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New Study Shows Mercury Levels in Rainfall Increasing at Many North American Sites

An analysis of long-term trends in the amount of mercury in rainfall and other forms of precipitation in North America found recent increases at many sites, mostly in the center of the continent. At other sites, including those along the East Coast, mercury levels in rainfall have been trending steadily downward over the past 20 years.

28 Jan 2016

Earthworms Could Threaten Plant Diversity in Natural Ecosystems

The humble earthworm may be a threat to plant diversity in natural ecosystems, says a study just published by researchers from Université Laval and Université de Sherbrooke. Their work found an association between the presence of these European-introduced invertebrates and reductions in the abundance of certain tree and other plant species in the understory of sugar maple forests in southern Québec (Canada).

28 Jan 2016

New Computational Techniques Help Researchers Explore Impacts of Humans on Land

Computer simulations help researchers see what works and what doesn't work in the Mediterranean and helps explore future impact of humans

28 Jan 2016

New Way to Prioritize Investigations on the Environmental Impacts of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Researchers have developed a new way to prioritize investigations on the environmental impacts of the estimated 1500 active pharmaceutical ingredients currently in use.

28 Jan 2016

Continent-Scale Monsoons Gradually Adapt to Climate Change

A Yale University study suggests that continent-scale monsoons will adapt to climate change gradually, without suddenly losing their watery oomph.

27 Jan 2016

Sea Level Rise Due to Warming of Oceans Underestimated, Say Uni Bonn Scientists

To date, research on the effects of climate change has underestimated the contribution of seawater expansion to sea level rise due to warming of the oceans.

27 Jan 2016

High Air Pollution Exposure Intensifies Preterm Birth Risk

Exposure to high levels of small particle air pollution is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth - before 37 weeks of pregnancy, according to a new study published online in the journal Environmental Health.

27 Jan 2016

CRISPR-Cas9 Tool May Accelerate Production of New Precursors for Biofuels, Specialty Polymers

A team led by a researcher at the University of California, Riverside has adapted the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system for use in a yeast strain that can produce useful lipids and polymers. The development will lead to new precursors for biofuels, specialty polymers, adhesives and fragrances.

27 Jan 2016

imec Extends Collaboration with Total on Next Generation Silicon Solar Cells

Nanoelectronics research centre imec and global energy company Total, announced today that they have extended their collaboration to significantly increase the energy output of PV panels.

From IMEC 26 Jan 2016

Novel Method Could Help Monitor CO2 Leaks from Underground Storage Sites

Carbon capture and storage projects rely on effective monitoring of injected CO2. However, the high number of necessary surveys makes this a costly endeavor. A team of Japanese researchers may have found a means of achieving easier and lower-cost monitoring for leaks of CO2 stored in underground reservoirs. A recently published article from a team led by researchers at Kyushu University's International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) shows how underground CO2 storage sites could be continuously monitored for leaks--a breakthrough for monitoring applications.

25 Jan 2016

Greenland Ice Melt Could Disrupt Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, Impact Future Climate

Scientists from the University of South Florida, along with colleagues in Canada and the Netherlands, have determined that the influx of fresh water from the Greenland ice sheet is "freshening" the North Atlantic Ocean and could disrupt the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), an important component of global ocean circulation that could have a global effect. Researchers say it could impact the future climate in places such as portions of Europe and North America.

25 Jan 2016

Sustainable Bioenergy Will Assist the UK Towards a Low Carbon Economy

Research from the University of Southampton has been an instrumental part in a new report outlining the significance of bioenergy in assisting the UK towards a low carbon economy. Sponsored by the Energy Technology Institute (ETI), the report by the Government and industry contains the work of Professor Gail Taylor. The research focuses on how bioenergy can provide greenhouse gas savings if the correct crop is planted on suitable land.

25 Jan 2016

EPFL Researchers Suggest Storage System to Speed up Charging of Electric Cars

Researchers from EPFL have discovered a solution that will aid in making electric cars competitive, enabling them to be charged as fast as it takes to fill a tank of gas. The solution is an intermediate storage which does not affect the power grid.

22 Jan 2016

Scientists Underscore Urgency of Action Needed to Meet Ambitious Climate Targets

The Paris Agreement of the UN climate change conference is deemed a historic step for climate protection, but its success depends on rapid implementations.

22 Jan 2016

Climate Change Poses Serious Threats to Snowshoe Hares

Snowshoe hares that camouflage themselves by changing their coats from brown in summer to white in winter face serious threats from climate change, and it’s uncertain whether hare populations will be able to adapt in time, according to a North Carolina State University study.

22 Jan 2016