Credit: PixabayTiny openings on the surface of leaves, known as stomata, allow plants to "breathe" by regulating water loss through evaporation. These pores also manage the intake of carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis and growth.Since the 19th century, scientists have known that plants widen their stomatal pores to release water vapor, or "sweat," through...
Credit: PixabayResearchers at the University of California, Davis, discovered that prolonged smoke exposure from large wildfires depletes orchard trees' energy reserves and can slash nut production by 50%. The smoke impacts trees for months following a megafire, reducing their bloom and next season's yield. This highlights a new wildfire-related threat to plant health in...
Credit: PixabayA recent report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) warns that the world's oceans are nearing a level of acidity that could jeopardize marine life and climate stability. The report outlines nine key factors essential for maintaining the planet's capacity to support life.Recent years have seen human activity push the...
Cows that were fed a modified form of halloysite clay had up to 30% less methane in their burps. Credit: PixabayIf you’re not aware, methane from cow burps significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. However, a recent study suggests a potential solution: feeding cows clay can cut their methane emissions by more than 30%.Yes,...
Credit: DepositphotosThe potential threat of plastic pollution to human health remains uncertain, but the recent discovery that we are unknowingly consuming tiny plastic fragments in our water is causing widespread concern.To prevent microplastics and nanoplastics from infiltrating our bodies and brains, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a potentially sustainable and safe...
Credit: PixabayThe world's climate is at a critical juncture, with uncertain outcomes. A new climate model indicates that exceeding the Paris Agreement's primary target for global warming could trigger a chain of tipping points, making recovery extremely difficult, if not impossible.On our current climate path, there's up to a 45 percent chance of surpassing...
Earth has sweltered through its hottest day on record this weekDepositphotosEarth experienced its hottest day on record twice this week. According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), Sunday initially set the record for the highest global average temperature since records began in 1940, only for Monday to surpass it.On Sunday, July...
Credit: PixabayThe levels of dissolved oxygen in the world's water bodies are dropping quickly, and scientists consider this a major threat to Earth's life support system.Much like atmospheric oxygen is crucial for animals, dissolved oxygen (DO) is key for the health of aquatic ecosystems, whether in freshwater or marine environments. Given that billions of...
Credit: DepositphotosScientists have discovered a new source of dangerous "forever chemical" pollution in the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles.Certain lithium-ion battery technologies incorporate PFAS chemicals (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to reduce flammability and improve electrical conductivity.According to a peer-reviewed study in the journal Nature Communications, scientists have found high levels of PFAS...
Credit: PixabayThe University of Leeds has revealed the genuine climate impact of long-distance passenger travel in recent research.Although trips over 50 miles (one way) account for less than 3% of all travel by UK residents, they contribute 70% of all passenger travel-related carbon emissions. This disparity is even more pronounced with international travel, which...
