ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

Study of Antarctic ice’s deep past shows it could be more vulnerable to warming

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:33 AM PST

Insights into how the West Antarctic Ice Sheet responded to a warmer climate millions of years ago could improve predictions of its future.

How a fly's brain calculates its position in space

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 08:32 AM PST

Neurons in the fly brain appear to literally perform vector math in order to signal the direction in which their bodies are traveling, regardless of which way their heads are pointing.

Making apple spirits taste better

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST

The holiday season is a time of celebrations and festive drinks, some of which are made with apple liquors. These classic spirits have a long history, and surprisingly, many decisions about their processing are still subjectively determined. Now, researchers report that measuring the liquor's conductivity could give a more objective assessment, and they also found a way to make the process more energy-efficient.

E-waste recycling emits emerging synthetic antioxidants

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST

Manufacturers add synthetic antioxidants to plastics, rubbers and other polymers to make them last longer. However, the health effects of these compounds, and how readily they migrate into the environment, are largely unknown. Now, researchers have detected a broad range of emerging synthetic antioxidants, called hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants, in dust from electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workshops, possibly posing risks for the workers inside.

Meltwater influences ecosystems in the Arctic Ocean

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST

In the summer months, sea ice from the Arctic drifts through Fram Strait into the Atlantic. Thanks to meltwater, a stable layer forms around the drifting ice atop the salty seawater, producing significant effects on biological processes and marine organisms.

Biodiversity loss in plants worldwide

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST

Naturalized alien plants are causing a worldwide decline in the uniqueness of regional floras, according to the results of a global research project.

‘Forever chemicals’ latch onto sea spray to become airborne

Posted: 15 Dec 2021 05:20 AM PST

When ocean waves break, microscopic particles break free into the air. For beachgoers, aerosolized sea salts contribute to the tousled 'beach hair' look. But other compounds found in seawater, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), could become airborne as bubbles pop at the water's surface. Now, researchers have observed in a thorough field study that sea spray pollutes the air in coastal areas with these potentially harmful chemicals.

Night lights: New global atlas maps out artificial light at night under the sea

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 12:21 PM PST

A new study maps out areas of the ocean most affected by light pollution, and shows that up to 1.9 million km2 of the world's coastal waters are being exposed to biologically significant levels of artificial light at night.

Finding new channels to selectively target pest insects

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 12:21 PM PST

Ion channels in the nervous system are among the most important targets for insecticides. Understanding the structure of the channels is key for the identification of novel species-specific binding sites of agrochemicals. Researchers have revealed the structure and function of a potassium ion channel in fruit flies. Their newly obtained insights reveal the differences between human and insect channels, explain how known compounds affect the channel and propose new target sites for drugs. The research could help pesticide manufacturers design new drugs apt to specifically kill pest insects and parasites without affecting other animals like bees and mammals.

Early bloomers: Using citizen-science data to investigate unseasonal flowering in Joshua trees

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 12:02 PM PST

In November 2019, visitors to Joshua Tree National Park in California encountered a strange sight. Joshua trees and closely related Mojave yuccas, which normally remain reproductively dormant until late spring, were in full bloom at the tail end of autumn. In a new study, researchers used citizen-science data to determine the cause of the anomalous bloom and predict when similar events might occur.

Energy-saving strategy helps hummingbirds fuel their long migrations

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 12:02 PM PST

Ruby-throated hummingbirds use the same energy-conserving strategy to survive overnight fasts and build the fat stores they need to fuel long migrations, shows a new study.

Antibiotics can be first-line therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis cases

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:51 AM PST

With numerous recent studies demonstrating that antibiotics work as well as surgery for most uncomplicated appendicitis cases, the non-surgical approach can now be considered a routine option, according to a review article.

Debilitating human parasite transmitted via dogs eating fish

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:49 AM PST

Efforts to eradicate a human parasitic disease are being hampered by dogs eating infected fish, new research shows.

New guidelines may help reduce tick-borne illness

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:49 AM PST

The number of cases of tick-borne illnesses (TBIs) reported annually to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more than doubled over the past two decades in the United States. An expert panel has developed a set of clinical practice guidelines that recommends low-risk interventions, employable with minimal resources, to help reduce the number of TBIs.

Diet and temperature linked to metabolism in opaleye fish

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:49 AM PST

Whether it's warm outside or cold, people generally eat about the same amount. But a fish's appetite can vary enormously with the temperature. As coldblooded animals, their metabolism is governed by external conditions: It's slow going for a cold fish, but high temperatures kick them into high gear.

Study combines climatic, tectonic models to explain Andean conundrum

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:49 AM PST

The Andes Mountains are much taller than plate tectonic theories predict they should be, a fact that has puzzled geologists for decades. Mountain-building models tend to focus on the deep-seated compressional forces that occur when tectonic plates collide and send rocks skyward. A new study demonstrates how modern top-down models that account for climate-related factors combined with traditional bottom-up tectonic models can help uncover the perplexing history of the Andes Mountains.

Evidence for shared earthquakes between San Andreas and San Jacinto faults

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 10:49 AM PST

The San Andreas and San Jacinto faults have ruptured simultaneously at least three times in the past 2,000 years, most recently in 1812, according to a new study by geologists.

