In small-molecule single-crystal structure determination, we now have at our disposal an inspiring range of fantastic diffractometers with better, brighter sources, and faster, more sensitive detectors. Faster and more powerful computers provide integrated tools and software with impressive graphical user interfaces. Yet these tools can lead to the temptation not to check the work thoroughly and one can too easily overlook tell-tale signs that something might be amiss in a structure determination; validation with checkCIF is not always revealing. This article aims to encourage practitioners, young and seasoned, by enhancing their structure-determination toolboxes with a selection tips and tricks on recognizing and handling aspects that one should constantly be aware of. Topics include a pitfall when setting up data collections, the usefulness of reciprocal lattice layer images, processing twinned data, tips for disorder modelling and the use of restraints, ensuring hydrogen atoms are added to a model correctly, validation beyond checkCIF, and the derivation and interpretation of the final results.

Organic pesticides may not always be the most environmentally-friendly choice of pest control, according to recent research. Two new synthetic pesticides for controlling aphids were found to be less harmful to other species and more efficient than the two new organic pesticides tested in the study.

Wind turbine noise can be detected at low levels, even when it is heard alongside motorway traffic noise, a study finds. It is possible for louder motorways to drown out turbine noise, however. The participants in this listening experiment could easily detect wind turbine noise, but only once they knew it was present in recordings of environmental noise.

Travelling by coach or train has a lower impact on the climate than travelling by air or car, but using a small diesel car to carry several passengers can have similarly low impacts per person, new research suggests. Air travel is the worst form of transport, in terms of global warming impact, the researchers found, but the average percentage occupancy of a mode of transport significantly affects the impact per passenger.

The measures available to reduce the noise and vibration produced by trains have been outlined in a recent study. The researchers say the most appropriate mitigation should be determined on a case-by-case basis and life-cycle assessments can help analyse the economic costs and carbon footprint of different methods.

Monitoring and evaluation of conservation projects is vital to ensuring their success. However, there is currently a lack of clarity about the different methods available and the ways in which they can complement each other. For this study the researchers explore the characteristics of five approaches — ambient monitoring, management assessment, performance measurement, impact evaluation, and systematic review — and examine their strengths and weaknesses.

ew research indicates that educational policies can affect the environmental, health and financial impacts of school commuting. It found that the most effective school-enrolment policy for reducing traffic emissions is to send children to the school closest to where they live.

A fun, not-so-serious, but still-helpful chart that helps you select a vino based on what you're doing, not what you're eating.

From the researcher who discovered peacock spiders, a new Australian spider species engages in a complex game to determine if a potential mate is a virgin.

Here is a sneak preview of what to expect when the AR5 report is issued next week, based on the leaks so far.

If policing your child’s plate at a holiday dinner dampens the celebration, this one tip may be incredibly freeing for you and your children.

Apparently touring other people's chicken coops is what all the cool kids are doing these days.

Some trails are more attractive for solo treks because of their blend of solitude and safety.

If you're looking for ideas on where to travel this summer, this list compiled through a Yelp algorithm is a good starting point.

Here's our list of royal gardens to consider adding to your Best-of-Britain tourist itinerary.

We've got picks that include documentaries, fantasy, fiction and even kid movies.

Radiators, radiant floors or hot air? It’s complicated.

New study says it's not about the best light, but where solar and wind can do the most good.

Web site and mobile app help you find the lowest gas prices in your area.

These chips delicious and include a bevy of healthy ingredients too!

Morieka Johnson helps you choose what to get at the grocery and the sushi bar. Plus: 10 fish to avoid.

The simplest and best way to get rid of poison ivy is 'very carefully.'

Yes, you can get the digital chaos under control. Here's how.

Products that carry fair trade certification are sourced from places where the workers are paid fair wages for their work and the working conditions are safe. H

The world needs more trees -- here are recommended varieties for planting.

Every year, the number of green college programs — and the number of students enrolled in them — rises, as careers in environmental policy, sustainability,

MNN rounds up some of the Web's most useful tools for shrinking your footprint.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't the only days when you can get good deals on a range of gifts.

If you're doling out gift cards for Christmas, you might as well just give out cash.

A new study says the best messages (for some people) are energy efficiency and saving money.

From natural beauty to parties, openings and shows, the start of fashion week brings plenty of green goodness!

Having a hard time deciding on a tablet to give that special someone? A roundtable of tech experts can help you make an informed decision.

From avocados and Scott Baio to David Bowie's 'Starman,' the big game has it all.

Sitting in the Caribbean, only 56 miles from the coast of Florida, Grand Bahama is one of the closest major islands to the United States. Easy access from the N

In the wake of the big Northeast storm, here's a look at some of the smart all-wheel drive choices for getting you through snow and ice

Here's how to store some of the produce you bring home.

The most effective way to remove pesticides from apple skins is to soak them in a baking soda and water solution. (It works better than bleach.)

Spending the day on the beach is fun, but eventually you to come out of the water to eat — and that can be difficult.

From a wolf moon eclipse to multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, here's what not to miss in the January 2020 night sky.

We may be able to hack our brains to solve problems while we sleep.

Hard-working people like Thomas Edison make better role models, according to research that compared Albert Einstein to Edison.

Drug stores start offering flu shots in early summer, but the CDC recommends getting a shot by the end of October.

Nutritionists say it's not just what we eat, but when we eat dinner that matters.

German Christmas markets or Christkindlmarkt celebrate the holiday season with crafts, food and fun.

Belinda Richards captures pet personalities and turns them into art.

Here are seven of our favorite waterfalls in national parks.

Prices are low, values are high and there aren't a lot of crowds in shoulder season.