ECOSYSTEM HEALTH

Jul 02 2025ENVIRONMENT

How Earthworms and Invasive Plants Team Up in Polluted Soil

In some places, the soil is not very healthy. It has something called Cadmium (Cd) in it. This is not good for plants. But, some plants are better at dealing with this than others. These are called invasive plants. They are not from around here. They come from other places and take over. Earthworms live in the soil. They are like tiny farmers. They help plants grow....

reading time about 1 minute
Jun 10 2025ENVIRONMENT

The Power of Time: How Old Trees Boost Stream Health

Riverside forests are super important for keeping streams healthy. Yet, scientists are still figuring out how these forests help tiny tropical streams bounce back from damage. The focus was on 15 different areas in southeastern Brazil. These areas were grouped based on how old their forests are. The goal was to see how well these forests help fix up streams that have...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 22 2025ENVIRONMENT

Heatwaves and Pollution: A Double Whammy for Baltic Sea Plankton

The Baltic Sea is getting hotter, and that's bad news for its tiny plant-like residents, the dinoflagellates. These microscopic organisms are crucial for the sea's health, but they're facing a double threat. First, there are the heatwaves, which are becoming more common and intense due to climate change. Then, there are the pollutants, like antibiotics, that end up i...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 22 2025ENVIRONMENT

DDT's Lingering Impact on New Brunswick's Lakes

In the mid-20th century, a significant portion of New Brunswick's forested areas faced severe defoliation. The solution? DDT, a powerful insecticide. Between 1952 and 1968, roughly half of the province's forests received aerial DDT treatments. This chemical was not a one-and-done deal. It stuck around, lingering in soil and sediments. This persistence raised concerns...

reading time about 1 minute