Climate change is exacerbating the trend of insect-borne diseases, according to experts. Increasing temperatures enable the expansion of insect populations, creating new breeding areas and providing disease vectors with opportunities to spread in areas where immunity against these diseases is lower. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns climate change is likely to increase the intensity and spread of insect-borne diseases,…
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Birdwatching, or “birding”, is a popular hobby for nature enthusiasts to observe birds in their natural habitats. Technology has transformed the hobby by providing birders with numerous gadgets and mobile applications that enhance their birdwatching experience. Birding apps such as eBird, Merlin Bird ID, and Audubon Bird Guide, birding drones, binoculars with digital assistants, smartphones with powerful cameras, and wearable…
Cloud technology has changed the way businesses operate by providing greater flexibility, increased efficiency, improved security and data protection, and reduced costs. With the ability to access and store data on remote servers, employees can work from anywhere, improving work-life balance and saving time and money on commuting. Collaboration on projects in real-time regardless of geographic location has improved decision-making…
The placement of wind turbines within a wind farm can increase energy output by up to 20%, according to a study published in Energy Science and Engineering. Turbine location was found to be critical to efficiency, and researchers developed algorithms to optimise location taking into account wind speed, direction and the “wake effect” of other turbines. Wind farms have minimal…
Beach tourism worldwide has experienced record-breaking numbers of visitors, which has led to concerns about overcrowding and pollution. During peak season, some popular beaches can become so crowded that they become unenjoyable, detracting from their natural beauty and blighting the surroundings with litter. Overcrowding can have a negative impact on the local ecosystem, while pollution can come from sewage and…
Aerosmith has announced their final tour after 50 years of making music. Starting in June 2019 in Warsaw, Poland, the tour will cross Europe and North America. After completion, the band will retire from touring. The band members have expressed their gratitude towards their fans for supporting them on their journey. The tour dates and locations were announced on the…
A report from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) has found that the attitude of people living in the San Fernando Valley towards raising the minimum wage is shifting. While 48% of business owners in the area are opposed to the increase, 63% of Valley residents are supportive of it, up from 60% in a similar survey one year…
Forests fueled by “fertilizer rain” are important for preserving biodiversity in ecosystems, says a recent study. The term “fertilizer rain” refers to the deposition of nitrogen and other nutrients from the atmosphere on to the forest canopy. Biodiversity is crucial to maintaining the health of ecosystems and providing benefits to humans such as water purification, carbon sequestration and food and…
Record-high water levels in Lake Michigan have caused concern among residents and officials due to risks of flooding and damage to infrastructure. Factors contributing to the high water levels in Lake Michigan include increased precipitation, meltwater, and more severe storms caused by climate change. While higher water levels can provide more recreational opportunities and flush out pollutants and contaminants, they…
Plants can communicate with each other through chemicals released by their leaves, according to new research. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released in response to environmental changes such as temperature or humidity and can be sensed by nearby plants. The communication can help plants adapt to their environment by warning of predatory attack, for example. The study opens up…