Feature Channels: Environmental Health

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Newswise: Many Microplastics in the World’s Oceans Have Likely Escaped Detection
Released: 22-May-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Many Microplastics in the World’s Oceans Have Likely Escaped Detection
Stony Brook University

A new study that investigated the presence of the smallest particles of microplastics (MPs) in ocean waters from the Caribbean to the Arctic found that the most abundant (and tiny) MPs in the ocean are not being detected by net tow surveys.

Newswise: Tracking Down Toxic Metals From Tobacco Smoke
Released: 21-May-2024 11:00 AM EDT
Tracking Down Toxic Metals From Tobacco Smoke
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Homes and public places where people smoke may have high levels of harmful trace metals from cigarettes, even after smoking stops, Berkeley Lab researchers have found. These metals include cadmium, arsenic, and chromium, and the levels may be above safety limits set by California.

Newswise: BRI announces publication of in-depth scientific paper on
mercury concentrations in fish and wildlife on a global scale
Released: 20-May-2024 11:10 AM EDT
BRI announces publication of in-depth scientific paper on mercury concentrations in fish and wildlife on a global scale
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI)

Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) announces the publication of the scientific paper Global Mercury Concentrations in Biota: Their Use as a Basis for a Global Biomonitoring Framework in the journal Ecotoxicology. The paper describes for the first time currently available mercury data for fish and wildlife on a global scale.

Newswise: After Hundreds of Years, Study Confirms Bermuda Now Home to Cownose Rays
Released: 20-May-2024 8:45 AM EDT
After Hundreds of Years, Study Confirms Bermuda Now Home to Cownose Rays
Florida Atlantic University

Using citizen science, photographs, on-water observations and the combination of morphological and genetic data, researchers are the first to provide evidence that the Atlantic cownose ray has recently made a new home in Bermuda. Results show that after hundreds of years of natural history records, this is a novel migration of Atlantic cownose rays to Bermuda. Findings suggest that cownose rays have been in Bermuda for more than a decade since 2012 and observations of the species continue to be sustained today.

Released: 20-May-2024 8:25 AM EDT
Cloudy waters causes African fish to develop bigger eyes
Ohio State University

Variations in water quality can impact the development of the visual system of one species of African fish, suggests a new study.

Newswise:Video Embedded a-waterfall-lost-and-a-river-found
VIDEO
Released: 20-May-2024 7:00 AM EDT
A waterfall lost and a river found
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Matt and Brandon traveled to Ecuador's rainforests to map the Coca River with drones. The river is experiencing massive erosion and sedimentation problems after the San Rafael waterfall collapsed in 2020. Their work could help the country save a hydroelectric power plant that provides 30% of the country's electricity as well as roads and pipelines the area's people depend on for commerce and transportation.

Newswise: Exploring the Multifaceted Role of MicroRNA156 in Horticultural Plants: A Review of Its Regulatory Impact and Biotechnological Potential
Released: 20-May-2024 5:05 AM EDT
Exploring the Multifaceted Role of MicroRNA156 in Horticultural Plants: A Review of Its Regulatory Impact and Biotechnological Potential
Chinese Academy of Sciences

A research team has reviewed the role of MicroRNA156 (miR156) in horticultural plants, uncovering its significant influence on a variety of biological processes such as vegetative growth, floral induction, and stress response.

Newswise: Media Tip: New study shows renewable energy could work as power source at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Released: 16-May-2024 10:05 AM EDT
Media Tip: New study shows renewable energy could work as power source at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Argonne National Laboratory

A recent analysis shows that renewable energy could be a viable option to diesel fuel for science at the South Pole. The analysis deeply explores the feasibility of replacing part of the energy production at the South Pole with renewable sources.

Newswise: Revving up individual’s climate action: how our plates and wheels can drive down carbon emissions
Released: 16-May-2024 7:20 AM EDT
Revving up individual’s climate action: how our plates and wheels can drive down carbon emissions
Chinese Academy of Sciences

A recent article outlines a novel approach to understanding and reducing personal carbon emissions. By comparing daily energy use to food consumption and transportations, researchers provide clear strategies for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint effectively.

Newswise: Carbon-capture batteries developed to store renewable energy, help climate
Released: 15-May-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Carbon-capture batteries developed to store renewable energy, help climate
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

.Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing battery technologies to fight climate change in two ways, by expanding the use of renewable energy and capturing airborne carbon dioxide. This type of battery stores the renewable energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines. Utilizing this energy when wind and sunlight are unavailable requires an electrochemical reaction that, in ORNL’s new battery formulations, captures carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and converts it to value-added products.

