ScienceDaily: Earth & Climate News

Seashell-inspired shield protects materials in hostile environments

Posted: 03 May 2022 05:16 PM PDT

An ecological protective coating, stronger yet less expensive than potentially dangerous beryllium shielding, is baked of alternating layers of sugar and silica. The simple result, which mimics the structure of a seashell, should lower costs for pulsed power machines and space satellites.

New portal improves forecasts of devastating storms in West Africa

Posted: 03 May 2022 04:02 PM PDT

Storms in the Sahel region, which can reach over 100km in size, have become more extreme since the 1980s due to global warming, with more intense rainfall. An online portal will enable forecasters in West Africa to provide communities with earlier and more reliable warnings about large storms.

Study of ancient predators sheds light on how humans did -- or didn't -- find food

Posted: 03 May 2022 04:02 PM PDT

A new analysis of the remains of ancient predators reveals new information about how prehistoric humans did -- or didn't -- find their food.

Study develops framework for forecasting contribution of snowpack to flood risk during winter storms

Posted: 03 May 2022 04:01 PM PDT

A new study provides a framework for a snowpack decision support tool that could help water managers prepare for potential flooding during rain-on-snow events, using hourly data from existing snow monitoring stations.

Physicists develop ideal testing conditions of solar cells for space applications

Posted: 03 May 2022 11:14 AM PDT

Researchers have described the optimal conditions for testing perovskite solar cells for space.

In poplars, two plant hormones boost each other in defense against pathogenic fungi

Posted: 03 May 2022 11:13 AM PDT

In contrast to previous assumptions, the defense hormones salicylic acid and jasmonic acid do not always suppress each other in regulating plant chemical defenses against pests and pathogens. In trees, the interplay of both hormones can actually increase plant resistance.

Dual membrane offers hope for long-term energy storage

Posted: 03 May 2022 11:13 AM PDT

A new approach to battery design could provide the key to low-cost, long-term energy storage, according to researchers.

Lost value of landfilled plastic in US

Posted: 03 May 2022 11:13 AM PDT

With mountains of plastic waste piling up in landfills and scientists estimating that there will be more plastics by weight than fish in the ocean by 2050, the growing environmental challenge presented to the world by plastics is well understood. What is less well understood by the scientific community is the lost energy opportunity. In short, plastic waste is also energy wasted.

Anti-idling campaign reduces idling time at elementary schools

Posted: 03 May 2022 11:13 AM PDT

An anti-idling campaign at elementary schools was effective in reducing idling time by 38%, and an air monitoring experiment found that air quality around schools can vary over short distances. These findings can help schools and school districts plan to protect students, staff and the community from unhealthy air pollution both indoors and outdoors.

Hydroponic plants to detox PFAS-contaminated water

Posted: 02 May 2022 09:04 AM PDT

New research is helping to remediate the 'indestructible' PFASs as scientists show that Australian native plants can significantly remediate PFAS pollutants through floating wetlands to create healthier environments for all.

Mapping vegetation communities -- using existing records for new insights

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:54 AM PDT

Ecologists have developed powerful modelling tools to predict the distributions of individual species, especially those of conservation importance.

New method can predict summer rainfall in the Southwest months in advance

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:54 AM PDT

As reservoir levels dwindle in the Southwest, scientists have developed a method to estimate summer rainfall in the region months in advance. These seasonal predictions can enable state and local officials to make key reservoir and water allocation decisions earlier in the season and support more efficient water management.