Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Earth & Environment
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
Understanding Wing Dams and Their Role in Flood Risk
Wing dams improve navigation, but their impact on water levels and flood risk has long been debated. By combining detailed 3D and large-scale 1D models, we uncover how different riverbed types shape long-term water level responses to these structures.
Human Activities and Climate Disturbances Are Accelerating the Release of the World’s Largest Ocean Mercury Sink
First quantification of the continental shelf’s capacity to sequester the toxic heavy metal mercury reveals it stores six times more than previously known, but human activities and climate disturbances may reverse its role into a source of marine pollution
A Groundwater Well Database for Brazil
In collaboration with the Geological Survey of Brazil, we present the GWDBrazil, which consolidates and standardizes information from over 351,000 wells. This dataset is intended to provide essential information to support comprehensive water management strategies in Brazil.
Farmer awareness of heavy metal contamination in urban roadside vegetables along the Accra–Tema motorway, Ghana
This study examines farmers’ awareness of heavy metal contamination in vegetables grown along Ghana’s Accra–Tema motorway. It highlights the health risks of roadside farming, the lack of knowledge among farmers, and calls for education and policies to promote safer urban agriculture
A comprehensive review of emerging environmental contaminants of global concern
Emerging contaminants like plastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and endocrine disruptors are increasingly found in water, soil, and food. Often unregulated, they threaten ecosystems and health. This review explores their sources, impacts, and detection methods to guide global solutions.
How a simple rule helped Seoul support local businesses—without fueling COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, governments aimed to protect both health and livelihoods. Stimulus payments supported spending, but raised concerns: would encouraging shopping and dining out increase risky contact and mobility, potentially fueling further virus spread?
