Researchers have provided a set of guidelines to help policymakers, designers and operators develop sustainable solutions for energy-storage systems for electricity grids. The guidelines cover a range of energy-storage technologies and grid-integration options.

Contamination of drinking water in areas close to several fracking sites in the Marcellus and Barnett Shales, USA, is caused by structural problems leading to wells leaking natural gas into aquifers, a new study suggests. The researchers measured trace amounts of chemicals, called noble gases, which formed signatures of the sources of gas contamination in over 130 samples. These findings suggest that, rather than coming from natural sources, such contamination in the area of the investigation is an engineering problem to do with the wells themselves, the researchers say. They stress the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of the wells, which can be done in an affordable manner.

While the ecological impact of shale gas exploration and extraction on groundwater has received considerable attention, the implications for surface water and terrestrial ecosystems is often overlooked, according to a new US study. Although more data are needed, preliminary results suggest that regulations based on proximity to surface water could be necessary to protect valuable ecosystems.

Connectivity between protected areas is vital for safeguarding many animals and plants. New research has shown that Natura 2000 sites are well connected across provincial borders in Germany, Italy and Spain. This is the result of strong coordination from central governments combined with good regional cooperation, the study???s authors conclude.

Biodiversity scenarios are a useful tool to help policymakers predict how flora and fauna will likely respond to future environmental conditions. Although changes to land use are a major driver of biodiversity loss, scenarios focus overwhelmingly on climate change, a new study shows. The researchers say this imbalance makes scenarios less credible, and make recommendations for developing more plausible projections.

As global temperatures continue to warm, sea-levels are expected to rise, increasing the risk of saltwater inundating wetlands in low-lying coastal areas. A study in Wales, UK, describes how rising sea levels will result in a shift from a wetland rich in plant diversity to one dominated by saltwater and mud in 200 years’ time.

The coverage of ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’ (IBAs) in relation to Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds in the EU has been assessed in a new study. Overall, 66% of the IBA network is covered by SPAs. SPAs were found to cover 23% of the distributions of 435 EU bird species as well as 25% of the distributions of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

A comprehensive analysis of pharmaceuticals in Spanish wastewater has indicated that they are widespread pollutants. The majority of pharmaceuticals present in incoming wastewater were still present in both treated water and in the river waters receiving the treated water.

Pesticide-sparing approaches to farming do not have to compromise on crop yields, new research suggests. A study that explored the impact of reduced herbicide use across a variety of different farming contexts found that herbicide-efficient systems could be just as productive as conventional systems — and more so than organic systems — whilst having other important environmental benefits.

Residents living within half a mile of unconventional natural gas wells may have an increased risk of illness from exposure to air pollution from the wells, according to a recent study. The peer-reviewed study recommends that risk prevention efforts to minimise impacts on human health should concentrate on communities living and working close to wells during well completions and that further studies on health effects of exposures to air emissions from such projects should be carried out.

Pregnant women living within 16 km of unconventional gas wells in Colorado, US, are up to 30% more likely to give birth to a baby with a heart defect, new research has found. These findings suggest that more research is needed to understand the potential health impact of natural gas developments, say the researchers.

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The moment you step through the door, Cottonmill Spa sprawls before you like the promise of paradise. Not for nothing are guests given maps to help them find their way around. You could easily get lost here, but oh what a place to get lost in.

South Chesterfield, Va. — A Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) project began this week to widen Cedar Level Road between Cobblestone...

Operations have been completed on the Ehecatl-1 exploration well on Block 7, located in the Sureste Basin Offshore Mexico.

Figuring out which wells to shut, and for how long, is the hard part.

Actress names new addition Bear Blu Jarecki. Alicia Silverstone has become the latest mother in the current Hollywood baby boom, giving birth to a baby boy on M

Actress says that her heart has tripled in size. The great green Hollywood baby boom of 2011 has come to an end — with celebrities like Natalie Portman, Alici

Squeeze on in for a tour of the COMET, a 1960s Avalon camper transformed into a solar-powered mobile abode by Mariah Coz.

After exhausting other price-sensible real estate options, a watercraft-loving Portland family settles on a 43-foot boat found on Craigslist for $14,000.

Colorful diagrams help us understand how much of which foods we should be eating.

The Bats and Churches Partnership aims to ease the sometimes fraught relationship between bats and the houses of worship they roost in.

John Pawson's Life House beckons frazzled renters with a 'zone of extreme calm.'

Residents of Pennsylvania's top natural gas-producing town will soon know what may be lurking in their drinking water wells. Federal environmental regulators ar

Researchers at Princeton recently studied the question of whether abandoned gas & oil well are leaking methane into the atmosphere.

Perched above Mexico City's trendiest shopping district, the Billboard House is obscured by a mural created by the dwelling's artist-in-residence.

A new study shows that some wells in N.Y. contain large amounts of explosive methane and need to be monitored to prevent any detonation.

Earth has broken temperature records for 14 months in a row, and 2016 will almost certainly be the hottest year on record. Yet there is still time to intervene

In the documentary "One Big Home," carpenter Thomas Bena goes behind the scenes to explores the trophy homes and "starter castles" of Martha's Vineyard.

Probably more often than you think — which is way too often, in this writer's opinion.

Using a kitchen towel for many uses can spread E. coli and get your family sick.

Hundreds of eager spectators lined Manhattan's West Side Pier 84 on June 6, as the space shuttle Enterprise completed the final leg of its journey to the Intrep

Temperature records across the continent continue to fall as Europe buckles under heat wave. At least seven deaths have been attributed to the heat.

These 3 changes in your paper towel, zipper bag and plastic bag habits will get you started on your way to using fewer of these products.

An Atlanta jeweler upcycles tarballs picked up from the beaches of Louisiana's Grand Isle into eco-friendly jewelry.

Chesapeake Energy, which has one of the largest natural gas recovery operations in the country, halts all fracking in the state after a spill on the eve of the

Rhabdomyolysis is rare, but if your workouts cause extreme soreness or swelling, check with your doctor.

The discovery of huge amounts of water ice and possible organic compounds on the heat-blasted planet Mercury suggests that the raw materials necessary for life

This devilishly difficult quiz will separate the auto experts from the pretenders.

Whether you watch them at your backyard bird feeder or just see them when you're hiking, how much do you really know about our feathered friends?

Copenhagen gains an unusual new landmark in the form of a multitasking waste-to-energy plant designed by Bjarke Ingels Group that functions as a ski slope.

Do you spend more time in the kitchen during the holidays? If so, opt for uniquely designed, versatile tea and dish towels instead of paper towels.

People who stay up late and sleep in late have a greater risk of early death, U.K. researchers find.

Despite the 'D' word, a new survey finds that Americans are still smitten with lush residential landscapes.

Humans have spent countless centuries perfecting the science (and art!) of collecting, storing and transporting water. Here's how ancient India did it.

The well was uncovered in the basement of an old London building that was also used as a 'Harry Potter' set.