Image Credit: PixabayDust from the Sahara Desert is set to drift over the southeastern United States this week, part of an annual weather phenomenon that doesn't always make it as far as North America.Saharan Air Layer Sends Thick Dust Plumes Across Atlantic Each Summer, Driven by Tropical Winds and Moist Ocean AirThe dust originates...
Image Credits: PixabayAs climate change accelerates, South Africa is not only experiencing increased heat and dryness—it’s also gradually rising by as much as 2 millimeters per year, according to new research.While scientists already recognized this upward movement, they previously attributed it to mantle flow beneath the Earth's crust in the region.However, the new study...
(Anita Saka/Canva)Tiny plastic particles are infiltrating agricultural soils, bringing with them hazardous chemical additives and pollutants. These substances have already been found in foods like lettuce, wheat, and carrots, showing how plastics and their compounds can enter the food chain — ending up in your salad and, eventually, inside your body.Tracking the Sources of...
Image Credit: PixabayRestoring forests—particularly in tropical regions—may have a stronger cooling effect than previously thought. However, even if all the trees lost since the mid-1800s were replanted, it wouldn’t be enough to fully offset the warming caused by human activities. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is still crucial.A new modeling study from the University of...
Credit: DepositphotosThe United Nations announced on Wednesday that there is a 70% likelihood that the average global temperature from 2025 to 2029 will exceed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.Following the two hottest years ever recorded in 2023 and 2024, the planet is expected to continue experiencing unprecedented warming levels, as detailed in...
Dr. Luke Woodford (left) and Prof. Richard Quilliam, with a basket full o' caged microbeadsUniversity of StirlingAlthough people often associate microplastics with environmental hazards, researchers now propose that these particles can actually serve a useful role by helping detect sewage contamination in waterways.Turning a Weakness into a StrengthOne of the main concerns about microplastic...
New evidence suggests molten heavy metals such as gold are leaking out of Earth's core. (jxfzsy/iStock/Getty Images Plus)Earth’s core holds an enormous amount of gold, and this precious metal is slowly making its way into the planet’s crust, according to a new study.Volcanic Rocks Reveal Traces of Precious MetalsResearchers analyzed isotopes found in volcanic rocks...
The SNAP-X gel could help attract free-swimming planktonic coral larvae to decimated reefs, ultimately restoring those reefs to a healthy stateDepositphotosWe can't leave coral reef restoration to chance. To help coral larvae settle in damaged reef areas, researchers developed an algae-based gel that actively attracts them.The Hidden Builders of Coral ReefsAlthough many people assume...
Microsoft has created an artificial intelligence (AI) model that outperforms traditional forecasting techniques in tracking air quality, weather systems, and climate-driven tropical storms, according to a study published Wednesday.Named Aurora, the system—still not commercially available—produced 10-day forecasts and predicted hurricane paths with greater accuracy, speed, and lower cost than standard models, researchers noted in...
A ship equipped with CSSSolvang ASAThe oceans may be getting a little cleaner with the commercial launch of the Carbon Capture Solution (CCS) system, developed by technology company Wärtsilä. This modular system claims to capture up to 70% of the carbon dioxide emitted from cargo ship exhausts.Growing Pressure to Cut EmissionsDriven by environmental concerns...
