https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/urbanization/ Population studies and urbanization. Read scientific research on the effects of urbanization and related research. en-us Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:09:50 EDT Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:09:50 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/urbanization/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405003937.htm A hidden Roman sanctuary discovered beneath Frankfurt is offering rare clues about ancient rituals, including possible human sacrifice. With major funding secured, scientists are now racing to uncover how this mysterious, multi-god cult site operated. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:39:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260405003937.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224505.htm Modern food systems may look stable on the surface, but they are increasingly dependent on digital systems that can quietly become a major point of failure. Today, food must be “recognized” by databases and automated platforms to be transported, sold, or even released, meaning that if systems go down, food can effectively become unusable—even when it’s physically available. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:23:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071947.htm A mysterious Greek inscription found beneath the Great Mosque of Homs could pinpoint the long-debated location of an ancient sun temple. Scholars now think the mosque sits atop a sacred site that transitioned from pagan worship to Christianity and then Islam. The find supports the idea that religious change in the region happened gradually, with overlapping beliefs rather than sudden shifts. It also reconnects the site to the powerful cult of Elagabalus, whose priest once became a Roman emperor. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:08:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401071947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321012642.htm A new study reveals that farming in Argentina’s Uspallata Valley was adopted by local hunter-gatherers rather than introduced by outside populations. Centuries later, a stressed group of maize-heavy farmers migrated into the region, facing climate instability, disease, and declining numbers. Despite these pressures, there’s no sign of violence—instead, families stayed connected across generations, using kinship networks to survive. The research shows how cooperation, not conflict, helped communities navigate crisis. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:21:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321012642.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030521.htm When the Asian financial crisis sent rice prices soaring in Indonesia in the late 1990s, the shock didn’t just strain household budgets—it left lasting marks on children’s bodies. Researchers from the University of Bonn found that kids exposed to the food price surge were more likely to experience stunted growth and, years later, a higher risk of obesity. The findings suggest that during crises, families often maintain calorie intake but cut back on nutrient-rich foods, creating hidden nutritional deficiencies that disrupt healthy development. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:53:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260314030521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313002645.htm In medieval Denmark, people could pay for more prestigious graves closer to the church — a sign of wealth and status. But when researchers examined hundreds of skeletons, they discovered something unexpected: even people with stigmatized diseases like leprosy were buried in these high-status spots. Instead of excluding the sick, many communities appear to have treated them much like everyone else. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:38:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313002645.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260308201616.htm A prehistoric mass grave in Serbia reveals that more than 77 people—mostly women and children—were deliberately killed in a brutal act of violence about 2,800 years ago. Genetic evidence suggests the victims came from different communities, indicating the massacre may have been a calculated message during fierce territorial struggles in Iron Age Europe. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:51:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260308201616.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224219.htm New research suggests seabird guano helped transform the Chincha Kingdom into one of the most prosperous societies in ancient Peru. Chemical clues in centuries-old maize show farmers fertilized their crops with guano gathered from nearby islands, dramatically boosting yields in the desert landscape. The resulting agricultural surplus fueled trade, population growth, and regional influence. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:02:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224219.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303145727.htm Iron Age teeth from southern Italy have become time capsules, preserving intimate details of childhood and diet. Growth lines in the enamel reveal moments of early-life stress, while hardened plaque holds microscopic remains of cereals, legumes, and fermented foods. The findings suggest a community with diverse food resources and strong Mediterranean connections. Even a small sample offers a striking glimpse into how people lived, grew, and ate nearly three millennia ago. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:41:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303145727.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212023028.htm As cash transfer programs expand across the United States, critics often warn that giving people money could spark reckless behavior, leading to injuries or even deaths. But a sweeping 11-year analysis of Alaska’s long-running Permanent Fund Dividend program tells a different story. Researchers examined statewide hospital records and death data and found no increase in traumatic injuries or unnatural deaths after annual payments were distributed. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:29:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212023028.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040611.htm Around 1550, life on Rapa Nui began changing in ways long misunderstood. New research reveals that a severe drought, lasting more than a century, dramatically reduced rainfall on the already water-scarce island, reshaping how people lived, worshiped, and organized society. Instead of collapsing, Rapanui communities adapted—shifting rituals, power structures, and sacred spaces in response to climate stress. