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A new study has unveiled the key mechanisms that preserve organic carbon in the ocean-a poorly understood but vital process, which influences the Earth's climate, carbon cycles, and formation of fossil fuels. Organic carbon typically breaks down in most environments. Yet, vast amounts remain preserved in marine sediments, a mystery that has puzzled scientists for decades.

Past climate change shifts ocean currents and winds, altering heat and carbon exchange in the Southern Ocean, study finds Human-induced climate change is causing shifts in the world's largest ocean current and westerly wind systems also seen during periods of ice age and warmer intervals in Earth's history, researchers claim.

Scientists at The University of Manchester have achieved a significant breakthrough in using cyanobacteria-commonly known as "blue-green algae"-to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable bio-based materials. Their work, published in Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, could accelerate the development of sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-derived products like plastics, helping pave the way for a carbon-neutral circular bioeconomy.

Mothers living within 20 kilometres of waste incinerators may have a small increase in the total levels of two chemical pollutants in their body. In an analysis led by researchers at Imperial College London, scientists have shown an association between women's exposure to emissions from municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) and small increased levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins found in their milk.

Scientists from our Geography department have made a major breakthrough in understanding one of the most powerful forces shaping the ocean floor: turbidity currents. These dense, fast-moving underwater flows of sediment and water carve out deep-sea canyons and transport vast amounts of sediment, organic carbon, and nutrients across the ocean floor to the deep-sea.

University of Birmingham researchers have found that biomass burning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter levels in the region. Woodburning has a major impact on air quality in Birmingham and the West Midlands - accounting for a substantial proportion of all fine pollution particles and representing a significant risk to public health, a new study reveals.

Bath engineers co-author new research, finding parks can cut air pollution by almost a quarter With house building a priority for the new UK Government, University of Bath engineers have co-authored research that urges city planners not to forget to build parks and to include green spaces in new communities.

New research has revealed how tiny soil microbes are impacted by extreme weather events, offering new insights into the risks posed by climate change. As extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and freezes become more common due to global heating, understanding how soil microbes - critical for healthy ecosystems - respond is crucial.

Scientists from the University of Manchester have uncovered the secrets behind one of nature's quirkiest plants - the squirting cucumber. While most plants rely on external forces such as animals, wind, or water to spread their seeds, this cucumber - scientifically known as Ecballium elaterium - launches them at high speed in a pressurised jet, sending seeds over 10 metres from the parent plant.

Some of the first human beings to arrive in Tasmania, over 41,000 years ago, used fire to shape and manage the landscape, about 2,000 years earlier than previously thought. A team of researchers from the UK and Australia analysed charcoal and pollen contained in ancient mud to determine how Aboriginal Tasmanians shaped their surroundings.

An international team of researchers, including Dr Peter Etchells from our Department of Biosciences, have published new research which brings to light new discoveries in the development and understanding of stem cells. The new study, published by the journal Science, saw researchers from Durham, University of Helsinki and Utrecht University collaborate to identify the key components required to control the balance of stem cells in plants.

Manchester scientists unveil advanced materials that capture benzene in our atmosphere, tackling major health risk Scientists have developed a new material capable of capturing the harmful chemical benzene from the polluted air, offering a potential solution for tackling a major health and environment risk.

A study undertaken by a student at The University of Manchester has revealed a severe level of microplastic pollution within the Medina Estuary on the Isle of Wight. An alarming level of microplastic fragments were found to be present throughout the intertidal mudflat sediments within the Medina Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A nationwide citizen science project has found high levels of chemical pollutants in freshwater bodies across the UK. Thousands of volunteers have helped to provide a snapshot of the health of the nation's rivers and waterways, highlighting high levels of nitrates and phosphates, as well as a cocktail of chemical compounds that pose a risk to ecosystems.

Measures to count carbon emissions need to be reworked to make Net Zero efforts achievable - Bath research Efforts to reach Net Zero are being undermined by a multitude of carbon accounting systems, new research has found. Research led by University of Bath academics shows that the multiple systems increase costs and prevent well-meaning companies from effectively counting their carbon emissions, while creating loopholes that can be exploited by others.

Machine learning-equipped camera systems can be an effective and low-cost flood defence tool, researchers show Smart CCTV systems trained to spot blockages in urban waterways could become an important future tool in flood prevention, new research published today has found. Researchers at the University of Bath have shown that their AI-enabled detection software, 'AI on The River' trained to accurately detect natural debris, litter or waste blocking trash screens mounted in culverts, can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide an early warning of likely flooding.

Most dog owners didn't know that flea and tick treatments are dangerous to aquatic life, suggesting more awareness could ease the problem. A study on Hampstead Heath shows that ponds where dogs are allowed to swim contain levels of two pesticides harmful to invertebrate life. These pesticides, imidacloprid and fipronil, are used as parasite treatments for flea and tick infestations in cats and dogs, using 'spot-on' formulas and flea collars.

Scientists have discovered the first cases of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes genetically mutating to develop a resistance to a type of insecticide called DDT. The discovery of 'knock-down resistance' (kdr) - a major insecticide resistance mechanism in insect pests - is the first time such a mutation has been documented in this species, which is a major vector for malaria transmission in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Celebrities and politicians leading by example could be a crucial 'missing link' in climate change mitigation, finds new research. Psychologists from Cardiff University have uncovered new insights into the role of celebrities and politicians in influencing public opinion on low-carbon lifestyles. "Behaviour change is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions quickly.

A global study has revealed that how women view their own home conditions, financial resources, and physical environment, including pollution levels, is key to understanding their overall quality of life and health. The study published today (2/10/24) in the open-access journal PLOS ONE was led by researchers from The University of Manchester and University Alberta, in collaboration with colleagues world-wide.