cancer treatment dosing could reduce climate impact, study finds



Changing how often a popular cancer therapy is delivered would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental impact without decreasing cancer survival, according to a new analysis.
Published Performance of eco-friendly cooling applications enhanced



Researchers have developed a sustainable and controllable strategy to manipulate interfacial heat transfer, paving the way for improving the performance of eco-friendly cooling in various applications such as electronics, buildings and solar panels.
Published Wind farms are cheaper than you think -- and could have prevented Fukushima, says global review



Offshore wind could have prevented the Fukushima disaster, according to a review of wind energy.