In the future, people in the Himalayas will have to contend with flooding, while those in the Andes will have longer dry spells and less water. These are the conclusions drawn by researchers, who have used measurement data and climate models to closely examine water balance in both of these mountain ranges.
Are super smart octopuses conscious?
Inky the wild octopus has escaped from the New Zealand National Aquarium. Apparently, he made it out of a small opening in his tank, and suction cup prints indicate he found his way to a drain pipe that emptied to the ocean. Nice job Inky. Your courage gives us the chance to reflect on just how smart cephalopods really are. … Read More
Drought and the Factors That Make It — Monitoring Drought from Space
Category: Managing Water Quality and Precipitation Anomalies Project Team: Uruguay Agriculture III Team Location: International Research Institute for Climate and Society – Palisades, New York Authors: Jerrod Lessel Andrew Kruczkiewicz Mentors/Advisors: Dr. Pietro Ceccato (International Research Institute for Climate Society, The Earth Institute, Columbia University) Past/Other Contributors: Jerrod Lessel (Center Lead) Alex Sweeney Abstract: The importance of monitoring drought is indispensable for … Read More
Phoenix Rising: Urban Heat Island in Maricopa County
Extreme heat causes and exacerbates a number of health problems, leading to hospitalization and death in some cases. The problem of severe heat is notably felt in Maricopa County, Arizona, where the socially disadvantaged and physically vulnerable are especially susceptible to the effects of extreme heat.
Species rule change considered
A government consultation on whether to change the rules governing how contractors deal with protected species when developing sites ends this week.
Octopus dubbed Casper the friendly ghost could be new species
Small, ghostly-white octopus was found in the deep sea off Hawaii and has been likened to the beloved cartoon character.
Mysterious chimp behavior evidence of sacred rituals?
I trampled clumsily through the dense undergrowth, attempting in vain to go a full five minutes without getting snarled in the thorns that threatened my every move.
Flood Damage Costs Will Rise Faster Than Sea Levels, Study Says
Communities facing rising sea levels are likely to see the cost of flood damage increase faster than water levels, concludes a new study.
Just the fear of big predators can alter an entire ecosystem
In the first experiment of its kind, raccoons exposed to the sound of dogs spent much less time foraging and so populations of their prey got a boost.
Solar cells help purify water in developing countries
Researchers have developed a water purification plant that provides clean water far beyond the reach of the electrical grid – thanks to solar cells. These small and portable solar cell stations have now been placed across rural Bangladesh.