Marine Protected Areas should be managed as integrated networks rather than isolated units because of the high degree of exchange between them, a new study suggests. The researchers found that the large majority of sea bream (Sparidae) and wrasse (Labridae) fish spawned in MPA study sites in the Mediterranean Sea were transported via currents to other MPAs and unprotected areas, highlighting their interconnected nature.

Scientists recommend policies that alternate between mowing and grazing to manage Europe’s high-nature-value grasslands. This comes after a new seven-year study found that a high plant-species diversity helps grasslands to maintain productivity and to resist depletion of phosphorus caused by livestock grazing and depletion of potassium caused by mowing.

New research has examined three different categories of Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA), each with different goals. The researchers find that overlaps between the three assessments could be combined to create a more comprehensive form of ERA, usable by regulators and environmental decision makers. There is an inherent trade-off between increasing agricultural production and protection of biodiversity. This study models the effects of biodiversity conservation agri-environment schemes (AESs) and ecosystem service provider schemes, and shows that determining the aim of an agri-environment scheme is key to improving its efficiency. Such an optimisation could allow AES to be rolled out more generally to provide the backbone for both high yields and enhanced farmland biodiversity, say the researchers.

Reconciling human development with conservation requires a comprehensive understanding of the current ecological condition and spatial distribution of land. Using recent and spatially explicit global datasets, this study quantifies the degree of human modification across all terrestrial lands, ecoregions, and biomes1. The results suggest that fewer unmodified lands remain than previously reported and that the majority of the world is in a state of intermediate modification, with 52% of ecoregions classified as ‘moderately modified’. The researchers state that these regions are highly fragmented due to human activities and fall within critical land-use thresholds2 — they require urgent attention. These regions, therefore, require proactive spatial planning to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function before vital environmental resources are lost.

Cyanobacteria — often referred to as blue-green algae — are found in water bodies around the world and can produce toxins with potential health risks. This US-wide study found a significant positive association between cyanobacterial bloom coverage and death by non-alcoholic liver disease. The researchers say their study suggests some evidence of a potential health risk and should be used to generate further investigation into the health impact of cyanobacteria.

A methodology for assessing ‘chemical footprints’ has been developed by researchers to evaluate human pressures and the impact of chemicals released by the production and consumption of goods. The study integrates a life-cycle approach with different methodologies, such as those developed in the context of environmental risk assessment and sustainability science, with the aim of assessing the extent to which chemicals impact on ecosystems beyond their ability to recover (i.e. surpass planetary boundaries).

Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution change the relationship between the tropical coral Stylophora pistillata and the algae living inside its tissues, a recent study has found. The researchers say the pollutants, mainly from urban and agricultural discharges, affect algae photosynthesis and the essential transfer of carbon from algae to the coral.

Pesticide-related poisonings in EU Member States must be reported to the European Commission under current legislation, but there is no standard information collection and reporting system. A new system has been proposed, which harmonises data collection, categorisation and reporting, enabling exposure data to be compared among Member States. The new system would improve the monitoring of pesticides in Europe and aid the identification of emerging problems.

According to most EU legislation, regulatory assessment of chemicals should make use of all available and relevant studies. However, in practice, assessments tend to be predominantly based on research sponsored and provided by industry as part of their legal obligations to show safety of their products, rather than on independent peer-reviewed findings. To bridge this science–policy gap, a team of Swedish researchers, in combination with regulators at three Swedish governmental agencies, have published a list of recommendations aimed at increasing the regulatory usability and impact of academic research. This advice is aimed at researchers, for whom it clarifies relevant regulatory data requirements and quality criteria. However, it is also relevant to policymakers, in that it highlights the advantages and availability of relevant, reliable peer-reviewed research for use in the regulatory assessment of chemicals. The study’s recommendations contribute to the formulation of more science-based, sustainable policies.

Living near busy roads is associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia, according to French researchers. The study found that children living within 500 metres of major roads were more likely to develop leukaemia than those who lived far from such roads. It is possible that high levels of traffic pollution from the roads are responsible for the higher rates of the illness.

Setting cycle and footpaths further back from the road can significantly lower the amount of air pollution that cyclists and pedestrians inhale, suggests new research. While wide gaps are not always practical, the study shows that even small increases in distance could substantially reduce the dose of pollution.

