ScienceDaily: Environment - February 02, 2025
Top environment research news
Walk like a ... gecko? Animal footpads inspire a polymer that sticks to ice
A solution to injuries from slips and falls may be found underfoot -- literally. The footpads of geckos have hydrophilic (water-loving) mechanisms that allow the little animals to easily move over moist, slick surfaces. Researchers report using silicone rubber enhanced with zirconia nanoparticles to create a gecko-inspired slip-resistant polymer. They say the material, which sticks to ice, could be incorporated into shoe soles to reduce injuries in humans.
Life cycles of some insects adapt well to a changing climate: Others, not so much
Some biologists speculate that animals will get smaller with global warming to reduce heat stress. While this may be true of warm-blooded animals, what about exotherms like insects? Thanks to a 65-year-old grasshopper collection, scientists have documented that some species -- those overwintering as juveniles -- got larger over the years, helped by an earlier green spring. Grasshoppers with other lifestyles got smaller. Much of this can be predicted given what biologists know of insect life cycles.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries cuts emissions and strengthens supply chain
Researchers compared the environmental impacts of lithium-ion battery recycling to mining for new materials and found that recycling significantly outperforms mining in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and energy use.
How does the atmosphere affect ocean weather?
A new study of satellite imagery and high-resolution climate model data upends previous assumptions and provides insight about how the atmosphere and ocean weather patterns interact. The new research reveals the surprising ways atmospheric winds influence ocean eddies, shaping the ocean's weather patterns in more complex ways than previously believed.
Carbon capture from constructed wetlands declines as they age
Constructed wetlands do a good job in their early years of capturing carbon in the environment that contributes to climate change -- but that ability does diminish with time as the wetlands mature, a new study suggests.
White shark liver is on Australian killer sharks' menu
DNA evidence has confirmed killer whales in Australia hunted a white shark for its liver. Based on DNA analysis from the bite wounds on the carcass of a large white shark washed ashore near Portland in Victoria in 2023, the study identified that killer whales were responsible for consuming the mid-section containing the nutritionally rich liver.
Low-level traffic air pollution linked to liver damage and fatty liver disease
Low levels of traffic-related air pollution harms the liver and may raise the risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, a new study in mice suggests.
Ventilation in hospitals could cause viruses to spread further, study finds
Increased use of ventilation and air cleaners, designed to mitigate the spread of viral infections in hospitals, is likely to have unpredictable effects and may cause viral particles to move around more, according to a new study.
Harnessing generative AI to treat undruggable diseases
Biomedical engineers have developed an AI-based platform that designs short proteins, termed peptides, capable of binding and destroying previously undruggable disease-causing proteins. Inspired by OpenAI's image generation model, their new algorithm can rapidly prioritize peptides for experimental testing.
Burn grasslands to maintain them: What is good for biodiversity?
As grasslands get abandoned, controlled burning is discussed as a labor-saving method of keeping forests at bay. A research team found that this method results in higher biodiversity and a higher prevalence of endangered plant species in some grasslands compared to others, depending on what soils they grow on.
Aging reactors need a concrete solution
It's been known for some time that radiation impacts the structural integrity of concrete. However, until now the details of this were unknown. Researchers can finally demonstrate what properties of concrete affect its structural characteristics under different neutron radiation loads. Their findings raise some concerns whilst reducing others; for example, quartz crystals in concrete can heal themselves, potentially allowing some reactors to run for longer than initially thought possible.
Gut microbes may mediate the link between drinking sugary beverages and diabetes risk
It's well known that consuming sugary drinks increases the risk of diabetes, but the mechanism behind this relationship is unclear. Now researchers show that metabolites produced by gut microbes might play a role. In a long-term cohort of US Hispanic/Latino adults, the researchers identified differences in the gut microbiota and blood metabolites of individuals with a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. The altered metabolite profile seen in sugary beverage drinkers was associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes in the subsequent 10 years. Since some of these metabolites are produced by gut microbes, this suggests that the microbiome might mediate the association between sugary beverages and diabetes.
Ancient DNA analyses bring to life the 11,000-year intertwined genomic history of sheep and humans
The rise of pastoralist peoples in the Eurasian steppes and their westward spread some 5,000 years ago may have been fueled by sheep herding and people exploiting their milk. As early as 8,000 years ago the team found evidence that farmers were deliberately selecting their flocks -- for example, for the genes coding for coat color. Sheep have been intertwined with human livelihoods for over 11,000 years. As well as meat, their domestication led to humans being nourished by their protein-rich milk and clothed by warm, water-resistant fabrics made from their wool. Now, a team of geneticists has deciphered the prehistoric cultural trajectory of this species by analyzing 118 genomes recovered from archaeological bones dating across 12 millennia and stretching from Mongolia to Ireland.
