ECOLOGICAL RISKS

May 15 2025SCIENCE

The Green Power of Tiny Tech

Bionanotechnology is a big word for a tiny but powerful idea. It is the mix of biology and nanotechnology. This mix is changing how we tackle environmental problems. It is not just about fixing issues but also about creating new, sustainable solutions. The tiny size of nanomaterials and the adaptability of biological systems make this possible. This combination opens...

reading time about 1 minute
Dec 29 2024ENVIRONMENT

The Impact of Petroleum Mulch on Iran's Sand Dune Soils

You might think of petroleum as just something that fuels our cars. But in the Khuzestan province of Iran, it's also used to fight off the desert. Farmers cover their soil with petroleum to stop wind erosion, a process called mulching. This study found that while this method works, it also comes with a hefty price tag for both humans and the environment. Scientists ...

reading time about 1 minute
Dec 19 2024ENVIRONMENT

Microplastics in Compost: A Hidden Threat

You might think compost is all about turning waste into something useful, but there's a hidden problem lurking inside: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are sneaking into our compost from various sources like domestic trash, sewage sludge, and agricultural waste. Once they're in there, they mess up the compost's structure, making it less fertile and difficu...

reading time less than a minute
Dec 13 2024ENVIRONMENT

New Genes, New Species: Navigating Conservation Decisions

Introducing new genes and species into ecosystems can be a game-changer for conservation. It's like adding new players to a team—they can bring fresh skills and boost performance, but they might also disrupt the team's dynamics. Both synthetic biology and conservation introductions have their pros and cons. On one hand, they can help prevent extinctions and restore e...

reading time less than a minute