Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Earth & Environment
Rocket Science for Spaceship Earth
When we send rockets into space, we must guide them to their destination given mission constraints. Tools from the mathematics of control theory are used to help solve this challenging problem. What can these tools tell is about how to 'steer' social-ecological-technical systems on Earth?
Developing a Marine Bioassay for Emerging Contaminants Using Haliotis midae
Our study presents a marine bioassay using Haliotis midae to evaluate the toxicity of emerging contaminants in South African coastal waters. We adapted international protocols to a local context, offering a tool for marine monitoring aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
A first approach to unravel the jellyfish diversity and ecology from Kribi coastal region (Cameroon, Gulf of Guinea)
Given jellyfish blooms associated huge socio-economic, environmental and health issues, sufficient information regarding their taxonomy, population dynamics, food web roles, and composition, are relevant to design sustainable conservation measures.
Behind the Paper: Atmospheric Rivers Emerge as Future Freshwater Reserves and Heat Stocks
ARs have emerged as one of the most dynamic frontiers in climate science, hydrology, and extreme weather prediction. This paper, we unveil that Atmospheric rivers emerge as future freshwater reserves and heat stocks that will impact global water cycle and climate.
AI Decodes the Deluge: Unveiling Rising Rainfall Extremes in the Urbanizing Himalayan Foothills
A study led by Dr. Sumanta Das, published in Earth Systems and Environment, pioneers the use of machine learning and geospatial analytics to decode four decades of rainfall variability in Uttarakhand, a fragile and rapidly urbanizing Himalayan state.
Differences that make science stronger
Enforcement of national and international laws banning illegal tropical timber trade hinges on independent origin verification, such as with genetic or chemical wood properties. In our recent paper, we combined these methods for the first time and showed their complementarity.
Integrated morphometric and machine learning-based flood risk assessment in the Rangit river sub-watersheds, Eastern Himalayas
This study analyzed the Rangit River Basin's morphometry to assess flood risk. Six sub-watersheds (SW1-SW6) were prioritized via morphometric parameters. SW1, SW4, and SW5 are high priority. A Random Forest ML model (24 variables) created a flood risk map. The results aid flood mitigation efforts.
Climate change and human activities amplify runoff variability risks in lower reaches of large rivers
Ju Gao,Chunhui Li, Xiong Zhou et al. Communications Earth & Environment ,(2025) 6:794,https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02759-3
