ScienceDaily: Environment - January 12, 2025
Top environment research news
High levels of disordered eating among young people linked to brain differences
More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study show restrictive, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviors, according to new research. Structural brain differences appear to play a role in the development of these eating habits.
Lower access to air conditioning may increase need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure
People who have limited access to air conditioning may be at higher risk of seeking emergency care for health problems following exposure to wildfire smoke, according to a new study. The study found that exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke in California is associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for all causes, non-accidental causes, and respiratory disease. This risk varied by age and race, but was especially high for individuals who lived in areas with lower availability of air conditioning.
Dangerous bacterial biofilms have a natural enemy
Scientists have now discovered a chemical that plants produce when they're stressed prevents dangerous biofilm from forming. The breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare as well as preventing equipment corrosion in industrial settings.
A fast-moving belly flop: Researchers unveil the unique skills of cricket frogs
The way cricket frogs move across the surface of water has long been thought to resemble walking on water, but researchers have now discovered a different reality.
Study shows how plant roots access deeper soils in search of water
Scientists have discovered how plants adapt their root systems in drought conditions to grow steeper into the soil to access deeper water reserves.
'What is that?' Scientists explain white patch that appears near northern lights
A whitish, grey patch that sometimes appears in the night sky alongside the northern lights has now been explained.
Study highlights key factors for successful restoration of elkhorn coral colonies
To help rare elkhorn corals survive in Florida waters, coral researchers should place them in shallow ocean locations with fast currents, scientists explained in a recent publication.
Self-destructing vaccine offers enhanced protection against tuberculosis in monkeys
The in-built in protection mechanisms offer a safer and more effective way to combat the deadliest disease of 2024.
Feeding your good gut bacteria through fiber in diet may boost body against infections
A new study has found that the composition of your gut microbiome helps predict how likely you are to succumb to potentially life-threatening infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae, E.coli and other bugs -- and it may be altered by changing your diet.
Magma composition may drive volcanic tremor
A new study based on the sampling and analysis of volcanic ash at Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast, suggests that the composition of magma could drive tremors during volcanic eruptions. The findings highlight the potential of volcanic ash analysis as a monitoring and forecasting tool.
Cleopatra's sister remains missing
anthropologists have analyzed a skull that was found in the ruins of Ephesos (Turkey) in 1929. It was long speculated that it could be the remains of Arsino IV, the sister of the famous Cleopatra. However, the latest anthropological analyses show that the remains are those of a boy between the ages of 11 and 14 who suffered from pathological developmental disorders. His genes point to an origin in Italy or Sardinia.
New data on atmosphere from Earth to the edge of space
Researchers have created a dataset of the whole atmosphere, enabling new research to be conducted on previously difficult-to-study regions. Using a new data-assimilation system called JAGUAR-DAS, which combines numerical modeling with observational data, the team created a nearly 20-yearlong set of data spanning multiple levels of the atmosphere from ground level up to the lower edges of space. Being able to study the interactions of these layers vertically and around the globe could improve climate modeling and seasonal weather forecasting. There is also potential for interdisciplinary research between atmospheric scientists and space scientists, to investigate the interplay between space and our atmosphere and how it affects us on Earth.
Greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture could be significantly reduced in a socially equitable way through a climate fee on food, combined with climate dividends. A new study suggests that pricing greenhouse gas-intensive foods could help meet climate targets for agriculture while generating over 8.2 billion Euros annually. If these funds were redistributed to households through a lump-sum compensation scheme, it would ease the financial burden on households, especially those with lower incomes and at the same time encourage sustainable consumption.
Harnessing microwave flow reaction to convert biomass into useful sugars
Researchers have developed a new process that uses microwave flow reaction and recyclable solid catalysts to efficiently hydrolyze polysaccharides into simple sugars. The developed device utilizes a continuous-flow hydrolysis process, where cellobiose is passed through a sulfonated carbon catalyst that is heated using microwaves, resulting in the efficient conversion of cellobiose to glucose.
Oil extraction might have triggered small earthquakes in Surrey, England
A series of more than 100 small earthquakes in Surrey in 2018 and 2019 might have been triggered by oil extraction from a nearby well, suggests a new study.
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