Scientists urge creating strategic forest reserves to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 07:42 AM PST

The United States should immediately move to create a collection of strategic forest reserves in the Western U.S. to fight climate change and safeguard biodiversity, according to a scientific collaboration led by ecologist.

Physics of coral as an indicator of reef health

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 07:42 AM PST

New research shows that physics measurements of just a small portion of reef can be used to assess the health of an entire reef system. The findings may help scientists grasp how these important ecosystems will respond to a changing climate.

Decade-old photographs shared on social media give away a new species of pygmy grasshopper

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 07:42 AM PST

While scrolling the social network iNaturalist, researchers spotted photographs of what turned out to be a Peruvian species of grasshopper currently unknown to science. Having described the new insect with no formal name, the team demonstrates that first, it's not an easy task to describe a species from photographs only, and, secondly, there's a wealth of digital data ready to reveal the Earth's unknown biodiversity.

How we measure the effects of methane matters for climate policy

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 07:42 AM PST

An international team of researchers explored how focusing either on the short- or long-term warming effects of methane can affect climate mitigation policies and dietary transitions in agriculture.

Researchers develop platform to screen for new class of coronavirus antiviral compounds

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 07:40 AM PST

A new high-throughput platform screens for drug compounds that hit a target found in human and bat coronaviruses and could be used to develop future treatments.

Queen’s genes determine sex of entire ant colonies

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:45 AM PST

Researchers have discovered the genetic basis for a quirk of the animal kingdom -- how ant queens produce broods that are entirely male or female.

Visually stunning tree of all known life unveiled online

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:45 AM PST

OneZoom is a one-stop site for exploring all life on Earth, its evolutionary history, and how much of it is threatened with extinction.

More microbes that can degrade plastics in places with heavy plastic pollution

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:45 AM PST

The number of microbial enzymes with the ability to degrade plastic is growing, in correlation with local levels of plastic pollution. That is the finding of a new study that measured samples of environmental DNA from around the globe. The results illustrate the impact plastic pollution is having on the environment, and hint at potential new solutions for managing the problem.

Earliest adorned female infant burial in Europe significant in understanding evolution of personhood

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:45 AM PST

Ten thousand years ago, a group of hunter-gatherers buried an infant girl in an Italian cave with a rich selection of their treasured beads and pendants, showing that even the youngest females were recognized as full persons in their society. The excavations and analysis of the discovery offer insight into the early Mesolithic period, from which few recorded burials are known.

Source of large rise in emissions of unregulated ozone destroying substance identified

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:45 AM PST

New research has discovered that emissions coming from China of the ozone-destroying chemical, dichloromethane, have more than doubled over the last decade.

Melting sea ice forces polar bears to travel farther for food

Posted: 14 Dec 2021 05:45 AM PST

In recent years, polar bears in the Beaufort Sea have had to travel far outside of their traditional arctic hunting grounds which has contributed to an almost 30% decrease in their population. The bears' home range, or the amount of space they need for food and other resources, was around 64% larger from 1999-2016 than it was in 1986-1998, according to a recent study.

Stress, by itself, can lead to excessive drinking in women but not men

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 03:15 PM PST

A new study that has important implications for the understanding of sex differences in alcohol consumption has shown that stress alone leads to excessive drinking in women but not men. The study used a simulated bar environment to test how stress affected whether participants drank more than intended.

Swirling bacteria mimic Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night'

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 01:01 PM PST

Scientists discovered a way to transform millions of predatory bacteria into swirling flash mobs reminiscent of painter Vincent Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' as the unexpected result of experiments on a genetic circuit the creatures use to discern friend from foe.

Decreased vehicle emissions linked with significant drop in deaths attributable to air pollution

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 01:01 PM PST

As emissions fell over a decade, the number of deaths attributable to air pollution dropped by thousands, yielding billions of dollars in societal benefits.

Air flow key to ensuring black soldier fly larvae thrive as a sustainable food source

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 10:32 AM PST

New research demonstrates how using airflow can keep black soldier fly larvae, an important animal protein source, from overheating while feeding as a collective.

N-type conductive tin sulfide thin films: Towards environmentally friendly solar cells

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 09:18 AM PST

Abundant, safe, and environmentally friendly, tin sulfide is predicted to be used in next generation solar cell panels. Now, a research group has used impurity doping to fabricate n-type conductive tin sulfide thin films, paving the way for their use in solar cells.

Size doesn’t matter: Rock composition determines how deadly a meteorite impact is

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 09:18 AM PST

A new study has found that the minerology of the rocks that a meteorite hits, rather than the size of the impact, determines how deadly an impact it will have.

Low-cost AI soil sensors could help farmers curb fertilizer use

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 08:17 AM PST

Smart sensing technology to help farmers use fertilizer more effectively and reduce environmental damage has been created by bioengineers.

New resistance-busting antibiotic combination could extend the use of 'last-resort' antibiotics

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 08:16 AM PST

Scientists have discovered a new potential treatment that has the ability to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Big-headed ancient fish had land on its mind

Posted: 13 Dec 2021 06:49 AM PST

Sophisticated CT scanning of the cranium of an Australian fish fossil has given new insights to explain how fish first left the water to invade land about 370 million years ago. Palaeontologists studied Cladarosymblema narrienense, a 330 million-year-old fish from the Carboniferous Period found in Queensland, which is an ancestor of the first land animals or four-limbed vertebrate tetrapods.