Different modelling approaches are used to design and assess air quality plans across Europe. This study assessed the strengths and weaknesses of these different approaches. The researchers conclude that a large variety of models is in use, without a preferred or standard model having emerged yet. They identify integrating local-scale and large-scale models and verifying models with measurements as the most important challenges.

It is important to understand the extent to which atmospheric (air) pollution damages plants (i.e. its phytotoxicity) as well as the wider ecosystem (i.e. its ecotoxicity). For this reason, researchers have adapted the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Vegetative Vigour Test1 for the assessment of the ecotoxicity of samples of aerosol (suspensions of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air). Typically, the test involves spraying the trial liquid on above-ground portions of the plant, such as the leaves. The adapted protocol involves extracting water-soluble aerosol compounds from aerosol samples to spray on the plant. The new protocol is sensitive enough to determine phytotoxicity and establish a clear cause–effect relationship, and as such has the potential to serve as a useful tool for the assessment of the effects of air pollution on environmental and human health.

Small streams are important refuges for biodiversity, yet knowledge of the effects of agricultural pesticides on these freshwater bodies is limited. Researchers have used national monitoring data to determine the number of small streams in Germany where regulatory acceptable concentrations (RACs) of pesticides are exceeded. An analysis of data covering almost 500 pesticides and over 2 000 small streams suggests that agricultural land use is a major contributor of pesticides to streams. Overall, RACs were exceeded at 26% of sampled streams, and exceedances were 3.7 times more likely if a stream was near agricultural land. This finding may have implications for environmental monitoring and agri-environmental measures.

Although methods to assess the impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on terrestrial ecosystems are well defined, impacts on aquatic ecosystems have received less attention. A recent study has shown how the first step of an Environmental Risk Assessment could be applied in an aquatic environment, to assess the exposure of aquatic organisms to proteins in GM crops, using Bt maize as a case study.

Applying a low voltage to polluted river sediment can boost microbes’ natural ability to degrade harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminants, according to a new study. The approach could be a cost-effective, sustainable strategy to bioremediate polluted sites.

Assessments of the effects on organisms likely to come into contact with genetically modified (GM) plants have been reviewed in a recent study. The researchers say such assessments help to understand the potential ecological impacts within the environment and are an important part of the risk assessments for GM plants.

The chemical 1,4-dioxane, a solvent suspected of causing cancer, is very difficult to clean up once it enters the environment. However, hope is offered by recent scientific developments that use plants, bacteria and fungi to decontaminate water resources. Scientists provided a round-up of these 1,4-dioxane bioremediation techniques in a recent analysis.

High-throughput ‘omics’ technologies, which allow exact and synchronised study of thousands of DNA, RNA, proteins and other molecules, are rapidly becoming more advanced and affordable. As these technologies develop, it is becoming quicker, easier and more affordable to generate unprecedented amounts of biological data, much of which could usefully inform environmental management. So far, however, the application of omics information in environmental management has failed to keep pace with the rapid development of omics-based research, meaning there is untapped potential. A recent study highlights the value of bringing omics information into environmental management and outlines practical ways in which omics can contribute to the risk assessment and management of chemicals.

Cutting edge neural network and artificial intelligence technologies, combined with the imaginative work of the $1 million Zillow Prize winners, creates most accurate Zestimate ever

You’re never too old to fall in love is the heartwarming message of the Company of Ten’s next production, Ladies in Lavender.

The post Growing optimism for Aussie grain farmers appeared first on The Lead SA.

Radlett Cricket Club head groundsman Nick Searle has received a commendation in this year’s annual ECB Groundsman of the Year Awards.

FAIRFAX - Drivers on I-66 between Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and Route 243 (Nutley Street) should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during...

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The survey was the first ever OBN seismic survey to be conducted in Egypt and the most detailed survey of the block since 1988.

Right-of-way farming now joins solar car charging and pollinator-friendly landscaping along the Ray C. Anderson Memorial Highway in Troup County.

Thirdhand smoke is residual smoke and chemicals that linger in surfaces and still cause harm to people and animals.

Treating the country's 110 million STDs comes with a price tag of $16.7 billion a year.

Though childbirth is frequently spoken of in terms of pain and punishment, some women do experience what are known as orgasmic or ecstatic births.

Feeling happy? Go ahead and smile — but know that you may be telling others more about yourself than you think.

Cancer-causing human papilloma virus, or HPV, can be spread through kissing and oral sex.

A brightly-colored fungus found only on Hawaiian lava flows might be the most powerful aphrodisiac ever discovered.

The latest black hole discovery opens a whole new universe of not-so-big black holes.

I know many people get to look forward to tax refunds this year, but as a freelance writer, I usually owe taxes in April.

The USDA wants to set nutritional standards for snacks sold in vending machines, "a la carte" lunch lines and school stores.

Is the idea behind Swipe & Feed smartphone/baby bottle combo genius or ridiculous?

With a Global Alliance dedicated to Climate-Smart Agriculture, you’ll be hearing more about this effort with a goal to improve agriculture and food security.

The new season of Smithsonian Channel's 'Polar Bear Town' will explore the intersection of humans and the 'Lords of the Arctic' in Manitoba.

These well-educated believers have positive views of science but selectively reject certain theories that conflict with their religious beliefs.

Deists do not believe in miracles, divinely inspired writings, or messengers from above. So what do they believe?

Plug-In America Vice President Paul Scott used to talk about EVs. Now he's going to be selling them on the floor of Santa Monica Nissan.

Agritourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the eco-tourism industry. Visitors can relax in a beautiful setting and even gain a deeper understanding of

'Betting The Farm' tells the story of a group of organic milk farmers called MOO Milk is struggling to keep their small operations alive.

The stench of foul-smelling flowers attracts insects that aid in their pollination.

In just 20 years, the city of Sequim, Washington transformed from a declining arid farmland into a fragrant prairie of purple blooms.

More questions are being raised about nuclear power — in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Even a relatively small regional nuclear war could trigger global cooling, damage the ozone layer and cause droughts for more than a decade.

Wash and dry your clothes less to save resources and money.

Photographer Emma Phillips describes the series as "a poetic exploration of and tribute to Australia's monolithic landscape."

Gatherings of hermit crabs over a deceased crab may look like a funeral, but they have a much more selfish purpose.

If there ever was a reason to invest in a decent pair of shower sandals ...

Smoked watermelon "ham," the most bizarre viral dish of 2018, sets its sights on the holidays.

Interested in canning jam but feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the process? This video shows you how to make a small batch without special equipment.

The organic grocery chain lets local producers bypass the red tape of the banks and offers small loans to eco-responsible small food businesses.

The Day of the Dude is now celebrated worldwide.

Alec Baldwin champions both renewable energy and the preservation of East Hampton, N.Y., with equal passion. So how will things play out now that the actor has

A pair of preservation-minded architects are giving away a historic 1926 bungalow sold as a mail order kit home by Sears with one big catch ...

These volcanic seamounts are rich with life and are estimated to be at least 30 million years old, formed when Australia and Antarctica broke apart.

The ozone hole above the Antarctic has hit its maximum extent for the year. Due to warm temperatures, the opening in the protective atmospheric layer was the se