Several studies have predicted that the water splitting reaction could be catalyzed by certain groups of 2D materials -- each measuring just a few atoms thick. New calculations present a new group of four 2D materials whose two sides each feature a different molecular composition, which could be especially well...
A labyrinth lake provides surprising benefits for an endangered seal
The endangered Saimaa ringed seal is an Ice Age relict living in the highly labyrinthine Lake Saimaa, Finland. The newly published work shows that although individual seals have greatly reduced genetic variation, the loss of variation has been complementary, preserving the adaptive potential of the whole population.
Tracking how magnetism affects animal behavior
Scientists summarize the methods used to explore how the Earth's magnetic field influences the behavior of a wide variety of animal species. This review is an ideal starting point for scientists who wish to enter this fascinating but still poorly-understood topic in modern sensory biology.
How Iceland Could Have a Starring Role as a Sustainable Alternative Protein Exporter to Northern Europe
Iceland could help address Northern Europe’s food security issues with the scaling-up of its industrial production of Spirulina – an alternative protein source that is nutritious, sustainable and risk resilient.
Scientists Use Satellite Images to Study the Degradation of Rangelands in Tanzania
East Africa’s iconic rangelands - under threat from climate change and human activity - have the potential to recover from repeated environmental shocks and degradation, a new study has concluded.
How Weather Forecasts Can Help Dams Supply More Water
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is testing ways to use improved weather forecasts to manage some of the nation’s largest dams to store more water and prevent floods.
Diets rich in food from the ocean and freshwater sources can help address nutritional and environmental challenges
Blue foods -- those that come from the ocean or freshwater environments -- have tremendous potential to help address several global challenges. With careful implementation of policies that leverage these foods, nations could get a boost on efforts to reduce nutritional deficits, lower disease risk, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and...
Early Cretaceous shift in the global carbon cycle affected both land and sea
Geologists doing fieldwork in southeastern Utah's Cedar Mountain Formation found carbon isotope evidence that the site, though on land, experienced the same early Cretaceous carbon-cycle change recorded in marine sedimentary rocks in Europe. This ancient carbon-cycle phenomenon, known as the 'Weissert Event' was driven by large, sustained volcanic eruptions in...
Electric Vehicles Can Go the Distance
One nagging concern U.S. consumers have about electric vehicles (EVs) is the ability of these battery-operated cars and trucks to get you where you want to go without running out of power.
Climate ‘Spiral’ Threatens Land Carbon Stores – Study
The world’s forests are losing their ability to absorb carbon due to increasingly ‘unstable’ conditions caused by humans, a landmark study has found.