Researchers have discovered that super-eruptions occur when huge accumulations of magma deep in the Earth's crust, formed over millions of years, move rapidly to the surface disrupting pre-existing rock.
Suspended sediment reduced by rapid revegetation after Fukushima decontamination
Researchers have found that soil decontamination efforts following the Fukushima nuclear accident resulted in constant, high levels of suspended river sediment downstream, but a rapid decrease in the amount of particulate radiocesium. Additionally, the rapid recovery of vegetation reduced the duration of unsustainable sediment effects. Future remediation projects should assess...
First global map of cargo ship pollution reveals effects of fuel regulations
A new study used satellite data from 2003 -- 2020 to determine the effect of fuel regulations on pollution from cargo ships. The research team's data revealed significant changes in sulfur pollution after regulations went into effect in 2015 and 2020. Their extensive data set can also help scientists determine...
Why are some birds more intelligent than others?
If you've ever seen a grackle steal your dog pellets or a starling peck open a garbage bag, you get a sense of that some birds have learned to take advantage of new feeding opportunities -- a clear sign of their intelligence. Scientists have long wondered why certain species of...
Reduction of Methane Emissions From Lakes Possible With New Approach
Lakes and other freshwater systems emit large quantities of methane, which is the second most important greenhouse gas worldwide after CO2.
Pathogens Able to Travel on Floating Plastic Waste, Study Finds
The plastics had only been submerged in the ocean off Falmouth, England for a week, but in that time a thin layer of biofilm, a slimy mix of mucus and microbes, had already developed on their surfaces.
Data From Elephant Seals Reveal New Features of Marine Heatwave ‘The Blob’
The North Pacific Blob, a marine heatwave that began in late 2013 and continued through 2015, was the largest and longest-lasting marine heatwave on record.
Why breast-fed premature infants have a healthier gut than formula-fed ones
New research found it is not just the content of breastmilk that makes the difference. It is also the way the babies digest it.
Global forest area per capita has decreased by over 60 percent, study finds
Over the past 60 years, the global forest area has declined by 81.7 million hectares, a loss that contributed to the more than 60 percent decline in global forest area per capita. This loss threatens the future of biodiversity and impacts the lives of 1.6 billion people worldwide, according to...
The bacteria powering a truly green revolution in personal electronics
Researchers recently announced that they have figured out how to engineer a biofilm that harvests the energy in evaporation and converts it to electricity. This biofilm has the potential to revolutionize the world of wearable electronics, powering everything from personal medical sensors to personal electronics.