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...
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...
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 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.
Optical imaging of dynamic interactions between molecules in a cell
Researchers develop the 'photoswitching fingerprint analysis'. A unique technology that for the first time allows the analysis of molecular processes and the regulation of individual proteins in living cells with sub-10 nm spatial resolution. The application ranges from biological to medical research.
Computer modelling aims to inform restoration, conservation of coral reefs
A research team has created a computer modelling program to help scientists predict the effect of climate damage and eventual restoration plans on coral reefs around the globe. This is a critical objective because climate change is killing many coral species and can lead to the collapse of entire coral...
Affordable and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries proposed
Concerns regarding scarcity, high prices, and safety regarding the long-term use of lithium-ion batteries has prompted a team of researchers to propose a greener, more efficient, and less expensive energy storage alternative.
Buying a net-zero carbon home
The concrete industry is just one of many looking at new manufacturing methods to reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts are essential to fulfilling the Paris Agreement, which asks each of its signees to achieve a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. However, a new study focusing exclusively on Japan concludes...