Released: 15-May-2024 11:05 AM EDT
WashU researchers will explore stratospheric aerosol injection with a $1.5 million grant from the Simons Foundation
Washington University in St. Louis

Scientists at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis will explore stratospheric aerosol injection with a $1.5 million grant from the Simons Foundation International.

Newswise: Equity Must Be Considered In Ocean Governance To Achieve Global Targets By 2030
Released: 14-May-2024 5:05 PM EDT
Equity Must Be Considered In Ocean Governance To Achieve Global Targets By 2030
Wildlife Conservation Society

As the world presses forward with urgency towards reaching global biodiversity and climate targets by 2030, there must be increased attention to center equity in dialogue and practice when designing ocean conservation, adaptation and development interventions.

Newswise: Meet the new insect killing Utah's fir trees
Released: 14-May-2024 12:05 PM EDT
Meet the new insect killing Utah's fir trees
University of Utah

University of Utah researchers document a close association between the pest’s spread and warming temperatures. Their study includes an online tool that forecasts the adelgid spread across the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest based on various climate scenarios.

Released: 14-May-2024 12:05 PM EDT
Harnessing hydrogen: New test facility to support decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation
Argonne National Laboratory

Groundbreaking initiative funded by Department of Energy poised to shape future of sustainable mobility by advancing decarbonization of trucks, locomotives, marine vessels and more.

Newswise: New West Coast Offshore Wind Science Consortium Launches
Released: 14-May-2024 12:05 PM EDT
New West Coast Offshore Wind Science Consortium Launches
Cal Poly Humboldt

The Pacific Offshore Wind Consortium (POWC) is a joint effort between three university research centers: the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt, the Pacific Marine Energy Center at Oregon State University, and the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. These universities are housed in and support the coastal communities in California and Oregon which are anticipated to host floating offshore wind development.

Newswise: Study enhances forest monitoring accuracy in Mexico
Released: 14-May-2024 8:05 AM EDT
Study enhances forest monitoring accuracy in Mexico
University of Delaware

Led by the University of Delaware, a team of researchers assessed forest extent in Mexico using satellite data and ground inventories with the goal of improving accuracy in forest monitoring. The research will improve future data collection efforts and enhance decision-making for forest management.

Released: 10-May-2024 10:05 AM EDT
Making batteries takes lots of lithium. Almost half of it could come from Pennsylvania wastewater.
University of Pittsburgh

A new analysis using compliance data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection suggests that if it could be extracted with complete efficiency, lithium from the wastewater of Marcellus shale gas wells could supply up to 40% of the country’s demand. The research is by University of Pittsburgh and National Energy Technology Laboratory scientists.

Newswise: Turning trash into treasure: breakthrough innovations in PET plastic upcycling
Released: 9-May-2024 11:05 AM EDT
Turning trash into treasure: breakthrough innovations in PET plastic upcycling
Chinese Academy of Sciences

A recent review has unveiled revolutionary methods to recycle and transform everyday polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into valuable materials. By harnessing cutting-edge enzymes and catalysts, the review dramatically improves how we break down and reuse PET, slashing energy use and emissions.

Released: 8-May-2024 2:05 PM EDT
Argonne to launch new project to decarbonize iron production
Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory will be receiving $3 million over three years to lead a project on developing a technology for ironmaking with zero carbon emissions and lower required energy.

Released: 7-May-2024 4:05 PM EDT
The Expansion of Offshore Drilling by Oil Companies
Newswise

In a bold move, oil companies are significantly ramping up their offshore drilling operations, reflecting a global surge in demand for energy.

Newswise: image.png
Released: 6-May-2024 9:05 AM EDT
Expert says fireflies aren’t going extinct, but their numbers are dwindling
Virginia Tech

For many people, fireflies lighting up backyards is a sign of summertime. The thrill of catching them in a jar and releasing them back into the wild is a childhood pastime. But if you have noticed a decline in fireflies over the years, you’re not alone. Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day explains why climate and urban development are playing a big role in the decreasing numbers.

Newswise:Video Embedded new-process-tackles-pollution-on-two-fronts-plastic-waste-and-fuel-emissions
VIDEO
Released: 2-May-2024 9:05 AM EDT
New process tackles pollution on two fronts: plastic waste and fuel emissions
Ames National Laboratory

A team of scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory recently developed a chemical conversion process that makes diesel out of plastic waste.

Newswise: Researchers offer US roadmap to close the carbon cycle
Released: 1-May-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Researchers offer US roadmap to close the carbon cycle
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and six other Department of Energy national laboratories have developed a United States-based perspective for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The roadmap was recently published in the journal Nature Reviews Chemistry.

