Hong Kong’s Kowloon Peninsula might be one of the most studied urban climate zones on Earth, yet it continues heating up at an alarming rate. New research reveals why standard cooling solutions—from ventilation corridors to energy-efficient buildings—have failed to stop rising temperatures in dense cities. The study, published in City and Built Environment, shows that … Read more
A simple industrial chemical acting as molecular “superglue” has helped Chinese researchers achieve record-breaking efficiency in large-scale, printable solar panels. The innovation addresses one of the final hurdles blocking perovskite solar technology from moving out of labs and onto rooftops worldwide. Scientists from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed a technique using tetramethylammonium … Read more
A common chemical used in tires and its breakdown product accumulate in different organs and disrupt vital metabolic processes, according to new research that raises concerns about their environmental impact. The study reveals that even at concentrations typically found in urban runoff, these compounds can cause significant liver damage and behavioral changes in fish over … Read more
A comprehensive new study reveals the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) experienced unexpected mass gain between 2021-2023, temporarily reversing a two-decade trend of accelerating ice loss that had been contributing significantly to global sea level rise. This remarkable shift comes after analysis of 22 years of satellite gravimetry data showing pronounced mass loss acceleration in several … Read more
A groundbreaking algorithm that automatically maps and tracks vital seagrass meadows from space could transform coastal ecosystem conservation efforts worldwide. Scientists from Xiamen University and Tulane University have developed a new approach that overcomes long-standing challenges in monitoring these critical but threatened underwater habitats. The new system, called Automatic Mapping through integrating Optical and SAR … Read more