Environmental: General Geoscience: Earth Science Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geography Geoscience: Geology Paleontology: Climate Paleontology: General
Published

Scottish and Irish rocks confirmed as rare record of 'snowball Earth'      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The study found that the Port Askaig Formation, composed of layers of rock up to 1.1 km thick, was likely laid down between 662 to 720 million years ago during the Sturtian glaciation -- the first of two global freezes thought to have triggered the development of complex, multicellular life.

Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Exploring options for the sustainable management of phosphorus      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study assessed the feasibility of recovering phosphorus from municipal wastewater as an alternative sustainable source of this non-renewable mineral.

Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Researchers discover smarter way to recycle polyurethane      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have found a better method to recycle polyurethane foam from items like mattresses: They are not only able to break down PUR and separate the two main components -- they can do it in one go. This is great news for the budding industry that aims to chemically recover the original components of the material -- making their products cheaper and better.

Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Why isn't Colorado's snowpack ending up in the Colorado River? New research suggests the problem might be the lack of spring rainfall      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The Colorado River and its tributaries provide water for hydropower, irrigation and drinking water in seven U.S. states and Mexico. But since 2000, water managers have struggled to predict how much water will come from the snowpack. The problem lies with the lack of rainfall in the spring, according to new research.

Chemistry: General Energy: Technology Environmental: General Geoscience: Earth Science Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geochemistry Geoscience: Geomagnetic Storms Geoscience: Severe Weather Offbeat: Earth and Climate Offbeat: General
Published

New research shows unprecedented atmospheric changes during May's geomagnetic superstorm      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

On May 11, a gorgeous aurora surprised stargazers across the southern United States. That same weekend, a tractor guided by GPS missed its mark. What do the visibility of the northern lights have in common with compromised farming equipment in the Midwest? A uniquely powerful geomagnetic storm, according to new research.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Zoology Environmental: Ecosystems Offbeat: Earth and Climate Offbeat: General Offbeat: Plants and Animals
Published

Blind cavefish have extraordinary taste buds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A biologist studies blind cavefish, a species of fish that dwell in cave ponds in Mexico. He looked at the timeline for when the cavefish develop additional taste buds on the head and chin, finding the taste bud expansion starts at five months and continues into adulthood.

Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

U.S. capable of achieving seafood independence      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

If the U.S. became seafood independent, or meet its entire seafood needs through its own production, it could offer opportunities for improving dietary outcomes as well as individual and national food security, particularly against disruptions in global supply chains. Through analyzing 50 years of regional and national consumption and production data, from 1970-2021, researchers found that the U.S. could achieve seafood independence, although 'achieving greater seafood independence would require shifts in consumer behavior, investments in infrastructure and continual adaptation in the face of climate change.'

Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Blood pressure levels impacted by chronic occupational noise exposure      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study found in adult power loom weavers, chronic noise exposure not only increased their blood pressure overall, but also each year of exposure increased their odds of having high blood pressure by 10%.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: Developmental Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Microbiology
Published

Scientists map DNA of Lyme disease bacteria      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have produced a genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria that may pave the way for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the tick-borne ailment.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Engineering: Robotics Research Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

As global warming intensifies, people increasingly suffer from extreme heat. For those working in a high-temperature environment indoors or outdoors, keeping thermally comfortable becomes particularly crucial. A team has now developed thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby helping to ensure worker safety in hot environments.

Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Climate reporting standards insufficient, must be expanded, say experts      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new article concludes that current climate standards are not sufficiently incentivizing the big picture innovations necessary to deliver net zero, and must be expanded to include a company's broader influence on climate action.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Cell Biology Biology: General Biology: Microbiology Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

A taste for carbon dioxide      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The remarkable affinity of the microbial enzyme iron nitrogenase for the greenhouse gas CO2 makes it promising for future biotechnologies.

Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Fracking frenzy in India: A water crisis in the making?      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

India's plans to scale up fracking operations without robust regulations could spell disaster for the country's finely balanced water security, according to research.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: Biotechnology Biology: Evolutionary Biology: General Biology: Genetics
Published

How bread dough gave rise to civilization      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A major international study has explained how bread wheat helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Zoology Ecology: General Ecology: Nature Ecology: Research Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Lake Erie walleye growth is driven by parents' size, experience      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Parent size and the conditions in which actively spawning adults lived are the most influential factors affecting growth of Lake Erie walleye, a new study has found.

Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Season of birth is associated with the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Being born in autumn or winter is associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis in Finland, a new registry-based study shows.

Ecology: Nature Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Rising mercury pollution in soil could be related to climate change      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

In 2017, the Minamata Convention on Mercury went into effect, designed to help curb mercury emissions and limit exposure across the globe. However, a new study of mercury levels in soil suggests that the treaty's provisions might not be enough. The study estimates that soil stores substantially more mercury than previously thought, and it predicts that increases in plant growth due to climate change may add even more.