Newswise: Roadmap to Close the Carbon Cycle
Released: 1-May-2024 11:05 AM EDT
Roadmap to Close the Carbon Cycle
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Reaching net-zero carbon emissions goals requires finding transformative paths to manage carbon in difficult-to-electrify economic sectors.

Newswise: Discovery of uranium-contaminated soil purification material without secondary environmental pollution
Released: 30-Apr-2024 8:00 AM EDT
Discovery of uranium-contaminated soil purification material without secondary environmental pollution
National Research Council of Science and Technology

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) has conducted research on a nano-material-based adsorption process to efficiently remove uranium wastewater extracted from actual radioactive-contaminated soil. They have also proposed its applicability to prevent secondary environmental pollutions.

Newswise: Penn Medicine marks Earth Day by signing national Health Sector Climate Pledge
Released: 22-Apr-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Penn Medicine marks Earth Day by signing national Health Sector Climate Pledge
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

In a public commitment to become the most environmentally friendly health care organization in the nation and lead the industry to reduce its outsized impact on climate change, Penn Medicine has signed the ambitious Health Sector Climate Pledge, promising to significantly cut and, eventually, eliminate its carbon emissions by 2042.

Newswise:Video Embedded florida-climate-report-expert-panel-live-event-reporter-qa
VIDEO
11-Apr-2024 5:05 PM EDT
VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE: Florida Climate Report: Expert Panel Live Event Reporter Q&A
Newswise

Climate experts from Florida Atlantic University, Archbold Biological Station, and Live Wildly Foundation will speak and answer questions from the media on the Florida Wildlife Corridor (FLWC) and Climate Change managing Florida’s Natural and Human Landscapes for Prosperity and Resilience

   
Newswise:Video Embedded florida-wildlife-corridor-eases-worst-impacts-of-climate-change
VIDEO
11-Apr-2024 12:00 PM EDT
Florida Wildlife Corridor Eases Worst Impacts of Climate Change
Florida Atlantic University

Florida is projected to lose 3.5 million acres of land to development by 2070. A new study highlights how Florida can buffer itself against both climate change and population pressures by conserving the remaining 8 million acres of “opportunity areas” within the Florida Wildlife Corridor (FLWC), the only designated statewide corridor in the U.S.

Newswise: New report ‘braids’ Indigenous and Western knowledge for forest adaptation strategies against climate change
Released: 10-Apr-2024 10:00 AM EDT
New report ‘braids’ Indigenous and Western knowledge for forest adaptation strategies against climate change
University of Washington

Severe droughts and wildfires, invasive species, and large insect outbreaks are straining national forests and surrounding lands. A new report outlines a new approach to forest stewardship that “braids together” Indigenous knowledge and Western science to conserve and restore more resilient forestlands in the U.S.

Newswise:Video Embedded fau-lands-1-3-million-grant-to-clean-up-stinky-seaweed-in-florida
VIDEO
Released: 10-Apr-2024 8:30 AM EDT
FAU Lands $1.3 Million Grant to ‘Clean Up’ Stinky Seaweed in Florida
Florida Atlantic University

Once Sargassum deluges beaches, removing, disposing and repurposing the seaweed presents many logistical and economic challenges. Cleaning up these huge piles of annoying seaweed while protecting these critical habitats at the same time is a precarious struggle.

Released: 8-Apr-2024 7:05 PM EDT
Climate, environment and sustainability experts from CU Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder scientists explore ways to help people and communities around the world become more resilient to a changing climate.

Newswise: Illinois study identifies atmospheric and economic drivers of global air pollution
Released: 8-Apr-2024 4:05 PM EDT
Illinois study identifies atmospheric and economic drivers of global air pollution
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Carbon monoxide emissions from industrial production have serious consequences for human health and are a strong indicator of overall air pollution levels. Many countries aim to reduce their emissions, but they cannot control air flows originating in other regions.

Newswise: UNC Wilmington Among Universities Receiving Instruments for PFAS Research
Released: 28-Mar-2024 11:05 AM EDT
UNC Wilmington Among Universities Receiving Instruments for PFAS Research
University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNC Wilmington faculty have been equipped with a cutting-edge instrument from the North Carolina Collaboratory and Thermo Fisher Scientific to advance research on the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on the environment and public health.

Newswise:Video Embedded going-back-to-the-future-to-forecast-the-fate-of-a-dead-florida-coral-reef
VIDEO
Released: 28-Mar-2024 8:30 AM EDT
Going ‘Back to the Future’ to Forecast the Fate of a Dead Florida Coral Reef
Florida Atlantic University

How coral populations expand into new areas and sustain themselves over time is limited by the scope of modern observations. Going back thousands of years, a study provides geological insights into coral range expansions by reconstructing the composition of a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage in S.E. Florida and comparing it to modern reefs throughout the region.

