By analysing previous disasters, lessons learnt can be incorporated into policies and plans to manage the effects of future disasters. A recent study examining the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake in Italy suggests that although the national response effectively dealt with the emergency, longer-term measures to help local populations cope with the aftermath of the disaster need to be set out more clearly.

Networks of wireless sensors could be used to monitor traffic noise. A new study shows that the wifi sensor systems, although slightly less accurate than precision noise monitoring systems, can provide detailed information, with dense coverage, about traffic noise over a longer period. Their low cost and low energy requirements make them particularly suitable and attractive for use by local authorities or even community groups.

A new study provides clues as to which innovative low-carbon technologies will successfully get onto the market quickly. The historical analysis of 16 energy technologies — from steam engines to wind power — found that the average length of a product’s ‘formative phase’ is 22 years. This important period of innovation in a technology’s development is shorter for products which do not need extensive new infrastructure or changes to user behaviour. The findings could help policymakers identify new technologies that can be deployed more rapidly to meet short-term environmental targets.

Large imports of low-cost Russian wood to Finland up until 2007 increased pressure on Russian forest ecosystems, whilst reducing harvest pressure on Finnish forests and those of other European countries that consume wood-based products made in Finland, according to research. This highlights the need to take the international dimension of environmental impacts into account when designing sustainable production and consumption policies.

It can take six to seven years before the financial benefits of brownfield regeneration projects are realised, according to a new study which focused on redevelopment in Michigan, USA. The study examines liability issues, regulatory concerns, clean-up standards and funding mechanisms, and introduces a new model that informs debate on brownfield redevelopment policies and funding mechanisms.

The benefit from big data only comes if you have knowledge of data capabilities and limitations.

The UK government on Friday launched a new virtual cyber security school aimed at encouraging teenagers to learn new skills while stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. As part of the free lessons, youngsters can learn how to crack codes, fix security flaws and dissect criminals' digital trails while progressing through a game as a cyber agent.

Home sellers in California's state capital now have a new way to sell their homes with certainty and control over what is traditionally a stressful and complex process

Sellers in Tampa Bay can now sell their homes to Zillow and avoid the uncertainty and work that comes with selling traditionally

Homeowners in 22 markets across the country can get a free cash offer to sell their home with no hassle and a flexible closing date

Zillow is the first company to help Cincinnati sellers avoid common hassles of selling traditionally; With this launch, Zillow is expanding its local presence, in addition to the existing Zillow Group office

Looking for a shortcut to salvation? The pope has an offer too good to resist.

Singer says she was almost attacked after the animal mistook her phone for a fish.

A giant whale swam beneath a group of California surfers and it was captured on drone video.

Officials will offer money to owners of environmentally sensitive farmland if they idle it in a conservation program instead of growing crops.

Explore.org has affixed several high-definition cameras to locations in Churchill, Manitoba, the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World.'

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain, a first for Porsche, can move the car 15.5 miles on battery power alone. But is the mileage figure all smoke and mirrors?

At 15 square meters with an equal amount of outdoor living space, Jonas Wagell's flat-packed Mini House 2.0 is a lovely prefab retreat that can be assembled in

The first animal to evolve on Earth was probably a sponge that existed around 640 million years ago.

Parts of the Appalachian Mountains are so buffered against climatic shifts they may provide a 'stronghold' against global warming, researchers report.

Want to see if your home is a good fit for solar? Project Sunroof offers a decent snapshot from your web browser.

This book with blessings from many cultures and religions will make practicing gratitude for food, family and friends a renewed experience.

Headset was designed to help assist and enrich navigation for the visually impaired.

Honey bees between pollination gigs still need to eat. Efforts are underway to keep them from starving when they’re off the clock.

The number of updates you make a day, how often you use the 'like' button and even your photo album organization can tell your Facebook friends a lot about you.

Organization will provide a one-year membership to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Brown has gone green! UPS has become the first small package carrier to offer its customers the option of purchasing carbon offsets to counteract the CO2 emissi

This month, scientists and tree lovers celebrate the 2nd birthday of a hybrid chestnut tree that may be a force in reducing the impacts of climate change.

Is this the start of a trend in which automakers make money retrofitting older cars?

Environmentalist Peter Bahouth shares the inspiration behind Atlanta's most leafy and lovely Airbnb listing.

It's a little bit Ewokian, a little bit New Urbanist and a whole lot intriguing.

Getaway provides a woodsy, off-grid respite from the concrete jungle.

'Tis the season to mend, modify, repair, tidy-up and perform (not too strenuous) energy- and water-saving tweaks around the house.

Looking for stocking stuffer ideas for your favorite home cooks? Here are some suggestions for super useful tools that they’ll love.

Breaking up (with incandescents) can be hard to do. To help ease the pain, Philips unveils an LED that "lets people hold onto the light they love ..."

Described as a 'portable center piece,' Philips newest smart LED is a super-versatile mood-setter.

The online retailer's new 'Election Heat Map' uses book-sales data to reveal a widespread Republican streak among its American customers.

The design world is agog at its ugliness, and the fact that it was needed in the first place.

Android and iOS users alike will benefit from a redesigned Google Maps app that will include ratings, deals and an incident reporting feature.

More than 80 percent of Rising Tide Car Wash's employees have autism — and its owners hope to increase that number soon.

Tea Party candidate has lots of followers on her website, but a few searches on the revamped site reveals little about issues.

Thought-provoking documentary weaves together stunning imagery with enlightening interviews to show how connected we are to our planet.

There are only 300 blue-throated macaws left in the wild.

Titled 'Bigger Than Life,' a new short video explores Alaskan ice caves with a GoPro-toting drone.

A showcase for American artisans, the virtual shop Catherine's Table is a warm and cozy ode to beautiful things.

We almost lost the art of making true broth, but it has had a massive revival. Now, you can even enjoy it on the streets of New York.

Executives keep a tight lid on the secret to successfully selling grocery staples to the masses.