Science

Since the 1990’s scientists in Ukraine and overseas have been saying that the land can be safely used again despite contamination by radiocaesium and radiostrontium. But political complexities have meant that the land remains officially abandoned. That hasn’t stopped a few farmers taking matters into their own hands and beginning unofficial production in some areas. The new study has confirmed that the farmers were right – crops can be grown safely in most areas.

A new study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden has uncovered a surprising layer of diversity in tropical forests. Not only are the forests populated by a dizzying number of tree species, but each of those species takes a different approach to chemistry, increasing the array of natural compounds that provide important functions for the plants — and potentially for humans.

The energy from ‘microlightning’ might have powered chemical reactions that formed the building blocks for life on Earth. When water sprays as a fine mist — after the crash of a wave, for example — it forms minute, charged droplets. The proximity of oppositely-charged droplets to one another generates an electrical discharge and a tiny flash of light.

Groq’s groundbreaking AI infrastructure, backed by Saudi Arabia’s investment, not only strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in AI but also amplifies the potential for AI to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Sustainable products must solve real challenges for stakeholders. This means developing solutions that meet consumer demand, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. Companies should prioritize innovative approaches that regenerate ecosystems, optimize resource use, and create value across the supply chain.

The research team used an environmentally-friendly preparation of lignin as a substitute for 20% of the fossil fuel-based chemicals in the foam. The bio-based foam was as strong and flexible as typical polyurethane foam.

Saudi Arabia until recently was hermetically sealed to the outside world. But times are changing and the Kingdom of Saud which once dwelled in...

Japanese teams have tried to isolate and retrieve bits of radioactive fuel in the past. This was the first successful attempt. Knowing more about the radioactive nature of the spent fuel will help TEPCO decommission the reactor. 

Reaffirming its ongoing support for environmental initiatives, especially in Pennsylvania, Colcom Foundation has awarded a generous $50,000 grant to PennEnvironment.

Sunflowers dance to maximize each others' light.

A summer internship for American college students is almost as important as going to school. If you are an aspiring archeologist you head to Israel. If you are an artist, you spend the summer in Florence, but if you are a scientist interested in climate change you might want to visit one of the hottest places on earth in Saudi Arabia.

Project Reeframe is a pioneering coral reef restoration project based in the UAE, run by Freestyle Divers. By creating artificial reefs and transplanting rescued coral fragments, Project Reeframe aims to restore damaged reefs, promote biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems.

To construct the bots, the team linked strands of a positively charged polymer to magnetic microparticles, which only move when exposed to a magnetic field. The polymer strands, which radiate from the surface of the beads, attract both plastics and microbes.

Plant lovers in the United States will soon be able to buy glowing petunias (Petunia hybrida). The $29 US plant, sold by biotech firm Light Bio, contains genes from a bioluminescent mushroom (Neonothopanus nambi).

For the first time scientists have determined that due to the ongoing deforestation in the Amazon basin in recent decades, the number of thunderstorms and rain in the region has decreased significantly, and the area over which they occur has shrunk.