Rebecca Lehman

We must address local threats to coral reefs

Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems that support an abundance of marine life. Climate change and human activities threaten the existence of these reefs. In Maui, scientists found that treated wastewater seeps into coral reefs and causes coral degradation at an alarmingly high rate. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Rebecca Lehman

Water, water nowhere

By 2050 two thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. This growth will cause an 80% increase in city water demand. To fulfill this growing need for water in cities, water will be taken away from rural and agricultural needs.

Thursday, October 25, 2018
Rebecca Lehman

California: The drought was worse than we thought.

During the 2012-2014 drought, farmers had difficulty maintaining their crops and their livelihoods. New research found that during this drought, water use and dependency actually increased in the Central Valley. This finding gives us pause and a chance to reevaluate our water management practices. 

Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Rebecca Lehman

Antibiotics: Helping our bodies, hurting our environment

Antibiotics emitted from pharmaceutical plants have been known to contribute to water pollution in some regions of the world. New research reveals that biological communities downstream of plants change as a result of such exposure. This finding supports growing evidence that antibiotics can change the makeup of rivers and streams.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Rebecca Lehman

Can we forecast tree mortality? Predicting the next disease outbreak

Pests have damaged U.S. forests for centuries. Globalization is increasing the spread of these pests and their danger to ecosystems. Now, new research models pest spread across landscapes using past data to better prepare for future threats.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Rebecca Lehman

Killer in the salt marshes: What keeps plants from returning in a drought?

Drought has become increasingly prevalent in many parts of the world, but how it will affect ecosystems is often poorly understood. In the Yellow River Delta scientists discovered that another factor, natural enemies, hinder the ability of plants to recover from drought.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Rebecca Lehman

Mortality and starvation of wildlife: Could anchovies be the cause?

Researchers in California noticed alarming changes to ecosystems. Starvation of Brown Pelicans, disappearance of seabirds, and sea lions deaths all happening in succession begged the question: what was happening in their habitat? A recent study suggests an unlikely answer: the anchovy.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Rebecca Lehman
Editor's Choice Finalist
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