Showing 20 articles starting at article 1301
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Environmental: Ecosystems
Published Complete picture of Arctic sea ice freeze-thaw cycle highlights sea ice response to climate change
(via sciencedaily.com) Years of research show that climate change signals are amplified in the Arctic, and that sea ice in this region is sensitive to increases in Arctic warming. Sea ice greatly modifies the exchanges of heat, momentum and mass between the atmosphere and the ocean. So, the timings of the sea ice melt and freeze onsets, as well as the length of the melt and freeze seasons, play a key role in the 'heat budget' of the atmosphere-ice-ocean system.
Published Hibernating corals and the microbiomes that sustain them
(via sciencedaily.com) What happens to a coral's microbiome while it hibernates? A new study found microbial communities shift while a coral sleeps, which may inform coral health and recovery efforts.
Published Old-growth trees more drought tolerant than younger ones, providing a buffer against climate change
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new analysis of more than 20,000 trees on five continents shows that old-growth trees are more drought tolerant than younger trees in the forest canopy and may be better able to withstand future climate extremes. The findings highlight the importance of preserving the world's remaining old-growth forests, which are biodiversity strongholds that store vast amounts of planet-warming carbon, according to forest ecologists.
Published Team recycles previously unrecyclable plastic
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have discovered a way to chemically recycle PVC into usable material, finding a way to use the phthalates in the plasticizers -- one of PVC's most noxious components -- as the mediator for the chemical reaction.
Published Researchers introduce an energy-efficient method to enhance thermal conductivity of polymer composites
(via sciencedaily.com) Thermally conductive polymer composites consist of fillers oriented in certain directions that form pathways for heat flow. However, conventional methods to control the orientation of these fillers are energy-intensive and require surface modifications that can deteriorate the quality and properties of these materials. Now, researchers have developed an energy-efficient method to control the orientation of the fillers without the need for surface modification, resulting in improvement in thermal conductivity.
Published Major fires an increasing risk as the air gets thirstier, research shows
(via sciencedaily.com) Greater atmospheric demand for water means a dramatic increase in the risk of major fires in global forests unless we take urgent and effective climate action, new research finds. Researchers have examined global climate and fire records in all of the world's forests over the last 20 years.
Published Engineers use quantum computing to develop transparent window coating that blocks heat, saves energy
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists have devised a transparent coating for windows that could help cool the room, use no energy and preserve the view.
Published Strongest Arctic cyclone on record led to surprising loss of sea ice
(via sciencedaily.com) The strongest Arctic cyclone ever observed struck in January 2022. A new analysis shows that while forecasts accurately predicted the massive storm, models seriously underestimated its effect on sea ice. Results suggest where forecast models for a changing Arctic Ocean could improve.
Published 1930s Dust Bowl led to extreme heat around Northern Hemisphere
(via sciencedaily.com) The 1930s Dust Bowl affected heat extremes across much of North America and as far away as Europe and East Asia, according to new research. The study found that the extreme heating of the Great Plains triggered motions of air around the Northern Hemisphere in ways that suppressed cloud formation in some regions and contributed to record heat thousands of miles away.
Published Cooling down solar cells, naturally
(via sciencedaily.com) Too much sun and too much heat can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaics. A solar farm with optimally spaced panels facing the correct direction could cool itself through convection using the surrounding wind. Researchers explored how to exploit the geometry of solar farms to enhance natural cooling mechanisms.
Published Mangroves: Environmental guardians of our coastline
(via sciencedaily.com) They are the salt-tolerant shrubs that thrive in the toughest of conditions, but according to new UniSA research, mangroves are also avid coastal protectors, capable of surviving in heavy metal contaminated environments.
Published High-performance and compact vibration energy harvester created for self-charging wearable devices
(via sciencedaily.com) A research team has developed a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) piezoelectric vibration energy harvester, which is only about 2 cm in diameter with a U-shaped metal vibration amplification component. The device allows for an increase of approximately 90 times in the power generation performance from impulsive vibration. Since the power generation performance can be improved without increasing the device size, the technology is expected to generate power to drive small wearable devices from non-steady vibrations, such as walking motion.
Published Forests benefit from tree species variety and genetic diversity
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Reforestation projects should include a variety of tree species and ensure genetic diversity within each species to maximize new forests' health and productivity.
Published Plastic additives contaminate the sea and selectively harm corals' reproduction processes, research finds
(via sciencedaily.com) A new study examined the effect of plastic additives on the reproductive process and larvae development of corals and other organisms commonly found in the coral reef of Eilat.
Published Research unearths obscure heat transfer behaviors
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have found that boron arsenide, which has already been viewed as a highly promising material for heat management and advanced electronics, also has a unique property. After reaching an extremely high pressure that is hundreds of times greater than the pressure found at the bottom of the ocean, boron arsenide's thermal conductivity actually begins to decrease. The results suggest that there might be other materials experiencing the same phenomenon under extreme conditions.
Published Researchers discover root exudates have surprising and counterintuitive impact on soil carbon storage
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers examined root exudates and their impact on soil carbon storage revealing surprising and counterintuitive results.
Published Biodiversity in Africa and Latin America at risk from oil palm expansion, new report warns
(via sciencedaily.com) Zero deforestation commitments may inadvertently leave vital habitats in Latin America and Africa vulnerable to agricultural expansion, a new study has found.
Published A life-inspired system dynamically adjusts to its environment
(via sciencedaily.com) The system regulates its own temperature in response to environmental disturbances.
Published Animals are key to restoring the world's forests
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source By dispersing seeds, animals can rapidly reestablish plant diversity in degraded forests.
Published Less intensively managed grasslands have higher plant diversity and better soil health
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have shown -- for the first time -- that less intensively managed British grazed grasslands have on average 50% more plant species and better soil health than intensively managed grassland. The new study could help farmers increase both biodiversity and soil health, including the amount of carbon in the soil of the British countryside.