Earth

Recent research has shed light on a concerning issue – the presence of natural gas leaks that go undetected even by individuals with an average sense of smell. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, revealed that small gas leaks can significantly impact indoor air quality by introducing hazardous air pollutants, including the carcinogen benzene.

The increasing global demand for cobalt and lithium for e-car batteries, as well as other materials such as copper, aluminum, iron, and rare earth elements for renewable energy technologies, poses significant challenges for the future. The transition to a fossil-free power supply is essential for combating climate change, but it also comes with its own

Methane is a greenhouse gas with a potency 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. When combined with water at low temperatures and high pressure, methane forms methane hydrate, a solid substance found in large deposits under the seafloor. Estimates suggest that there are at least 1,800 gigatons of carbon stored in this form, with some

Recent research conducted by a team led by Dr. Hamed Gamaleldien has challenged previous beliefs about the timeline of the emergence of fresh water on Earth. The study, titled “Onset of the Earth’s hydrological cycle four billion years ago or earlier,” published in the journal Nature Geoscience, reveals that fresh water appeared on Earth approximately

The Earth has undergone various bursts of biodiversity throughout its history, with one of the most significant being the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event around 480 million years ago. Recent findings by researchers at Johns Hopkins University suggest that the seemingly humble creatures, such as prehistoric worms and other invertebrates, played a crucial role in this

Freshwater mussels, known for their longevity and ability to stay in one place for decades, play a vital role in monitoring the health of their environment. As biomonitors, these bivalves can indicate how clean or polluted the water around them is by reflecting what is in their surroundings. Recent research by Penn State scientists has

In a groundbreaking discovery by UC Riverside scientists, a new process has been identified that could revolutionize the way water providers across the nation handle “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), have been a significant concern due to their link to various health issues and their

Urbanization in Africa is rapidly increasing, with the urban population more than doubling since the early 2000s. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with projections indicating that the urban population will double again by 2050. This growth brings with it significant challenges and impacts on the environment, particularly on local food systems and

The Salton Sea, located in California, has been shrinking over the years, leading to the exposure of its lakebed. This exposure has resulted in the stirring up of dust particles by desert winds, causing increased air pollution in nearby communities. A recent study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics has highlighted the detrimental

Farmland has become a battleground in the ongoing fight against climate change. With the competing interests of solar panels, energy crops, and food production, policy choices can often lead to the release of more heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Strategies for sustainable plant-based fuels have been focusing on marginal lands in order to address this

Water scarcity is a growing concern that will be exacerbated by climate change and socioeconomic factors, especially impacting populations in the Global South. A recent study conducted by Utrecht University and published in Nature Climate Change sheds light on the impending clean water crisis facing the world. As of now, 55% of the global population

The devastating wildfires in California have not only affected forests and communities but also have had a significant impact on the state’s lakes. A study conducted by the University of California, Davis, revealed the alarming extent to which wildfire smoke has covered California in recent years. Study Findings According to the study, up to 70%

The development of a prototype fiber optic gyroscope for monitoring ground rotations during earthquakes in the active volcanic area of Campi Flegrei in Naples, Italy marks a significant advancement in seismic monitoring technology. This innovation holds promise for enhancing risk assessment and early warning systems in highly populated areas prone to seismic activity. Seismic activity

In the year 2023, scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) observed historically low levels of sea ice around Antarctica. This drastic reduction, equivalent to about ten times the size of the UK, was unexpected following decades of steady growth in sea ice up to 2015. The researchers found that this record-breaking event was highly

The presence of microplastics in the ocean has been a significant source of concern due to its detrimental effects on marine life. However, a recent study co-authored by Northeastern researcher Aron Stubbins sheds light on a new dimension of the problem. It appears that microplastics not only harm marine organisms but also hinder the ocean’s