Earth Rover Program launches globally on World Soil Day
The Earth Rover Program launches globally today (World Soil Day), unveiling “soilsmology”, which promises greatly to improve our understanding and use of one of the world’s most crucial resources – soil. By using the well-established methods of seismology in novel…
Penguins ‘starved to death en masse’ as food supply collapsed
Penguins living off the coast of South Africa have likely starved to death en masse during their moulting season as a result of collapsing food supplies. In fact, on two of the most important breeding colonies of the African penguin…
Funding agencies can end profit-first science publishing
Funding organisations can fix the science publishing system – which currently puts profit first and science second – according to new research. The new paper says the current relationship between researchers, funders and commercial publishers has created a “drain” –…
‘If we wait, it will be too late’: Hundreds of scientists sign urgent climate declaration
In the wake of the COP30 climate change conference, more than 500 scientists have signed an urgent declaration, stating: “The planet’s future hangs in the balance.” COP30 ended with almost every country in the world signing an agreement called the…
Microplastics pose a human health risk in more ways than one
A new study shows that microplastics in the natural environment are colonised by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study team calls for urgent action for waste management and strongly recommends wearing gloves when taking part in beach cleans. Microplastics…
Exeter experts give COP30 verdict
University of Exeter experts have given their verdict after the conclusion of the COP30 climate conference. The University played a significant role at COP30, which was held in Belem, Brazil. The conference ended with news that a key deal called…
UK prawn farms could spark sustainable seafood revolution
Farming king prawns indoors in tanks on UK farmland could create a thriving, sustainable seafood industry, researchers say. King prawns are one of the “big five” seafoods eaten in the UK – but the vast majority of this tropical species…
Fossil fuel CO2 emissions hit record high in 2025
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 – reaching a record high, according to new research by the Global Carbon Project. The 2025 Global Carbon Budget projects 38.1 billion tonnes of fossil carbon…
Tipping points experts set three challenges for COP30
Experts in “tipping points” have set three challenges for world leaders meeting at the COP30 climate summit. An international team of 160 researchers recently published the Global Tipping Points Report, which said the world faces a “new reality” due to…
Peatlands project wins prestigious ERC grant
A project studying the impact of climate change on peatlands has won a prestigious Synergy Grant from the European Research Council. CLIMPEAT (Northern Peatlands in the face of climate warming and abrupt changes) has been awarded €12.5 million over six…