New findings, published today in Royal Society Open Science, have revealed that changes in ocean density have a significant impact on the rate at which marine plankton incorporate carbon into their shells. This has profound implications for carbon cycling and the ocean’s ability to absorb atmospheric CO2 in response to climate change. Up to now, researchers have […]
As efforts to harvest clean water in arid regions continue, a team of scientists has developed crystals that create water from air without using energy. The team, from New York University Abu Dhabi’s Smart Materials Lab, Jilin University in China and the Centre for Smart Engineering Materials, developed elastic organic crystals – named Janus. Inspired by desert […]
A new type of prototype water harvester promises to be simpler and more efficient than traditional variations of the device at pulling drinking water from the air, a new study suggests. Built using temperature-sensitive materials, a nickel titanium-based dehumidifier could pull more water out of the atmosphere in 30 minutes on average than an alternative […]
Lessons learnt from the challenges faced by farmers in the Emirates could help the UAE to play a leading role in addressing global food security and water scarcity, said the Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Dr Amna Al Dahak made the comments during a visit to a farm in Al Ain on Monday, were she saw how […]
Scientists at the Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have been working for years to find out what types of plastics have the shortest and longest lifespans in the ocean, and what types of plastic products, like straws and food wrappers, most commonly contribute to plastic pollution. With more biodegradable materials being developed , like cellulose […]
Scientists have built a solar-powered desalination system without the need for expensive batteries that could secure vast amounts of low-cost drinking water for millions around the world. The innovative plant, which was designed by MIT researchers, responds quickly to subtle changes to the level of sunlight – such as a passing cloud – to better utilise the […]
Pesticides, heavy metals, micro- and nanoplastics in the soil and environmentally harmful chemicals can have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system, according to a review paper published today in Nature Reviews Cardiology. The article provides an overview of the effects of soil and water pollution on human health and pathology and discusses the prevalence of […]
One million bottles of water are bought every minute around the globe, researchers say, raising concerns about the impact of microplastics on the health of humans and the planet. Around two billion people with limited or no access to safe drinking water rely on bottled water. However, many others consider it to be convenient and even potentially safer […]
New research shows how oceans can be used to help address major challenges such as the shortage of antimicrobial medicines, solutions for plastic pollution and novel enzymes for genome editing. In the past 20 years, scientists have greatly increased the number of microbial genomes they have collected from the ocean. However, using this information for […]
The UAE vowed on Tuesday to “take forward” a push for clean water in the face of poverty, disease and climate change when it hosts the UN’s next water summit. A 2026 summit co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal will come as time runs out to hit 2030 anti-poverty goals, and with the UN warning that six billion people will live with water […]