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:01:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040611.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209211229.htm Satellite imagery reveals how the 2026 Winter Olympics are spread across northern Italy, from alpine valleys to historic cities. Events are hosted in mountain resorts, while Milan and Verona frame the Games with opening and closing ceremonies. The view includes iconic features like Lake Garda and the Venetian lagoon. Together, they show the vast scale and unique setting of this year’s Olympics. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:12:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260209211229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232242.htm A newly discovered deep-sea creature has become an unlikely Internet star. After appearing in a popular YouTube video, a rare chiton found nearly three miles beneath the ocean surface sparked a global naming effort, drawing more than 8,000 suggestions from people around the world. Scientists ultimately chose the name Ferreiraella populi, meaning “of the people,” honoring the public that helped bring it into the scientific record. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 23:32:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232242.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231255.htm New research reveals a forgotten side of medieval Christianity—one rooted not in cathedrals, but in fields, forests, and farms. Historian Dr. Krisztina Ilko uncovers how the Augustinian order built its power through “green” miracles: restoring barren land, healing livestock, reviving fruit trees, and taming deadly landscapes once blamed on dragons. Far from symbolic tales, these acts helped rural communities survive and gave the order legitimacy at a time when its very existence was under threat. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:36:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231255.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083421.htm A Roman-era skeleton discovered in southern England has finally given up her secrets after more than a decade of debate. Known as the Beachy Head Woman, she was once thought to have roots in sub-Saharan Africa or the Mediterranean—an idea that sparked global attention. But new, high-quality DNA analysis paints a different picture: she was most likely a local woman from Roman Britain. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:04:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083421.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083349.htm A 5,500-year-old skeleton from Colombia has revealed the oldest known genome of the bacterium linked to syphilis and related diseases. The ancient strain doesn’t fit neatly into modern categories, hinting at a forgotten form that split off early in the pathogen’s evolution. This pushes the history of treponemal diseases in the Americas back by millennia and shows they were already diversifying long before written records. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:04:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083349.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260111214447.htm A new study warns that war in Gaza has pushed children to the edge, leaving many too hungry, weak, or traumatized to learn. Education has nearly collapsed, with years of schooling lost to conflict, hunger, and fear. Researchers say children are losing faith in the future and in basic ideas like peace and human rights. Without urgent aid, Gaza faces the risk of a lost generation. Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:45:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260111214447.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045345.htm A first-of-its-kind national trial shows that public Montessori preschool students enter kindergarten with stronger reading, memory, and executive function skills than their peers. These gains don’t fade — they grow over time, bucking a long-standing trend in early education research. Even better, Montessori programs cost about $13,000 less per child than traditional preschool. The results suggest a powerful, affordable model hiding in plain sight. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:40:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045345.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032347.htm AI writing tools are supercharging scientific productivity, with researchers posting up to 50% more papers after adopting them. The biggest beneficiaries are scientists who don’t speak English as a first language, potentially shifting global centers of research power. But there’s a downside: many AI-polished papers fail to deliver real scientific value. This growing gap between slick writing and meaningful results is complicating peer review, funding decisions, and research oversight. Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:53:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032347.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043221.htm Sediments from a Roman latrine at Vindolanda show soldiers were infected with multiple intestinal parasites, including roundworm, whipworm, and Giardia — the first time Giardia has been identified in Roman Britain. These parasites spread through contaminated food and water, causing diarrhea, weakness, and long-term illness. Even with sewers and communal toilets, infections passed easily between soldiers. The discovery highlights how harsh and unhealthy life could be on Rome’s northern frontier. Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:59:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043221.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093317.htm Long before opioids flooded communities, something else was quietly changing—and it may have helped set the stage for today’s crisis. A new study finds that as church attendance dropped among middle-aged, less educated white Americans, deaths from overdoses, suicide, and alcohol-related disease began to rise. The trend started years before OxyContin appeared, suggesting the opioid epidemic intensified a problem already underway. Sat, 20 Dec 2025 10:39:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093317.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081947.htm A museum visit sparked a revelation when a Roman glass cup was turned around and its overlooked markings came into focus. These symbols, once dismissed as decoration, appear to be workshop identifiers used by teams of skilled artisans. The findings challenge centuries of assumptions about how Roman glass was made. They also restore identity and agency to the anonymous makers behind these stunning objects. