Nature’s fiber composite Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Empa researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly advantageous properties. The thin mycelial film is almost transparent and has good tensile strength. It could be used as a living…
About 3.7 billion years ago, a string of naturally occurring molecules — the same kind that astronomers have found in meteorites and just recently in a stellar nursery near the center of the Milky Way Galaxy— reacted with a naturally occurring catalyst and began the fateful process of self-assembled replication. One of the most fascinating…
Prof. Jianli Chen collaborated with international experts to analyse the estimated changes in land water storage over the past 40 years by utilising satellite altimetry and satellite gravimetry observation technology, as well as global hydrological change data. This innovative method has revealed a rapid depletion in global soil moisture, resulting in a significant amount of…
A collaborative study from researchers affiliated with the Annenberg School for Communication, Annenberg Public Policy Center, and School of Arts & Sciences tested 17 strategies in an ‘intervention tournament.’ 4 min. read More from Annenberg School for Communication School of Arts & Sciences Research Climate Change Earth and Environmental Science Communications Psychology Neuroscience Annenberg Public…
When a plant species spreads beyond its habitat, it is usually seen as a threat to native flora and fauna. But what happens when that same species is struggling to survive in its original range? A new study published in New Phytologist and led by researchers at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv),…
Plants can “hear” bees buzzing and serve up more nectar when they are nearby, scientists have found. The research suggests that plants are a more active partner than previously thought in their symbiotic relationship with pollinators. The behaviour could be a survival strategy that favours giving nectar and sugar to bees over so-called nectar robbers…
War zones, microplastics and street lights are among the emerging threats to the bee population, according to scientists. Bee experts have drawn up a list of the 12 most pressing threats to the pollinator over the next decade, published in a report, Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Conservation of Global Pollinators, by the University of…
Greece ranks 19th globally in terms of water scarcity risk, primarily due to climate change, according to the World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct 4.0 rankings and a recent Deloitte report prepared for the Greek government. The risk stems from both supply-side challenges, like reduced rainfall, and increasing demand driven by irrigation and general consumption. The Deloitte…
How relatedness to nature is linked to well-being is determined by district-level socioeconomic status. The Kobe University analysis is based on survey results from two major Japanese metropolitan areas. Hiking. Camping. Even just walking in the park. Be it a current hobby or a childhood pastime, many urban residents have engaged in activities that have…
We’ve just returned from an incredible spring migration tour on the beautiful island of Lesvos, and what a season it was! This year, we had the pleasure of guiding a small, private group of birdwatchers and bird photographers through some of the island’s most productive and picturesque habitats. 5 Days, 131 Species | Private tailor-made…