A common mouth and gut bacteria may be linked with increased stroke risk
Increased levels of Streptococcus anginosus, a common type of bacteria that usually lives in the mouth and gut, was found in the gut of recent stroke survivors in Japan.
Groundwater in Arctic is delivering more carbon into the ocean than was previously known
A relatively small amount of groundwater trickling through Alaska's tundra is releasing huge quantities of carbon into the ocean, where it can contribute to climate change.
Why maggots love the texture of decaying fruit
Researchers have discovered neurons in the fly larva mouth that allow the taste of food texture. The study found that the fly peripheral taste organ has neurons with texture-tasting mechanoreceptors that derive their ability from the painless gene.
Antibody treatment prevents severe bird flu in monkeys
The antibody targets a stable part of the bird flu virus, ensuring that the immune protection can resist new variants and offer long-term protection against the globally spreading airborne infection.
Polar bear population decline the direct result of extended 'energy deficit' due to lack of food
U of T Scarborough researchers have directly linked population decline in polar bears living in Western Hudson Bay to shrinking sea ice caused by climate change.
Earth scientists study Sikkim flood in India to help others prepare for similar disasters
Experts from the global Earth science community have pieced together what happened during the massive Sikkim flood to try to help others prepare for similar disasters.
Future of UK peatlands under threat due to climate change
The UK's peatlands face an uncertain future amid the escalating impacts of climate change. Peatlands are critical ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity, containing more carbon than all the world's forests despite covering just 3% of the global land surface. But new research reveals that vast areas of the UK's peatlands, including the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, are likely to be unsuitable for peat accumulation by 2061-80 due to climate change.
Unveiling the critical role of the exocyst complex in mouse oocyte growth
Communication between oocytes and granulosa cells is essential for oocyte formation, dormancy, reawakening, and maturation. Researchers have demonstrated that a protein complex called the exocyst complex plays a crucial role in this process. Using a mouse model, their investigations revealed that a deficiency in this complex causes female infertility.
New light-tuned chemical tools control processes in living cells
A research group has developed new advanced light-controlled tools that enable precise control of proteins in real time in living cells. This groundbreaking research opens doors to new methods for studying complex processes in cells and could pave the way for significant advances in medicine and synthetic biology.
The life cycle and climate adaptability of South Africa's endemic Cape Autumn Widow butterfly
A recent study provides insights into the life history and behaviour of the endemic Cape Autumn Widow butterfly (Dira clytus), a species endemic to South Africa.
Cold waves in the rainforest: What they mean for wild animals
It's not always cozy and warm in the Amazon rainforest: Cold waves can cause temperatures to drop drastically. Researchers have investigated how animals react to this.
Zika uses human skin as 'mosquito magnet' to spread virus further
Zika virus hijacks the skin of its human host to send out chemical signals that lure more mosquitoes to infect and spread the disease further, new research shows.
Sharks and rays benefit from global warming, but not from CO2 in the Oceans
Sharks and rays have populated the world's oceans for around 450 million years, but more than a third of the species living today are severely threatened by overfishing and the loss of their habitat. Palaeobiologists have now investigated whether and how global warming influences the diversity of sharks based on climate fluctuations between 200 and 66 million years ago. According to the study, higher temperatures and more shallow water areas have a positive effect, while higher CO2 levels have a clearly negative effect.
New 'Matchless' grass variety yields high seed count without need for field burning
A new grass variety, 'Matchless,' offers seed growers higher yields without the harmful impacts of burning. It also provides consumers with the option of a more environmentally friendly grass.
Bat wings boost hovering efficiency
Researchers have designed flexible, bat-like wings that boost lift and improve flight performance. This innovation could lead to more efficient drones or energy-harvesting technologies.
Freshwater alga could be the next superfood that feeds the world
A green alga that grows in lakes and rivers could be the next 'superfood' -- helping scientists to tackle global food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.
Role of barrier films in maintaining the stability of perovskite solar cells
Flexible perovskite solar cells are promising for lightweight and versatile applications but their sensitivity to humidity and temperature poses a challenge to long-term durability. To address this, researchers have conducted a comprehensive study to test the degradation of these solar modules under extreme heat and humidity. Through accelerated testing, they identified how the water vapor transmission rates of barrier films affect the module's stability, giving critical insights for development of durable solar cells.
