Environment

By 2500 earth could be alien to humans, shows study

To fully grasp and plan for climate impacts under any scenario, researchers and policymakers must look well beyond the 2100 benchmark. Unless CO2 emissions drop...

Natural light may be key to improve sleep and mood

In a new study from Monash University, researchers found that getting enough natural sunlight each day can impact a person's mood and sleep quality. They...

Traffic noise may increase diabetes, blood pressure risks

Navigating through congested road traffic is enough to make even the most laid-back people lose their cool. As it turns out, just the sound...

Staying in nature can improve mood and reduce anxiety

In a new study from the University of York, researchers found outdoor nature-based activities are effective for improving mental health in adults, including those...

Scientists find large solar parks could cool surrounding land for the first time

Scientists using satellite technologies have discovered for the first time that large scale solar parks have a cooling effect on the land surrounding them. As...

Air pollution, traffic noise may raise heart failure risk in women

Long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may raise the risk of developing heart failure, especially among former smokers and people with...

How the harmful mercury gets into the sea

Every year, 2,000 metric tons of gaseous mercury are released into the atmosphere by coal-fired power stations and mining activities. The harmful substance then adopts...

When our Earth’s single most important evolutionary innovation originated

Sometime in Earth’s early history, the planet took a turn toward habitability when a group of enterprising microbes known as cyanobacteria evolved oxygenic photosynthesis...

Scientists find new way to remove lead from drinking water

Engineers at MIT have developed a new approach to removing lead or other heavy-metal contaminants from water, in a process that they say is...

Poor air quality link to the development of type 2 diabetes

In a new study from UCLA and elsewhere, researchers found older Californians who live in communities with poor air quality, even those who engage—as...