Droughts can have far-reaching environmental, social and economic impacts. A new study has assessed how drought is managed in six areas of Europe using a new evaluation framework. Their evaluation identified policy gaps and makes recommendations for risk management. A key recommendation is to evaluate responses and management after each drought to identify good practices and strengthen drought management in the future.

Researchers have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system to detect Twitter bots after identifying differences in their short-term behaviour from humans on the social media platform.

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster is still having an impact on local biodiversity more than 25 years after the event, according to a new study. Researchers in France and the US suggest that rare bird species have been particularly affected by the accident and that genetic changes in plants and animals caused by radiation are being passed down the generations.

‘Favourable conservation status’ (FCS) is a critical but often misinterpreted legal concept in the EU’s Habitats Directive. Now, law and ecology researchers have teamed up to help clarify some of the most disputed aspects of this term for species. Correctly applied, the concept will help environmental managers, policymakers and scientists effectively protect biodiversity.

A new study has mapped levels of chemical elements found in European agricultural soils. In most places, unusually high concentrations are linked to geology, such as high levels of arsenic in the Massif Central in France. Human activity is to blame in some small areas, for example high concentrations of mercury were found near London and Paris. Abnormal concentrations, both too low and too high, could pose an environmental risk. This new data can be used in conjunction with the REACH Regulation1 and can help identify areas where action may be needed in relation to toxic elements in the environment.

Currently laws and regulations governing nanotechnology are fragmented and do not take account of the unique properties of nanomaterials, the effect of which on humans and the environment are not yet fully understood, argue researchers in a new study. In the study, a network of European researchers propose a new universal regulatory framework that deals specifically with nanomaterials. The framework should help policymakers, organisations and researchers evaluate the risks of any existing materials and new nanomaterials entering the market. It should also help SMEs and large companies use safer products and processes, limit the potential adverse effects of nanomaterials on workers and consumers, reduce the cost of insurance and reduce the risk of governments having to pay out money in the future due to unforeseen accidents or diseases.

The quality of indoor air varies widely across Europe, according to a recent study. However, more data are needed from a range of locations, especially in towns and cities, and greater harmonisation of sampling and analysis procedures are needed to develop a more comprehensive picture of European indoor air quality.

The quality of indoor air varies widely across Europe, according to a recent study. Poor indoor air quality is mainly due to household products, outdoor pollution and smoking yielding high levels of organic pollutants harmful to human health. The study indicates higher levels of indoor air pollution in southern Europe than in northern Europe, and with an associated risk of cancer higher than the acceptable unit risk. However the present data must be improved in order to get more precise risk estimates

Fires in forests contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear accident could lead to areas of Europe and Russia being exposed to further radioactive fallout, new research has found. The study examined the spread of the fallout and the health effects on people and animals under three different scenarios: 10, 50 and 100% of the forests being burnt.

Shoppers at Aldi have been warned of voucher scam circulating on social media.

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Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a semi-autonomous robot that can disinfect large surfaces quickly. Named eXtreme Disinfection roBOT (XDBOT), it can be wirelessly controlled via a laptop or tablet, removing the need for cleaners to be in contact with surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of picking up the virus from potentially contaminated areas....

Classroom management gets social with sites like Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest helping teachers and students communicate and share knowledge.

Young school boy touches hearts after sending letter to teacher when her dog dies.

Researchers discover several new species of sharks that can walk along shallow reefs on their fins.

A new forecast from Pike Research says California and New York will be the most popular states for PEV sales.

Multi-university project asks how organic farmers can control these pests and protect their crops.

Robert Alvarez, a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies, says the operators of the stricken Japanese nuclear plants are using a “hail Mary” met

Decades after the world's two biggest previous nuclear disasters, NBC's Jeff Rossen and Michelle Kosinski look back at the impact of the meltdowns.

Scientists have improved on a method that uses an acidic solution to remove radioactive material from soil.

The dead trees, plants and leaves at Chernobyl don't decay at nearly the same rate as plants elsewhere.

A dozen homeless dogs will be the first Chernobyl puppies to seek American homes.

The Mapdwell project at MIT combines Google Maps, solar power data and some smart algorithms to calculate the costs and benefits of installing solar panels.

Yoga teachers vary in style and substance. Here's how to find the right teacher for your level and personality, by answering questions about your best learning

Trina Hall purposefully put on weight to see exactly how it affected her self-perception — and the results surprised her.

These instructors are inspirational, and they've changed the world in their own particular ways.

A recent study led by European researchers found Fukushima is not alone, as 22 other plants around the world may be similarly susceptible to destructive tsunami

Pools of water on Earth's moon might have teemed with simple organisms.

Julie Marburger paints a dim picture of the American classroom.

The compelling documentary 'Babushkas of Chernobyl' offers a haunting and beautiful picture of life in a disaster area thought lost to humanity.

The 4-acre Chernobyl solar power facility can supply enough power for a medium-sized village, or about 2,000 apartments.

When you can't harvest crops, why not harvest the sun?

Schools are phasing out dodgeball and other sports in favor of exercises that get kids moving for a lifetime.

Use fresh, seasonal cherries to make a simple syrup for this fruity cocktail.

This beer cocktail just may win over non-beer drinkers.

Are the days of 'Star Wars'-type droids upon us? Israeli researchers host a tournament to see who can create a robot with the most human handshake.

Benny the beagle was the subject of a 1,000-person search that also involved a helicopter.

The research reveals genetic clues about the insects' behavior, making it possible to target specific attributes.

Modern-day dowsers are helping drought-stricken California wineries and farms find water for their crops.

The teachers say they never gave permission to be bathed in radiation all day.

Like magic, sound waves have the ability to manipulate objects suspended in midair.

Adding to data from current technologies, GPS radio signals could help to show a more comprehensive view of hurricanes' behaviors.

Hanan al-Hroub honored with $1 million prize for assisting children exposed to violence.

Humans have always been searching for a cure for aging, but researchers claim to have developed a mathematical proof that shows it's impossible to avoid.

Green mom blogger Diane MacEachern shares her thoughts on picket lines, the state of U.S. politics and how to create a better quality of life.

The 21-year-old, who received a $2M signing bonus from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, says he enjoys living the simple life.

Diapers made from jellyfish biodegrade in less than 30 days and soak up twice the mess.

Submit your Earth Day lesson plan to this contest and you win could tons of cool prizes for your classroom.

The rise and fall of Rev. Billy James Hargis, along with the popularity of Glenn Beck, makes our media columnist long for the days of the Fairness Doctrine.

The recently completed catalog will help researchers understand the effects of climate change and address water issues of local communities.