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Categories: Geoscience: Environmental Issues, Space: Exploration
Published US can cut building emissions by up to 91%, saving $100 billion per year in energy-related costs, modeling study shows
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The US has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To accomplish this goal, large cuts in emissions are necessary, especially in high-emission sectors like the building industry. Researchers use a computational model to analyze several scenarios of future building energy use in the US. They find that by tackling emissions on multiple fronts and placing focus on 'demand-side measures' that affect how power is drawn from the grid, such as technologies like electric heat pumps and smart thermostats, the US can achieve its climate goals, decrease building emissions by 91% from their 2005 peak, and save over $100 billion each year on energy costs.
Published Increasing legumes and reducing red meat is safe for bone health and protein intake
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A study has demonstrated that the partial substitution of red and processed meat with pea- and faba bean -- based food products ensured sufficient intake of amino acids in the diet and did not negatively affect bone metabolism.
Published Economist group argues for scientific experimentation in environmental policymaking
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The economists say more frequent use of up-front experiments would result in more effective environmental policymaking in areas ranging from pollution control to timber harvesting across the world.
Published Pollutants are important to biodiversity's role in spread of wildlife diseases
(via sciencedaily.com) Conventional wisdom among ecologists holds that the more species there are inhabiting an ecosystem, the less vulnerable any one species will be to a threat like a parasite. A new study of tadpoles illustrates how overlapping biological and environmental factors can complicate how we value protecting diverse animal communities. The researchers found that environmental pollutants like road salt influence whether increased biodiversity helps or hinders disease outbreaks in wildlife, which can complicate how we value protecting diverse animal communities.
Published Without aggressive climate action, U.S. property values will take a hit from escalating wildfire risk and tree mortality, study finds
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Research attempts to quantify the value of U.S. property at risk in forested areas exposed to increased ecological disturbance associated with climate change, such as wildfire and tree mortality. Property exposed to such climate risks, especially in California, is project to climb substantially if emission-reduction measures are not taken.
Published America's wealthiest 10% responsible for 40% of US greenhouse gas emissions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study reveals that the wealthiest Americans, those whose income places them in the top 10% of earners, are responsible for 40% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions. The study links income, especially income derived from financial investments, to the emissions used in generating that income. The authors suggest that policymakers adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the carbon intensity of investment incomes in order to equitably meet the goal of keeping the global temperature to 1.5 C of warming.
Published New type of star gives clues to mysterious origin of magnetars
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Magnetars are the strongest magnets in the Universe. These super-dense dead stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields can be found all over our galaxy but astronomers don't know exactly how they form. Now, using multiple telescopes around the world, researchers have uncovered a living star that is likely to become a magnetar. This finding marks the discovery of a new type of astronomical object -- massive magnetic helium stars -- and sheds light on the origin of magnetars.
Published Heredity and environment account for people's love of nature
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Humans have a positive view of nature. But is this due to an approach we have learned while growing up, or is it something we are born with? The answer is 'Both', according to researchers.
Published Unprecedented look at what influences sea ice motion in the Arctic
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The in-depth analysis reveals how local tidal currents strongly affect the movement of sea ice in the Arctic ocean and provides an unprecedented look at how the makeup of the seafloor is causing some of the most abrupt changes.
Published Scientists say deepening Arctic snowpack drives greenhouse gas emissions
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Human-caused climate change is shortening the snow cover period in the Arctic. But according to new research led by Earth system scientists, some parts of the Arctic are getting deeper snowpack than normal, and that deep snow is driving the thawing of long-frozen permafrost carbon reserves and leading to increased emissions of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and methane.
Published Collecting clean water from fog
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have demonstrated the use of a specially coated metal mesh to harvest water from fog and simultaneously remove pollutants. People living in foggy areas with low rainfall should benefit from this technology.
Published Microplastic pollution: Plants could be the answer
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Could plants be the answer to the looming threat of microplastic pollution? Scientists found that if you add tannins (natural plant compounds that make your mouth pucker if you bite into an unripe fruit) to a layer of wood dust, you can create a filter that can trap virtually all microplastic particles present in water. While the experiment remains a lab set-up at this stage, the team is convinced that the solution can be scaled up easily and inexpensively.
Published Discarded aloe peels could be a sustainable, natural insecticide
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments, promote digestive health and heal wounds. But while aloe sap is in high demand, the peels are thrown away as agricultural waste. Now, after identifying several bioactive compounds in extracts from the peels that deter insects from feasting on crops, scientists report that these peels can act as a natural insecticide.
Published Clever coating turns lampshades into indoor air purifiers
(via sciencedaily.com) Indoor air pollution may have met its match. Scientists have designed catalyst-coated lampshades that transform indoor air pollutants into harmless compounds. The lampshades work with halogen and incandescent light bulbs, and the team is extending the technology so it will also be compatible with LEDs.
Published Cleaning water with 'smart rust' and magnets
(via sciencedaily.com) Pouring flecks of rust into water usually makes it dirtier. But researchers have developed special iron oxide nanoparticles called 'smart rust' that actually makes it cleaner. The magnetic nanoparticles attract different pollutants by changing the particles' coating and are removed from water with a magnet. Now, the team is reporting a smart rust that traps estrogen hormones, which are potentially harmful to aquatic life.
Published Tubing and swimming change the chemistry and microbiome of streams
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source With Labor Day approaching, many people are preparing to go tubing and swimming at local streams and rivers. But do these delightful summertime activities have an impact on waterways? Now, the first holistic study of this question has found that recreation can alter the chemical and microbial fingerprint of streams, but the environmental and health ramifications are not yet known.
Published Oceans release microplastics into the atmosphere
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Tiny plastic particles can be found in the air over the oceans even far away from the coast. According to a new study, microplastics are not only carried by the wind, but also escape into the atmosphere from seawater. Researchers present data on the composition and sources of different types of plastic in the air over the North Atlantic and the origin of the particles.
Published Fresher AIr: AI and mobility data may improve air pollution exposure models
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A research team used data from low-cost sensors, artificial intelligence and mobility data to improve models that assess human exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), tiny particles in smoke and other forms of air pollution that can pose health dangers. The models may help public health officials develop strategies for reducing exposure to unhealthy air quality.
Published Researchers design efficient iridium catalyst for hydrogen generation
(via sciencedaily.com) Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers converts surplus electric energy into transportable hydrogen energy as a clean energy solution. However, slow oxygen evolution reaction rates and high loading levels of expensive metal oxide catalysts limit its practical feasibility. Now, researchers have developed a new tantalum oxide-supported iridium catalyst that significantly boosts the oxygen evolution reaction speed. Additionally, it shows high catalytic activity and long-term stability in prolonged single cell operation.
Published 'Planting' rocks in farms, along with emissions reductions, could help meet key IPCC carbon removal goal
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Farmers around the world could help the planet reach a key carbon removal goal set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by mixing crushed volcanic rocks into their fields, a new study reports. The study also highlights wet, warm tropics as the most promising locations for this climate intervention strategy.