#Environment204
Soil life survived the Mojave Dome Fire
A 2020 fire in the Mojave Desert killed many Eastern Joshua trees, but researchers found that fungi and other soil microbes did not decline. The result affects how restoration might proceed.
Photo by Shinichiro Ichimura, Unsplash
Lake Erie algal blooms produce many toxic compounds
A study of western Lake Erie finds harmful algal blooms make a wider range of bioactive cyanopeptides beyond microcystin. Scientists sampled lake water across seasons, linked compounds to bacteria, and found mixtures can increase cellular toxicity.
Data centers and mining could raise US power costs by 2030
A new study warns that growing electricity use by data centers and cryptocurrency mining could raise power prices and CO2 emissions in the United States by 2030. Researchers modelled hourly power needs across 26 regions to find likely impacts.
Air pollution linked to higher post-surgery risks in Utah
A study of 49,615 non-emergency surgeries on Utah’s Wasatch Front found that higher PM2.5 in the week before surgery was associated with more post-surgical complications. The research appears in Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica.
Volcanic plume removed methane after Hunga Tonga eruption
After the January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai, satellites showed the volcanic plume helped destroy some methane. Researchers say sunlight on salt and ash likely created reactive chlorine that broke down methane, with implications for climate action.
Demand for clean-energy minerals harms poor regions
A UN report warns that rising global demand for minerals for clean energy is causing environmental damage, water loss and health harms in poorer mining regions, while richer countries gain most benefits. The report urges reforms to protect water and people.