Exposure to mercury (Hg) is notoriously known for its extreme neurotoxic effects, even to those who study mercury compounds themselves. Renowned physicist Michael Faraday experienced firsthand the detrimental consequences of prolonged exposure to mercury vapors, which forced him to halt his research due to deteriorating health. Another tragic example is lab chemist Karen Wetterhahn, who
Earth
Africa has been plagued by wildfires for thousands of years, and the situation shows no signs of improvement. In fact, the migrating African wildfire season is steadily increasing, with the continent experiencing more than 50% of the total area on Earth that is burning, on average. These wildfires have a significant impact on the African
In a recent publication in the journal Nature Climate Change, researchers argue that addressing inequality is crucial in achieving global Net-Zero goals. The report emphasizes that for effective climate change mitigation, it is essential to acknowledge and overcome the barriers that prevent individuals from adopting low-carbon behaviors. While wealthier individuals have greater capacity to reduce
Last year, Typhoon Hinnamnor made headlines as the first super typhoon to develop at a high latitude since records began. This, coupled with an unanticipated intense downpour in Osong, Chungcheongbuk-do, resulting in numerous casualties, highlights the increasing impact of extreme weather events caused by Earth’s rising temperatures. Professor Seung-Ki Min and Dr. Minkyu Lee from
The erosion of Earth’s topography plays a significant role in the formation of alluvial fans. These fans are created as sediment is entrained in rivers that flow across mountains, canyons, and other naturally steep landscapes within the catchment. The sediment, which can consist of silt, sand, and gravel, is transported through various mechanisms such as
Extreme environmental events are a growing concern as climate change continues to exert its impact on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Heat waves, particularly in the ocean, are proven to be significant contributors to this trend. In the summer of 2021, an unprecedented marine heat wave occurred in the East Sea (Sea of Japan, northwest
A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists, led by Dr. Rebecca Hamilton at the University of Sydney, challenges the previous scientific consensus on the dominant landscape during the Last Glacial Maximum in South East Asia. Contrary to the belief that the region was predominantly dry savannah, the team discovered a mosaic of
Volcanoes are majestic natural phenomena that often leave us in awe of their power and beauty. The 2022 eruption of the Hunga volcano, located in the South Pacific, was no exception. This massive eruption not only led to the collapse of its caldera but also resulted in a tsunami that reached the shores of both
The Brazilian Amazon, the world’s largest contiguous tropical rainforest, is currently facing a severe crisis due to deforestation and climate change. However, amidst this dire situation, there is a glimmer of hope. A new map has been published, showcasing the above-ground biomass in the region, offering crucial insights into the state and potential future of
In 2018, the state of Kerala in India experienced a devastating series of floods that claimed the lives of over 400 people and displaced millions. While monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to tropical Asia, the ability to predict severe flooding has been a longstanding challenge. However, recent research conducted by the Weizmann Institute of Science
The world’s oceans are home to an incredible array of organisms that not only inhabit the seafloor but also have a significant impact on shaping its structure. Despite this, the precise mechanisms by which marine life influences seafloor formation have remained largely unexplored. However, a recent interdisciplinary study conducted by geoscientists from Kiel University, in
Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) play a crucial role in reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, the development and implementation of geologic sequestration sites face numerous barriers. Researchers from the Carnegie Mellon University Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) have identified six clearance points that
The magnitude 6.8 Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco, which occurred on September 8, drew the attention of researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC). Their rapid characterization of the earthquake revealed some unexpected characteristics that shed light on the seismic activity in the region. In this article, we will delve deeper
Ice recovered from high tropical mountains has recently become the focus of a groundbreaking study that offers valuable insights into Earth’s past climate changes. Conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University, this study revealed that oxygen-stable isotope records found in tropical mountain glacier ice cores have the potential to provide scientists with a unique
Electric vehicle ownership is more prevalent in wealthier neighborhoods compared to disadvantaged ones, according to a study conducted by UCLA. However, the research reveals that electric vehicles significantly improve air quality in all communities, regardless of their socio-economic status. Despite this positive finding, the study also highlights the ongoing pollution from gas-powered vehicles in traffic
