News and Articles


Scientists Investigate Link Between Human Populations and River Phosphorus Concentrations

High concentrations of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems are often associated with human activities in the surrounding area, such as agriculture and urban development.

California Park Gets Green Makeover

The playground at Bristol Park in Turlock, Calif., is roughly 20 years old, in major need of a facelift and some TLC.

The City of Newport, RI Will Upgrade Facilities and Pay Fine to Settle Clean Water Violations

Under the terms of a settlement lodged in federal court, the City of Newport has agreed to eliminate illegal discharges of sewage into Narragansett Bay from its wastewater treatment plant and wastewater collection system.

Study: Late-’90s Arctic Ice Melt Caused Half by GHGs, Half by Normal Climate Conditions

These findings point to climate change and variability working together equally to accelerate the observed sea ice loss during the late 20th century.

South Florida Farmers Achieve Record Year in Water Quality Success

Farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), south of Lake Okeechobee, achieved a record-setting 79 percent phosphorus reduction in the water leaving the farming region -- more than three times less phosphorus than the state requirement.

Did You Know Paper Money Contains A Potentially Toxic Substance?

The cash register receipts that people place near paper money in billfolds, purses and pockets has led to a worldwide contamination of paper money with a potentially toxic substance.

Most Plant Species Important in Various and Varying Ecosystems

There are many different types of plants in grasslands around the world. According to a new analysis of plants in grassland ecosystems around the world, it turns out that most of those plant species are important.

Researchers Find High Energy Output From Algae-Based Fuel But No 'Silver Bullet'

Algae-based fuel is one of many options among the array of possible future energy sources. New University of Virginia research shows that while algae-based transportation fuels produce high energy output with minimal land use, their production could come with significant environmental burdens.

Novel Technology Allows LCDs to Recycle Energy

We've all worried about the charge on our smartphone or laptop running down when we have no access to an electrical outlet. But new technology developed by researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science could finally help solve the problem.

Ecologist: Young Forests Will Remain Important Carbon Sinks

The Ohio State researchers argue that in this case, as forests age, they get rejuvenated with younger individuals of different species – a more-complex and -diverse community will be replacing the old guard.

Americans of All Political Persuasions Pessimistic About Oil Prospects

While geologists and economists debate the specifics, American University School of Communication professor Matthew Nisbet believes peak petroleum and the associated risks to public health may provide an opportunity to bring conservatives and liberals together in the move toward alternative forms of energy.

Washington Redskins' FedEx Field Gets Solar 'Skin'

The Washington Redskins announced they are working with NRG Energy, one of America’s largest energy companies, to bring renewable energy to the football franchise.

Hybrid System Uses Solar Heat to Make Rooftop Hydrogen

While roofs across the world sport photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, a Duke University engineer believes a novel hybrid system can wring even more useful energy out of the sun's rays.

San Antonio Rolls Out Bike Sharing Program Aimed at Energy Efficiency, Public Health

As the first bike sharing system in Texas, San Antonio’s B-Cycle addresses two top concerns in the city: providing opportunities to improve personal health and giving active transportation choices to residents and visitors.

Water Information Solution Keeps Food Company Cool as a Cucumber

Since Mt. Olive Pickle Company began analyzing its wastewater data electronically, it's seen a host of benefits. The solution saves time, allows better communication and even enables the company to file required reports with the state electronically.

Scientists Discover New Eruption at Undersea Volcano

A team of scientists just discovered a new eruption of Axial Seamount, an undersea volcano located about 250 miles off the Oregon coast – and one of the most active and intensely studied seamounts in the world.

White House Announces Fuel-Efficiency Standards for Heavy Duty Trucks, Buses

Under the comprehensive new national program, trucks and buses built in 2014 through 2018 will reduce oil consumption by a projected 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution by approximately 270 million metric tons.

Scientists Hope to be First to Produce Electricity from the Earth’s Heat

A team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory scientists hopes to become the first in the world to produce electricity from the Earth’s heat using CO2.

Resolving Biofuels' Corrosive Effect on Engines

A consortium of universities, small companies and bigger players in the energy and transport sectors has taken a novel approach to the corrosive effects of biofuels. They're not changing the fuel mixture but the engines themselves.

USDA to Farmers: Water Crops at the Plant Roots

To help farmers make the best use of limited irrigation water in the arid West, U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers are helping farmers determine how much water major crops actually need.