Early analysis of the asteroid Bennu sample returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has revealed dust rich in carbon, nitrogen, and organic compounds, all of which are essential components for life as we know it.
Clean Water Act Leaves About 55% of Water Flowing Out of Rivers Vulnerable to Pollution, New Study Suggests
The Supreme Court ruled last year that rivers that only flow in response to weather events—called ephemeral streams—do not fall under the protection of the Clean Water Act.
For Many Urban Residents, It’s Even Hotter Than Their Weather App Says
There’s a strong chance that last week’s scorching temperatures were even hotter than reported for those living in underserved urban areas.
Common Plastics Could Passively Cool and Heat Buildings with the Seasons
In an article published June 27 in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, they report that by restricting radiant heat flows between buildings and their environment to specific wavelengths, coatings engineered from common materials can achieve energy savings and thermal comfort that goes beyond what traditional building envelopes can achieve.
Printed Sensors in Soil Could Help Farmers Improve Crop Yields and Save Money
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers have developed low-cost sensors that allow for real-time, continuous monitoring of nitrate in soil types that are common in Wisconsin.
Pacific Cod Can’t Rely on Coastal Safe Havens for Protection During Marine Heat Waves, OSU Study Finds
During recent periods of unusually warm water in the Gulf of Alaska, young Pacific cod in near shore safe havens where they typically spend their adolescence did not experience the protective effects those areas typically provide, a new Oregon State University study found.
Iceland’s Volcano Eruptions May Last Decades, Researchers Find
Iceland’s ongoing volcanic eruptions may continue on and off for years to decades, threatening the country’s most densely populated region and vital infrastructure, researchers predict from local earthquake and geochemical data.
Team Aims to Improve Safety of Fertilizers Made From Wastewater Sludge
Fertilizers manufactured from the sludgy leftovers of wastewater treatment processes can contain traces of potentially hazardous organic chemicals, according to a new study by Johns Hopkins University researchers.
Comprehensive Science Review Shows Fuel Treatments Reduce Future Wildfire Severity
There is a common belief that prescribed burning, thinning trees, and clearing underbrush reduce risks of the severity of future fires.
Unexpected Diversity of Light-Sensing Proteins Goes Beyond Vision in Frogs
Frogs have maintained a surprising diversity of light-sensing proteins over evolutionary time, according to a new study led by a Penn State researcher.