It is increasingly evident that human health is closely linked to the environment, and to biodiversity. A study commissioned by the European Commission summarises the many and varied ways in which disturbances to biodiversity affect the spread of human diseases.

Synthetic biology is an emerging field and industry, with a growing number of applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and energy sectors. While it may propose solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing the environment, such as climate change and scarcity of clean water, the introduction of novel, synthetic organisms may also pose a high risk for natural ecosystems. This future brief outlines the benefits, risks and techniques of these new technologies, and examines some of the ethical and safety issues.

Traces of animals’ DNA in the environment, known as environmental DNA (eDNA), can be monitored to paint a picture of biodiversity, new research shows. This study used eDNA to assess biodiversity in an entire river catchment in Switzerland. Importantly, the eDNA technique allowed the researchers to detect both aquatic and land-based species in river water, making it possible to assess biodiversity over a broad scale.

LYNCHBURG — As a result of rain and run-off from Tropical Storm Michael, Route 58 in Halifax County is closed from Route 360 to Route 744 until further notice.

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 – Route 220 north and south at Route 419 (Electric Road) in the Southern Hills area of Roanoke County is closed due to flooding. Drivers will need to seek alternate routes as the road will remain closed until the water recedes. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the closure. Roads throughout the area may also experience flash flooding conditions as heavy rains continue through the evening. Drivers should use caution, drive with care and expect delays on their commute home from work today. If you see water across a road, turn around. Do not attempt to cross and or go around barricades that have closed a road. The Virginia Department of Transportation will be monitoring road conditions overnight. To report road conditions and downed trees, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For updates on this lane closure and others around the district, visit www.511Virginia.org . Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates in our region at @511southwestva and @VaDOTSalem.

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.

Actor/activist excited to use new role to share that 'human well-being is intertwined fundamentally with biodiversity'.

It emerged from wartime bombing unscathed. But can Germany's Ulm Minster survive an onslaught of pee?

This diverse magazine covers it all. When discussing goats, topics covered included recipes, raising them, their manure and more.

Community woodworking shops become popular, insect wings microscopically shred bacteria, and the size of ExxonMobil's Arkansas oil spill grows.

Ancient marine reptile sheds light on the origins of the distant relatives of modern crocodiles.

New research suggests it will take millions of years for extinct species to return to Earth.

From nearsightedness to bone mass, a trip to the International Space System has a notable effect on astronauts' bodies.

The Earth's mountains, rivers, animals and rocks have been around for millions or billions of years. Do you know which ones have been around the longest?

Chilly today? Crank down the thermostat and break out that hoodie — a versatile staple that can help you save a few bucks on wintertime heating bills.

Right now, we basically build cities in a way that worsens flooding events, but nature has solutions.

There’s a new gift registry for upscale restaurant gift certificates. Our food blogger shares why she thinks this is a good idea.

A solar computer bag, which comes with charging adapters for various devices, was popular item with celebs like "Modern Family" star Rico Rodriguez.

Natasha Henstridge, Gilles Marini and other celebs attend the annual event.

Nearly half of all air pollutants exceed breathable levels and they often have a dangerous impact on our health.

In this episode, Chuck chats with fellow musician Rob Del Bueno from Refuel Biodiesel about how he went from making fuel in his backyard (let's just say the EPA

In this episode, Chuck chats with fellow musician Rob Del Bueno from Refuel Biodiesel about how to make biodiesel. "It's simple to do," Del Bueno says, "but it'

Video: Chuck visits one of the first 24-hour card-swipe biodiesel filling kiosks.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's $10B climate resiliency plan would extend the Manhattan shoreline by as much as 500 feet into the East River.

These gifts that food lovers will appreciate can be bought at local stores or ordered online up to the very last minute before Christmas.

Furor has erupted over the new 10:10 UK campaign video involving a school teacher who asks her children what they are doing for climate change and then blows up

Countersurveillance clothing is emerging as a niche market in the fashion industry.

The North Face releases a limited edition hooded sweatshirt (mostly) designed and manufactured within the Bay Area.

Marketing guru Seth Godin talks about the marketing of global warming, the future of publishing, and what's going to happen when the entire world buys a car.

A new study finds that we cannot remember phone numbers anymore. Shocking!

With National Bike Month just around the corner, behold 10 cycle-centric items for around the house ranging from bowls to wall-mounted bottle openers.

Check out this full listing of the interviews I've conducted here on MNN over the years.

Earth's species are now vanishing at rates unprecedented in human history. That matters for more reasons than many people realize.

Eight year old artistic genius has been compared to masters such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

Using a diesel engine to power a hydraulic power system, Lightning hopes to take X Prize.

If you're ready to step outside your comfort zone, head to Cambodia, where you can find exotic sights and opportunities to help others.

Fern Cave hosts a wealth of species, including the largest colony in the world of endangered gray bats and many other species.

We can't seem to agree on the right amount of sodium, but these foods add up quickly.

Don’t let fall sneak up on you without enjoying some of the experiences you’ve been meaning to get to.

Flynn McCarry opens Eureka in NYC where his tasting menu will cost $160 and reservations are sold out.

You can still be a proud sustainable foodie if you don’t grow your vegetables, raise your chickens or do it all yourself.

After a 42-year battle, the Petitcodiac River flows freely again.

Vidcode is challenging stereotypes and turning more girls into techies.

Aflac’s vice president and corporate secretary makes sure the company goes above and beyond to create and maintain a culture of purpose.

Find out where to fill up with biodiesel on a road trip.

Anything with a diesel engine -- plane, boat, motorcycle -- can run on diesel, straight vegetable oil or biodiesel.

Turning fast-food waste oil into clean-burning biodiesel, a father-son duo sees no downside.

Kid Rock is using a sustainable brewery to brew his new American Badass Beer.

New findings show that microbes present in biodiesel cause reactions that weaken the steel in fuel storage tanks.