In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University and other institutions have identified genetic material from the recently identified Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus in the tick species Hyalomma rufipes. The discovery was made after thousands of ticks were collected from migratory birds captured in the Mediterranean basin. The results indicate that birds could contribute to spreading the virus to new geographical areas.
articles
NASA Soil Moisture Data Advances Global Crop Forecasts
Data from the first NASA satellite mission dedicated to measuring the water content of soils is now being used operationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to monitor global croplands and make commodity forecasts.
Why grease can be great: Chemical engineering graduate helps put waste oil to good use
Whether it’s French fries on the menu or an entire deep-fried turkey, disposing of used cooking oil can be a headache. Only a small amount of it can be composted, and dumping the rest down the drain can result in blocked pipes.
The health effect of air pollution from traffic
What would happen if all petrol and diesel-powered vehicles were removed from a smaller European city? Up to 4% of all premature deaths could be prevented, according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden. The researchers used Malmö, Sweden, as a case study to calculate the health costs of inner city traffic.
The U.S. is having an incredibly quiet tornado season – so far
As seasons change spring can often bring violent, deadly tornadoes to the central United States. But this year has been different, with a record-breaking lull in tornado activity and a corresponding drop in tornado deaths, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.
Economic models significantly underestimate climate change risks
Policymakers are being misinformed by the results of economic models that underestimate the future risks of climate change impacts, according to a new journal paper by authors in the United States and the United Kingdom, which is published today (4 June 2018).