Snow might seem like a winter wonderland feature. But in the desert, it plays a crucial role. It does more than just cover the ground in white. Snow affects how plants grow and how well plant communities thrive. This is especially true in arid regions like the Gurbantunggut Desert in Central Asia.
Cleaning up polluted water is a big challenge. One of the tough pollutants is malachite green, a dye used in some industries. Sodium alginate, a natural plant extract, has been used to make hydrogels. These hydrogels can soak up pollutants, but they have issues. They are not very good at picking out
The round goby, a small fish, has been making waves in North American waters since the 1990s. It first appeared in the Great Lakes and has since journeyed eastward, reaching the Hudson River Estuary in 2021. Scientists wanted to understand how this fish handles saltwater, especially as it moves into
Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic bits that are everywhere. They come from many sources like synthetic clothes, car tires, and plastic trash. These tiny particles are a big problem. They can soak up harmful chemicals and carry them around. This can mess up the environment and even harm people. MP
The western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) stands out in polluted waters. It often thrives where other fish cannot. Why does this happen? This question has been explored in a recent study. Scientists looked at how different fish handle selenium. Selenium is a tricky element. It can be useful
Climate change is a big issue and people are looking for ways to tackle it. Some methods are based on nature, like planting trees. Others are more experimental, like using mirrors in space. A survey in the Czech Republic asked people about six different strategies. The results showed that most peopl
Butterflies are not just pretty creatures fluttering around. They are also a great example of how climate change affects different species in different ways. Some butterflies have adapted to their specific local climates. These butterflies are expected to be more resilient to climate change at the
Plastics are everywhere. They are in the ocean, in the soil, and even in the air. The air in Shanghai, China, is no exception. A recent study dug into the types and sizes of tiny plastic particles floating around in the city's winter air. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled. T
The world is facing a big problem with invasive plants. These plants are spreading quickly because of global trade and climate change. In places with mild weather, plants that can handle drought and thrive in many environments have a big advantage. One such plant is Kalanchoe x houghtonii. It is als
The issue of period poverty has sparked global efforts. In some regions, menstrual products are free and easy to find in public spaces like cafes, schools, and bars. However, the talk around menstrual hygiene has also brought up concerns about the environment. One poster in a restroom suggests, "Why
