Earth

Uncontrolled wildfires in the Brazilian Amazon are posing a significant threat to the region’s environmental gains. Despite efforts to decrease deforestation, an international team of scientists is raising the alarm about the alarming increase in wildfires. In a letter published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University

Phytoplankton, those tiny photosynthetic organisms found in the ocean, are not to be underestimated when it comes to their role in the global carbon cycle and their influence on Earth’s climate. A recent study sheds light on how variations in the physiology of phytoplankton, particularly in terms of nutrient uptake, can impact the chemical composition

The 2015 flooding of the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska had immediate consequences, including the closure of the Dalton Highway for several days. However, a recent study conducted by assistant professor Simon Zwieback at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute reveals that the flooding also had significant long-term effects on the permafrost-rich region. The

As our planet continues to warm, there is a growing consensus that we are likely to surpass the critical 1.5℃ warming threshold. In fact, research suggests that we may even temporarily exceed the 2℃ threshold if atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels peak higher than anticipated. This exceeding of emissions targets is known as a climate

The cultivation of aromatic hops, which gives beer its distinctive bitterness, is being severely threatened by climate change in Europe, according to a study recently published in Nature Communications. This poses a significant concern for brewers worldwide who rely on European varieties of hops. The study reveals that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall are resulting

Scientists conducting a study off Queensland’s coast have uncovered a previously unknown source of nitrogen and phosphorous that is wreaking havoc on the Great Barrier Reef. The findings, published in Environmental Science & Technology, have major implications for current conservation efforts. Led by Dr. Douglas Tait from Southern Cross University, the research team used natural

The recent release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant has sparked concerns and debates around the world. Many nations and international groups have expressed worries about the potential risks associated with this discharge. However, a comprehensive scientific review titled “The risks of radioactive waste water release” published in Science sheds light on

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) offer hope for more accurate earthquake prediction, potentially mitigating the devastating impact of these natural disasters on lives and economies. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed an AI algorithm that successfully predicted 70% of earthquakes a week before they occurred during a seven-month trial in China.

A recent study led by a World Bank economist has revealed a deeply concerning trend in human settlement patterns. The research warns that settlements in flood zones have been expanding at an alarming rate, far surpassing growth in safe areas since 1985. This worrisome trend is especially prevalent in East Asia and the Pacific region,

The iron atoms that comprise the Earth’s solid inner core have always been perceived as tightly packed together under immense pressure. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and collaborators in China has shed new light on the dynamic nature of the inner core. It turns out that

Savannas and grasslands in drier climates have long been overlooked in their ability to store heat-trapping carbon and contribute to slowing climate warming. However, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Climate Change challenges this misconception. The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, including experts from the University of Michigan, reanalyzed data from 53

Climate change has become a pressing concern in recent years, prompting scientists around the world to study the potential impact of human activities on the planet’s temperature. One of the key questions that researchers seek to answer is the extent to which carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning and other human activities contribute to

In a groundbreaking study, an international team of scientists has uncovered a crucial connection between biological particles and the formation of ice within Arctic clouds. This research, conducted over several years at the Zeppelin Observatory in the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, sheds new light on the rapidly changing Arctic climate and its implications for

Plastic pollution has become a growing concern in recent years, with microplastics being a particular focus of research. These small particles, measuring less than 5 mm in size, are found in various environments, including the ocean and the atmosphere. Studies have shown that microplastics are ingested or inhaled by both humans and animals, posing potential

The sea ice around Antarctica has experienced an alarming decline, with a record low surface area observed during its maximum size this winter. A preliminary analysis of satellite data conducted by the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) indicates that Antarctic sea ice only reached a maximum size of 16.96 million square kilometers