Environment

After nearly a decade of laboratory work, the research team has confirmed three new forest mice species. This raises the number of endemic mammals on Mindoro to twelve, cementing the island as the smallest known island where mammal speciation has taken place.

A new study found that land use (agricultural or forested) and the season (wet or dry) significantly impact groundwater quality, but in different ways.

Near the eastern coast of Luzon, Philippines is the Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo. Researchers from the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute discovered that it is a thriving ecosystem full of unique, untouched biodiversity.

The Mindoro Archaeology Project has found compelling evidence of the pivotal role of the Philippine archipelago in ancient maritime Southeast Asia.

The Ateneo de Manila University Biodiversity Research Laboratory #SalaguGang does it again.

In response to rising energy demand and urban heat island effects in Taipei, an energy raft foundation was constructed beneath a 13-story residential building to provide energy-efficient indoor heating and cooling for the residents while acting as a structural support for the superstructure. This study investigated the thermal response of the energy raft foundation using three-dimensional coupled thermo-hydraulic finite element analysis. The numerical model was validated against field measurements. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influences of ground heat exchanger (GHE) spacing and pattern on heat exchange efficiency. The study found that GHE pipe spacing and length were crucial in maximizing heat exchange efficiency while minimizing the thermal impact on nearby structures. This research enhances the understanding of the thermal responses of energy rafts and supports the development of sustainable building solutions in dense urban environments.

What if we could supply 85% of Japan’s electricity needs using infrastructure that already exists? Rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle batteries are the dynamic duo proposed by a new study.

The new model could help policy-makers understand how the spatial distribution of industrial firms and their impact on the local environment affect regional development.

Higher maternal selenium levels during pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of streptococcal infections in children, suggesting a potential protective effect.

Identification of plant species at high risk of extinction in climate-sensitive alpine ecosystems.

Multi-layered mBC/CS/WPU films, made via spraying, mercerization, and infiltration, offer synergistic protection comparable to petroleum-based

Researchers from National Taiwan University reveal how electric scooter battery-swapping systems can enhance grid flexibility and support urban decarbonization.

In-situ phosphatized Ni–N3PC boosts CO2 to CO conversion in acidic electrolyte, suppresses HER, and achieves >90% FECO with high stability.

Professor Carlos M. Duarte, Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor of Marine Science, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has been awarded the Japan Prize. Second time a KAUST scientist receives the award.

An analysis of satellite imagery of major river systems in the Philippines has revealed surprising insights into how rivers behave, with significant implications for river management in tropical settings.

A sustainable technology is unveiled to decouple chemical biomass oxidation from hydrogen production, offering new opportunities for carbon-neutral manufacturing.

Light conditions in the morning before waking up affect restfulness

A new study has found that only 9.5% of plastic materials produced globally in 2022 were manufactured from recycled materials. The findings, reported in Communications Earth & Environment, are part of a comprehensive analysis of the global plastics sector.

Large-scale multidisciplinary ecological survey reveals long-term changes in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean

A genomic study of hydrogen-producing bacteria has revealed entirely new gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen.

Enhanced westerly winds associated with global warming will strengthen the clockwise circulations and heat transport to the ice sheet in the East Antarctic coastal area.

YNU researchers analyzed how vascular plant species richness, asynchrony, bryophyte cover, and other factors influence the temporal stability of plant communities.

Examining the effects of the ONIKURU multifunctional facility on daily walking time

Despite decades of warnings about overfishing, Southeast Asia’s capture fisheries have proven remarkably robust.

Constructed strain achieves record-high yield from methanol, advancing eco-friendly biomanufacturing

Key Insights and Actionable Solutions from GDC 2024 Parallel Session on Research Systems

Surviving Antarctica, Probiotics ease anxiety, Ancient mariners, Addressing large urban fires, Smart patch & Dying galaxies. Plus Women experts for International Women’s Day 2025. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

For International Women's Day, we have prepared a list of women experts who have agreed to share their expertise with journalists. Their expertise include AI, astronomy, medicine and public health, sustainability, women’s rights, and more.

Comprehensive screening analysis of organohalogen compounds in blubber samples of 11 toothed whale species stranded on Japanese coasts revealed species-specific accumulation profiles, with a total of over 300 organohalogen compounds detected. For the first time, the composition profiles of marine natural products were found to be useful indicators of the feeding habitats and migration history of individual whale species.

Eight CO2 capture processes were evaluated in terms of economics, environmental impact, and equipment footprint, based on rigorous modeling.