Newswise:Video Embedded open-waste-burning-linked-to-air-pollution-in-northwestern-greenland
VIDEO
Released: 27-Mar-2024 10:00 PM EDT
Open waste burning linked to air pollution in Northwestern Greenland
Hokkaido University

A case study on the effects of open waste burning on air quality in Northwestern Greenland calls attention to the importance of no-one-left-behind sustainable air quality monitoring in the Arctic region.

Newswise: Twist of groundwater contaminants
Released: 27-Mar-2024 12:00 AM EDT
Twist of groundwater contaminants
National Research Council of Science and Technology

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) announced that a team of Dr. Seunghak Lee, Jaeshik Chung, and Sang Hyun Kim from the Water Resources Cycle Research Center has discovered that the natural purification of groundwater is enhanced by nitrate, a known pollutant.

Newswise: ORNL, University of Kentucky focus on clean energy in Appalachia
Released: 26-Mar-2024 3:05 PM EDT
ORNL, University of Kentucky focus on clean energy in Appalachia
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory hosted the second annual Appalachian Carbon Forum in Lexington March 7-8, 2024, where ORNL and University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research scientists led discussions with representatives from industry, government and academia to discuss ways to transition to clean energy.

Released: 26-Mar-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Curbside collection improves organic waste composting, reduces methane emissions
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Composting food and garden waste instead of sending it to landfills can significantly reduce methane emissions and help mitigate global warming. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores the effects of curbside compost collection programs in New South Wales, Australia.

Newswise: forwebMeeting_UNIDO-e1616433426677.jpg
Released: 22-Mar-2024 4:05 PM EDT
Science Is the Best (Local, Regional, National, Global) Policy
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI)

Mercury studies in Indonesia. Climate change studies in Tanzania. Biodiversity studies in South Dakota. Marine mammal surveys in the Atlantic Ocean.

Newswise: harbor-seal-by-Julia_IMG_8289-300x220.jpg
Released: 22-Mar-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Science Outside the Box
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI)

The ocean covers approximately 70 percent of Earth’s surface and is the largest livable space on our planet. Deep below there exists a realm inhabited by a wide variety of marine mammals—whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and manatees—that embody a mysterious and profound connection to cultures worldwide.

Newswise: Julia_IMG_1972-225x300.jpg
Released: 22-Mar-2024 3:05 PM EDT
Heroes in the Wild
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI)

Dynamic Duo Brave High Seas for High Stakes

Newswise: Say Hello to Biodegradable Microplastics
Released: 21-Mar-2024 5:00 AM EDT
Say Hello to Biodegradable Microplastics
University of California San Diego

Finding viable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics and microplastics has never been more important. New research from scientists at UC San Diego and Algenesis shows that their plant-based polymers biodegrade — even at the microplastic level — in under seven months.

Newswise:Video Embedded crawfish-could-transfer-ionic-lithium-from-their-environment-into-food-chain
VIDEO
11-Mar-2024 11:45 PM EDT
Crawfish could transfer ionic lithium from their environment into food chain
American Chemical Society (ACS)

The increasing use of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries likely means more environmental contamination. Researchers have explored how lithium accumulates in crawfish, with implications for the environment and public health. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.

   
Newswise: Conservation Value of Field Research Stations Greatly Misunderstood and Underfunded According to 173 Conservation Scientists in New Study
Released: 19-Mar-2024 10:05 AM EDT
Conservation Value of Field Research Stations Greatly Misunderstood and Underfunded According to 173 Conservation Scientists in New Study
Wildlife Conservation Society

Funding of field conservation research stations worldwide has been drastically reduced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the alarm for more than 170 conservation researchers representing 157 field stations in 56 countries in a new paper published in Conservation Letters.

Newswise:Video Embedded is-food-waste-the-key-to-sustainable-plastic-free-diapers-and-sanitary-pads
VIDEO
11-Mar-2024 11:45 PM EDT
Is food waste the key to sustainable, plastic-free diapers and sanitary pads?
American Chemical Society (ACS)

Many disposable diapers and sanitary pads contain plastic and need centuries to decompose. Now, researchers are replacing the plastic with parts made from food waste. That could lead to biodegradable diapers and pads that could be used as fertilizer. They’ll present their results at ACS Spring 2024.

Released: 18-Mar-2024 2:05 PM EDT
New research finds boreal arctic wetlands are producing more methane over time
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Researchers — including the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Min Chen and Fa Li — have developed a new model that combines several data sources and uses physics-guided machine learning to more accurately understand methane emissions in the boreal arctic region.



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