Population aging to create pockets of climate vulnerability in the US
Population aging projections across the US show a divide between cities and rural areas, which could lead to pockets of vulnerability to climate change.
Read moreEnvironmental Issues
Scientists 'must be allowed to cry' about destruction of nature
Scientists witnessing the destruction of the natural world must be supported and 'allowed to cry,' researchers say.
Read moreNew tool visualizes nature's benefits worldwide
The researchers set out to understand where nature contributes the most to people and how many people may be affected by future changes. By 2050, up to 5 billion people could be at higher risk of water pollution, coastal storms and under-pollinated crops.
Read morePlacenta transit of an environmental estrogen
The human fetus is considered to be particularly sensitive to environmental contaminants. A team has now been able to demonstrate for the first time how the widespread food estrogen zearalenone behaves in the womb. Using a new analytical method, it was shown that the xenoestrogen migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances.
Read moreSunlight degrades polystyrene faster than expected
Researchers show that polystyrene, one of the world's most ubiquitous plastics, may degrade in decades or centuries when exposed to sunlight, rather than thousands of years as previously thought.
Read moreInfectious disease in marine life linked to decades of ocean warming
New research shows that long-term changes in diseases in ocean species coincides with decades of widespread environmental change.
Read moreElectronic solid could reduce carbon emissions in fridges and air conditioners
A promising replacement for the toxic and flammable greenhouse gases that are used in most refrigerators and air conditioners has been identified.
Read moreChemical evolution — One-pot wonder
Before life, there was RNA: Scientists show how the four different letters of this genetic alphabet could be created from simple precursor molecules on early Earth — under the same environmental conditions.
Read moreNo soil left behind: How a cost-effective technology can enrich poor fields
Many farmers across sub-Saharan Africa try to coax crops out of sandy soils that are not ideal for holding water and nutrients. Traditional approaches would have them apply more fertilizers and use irrigation, but both require access to resources and infrastructure that many do not have. A relatively new technology modeled for eight African countries, and currently being tested in Zimbabwe, shows potential for improving harvests through increased water retention and accumulation of organic material.
Read moreBuying less is better than buying 'green' — for the planet and your happiness
A new study found that people who consume less are happier than those who engage in other pro-environmental consumer behaviors, like buying environmentally friendly products.
Read more