New technology tracks dairy cows for improved health and productivity
High-quality milk remains in high demand, but managing the health of dairy cows is becoming increasingly challenging. To tackle this, researchers have developed an innovative location information-based technique that uses multi-camera systems to track individual cows across an entire barn. This method enables health monitoring, early disease detection, and gestation management, making it ideal for large-scale implementation to ensure dairy farm health and ensure consistent, high-quality milk production.
Researchers have shown that plumes of wildfire smoke can carry contaminants hundreds of kilometers, leaving a toxic and lingering footprint which has the potential to be re-released into the environment.
Suboptimal dietary patterns may accelerate biological aging as early as young adulthood
Humans do not always age biologically at the same rate as their chronological age. Faster biological aging compared to chronological age has been linked to higher risks of disease and mortality. According to a recent study, a diet low in vegetables and fruits and high in red meat, fast food, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks was associated with accelerated biological aging even in young adulthood.
Study shows potential of resveratrol to aid fertility
A new study has highlighted the potential of resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, to enhance female fertility. The systematic review found that resveratrol can improve the quantity and quality of egg cells, offering hope for new, less invasive fertility treatments.
Lead contamination in ancient Greece points to societal change
Studies of sediment cores from the sea floor and the coastal regions surrounding the Aegean Sea show that humans contaminated the environment with lead early on in antiquity. Geoscientists conducted the analyses, which revealed that human activity in the region resulted in lead contamination of the environment approximately 5,200 years ago -- much earlier than previously known. Combined with the results of pollen analyses from the sediment cores, this contamination also offers insights into socioeconomic change in the Aegean.
Researcher on energy revolution: Sustainability is still a work in process
The world is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, yet it also plays a crucial role in the strategies needed to mitigate and adapt to its effects, contributing to the achievement of ambitious climate goals.
Promoting cacao production without sacrificing biodiversity
The productivity of cacao trees decreases with time, forcing farmers to renew their plantations by either cutting down the old trees or establishing a new crop elsewhere. Frequently, new plantations are established in areas of the forest that are thinned out to accommodate new, young cacao trees. However, this comes with high economic and ecological costs. An alternative approach is to graft highly productive and native cultivars onto the existing older cacao trees. An international team found that cacao grafting is a useful measure to rejuvenate cacao plants, increasing their yield and profits with minimal impact on biodiversity.
Scientists have successfully analyzed more than 30 years of vital data on the thickness of landfast sea ice in Antarctica's McMurdo Sound, which will prove useful to measure future impacts of climate change.
Study finds three new safe, effective ways to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis
Study finds three new safe and effective drug regimens to fight multidrug-resistant TB. The treatments, which include recently discovered TB drugs, give new options for shorter, personalized treatment and are cleared for use for more people than ever.
Working dogs take a day to adjust to Daylight Savings Time, but pets are more flexible
Working dogs take a day to adjust to the change in routine caused by Daylight Savings Time, whereas pet dogs and their owners seem to be unaffected, according to a new study.
Bad hair bears! Greasy hair gives polar bears fur with anti-icing properties
Scientists have discovered the anti-icing secret of polar bear fur -- something that allows one of the planet's most iconic animals to survive and thrive in one of its most punishing climates. That secret? Greasy hair. After some polar sleuthing, which involved scrutiny of hair collected from six polar bears in the wild, the scientists homed in on the hair 'sebum' (or grease) as the all-important protectant. This sebum, which is made up of cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids, makes it very hard for ice to attach to their fur. While this finding sheds fascinating new light on our understanding of polar bear -- and even Inuit -- ecology, it may also have a suite of unrelated applications, with a similar concoction of artificially made sebum promising to be useful as an anti-ice surface coating, or in next-gen ski skins used by skiers and snowboarders.
Need for better wildfire readiness in Eastern Coachella Valley
A study highlights the need for improved wildfire preparedness tailored to disadvantaged communities in unincorporated areas of the Eastern Coachella Valley and identifies effective ways to bridge critical communication gaps.
A window into the future of Amazonia
New research from a team of tropical biologists forecasts some of the changes that may occur in the Amazon rainforest as temperatures rise due to climate change.
Chemical looping turns environmental waste into fuel
Turning environmental waste into useful chemical resources could solve many of the inevitable challenges of our growing amounts of discarded plastics, paper and food waste, according to new research.
