ScienceDaily: Earth & Climate News

A new study documents an inexpensive, spark-free, optical-based hydrogen sensor that is more sensitive -- and faster -- than previous models.

Microalgae of the dinoflagellate group have engaged in intracellular symbioses with corals since primeval times. Researchers recently discovered that such symbioses depend on the ability of the algae to suppress the immune system of their host cell and thereby avoid being 'spit out' again. The researchers also found indications that this cellular immune response is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism that is more widespread than previously assumed.

A new study may answer 'one of the greatest mysteries of our time . . . when humans made the first bold journey to the Americas.'

With threats of water scarcity complicating the need to feed a growing global population, it is more important than ever to get crop irrigation right. Overwatering can deplete local water supplies and lead to polluted runoff, while underwatering can lead to sub-optimal crop performance. Yet few farmers use science-based tools to help them decide when and how much to water their crops.

Melting of the Arctic ice sheets caused rapid methane release from the ocean floor during the last two deglaciations, according to a new study. A similar release is likely to happen today, and should be included in climate models, say the scientists.

A study has found that shade can mitigate the effects of heat stress on corals.

Scientists have shown that almost all the world's glaciers are becoming thinner and losing mass - and that these changes are picking up pace. The team's analysis is the most comprehensive and accurate of its kind to date.

Researchers have now discovered that electrodes in lithium batteries containing cobalt can be reused as is after being newly saturated with lithium. In comparison to traditional recycling, which typically extracts metals from crushed batteries by melting or dissolving them, the new process saves valuable raw materials, and likely also energy.

A large study reveals the way relative brain size of mammals changed over the last 150 million years.

Researchers combined sightings data reported by members of the public and oceanographic modelling tools to show how lost ink cartridges reached their resting place.

Is forest harvesting increasing in Europe? Yes, but not as much as reported last July in a controversial study. Forest harvest has increased by just 6% in recent years, not 69% as reported by the European Commission's Joint Research Center. The errors are due to satellite sensitivity and natural disturbances according to a response paper authored by 30 scientists from 13 European countries.

Researchers found that a silica surface such as sand has little effect on slowing down the movement of the plastics, but that natural organic matter resulting from decomposition of plant and animal remains can either temporarily or permanently trap the nanoscale plastic particles, depending on the type of plastics. The work could lead to the development of better ways to filter out and clean up pervasive plastics from the environment.

Drought is often blamed for the periodic disruptions of ancient Pueblo societies of the U.S. Southwest, but in a study with potential implications for the modern world, archaeologists found evidence that slowly accumulating social tension likely played a substantial role in three dramatic upheavals in Pueblo development. The findings show that Pueblo farmers often persevered through droughts, but when social tensions were increasing, even modest droughts could spell the end of an era of development.