Read the full story at EnvironmentalResearchWeb.
Ancient cultures were able to farm in regions that are now uncultivated. But what is the potential of using their sophisticated techniques to adapt to today’s climate-change-related aridification? A recent publication by Eva Kaptjin of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences investigates.
Read the full story from the Washington Post.
As both president and candidate, Donald Trump has made headlines for rejecting some ideas widely agreed upon among scientists, such as the notion that humans are warming the planet.
Trump Cabinet officials have, in turn, rolled back rules meant to curb the release of atmosphere-warming gases in an effort to bolster U.S. businesses they say they are encumbered by regulations.
But even deep within government agencies, groups of independent scientists traditionally consulted by political appointees for policy changes on issues such as public health or worker safety are meeting less frequently — or being asked not to come in at all.
Read the full story from the USGS.
Body symmetry of Forster’s terns (Sterna forsteri) in San Francisco Bay was related to blood and feather mercury concentrations. Body asymmetry can affect a bird’s fitness by reducing flight efficiency, thus increasing energetic costs (especially during migration) and interrupting normal feeding and breeding behaviors.
Additional information
Herring, G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., and Ackerman, J.T., (2017). “Mercury exposure may influence fluctuating asymmetry in waterbirds.” Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 36(60), 1599-1605, doi: 10.1002/etc.3688.
Herring, G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., and Ackerman, J.T. (2016) “Fluctuating asymmetry in waterbirds in relation to mercury exposure.” U. S. Geological Survey Data Release. https://dx.doi.org/10.5066/F7KW5D5Z
Read the full story from the USGS.
Neonicotinoids were not detected in native prairie plants placed next to agricultural fields several years after discontinuation of neonicotinoid seed treatment. In addition, neonicotinoid concentrations were lower or absent in soils and runoff at sites with the native prairie strips.
Original Research Article: Hladik, M.L., Bradbury, S., Schulte, L.A., Helmers, M., Witte, C., Kolpin, D.W., Garrett, J.D., and Harris, M., 2017, “Neonicotinoid insecticide removal by prairie strips in row-cropped watersheds with historical seed coating use.” Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 241, 60-167, doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2017.03.015.
Read the full story at Meat + Poultry.
McDonald’s Corp. has pledged to use more sustainable packaging in its restaurants around the world. By 2025, 100 percent of the company’s customer packaging will come from renewable, recycled or certified sources with a preference for Forest Stewardship Council certification. The company also has set a goal to recycle packaging at all of its restaurants by 2025.
Proposals due February 16, 2018.
The FY 2018 EJ Collaborative Problem-Solving solicitation is now open. Ten awards will be made (one award per region) in amounts of up to $120,000 per award for a two-year project period. Cooperative agreements will be awarded to local community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations seeking to address environmental and public health concerns in local underserved communities through collaboration with other stakeholders, such as local businesses and industry, local government, medical providers, and academia.
Read the full story in Pacific Standard.
The attorneys general from New York and Connecticut filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly failing to curb smog pollution blowing in from other states.
Read the full story from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Inspired by biology, a PNNL-led team of scientists has created new tiny tubes that could help with water purification and tissue engineering studies
Read the full story in Science Daily.
A new study shows that sampling headwaters where streams form can identify which landscapes are resilient enough to handle the rigors of farming and which are vulnerable to leaching toxic residue into waterways.