European buildings built in the 1950s, 60s and 70s may contribute towards levels of toxins in the body, a new study suggests. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found at elevated levels in children that lived in houses and studied in schools built during this period, before PCBs were more thoroughly regulated in the construction industry. Although food is generally a more concentrated source of these toxins, the authors say exposure through these environments should be minimised wherever possible.

Preserving biodiversity seems to reduce the emergence and spread of human diseases in many cases, according to an investigation into the links between biodiversity and human health. It concludes that there is mounting evidence indicating that preserving ecosystems in their natural state generally decreases the occurrence of infectious diseases.

ASHBURN – Due to inclement weather early in the closure that began Sept. 24, Old Ryan Road between the southern Mooreview Parkway intersection and...

Video: Music can spark creativity in math and science.

It's colder up here and the harvest is earlier, but that's not the only reason Canadian Thanksgiving is different than American Thanksgiving.

A study from the Civil Society Institute reveals that party lines divide many people's feelings about global warming, energy independence and green jobs. Here a

Researchers find patients with severe psoriasis were almost twice as likely to have Type 2 diabetes than those without the skin condition.

Between Ceylon and cassia cinnamon, which is better and how do you tell them apart? Here's the scoop.

Get ready to break out the tissues with this video featuring children from the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.

The rotavirus vaccine may also have the unexpected advantage of reducing rates of Type 1 diabetes.

Matt Hickman unravels the mysteries behind offsetting CO2 and buying RECs. (Hint: One of them can fund tree-planting efforts.)

By choosing wisely with kitchen sponges you can keep plastic out of the landfill.

A new study looks at the co-evolutionary 'arms race' between a brood parasite and its hosts.

As a wall goes up dividing the U.S. and Mexico, a range of environmental concerns are surfacing. Conservation photographer Krista Schlyer documents the impact.

Scientists and artists have more in common than one might think. Many techniques used by artists are just as indispensable for scientists, who use interesting i

These stone fruits look and taste similar, but they're not always interchangeable in recipes.

SkyBridge, North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, opened earlier this year in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And now it's ready for Christmas.

Corns and calluses are hardened layers of skin that occur on your hands and feet. They can be painful, and they're not pretty. Here's how to get rid of them.

Health care is essential, but so is a smartphone if you want to get a job or even sign up for health care ... despite what Jason Chaffetz says.

The proportional refunds for customers in distress follows Admiral's flat £25 payment but broker customers are not included in the £30m LV has set aside for rebates.

Recently participating in a weekly soccer league, Florida Business Consulting have been promoting the similarities that successful sports teams and businessmen and women share.

International distance calculator between cities is available for all countries. It's a fast way to get answers for simple questions, e.g.: distance between cities, directions from one city to another, distance as the crow flies with weather online

What do the terms really mean when it comes to weather

The Mesothelioma Victims Center does not want one US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma to confuse a significant financial compensation settlement with what could be a monthly VA disability payment that might be around a thousand dollars.

CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) appoints its new chairman, Datuk Zainal Amanshah.

The US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate does not want one US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma to confuse a significant financial compensation settlement of possibly a million dollars with a monthly VA disability payment that might be $3000.

TuneFab (https://www.tunefab.com/), the most professional multimedia software provider, has officially announced a new product WeTrans to help iOS users in transferring music, videos, photos, audiobooks, contacts and SMS between iOS devices and PC.

The announcement followed a meeting between Finland's foreign trade minister Ville Skinnari and Russian Railways head Oleg Belozerov during an official visit to Russia's capital last week.

"Mission AI is about giving people access to the research that is defining our future so that they can participate in problem-solving on implementing AI with the research and business communities." -- Charlie Oliver

Squishy Brains Studio announces the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for the "World of Humans" project.

Google this week announced that Google Authenticator users can now transfer 2-Step Verification (2SV) secrets between devices.

The new feature is meant to make it easier for users to manage their Google Authenticator 2SV codes across multiple devices.

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TDS vs EC meter – Which one to buy? If you are a beginner in Hydroponics, it is certain, at some point, you would have had this question in your mind. Should I buy an EC meter or a TDS meter? While the users are split on which one is better, it is good to […]

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