A recent study has explored the role that renewable energy schemes can play in promoting sustainable development at the local level. It suggests that more must be done to encourage local investment and involvement in renewable energy projects if global sustainability objectives are to be met.

Many countries have recognised the need to promote the 'green' economy and integrate its principles into a number of different areas of policy. New research has indicated that the design, timing and coherence of the measures required for this integration play a crucial role in their success in supporting a green economy.

One of the greatest challenges facing environmental policymakers is encouraging people to behave more sustainably. A recent study explores how 'nudging' people to make environmentally friendly choices, together with providing information, can be a successful combination for achieving behavioural change.

A better understanding of existing nitrate monitoring systems in European waters could greatly improve efforts to reduce nitrate pollution, a major cause of poor water quality, according to new research from Portugal.

​​Companies are seeking to balance freedom of expression with the potential for damage to their business, not for the first time, but more gingerly perhaps, given the level of polarisation. ​​

DBS Bank is leveraging technology to reduce man hours, enhance the customer journey, automate processes and open new revenue streams.

New research in Estonia indicates that plant biodiversity in field boundaries varies with features, such as ditches, trees and nearby roads. It suggests that, in addition to common non-weedy plants, more consideration should be given to rare weeds by broadening of field boundaries and reducing the use of agrochemicals and fertilisers near these boundaries.

Social and economic aspects should be considered alongside environmental issues when valuing benefits provided by ecosystems and biodiversity. A recently published study outlines the use of multi-criteria assessment methods for valuation that simultaneously take into account a wide variety of economic, social and environmental decision criteria.

A recent study has found one means of complementing agricultural production with biodiversity protection by growing seeded ryegrass for silage. The seeds effectively feed many birds, such as the yellowhammer and reed bunting, throughout the winter, and the grass can still be cost-effectively used for silage if it is harvested at the right time.

Increased plant biodiversity improves grassland soil quality by boosting its nitrogen levels, even in the absence of nitrogen-fixing plants, recent research has found. Previous research has shown that grasslands with higher biodiversity had higher levels of carbon and nitrogen. However, in the case of nitrogen it has been suggested that this was purely a result of increased numbers of nitrogen-fixing legumes, such as clover. This study was the first to show that, even without legumes, increased numbers of grassland species increased both carbon and nitrogen soil stocks.

Planting a variety of crop species in rotation in agricultural fields increases the diversity of soil microbes below ground, recent research has found. This in turn positively affects soil organic matter, soil structure and aids the healthy functioning of the soil. The researchers say that rotational diversity can help farmers to grow crops in a more sustainable way that promotes soil stability.

Biodiversity’s contribution to ecosystem services in grasslands — at different levels of the food chain (known as trophic levels1) — has been assessed in a new study. Higher species diversity across trophic levels — particularly for plants, insects and soil microbial decomposers — is important for the provision of multiple ecosystem services related to food production, recreational benefits, or climate regulation. Species diversity across different trophic groups was also found to be just as important in controlling ecosystem functioning as the management intensity of grasslands and environmental factors, such as climate or soil type.

As many universities are moving quickly to distance learning, it is vital for educators to think carefully about how to adapt their approach to still deliver key learning outcomes for students in an online setting. Today’s guest blogger, Ramnarayan Krishnamurthy, is at the forefront supporting universities as they transition to distance learning. In his role as a Customer Success Engineer, he partners with educators to support them in achieving their goals for teaching and learning.... read more >>

A recent Bulgarian study has proposed a more environmentally friendly approach to manufacturing chemicals and biochemicals in multipurpose batch plants, which carefully considers how the production process is scheduled.

Oestrogens are ‘female’ hormones that can enter the aquatic environment after excretion by humans and animals, causing ‘feminisation’ of male fish. This study carried out a risk assessment for oestrogen-like endocrine disruption in the UK in the 2050s, based on likely changes to the human population, river flows and temperature. The authors found that risk is likely to increase under future conditions and recommend further research to assess whether improving sewage treatment could reduce oestrogen pollution.

A recent study assesses new methods for comparing and predicting air quality data in Helsinki, Finland and Thessaloniki, Greece, that significantly improve the capability to analyse and predict air quality in these cities. There are good indications that the methods could be applied to other European cities.

Scientists have created a new, easy-to-use tool that allows health professionals to monitor the day-to-day risks posed by short-term exposure to main urban air pollutants. The tool could enable vulnerable groups, such as asthmatics, to take precautionary measures and to increase public awareness of the health impacts of air pollution, say the researchers.

Cutting mercury pollution could save Europe €8-9 billion per year by protecting children’s brain development, suggests a recent study. A third of babies in Europe are estimated to be exposed to unsafe levels of mercury before they are born, when in the womb, which may reduce their IQ and, in turn, restrict their educational and working achievements over their lifetime. This has long-term implications for society and the economy.

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

SUFFOLK– As Hurricane Florence approaches the coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District continues to monitor...

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This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

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UPDATE 2: Crews need a few additional days to complete the bridge project on Route 657 (Apple Grove Road) in Louisa County due to the recent snow...

CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun rehabilitating the Route 707 (Blair Park Road) bridge over Lickinghole Creek in...

CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation will close Route 672 (Blackwell Road) to through traffic while crews rehabilitate the bridge...

CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the Route 674 (Clark Road) bridge over a branch of the Moormans River in Albemarle...

  FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – (7 a.m.) An early morning crash has closed all lanes on Route 1 southbound and one lane on Route 1 northbound at Austin...

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ˗˗  CSX will close Lansdowne Road in Fredericksburg to through traffic on Monday, Nov. 12 through early  Saturday, Nov. 17  to...

NOV. 12, 2018 UPDATE: All lanes of Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties will remain open this evening, Nov....

Richard Johnson believes that it is a tall order for any top-flight club, not just Watford, to hand homegrown players from the academy a chance to play in the Premier League due to what is at stake in financial and sporting terms.

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

FAIRFAX – Due to weather delays, the closure of Popes Head Road (Route 654) between Colchester Road (Route 612) and Fairfax County Parkway (Route...

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SALEM – Throughout the afternoon and evening, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation have been responding to the immediate concerns of downed trees, mudslides and high water throughout southwestern Virginia. Crews will continue to monitor roadways overnight. As of 10 p.m., roads in all 12 counties of the district have been affected by the heavy rainfall resulting in numerous closures of primary and secondary roads today. Some of the primary roads affected include portions of Interstate 81, Route 220 through Roanoke and Franklin County, Route 419 in Roanoke, Route 58 in Patrick County and Route 57 in Henry County. As streams and rivers swell and water recedes, conditions will continue to change, so motorists should drive with caution and check the latest road conditions before travelling tomorrow morning. The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . To access the list of flooded roads, look for the text views section of the site and search under road conditions.  VDOT encourages motorists to stay off the roads tonight, if possible, and not to drive through ponding water or around barricades.  As water recedes, VDOT will inspect structures and roadways before they can reopen or be repaired.  Some roads may require lengthy closures depending on the extent of damage and how soon repairs can be completed. To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For emergencies, dial 911. Follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva  for the latest updates on road conditions.

SALEM – The recent flooding and heavy rainfall has resulted in several slope and shoulder failures along Route 220 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. During the next week, crews will be working to repair the damage and commuters and travelers will be impacted. Route 220 Southbound between Buck Mountain Road and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County The right lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure on the right shoulder of the road between Buck Mountain and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County.  High water from the heavy rains caused a rock slide that impacted the shoulder of the roadway. The weight caused the shoulder to collapse resulting in the road being pushed out and giving way. The right lane closure will remain in place through Monday evening, weather permitting. Crews are developing a plan to repair the pipe and plan to begin work over the weekend.   Route 220 Southbound at Franklin County Line The left lane of southbound Route 220 has been closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. VDOT crews have been working to determine how a pipe under the road has failed and how to proceed with repairs. At this time, the ground continues to settle and move, therefore, the lane will remain closed through the weekend and into Monday . The lane closure is located approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).  Route 220 Shoulder Repairs There will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound and northbound Route 220 next week, weather permitting, to repair shoulders that have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Drivers using Route 220 southbound and northbound should plan ahead for significant delays during this time until repairs can be made and lane closures are removed. Drivers should plan ahead accordingly. For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

SALEM – The gusty winds and heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Michael yesterday created flooded roads, downed trees and power lines in western Virginia. As of 11 a.m., approximately 140 roads are closed or affected in the 12 counties of VDOT’s Salem District.   Crews are currently clearing debris and assessing roads throughout the region, coordinating with emergency and utility crews and making or scheduling repairs where possible. In some areas, water will need to recede before a road can be investigated or repaired. Their focus today will be to make roads safe and passable for traffic. If extensive repairs are needed, they will be coordinated and scheduled at a later date.  Drivers are encouraged to continue to monitor road conditions in your area prior to traveling.   The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . For information on specific roads, citizens can access the Road Table under the text views section of the site.  To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD.  Drivers who are traveling today are reminded of the following: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six to 12 inches of water to float a small vehicle. Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety. Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas. Be alert for tree limbs and other debris in the roadway. Even small branches and other debris can damage a car or cause the driver to lose control. If you come across a downed power line, do not try to move it. Contact your local authorities. For updates throughout the day, follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva  for the latest updates on road conditions.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.

Swedish start-up Flattr makes is an online tip jar of sorts.

As cyclists approach a Flo unit, the pole flashes an image of a critter that corresponds to how fast they should be going to avoid waiting for the light.

On June 5, Venus will cross the face of the sun. If you live in North America, Europe, Asia or eastern Africa, you'll be able to witness this historic celestial

Antwon Lee tells his little man "it's OK to cry" and to "stay strong" during the ordeal.

Astrophysicist is using 3-D images generated by a supercomputer to understand what happens with a supernova explodes.

A quick trip to the backyard (or store) can yield the right plants to create healing concoctions at home.

Here's how to keep up your momentum when you've just about had it with weeding.