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Could Microbes Help Fight Climate Change?

Could Microbes Help Fight Climate Change?

As human-caused climate change continues threatening the way of life for virtually every species on Earth, what if one group of organisms right under (and inside of) our noses could help reverse climate change? That’s what a recent report from the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) and the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) argues. […]

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    Earth’s Atmosphere Faces ‘Thirstwaves,’ Scientists Warn

    Earth’s Atmosphere Faces ‘Thirstwaves,’ Scientists Warn

    Scientists have coined the term “thirstwaves” to describe extended periods of atmospheric thirst when the Earth’s atmosphere more readily takes up moisture from the planet’s surface. This new term differs from droughts or heatwaves. During thirstwaves, the Earth’s atmosphere could take more water from soil and plants, prompting concerns over how these periods could affect […]

    America’s Ten Most Endangered Rivers Announced in New Report

    America’s Ten Most Endangered Rivers Announced in New Report

    According to the 40th annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report by American Rivers, half the rivers in the United States contain unsafe pollution levels, with freshwater species becoming extinct faster than land or ocean species. The Mississippi River topped the list, with federal flood management changes putting the health of the river at risk, jeopardizing […]

    Trump Administration Ordered to Unfreeze Billions in Biden-Era Climate and Infrastructure Funds

    Trump Administration Ordered to Unfreeze Billions in Biden-Era Climate and Infrastructure Funds

    A federal judge has ordered the release of billions of dollars in funds for climate and infrastructure projects that had been paused by five federal government agencies. The temporary, nationwide injunction instructs the Trump administration to release the funding from two Biden-era initiatives while a lawsuit brought by environmental nonprofits proceeds. “Today’s ruling marks a […]

    Water Hyacinths Show Promise for Microplastics Removal, Despite Being an Invasive Species

    Water Hyacinths Show Promise for Microplastics Removal, Despite Being an Invasive Species

    In a recent study, scientists have found that the species Eichhornia crassipes, also known as the common water hyacinth, has strong potential as a remediator for microplastics in the environment. In the study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers collected water hyacinths from a river in Shanghai, China and relocated the plants […]

    White House Budget Would Slash Funding for NOAA Climate Research

    White House Budget Would Slash Funding for NOAA Climate Research

    The Trump administration plans to eliminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s research arm, close climate and weather labs and slash the budgets of several NOAA offices, internal documents said. If Congress approves the plan, funding for NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) office would be drastically reduced from $485 million to $171 million, […]

    Environmental and Science Groups Sue Trump Admin for Deleting Environmental Justice and Climate Information From Federal Agency Websites

    Environmental and Science Groups Sue Trump Admin for Deleting Environmental Justice and Climate Information From Federal Agency Websites

    Environmental and science groups are suing the Trump administration for removing public information concerning climate and the environment from federal agency websites. The Sierra Club, the Environmental Integrity Project, California Communities Against Toxics and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) filed a complaint on Monday in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. […]

    Mercury Pollution Detected in Antarctic Penguins

    Mercury Pollution Detected in Antarctic Penguins

    In a new study, scientists have confirmed mercury contamination in Antarctic penguins and are raising alarms that this pollutant and its impact on birds mimics the spread of DDT uncovered in the 1960s. Despite the lack of humans near the penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers have confirmed mercury contamination in these birds. According to […]