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:25:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251205054731.htm An immense Bronze Age settlement has emerged from the Kazakh Steppe, revealing a surprisingly urban and industrial society where archaeologists once expected nomadic camps. At Semiyarka, researchers uncovered massive residential compounds, a possible ceremonial or administrative building, and an entire industrial zone dedicated to producing tin bronze—an extremely rare discovery for the region. The site’s strategic perch above trade routes and mineral-rich mountains suggests it was a major hub of exchange, craftsmanship, and power. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:41:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251205054731.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052222.htm Archaeologists excavating the ancient Roman city of Gabii have uncovered a massive stone-lined basin that may represent one of Rome’s earliest monumental civic structures. Its central placement hints that early Romans were already experimenting with dramatic public spaces centuries before the iconic Forum took shape. The site’s remarkable preservation—made possible because Gabii was abandoned early—offers an unprecedented look at how Romans adapted Greek architectural ideas into powerful symbols of politics, ritual, and identity. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:40:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052222.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251130205421.htm Researchers exploring Bolivia’s Great Tectonic Lakes discovered a landscape transformed over centuries by sophisticated engineering and diverse agricultural traditions. Excavations show how Indigenous societies adapted to dynamic wetlands through raised fields, canals, and mixed livelihoods. Today’s local communities preserve this biocultural continuity, guiding research and conservation. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:45:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251130205421.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251126095041.htm Researchers studying Classic Maya cities discovered that urban growth was driven by a blend of climate downturns, conflict, and powerful economies of scale in agriculture. These forces made crowded, costly city life worthwhile for rural farmers. But when conditions improved in the countryside, people abandoned cities for more autonomy and better living environments. The story turns out to be far more complex than drought alone. Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:49:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251126095041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm Ultra-processed foods are rapidly becoming a global dietary staple, and new research links them to worsening health outcomes around the world. Scientists say only bold, coordinated policy action can counter corporate influence and shift food systems toward healthier options. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:07:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090744.htm Hunter-gatherers at Poverty Point may have built its massive earthworks not under the command of chiefs, but as part of a vast, temporary gathering of egalitarian communities seeking spiritual harmony in a volatile world. New radiocarbon data and reexamined artifacts suggest far-flung travelers met to trade, worship, and participate in rituals designed to appease the forces of nature. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:14:54 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090744.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251111005957.htm Historians have traced myths about the Black Death’s rapid journey across Asia to one 14th-century poem by Ibn al-Wardi. His imaginative maqāma, never meant as fact, became the foundation for centuries of misinformation about how the plague spread. The new study exposes how fiction blurred with history and highlights how creative writing helped medieval societies process catastrophe. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:43:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251111005957.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251110021048.htm In Peru’s mysterious Pisco Valley, thousands of perfectly aligned holes known as Monte Sierpe have long puzzled scientists. New drone mapping and microbotanical analysis reveal that these holes may once have served as a bustling pre-Inca barter market—later transformed into an accounting system under the Inca Empire. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:46:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251110021048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093014.htm Okayama scientists have crafted a new wine grape, Muscat Shiragai, merging the wild Shiraga and Muscat of Alexandria. The variety is part of a larger collaboration between academia, industry, and local government to boost regional identity through wine. Early tastings revealed a sweet, smooth flavor, and wider cultivation is planned. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:25:06 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093014.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023809.htm New research shows that the rise of Sumer was deeply tied to the tidal and sedimentary dynamics of ancient Mesopotamia. Early communities harnessed predictable tides for irrigation, but when deltas cut off the Gulf’s tides, they faced crisis and reinvented their society. This interplay of environment and culture shaped Sumer’s myths, politics, and innovations, marking the dawn of civilization. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:38:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023809.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040314.htm Vast amounts of valuable research data remain unused, trapped in labs or lost to time. Frontiers aims to change that with FAIR² Data Management, a groundbreaking AI-driven system that makes datasets reusable, verifiable, and citable. By uniting curation, compliance, peer review, and interactive visualization in one platform, FAIR² empowers scientists to share their work responsibly and gain recognition. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:46:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040314.