Optical fiber sensor provides simple and sensitive detection of arsenic in drinking water
Researchers have developed a new optical sensor that provides a simple way to achieve real-time detection of extremely low levels of arsenic in water.
Oceanic plate between Arabian and Eurasian continental plates is breaking away
An international research team has investigated the influence of the forces exerted by the Zagros Mountains in the Kurdistan region of Iraq on how much the surface of the Earth has bent over the last 20 million years. Their research revealed that in the present day, deep below the Earth's surface, the Neotethys oceanic plate -- the ocean floor that used to be between the Arabian and Eurasian continents -- is breaking off horizontally, with a tear progressively lengthening from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran. Their findings show how the evolution of the Earth's surface is controlled by processes deep within the planet's interior.
New ways to modulate cell activity remotely
Cells are dynamic, fast-changing, complex, tiny, and often hard-to-see in environments that don't always behave in predictable ways when exposed to external stimuli. Now, researchers have found new ways to modulate cell activity remotely.
A recent study investigated the identity of a fungus found on a spider during filming of the BBC Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland.
Common plastic pigment promotes depolymerization
This startling mechanism for promoting depolymerization relies on an additive that many plastics already contain: a pigment called carbon black that gives plastic its black color. Through a process called photothermal conversion, intense light is focused on plastic containing the pigment to jumpstart the degradation. The lab's method has since been tried out on such post-consumer waste as PVC pipes, black construction pipes, trash bags, credit cards, even those ubiquitous yellow rubber duckies. It works on all of them.
Protecting the Plains: Conserving prairie dogs will revitalize North America's grasslands
Researchers have identified priority areas for conserving the black-tailed prairie dog in the United States. Protecting these regions will also benefit North America's Central Grasslands and the many associated grassland species that flourished there centuries ago.
Performance-improvement mechanisms of tin-based perovskite solar cells
Researchers have used electron spin resonance technology to observe the state and movement of the charge inside Ruddlesden-Popper tin -based perovskite solar cells, an emerging technology for next-generation solar cells. They have discovered a mechanism that improves the performance of these cells compared with conventional three-dimensional tin-based perovskite solar cells. Their findings signal a great leap forward in the development of high-efficiency, long-lasting solar cells.
New insights into the perception of coffee taste -- genetic predisposition plays a role
Why does coffee taste more bitter to some people than it does to others? Researchers have now come closer to answering this question. They have identified a new group of bitter compounds in roasted Arabica coffee and have investigated how they influence its bitter taste. In addition, they demonstrated that individual genetic predisposition also plays a role in determining how bitter these roasting substances taste.
Study reveals how microbes help detoxify our atmosphere
Researchers have discovered crucial new information about how microbes consume huge amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and help reduce levels of this deadly gas.
Weather change linked to increased risk of Salmonella outbreaks
Climate change is impacting the spread of Salmonella, according to new research. This research follows previous work from the team, which found that weather change is leading to the spread of dangerous diarrheal illness.
Green phosphonate chemistry -- Does it exist?
Phosphorus is a critical raw material that should be recycled more efficiently. There is also a need for more environmentally friendly production methods for organic phosphorus compounds. A recently published review article examines the potential of green chemistry to contribute to these goals in the production and use of multifunctional phosphorus compounds, phosphonates.
New study improves the trustworthiness of wind power forecasts
By applying techniques from explainable artificial intelligence, engineers can improve users' confidence in forecasts generated by artificial intelligence models. This approach was recently tested on wind power generation.
Research leads to viable solution for polycotton textile waste recycling
Researchers present a solution to the challenging problem of recycling poly-cotton textile waste. The process starts with fully removing all cotton from the fabric using superconcentrated hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The cotton is converted into glucose, which can be used as a feedstock for biobased products such as renewable plastics. The remaining polyester fibers can be reprocessed using available polyester recycling methods.
A new approach to treating inflammatory diseases through personalised probiotic therapies -- also known as precision medicine -- has been proposed by researchers.
Blood-powered toes give salamanders an arboreal edge
Wandering salamanders are known for gliding high through the canopies of coastal redwood forests, but how the small amphibians stick their landing and take-off with ease remains something of a mystery. A new study reveals the answer may have a lot to do with a surprising mechanism: blood-powered toes.
Landmark genetic study: Fresh shoots of hope on the tree of life
In the most comprehensive global analysis of genetic diversity ever undertaken, an international team of scientists has found that the genetic diversity is being lost across the globe but that conservation efforts are helping to safeguard species.