As temperatures rise, tropical forests will become more stressed and photosynthesize less.
Health & Ecosystems
Biocrust “Probiotics” Can Aid Dryland Restoration Efforts
Bacteria can speed up the growth of biocrust-forming organisms in nurseries, providing more material for restoration of degraded dryland soil.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution from Australian Megafires
Models suggest that thousands of Australians experienced dangerous levels of air pollution for several months, leading to more than a hundred deaths.
Satellites Spy on Sand Mining in the Mekong
Concrete, used in everything from streets to skyscrapers, needs sand, often mined from active rivers in developing countries with little oversight. Researchers can now use satellites to keep watch.
A Gas Pipeline Investigation Built on Community-Centered Ideas
From developing a research question to enacting solutions, environmental justice requires community engagement in every step of the scientific process.
Settlement of Rapa Nui May Have Been Doomed by a Dearth of Dust
Rapa Nui and Hawai‘i offer a tale of two island settlements: Hawai‘i was close enough to Asia for continental dust to help replenish soil nutrients depleted by agriculture. Rapa Nui wasn’t.
Remote Sensing Could Predict Well Water Quality After Floods
After a flood, most people rely on officials to test public water sources. Private well owners are on their own, with little data to guide testing and treatment. New research seeks to change that.
New “Snakebot” Could Map Cambodian Minefields
By navigating under dense vegetation, an innovative robot could significantly reduce the monetary, environmental, and human cost of demining Cambodia.
Native Super Trees Could Provide Climate Solutions to Houston
A Houston nonprofit identified 14 native “super tree” species that are particularly promising for mitigating climate change and public health concerns.