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030938.htm Researchers confirmed that Rapa Nui’s moai statues could “walk” upright using a rocking motion, aided by rope and just a few people. Experiments with replicas and 3D models revealed design features like a forward lean and curved bases that made movement possible. Concave roads across the island further supported this transport method. The findings celebrate the innovation and intelligence of the ancient islanders. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:09:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030938.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085635.htm Despite massive technological and industrial changes, American cities have stayed remarkably coherent in how their economies fit together. This hidden order governs how cities diversify, grow, and reinvent themselves without losing their economic identity. Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085623.htm In a remarkable blend of science and tradition, researchers have revived an old Balkan and Turkish yogurt-making technique that uses ants as natural fermenters. The ants’ bacteria, acids, and enzymes transform milk into a rich, tangy yogurt while showcasing the diversity and complexity lost in modern, industrialized yogurt strains. Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250924012246.htm Æthelstan, crowned in 925, was the first true king of England but remains overshadowed by Alfred the Great and later rulers. A new biography highlights his military triumphs, legal innovations, and cultural patronage that shaped England’s identity. From the decisive Battle of Brunanburh to his reforms in governance and learning, Æthelstan’s legacy is finally being revived after centuries of neglect. Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:12:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250924012246.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021204.htm NASA has chosen 10 new astronaut candidates who will train for missions to the Moon and Mars. Their selection represents a powerful blend of talent and ambition, fueling humanity’s next great leaps into space. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:10:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915085344.htm A groundbreaking project is piecing together Leonardo da Vinci’s genetic profile by tracing his lineage across 21 generations and comparing DNA from living descendants with remains in a Da Vinci family tomb. If successful, the effort could reveal new insights into Leonardo’s health, creativity, and even help confirm the authenticity of his works. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:07:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915085344.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002415.htm Scientists have finally uncovered direct genetic evidence of Yersinia pestis — the bacterium behind the Plague of Justinian — in a mass grave in Jerash, Jordan. This long-sought discovery resolves a centuries-old debate, confirming that the plague that devastated the Byzantine Empire truly was caused by the same pathogen behind later outbreaks like the Black Death. Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:47:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002415.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250825234019.htm Researchers uncovered that the Maui wildfires caused a spike in deaths far higher than reported, with hidden fatalities linked to fire, smoke, and lack of medical access. They warn that prevention rooted in Native Hawaiian ecological knowledge is critical to avoiding another tragedy. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:57:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250825234019.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250812234532.htm Advanced computer modeling suggests that by 2080, waves driven by sea level rise could flood Ahu Tongariki and up to 51 cultural treasures on Rapa Nui. The findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to preserve the island’s identity, traditions, and tourism economy. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 01:44:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250812234532.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011830.htm Every time someone snaps a wildlife photo with iNaturalist, they might be fueling breakthrough science. From rediscovering lost species to helping conservation agencies track biodiversity and invasive threats, citizen observations have become vital tools for researchers across the globe. A new study reveals just how deeply this crowdsourced data is influencing modern ecological science, and how much more it could do. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 08:28:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011830.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm What would happen if a nuclear war triggered a climate-altering catastrophe? Researchers have modeled how such a scenario could devastate global corn crops cutting production by as much as 87% due to blocked sunlight and increased UV-B radiation. Using advanced climate-agriculture simulations, they propose a survival strategy: emergency resilience kits containing fast-growing, cold-tolerant seeds that could keep food systems afloat not just after nuclear war, but also after volcanic eruptions or other mega-disasters. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000854.htm A groundbreaking study from Flinders University reveals that it's not just making eye contact that matters, but precisely when and how you do it. By studying interactions between humans and virtual partners, researchers discovered a powerful gaze sequence that makes people more likely to interpret a look as a call for help. Even more surprising: the same response pattern held true whether the "partner" was human or robot, offering insights into how our brains instinctively process social cues. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:19:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250704032913.htm Preserving strips of native vegetation beside avocado orchards gives insects a buffet of wild pollen when blossoms are scarce, doubling their plant menu and boosting their resilience. Using cutting-edge eDNA metabarcoding, Curtin scientists revealed how this botanical diversity underpins pollination, a service vital to 75% of crops and our brunch-worthy avocados. Their findings urge farmers to weave natural habitat back into farmland to secure food supplies for a swelling global population. Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:13:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250704032913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250625232202.htm Farming didn t emerge in the Andes due to crisis or scarcity it was a savvy and resilient evolution. Ancient diets remained stable for millennia, blending wild and domesticated foods while cultural innovations like trade and ceramics helped smooth the transition. Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:55:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250625232202.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250621233836.htm HIV is surging among adults over 50 in sub-Saharan Africa, yet prevention and treatment campaigns still focus mainly on the young. New research reveals older adults face comparable or higher infection rates but remain largely invisible in HIV studies, which hampers progress toward global health goals. Persistent stigma, outdated perceptions, and limited education or access in rural areas worsen the situation, especially for older women. Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:38:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250621233836.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250616040235.htm A lifelong fascination with nature and fieldwork led this researcher to the world of ethnobiology a field where ecology, culture, and community come together. Investigating how local people relate to species like the anaconda, their work blends traditional knowledge with scientific methods for better conservation. The tale of the mythic Great Snake morphs into economic concerns over vanishing chickens, revealing how cultural beliefs and practical needs coexist. Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:02:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250616040235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250611083736.htm California s solar energy boom is often hailed as a green success story but a new study reveals a murkier reality beneath the sunlit panels. Researchers uncover seven distinct forms of corruption threatening the integrity of the state s clean energy expansion, including favoritism, land grabs, and misleading environmental claims. Perhaps most eyebrow-raising are allegations of romantic entanglements between senior officials and solar lobbyists, blurring the lines between personal influence and public interest. The report paints a picture of a solar sector racing ahead while governance and ethical safeguards fall dangerously behind. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:37:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250611083736.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172908.htm Australia can reach net-zero emissions and still protect its natural treasures but only if everyone works together. New research from Princeton and The University of Queensland shows that the country can build the massive amount of renewable energy infrastructure needed by 2060 without sacrificing biodiversity, agriculture, or Indigenous land rights. But the path is delicate: if stakeholders clash instead of collaborate, the result could be soaring costs and a devastating shortfall in clean energy. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:29:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172908.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155338.htm Flooding in coastal communities is happening far more often than previously thought, according to a new study. The study also found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:53:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155338.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154901.htm Researchers have developed a deep learning model called LSTM-SAM that predicts extreme water levels from tropical cyclones more efficiently and accurately, especially in data-scarce coastal regions, to offer a faster, low-cost tool for flood forecasting. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:49:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154901.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123818.htm To achieve the European Green Deal's goal of 25% organic agriculture by 2030, researchers argue that new genomic techniques (NGTs) should be allowed without pre-market authorization in organic as well as conventional food production. NGTs -- also known as gene editing --- are classified under the umbrella of GMOs, but they involve more subtle genetic tweaks. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:38:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124447.htm A new study shows that wildlife underpass tunnels dramatically reduce deaths of frog, salamanders, and other amphibians migrating across roads. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:44:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124447.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124114.htm Reducing travel speeds and using an intelligent queuing system at busy ports can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oceangoing container vessels by 16-24%, according to researchers. Not only would those relatively simple interventions reduce emissions from a major, direct source of greenhouse gases, the technology to implement these measures already exists. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:41:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528214228.htm A study finds small-scale tree cover in Costa Rica boosts biodiversity while limiting dangerous mosquito species. Wed, 28 May 2025 21:42:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528214228.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528150706.htm New research brings together 7,000 years of history in South Arabia to show how ancient pastoralists changed placement and construction of monuments over time in the face of environmental and cultural forces. Wed, 28 May 2025 15:07:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528150706.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131538.htm Involving communities in nature-based solutions to tackle urban climate and environmental challenges leads to innovation and multiple benefits, a study shows. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:15:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131538.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124851.htm From deadly floods in Europe to intensifying tropical cyclones around the world, the climate crisis has made timely and precise forecasting more essential than ever. Yet traditional forecasting methods rely on highly complex numerical models developed over decades, requiring powerful supercomputers and large teams of experts. According to its developers, Aurora offers a powerful and efficient alternative using artificial intelligence. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:48:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124851.htm