Science

Extreme Flooding Events in Congo Expected Every Two Years: Study

Extreme Flooding Events in Congo Expected Every Two Years: Study

The extreme flooding event that hit the Congolese “megacity” capital of Kinshasa and surrounding areas, killing at least several dozen, is part of a trend expected to repeat roughly every other year, likely due to climate change, a new report has found.  The study, published by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), found that the extreme […]

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    Scientists Find Microplastics in Ovarian Follicular Fluid for the First Time

    Scientists Find Microplastics in Ovarian Follicular Fluid for the First Time

    Microplastics have been found in human brains, placentas, testicular tissues, lungs and blood. Now, in a new study, scientists have identified microplastic particles in human ovarian follicular fluid for the first time, prompting concerns over how these pollutants could impact reproductive health. The study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, found microplastics in […]

    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. […]

    NRDC Map Shows Populations With Lead Contamination in Tap Water

    NRDC Map Shows Populations With Lead Contamination in Tap Water

    A new map from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) highlights U.S. populations with higher levels of lead in drinking water. The map builds on recently released data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that revealed millions of people in the U.S. had lead in their water systems for at least some of the […]

    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 […]