Researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo used oysters and mussels as sentinel organisms to assess the presence of these pollutants. The results show that even the most restrictive sites for human presence have significant contamination. Despite being considered sanctuaries for biodiversity, Brazil’s marine protected areas (MPAs) are not immune to microplastic contamination. A recent study has shown that even MPAs classified as integral protection areas (APIs), which are the most restrictive to human intervention, are contaminated by this…
UC Riverside study finds real-time household water data reduces consumption A UC Riverside-led study has found that a smartphone app that tracks household water use and alerts users to leaks or excessive consumption offers a promising tool for helping California water agencies meet state-mandated conservation goals. Led by Mehdi Nemati, an assistant professor of public policy at UCR, the study found that use of the app—called Dropcountr—reduced average household water use by 6%, with even greater savings among the highest…
Without American bullfrogs, native pond turtles increase at national park The call of American bullfrogs was deafening when scientists from the University of California, Davis, first began researching the impact of invasive bullfrogs on native northwestern pond turtles at Yosemite National Park. “At night, you could look out over the pond and see a constellation of eyes blinking back at you,” said UC Davis Ph.D. candidate Sidney Woodruff, lead author of a study chronicling the effects of removal. “Their honking…
Noise ordinances can protect residents and guide developers toward quieter designs NEW ORLEANS, May 19, 2025 – The past few years have seen an explosion in data centers built across the country, as developers try to keep up with demand created by artificial intelligence, cloud storage, and e-commerce. Many of these data centers are being built near residential areas, and the people who live there keep complaining about the noise. Gregory Miller and his colleagues at Trinity Consultants will present…
Florida scientists have identified heat-tolerant algal symbionts as a vital intervention to protect endangered elkhorn coral. Their cross-institutional collaboration offers new hope for reef restoration and resilience amid rising ocean temperatures MIAMI — A new study published in the journal Coral Reefs reveals that heat-tolerant symbiotic algae may be essential to saving elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata)—a foundational species in Caribbean reef ecosystems—from the devastating impacts of marine heatwaves and coral bleaching. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of…
Experts update watchlist of species to watch out for in next 10 years Pink salmon, Purple Asian clams, marine invertebrates that form spaghetti-like colonies and a nematode worm that causes extensive deaths of trees are among the new entries in experts’ watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten Great Britain in the next 10 years. The latest version of the watchlist, which again includes known problem species such as the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet, raccoon and twoleaf watermilfoil, has been…
A new study led by researchers at Sun Yat-sen University has mapped the current and future potential distribution of Physella acuta, an invasive freshwater snail threatening China’s ecosystems, public health, and agriculture. Using advanced climate modeling, the team predicts that while southern China may see shrinking suitable habitats for the snail, northern regions could face increased invasion risk, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and control strategies. “Physella acuta is a global invader with severe ecological and economic impacts, and China…
The number and diversity of insects is declining worldwide. Some studies suggest that their biomass has almost halved since the 1970s. Among the main reasons for this are habitat loss – for example through agriculture or urbanization – and climate change. These threats have long been known. What is less well-known is how these global change drivers interact and how their effects can become even more severe that way. For example, insects that have been deprived of their natural habitat…
The BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, represent the world’s major emerging markets. In 2022, their aggregated GDP amounted to about USD 25.95 trillion, accounting for 26% of global GDP. Over the past decade, these economies have grown at an average annual rate of about 2.87%, surpassing the global average of 2.73%. This rapid economic growth has also driven energy demand, with the BRICS nations collectively accounting for about 46% of the world’s total primary energy consumption…
The finding offers new insights into Asia’s rainforest history, researchers say UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For the first time, scientists have discovered fossil evidence of an endangered, living tropical tree species. The unprecedented find was made in Brunei, a country on the large island of Borneo, and reveals a critical piece of the ancient history of Asia’s rainforests, highlighting the urgent need for conservation in the region, according to researchers at Penn State who led the discovery. The research team…
A new study found that brick kiln owners were willing to implement energy-efficient operational changes after receiving training and support. The social benefits of reduced carbon emissions from these changes outweighed costs by a factor of 65 to 1 Brick manufacturing is a central component of the economy in South Asia, but also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as the practice releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and other contaminants into the environment….
Scientists have launched an interactive global map to show the migratory patterns of more than 100 marine species in an effort to protect at-risk wildlife. New models were developed by The University of Queensland and Duke University scientists to be part of the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) database which aims to bridge information gaps for policymakers and conservationists. Dr Lily Bentley from UQ’s Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science said the online tool was the first freely accessible…
Endemic to China’s Yangtze River, the Yangtze finless porpoise is known for its intelligence and charismatic appearance; it looks like it has a perpetual smile on its face. To track how this critically endangered porpoise’s habitat range has changed over time, a team of biodiversity and conservation experts compiled 724 ancient Chinese poems referencing the porpoise from historic collections across China. Publishing in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on May 5, their results show that the porpoise’s range has…
Is it extinct, or does it still roam somewhere deep in the misty highland forests of Vietnam and Laos? It has been nicknamed the Asian unicorn due to its almost mythical rarity, and it is the most recently discovered large land mammal, becoming known to science as late as in 1992. Even then, it was already endangered. Today, even the most optimistic estimates say fewer than 100 saola individuals (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) remain, but it could also be extinct by now….
FAU joins first-ever global effort to map microplastics’ path through critical ocean systems Marine plastic pollution is a global crisis, with 9 to 14 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year. Tiny fragments called microplastics – ranging from 1 micron to 5 millimeters – make up the vast majority of plastic pieces found and pose serious risks to ocean health. Most research has focused on surface waters, usually sampling just the top 15 to 50 centimeters using…
A new study published by researchers at the University at Albany has presented the first documented evidence that Adirondack surface waters made a near full recovery from metal pollution since the enactment of the Clean Air Act. Originally passed in 1963 and amended in subsequent decades, the Clean Air Act was one of the first major pieces of environmental legislation in the U.S., intended to reduce and control air pollution nationwide. The Adirondack Park was a prime target for the…
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