The Phlegraean volcanic fields just west of Naples, Italy, are among the top eight emitters of volcanic carbon dioxide in the world. Since 2005, the Solfatara crater — one of many circular depressions in the landscape left by a long history of eruptions –has been emitting increased volumes of gas. Today it emits 4,000-5,000 tons … Read more
In a new study of daily ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the globe, a new study has found that only 0.18% of the global land area and 0.001% of the global population are exposed to levels of PM2.5 — the world’s leading environmental health risk factor — below levels of safety recommended by Word … Read more
New York City’s hipster capital has been hit with a problem straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. Brooklyn residents say a newly built smokestack has ruined the air quality in their corner of Bushwick — but despite their coughed complaints, they claim it continues to pollute the neighborhood with its burning odor. “This business … Read more
An independent analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data from the Ohio train derailment site found that many of the toxic chemicals detected could pose long-term health risks if they continue at current levels. Scientists from Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon University studied the measurements of air pollutants collected by the EPA and said nine of … Read more
Using a new dataset, scientists analyzed the coordinates and surface of 183 million buildings in nearly 6,000 cities across all 52 countries in Africa. With their model, they quantify the shape of cities. Thus, they show that if a city’s population doubles, the energy demand associated with commuting triples. These results clearly show how important … Read more
Scientists reveal that a warming world is increasing human-wildlife conflicts globally. They show that climate shifts can drive conflicts by altering animal habitats, the timing of events, wildlife behaviors and resource availability. It also showed that people are changing their behaviors and locations in response to climate change in ways that increase conflicts. Source link
Air pollution detected at some of the lowest levels in the US can prompt fatal heart attacks and strokes, according to alarming new findings published in the JAMA Open Network on Friday. Authors of the study — one of the largest of its kind with data collected from 3.7 million Californians — blasted current federal … Read more
Perovskites, a family of materials with unique electric properties, show promise for use in a variety fields, including next-generation solar cells. A team of scientists has now created a new process to fabricate large perovskite devices that is more cost- and time-effective than previously possible and that they said may accelerate future materials discovery. Source … Read more
An air filter made out of corn protein instead of petroleum products can concurrently capture small particulates as well as toxic chemicals like formaldehyde that current air filters can’t. The research could lead to better air purifiers, particularly in regions of the world that suffer from very poor air quality. The more environmentally friendly air … Read more
Although many measures are in place to prevent contamination, pollutants, such as mercury and lead, can still end up in the environment. Sensing them often requires complicated processes, but what if you could detect them with the tap of a fingertip? Researchers have now developed a self-powered nanosensor that can discover small amounts of mercury … Read more