Scientists are exploring a new way to keep an eye on nuclear reactors. They want to use special towers called eddy covariance towers to detect heat released by reactors. These towers are often used to study how ecosystems exchange heat and water vapor. The idea is to see if we can tell when a reacto
Did you know that soil can be contaminated with lead, which is really harmful to humans? Scientists are testing a cool new method to clean this up. They've been mixing enzymes and charcoal, calling it UCB technology. How does it work? They set up a sand column filled with lead and let water flow thr
As we become more aware of our environment, we're paying closer attention to tiny particles that can pollute the air we breathe. Scientists are working on new, eco-friendly materials for air filters that are both efficient and easy to use. One promising material is a blend of zein and ethylcellulose
Ever wonder how plants can save our environment from harmful pollutants? Well, they do! By absorbing and getting rid of harmful substances, plants act as nature's cleanup crew. This is called phytoremediation—a cool, eco-friendly way to clean up soil, water, and air. Some amazing plants can even gob
An environmental group called Communities for Better Environment has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Oakland. They say the Environmental Impact Report for the Oakland Airport's terminal redevelopment doesn't fully consider the harm it could cause to East Oakland communities. These communities ar
Bridge Industrial, a Chicago-based developer, is pushing for a major commercial project in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The plan involves transforming the old CNH Industrial site on Veterans Boulevard into seven new buildings. However, not everyone is on board. A village advisory committee has expressed co
You’ve probably heard that microplastics (MPs) are bad for the environment, but did you know they also help antibiotics move around in groundwater? This happens because MPs can carry antibiotics like oxytetracycline (OTC) as they journey through soil and surface water. According to research, this me
Ever wondered what's happening with carbon in China? Recently, there's been a buzz about carbon emission trading in different regions. This is a big deal because it's like a market where companies and factories can buy and sell the right to emit carbon. Sounds confusing? Well, let's break it down.
Imagine thousands of kids playing on plastic sports courts and synthetic turf fields. Sounds fun, right? But what if these seemingly safe surfaces are hiding a secret? The dust released from these facilities contains higher levels of toxic metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and even cadm
In California's Briones Regional Park, scientists stumbled upon a fascinating behavior in ground squirrels — they've started hunting and eating voles! This isn't something squirrels are known for, as they usually munch on seeds and plants. But with a recent increase in vole numbers, these critters h
