Research using the Environmental Quality Index (EQI) linked increased risk of preterm birth with poor air quality, but not with overall low environmental quality. The study is one of the first to explore the relationship between preterm birth and environmental quality across a range of different environmental domains (including water, air, land, built environment and sociodemographic aspects).

Researchers have shown that emissions from vehicles can react with emissions from urban trees and other plants, resulting in a decrease in air quality in cities in summer; this reduces the otherwise positive impacts of urban vegetation. The study, conducted in Berlin, showed that during a July heatwave, 20% of ozone concentrations were due to emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vegetation interacting with other pollutants. To reduce this effect, lowering emissions of these other pollutants is crucial.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) enter the environment in large quantities via the combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter. They are a cause for concern given their known toxicity, potential to cause cancer and ability to move large distances in the atmosphere — meaning that they are found in remote or protected areas, such as the Arctic, even if not emitted there. This study explores how PAH levels in the Arctic atmosphere have changed over the past 20 years at three sites in Canada, Norway and Finland. The results show that, despite a global decrease in PAH emissions in the same timeframe, the air concentrations in the Arctic are not significantly declining — possibly partly as a result of local warming causing more volatile PAHs to move from the surface to the air.

Flexible measures, such as pollen barriers, for regulating the cultivation of GM and non-GM crops in the same landscape are more likely to encourage the adoption of GM technology by farmers than rigid measures, such as isolation distances, according to a recent study.

Some types of bacteria show the potential to act as self-healing agents in concrete, according to a recent study. This could make the construction material more durable and therefore more sustainable.

New pest management strategies may be needed in landscapes where certain types of GM crop are grown, according to recent research. The study found that GM cotton grown in China, designed to resist insect attack, has had an unintended consequence: reduced insecticide use has allowed outbreaks of non-target organisms to infest crops across the agricultural landscape and emerge as new pests.

A new study by Swiss researchers suggests that certain types of fungi could be bred that increase the growth of the crops. Rice plants injected with a specially bred mycorrhizal fungus grew two to five times larger than normal in the study's experiments, which may have important implications in the future for food security.

A new analysis calls for clear policy guidelines to be adopted in developing countries to direct the development of genetically modified crops which could help contribute to greater food security in developing countries.

Research from the UK and the Netherlands suggests that applying a new risk analysis approach for GM food products could improve the chances of the products being accepted by the public. The approach considers benefits as well as risks.

Scientists have discovered a novel way to produce bioplastic, which could be more cost-effective on a commercial scale than current techniques. The new technique, which uses microscopic algae to synthesise a widely used polyester, has the potential to revolutionise plastic production, say the researchers.

Crane fly larvae cause considerable damage to agricultural crops and young trees throughout Europe. New research has demonstrated that certain strains of fungi have significant potential to control crane fly infestations, thus reducing the use of chemical insecticides and enabling more environmentally-friendly strategies for pest control.

Although methods to assess the impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on terrestrial ecosystems are well defined, impacts on aquatic ecosystems have received less attention. A recent study has shown how the first step of an Environmental Risk Assessment could be applied in an aquatic environment, to assess the exposure of aquatic organisms to proteins in GM crops, using Bt maize as a case study.

It is increasingly evident that human health is closely linked to the environment, and to biodiversity. A study commissioned by the European Commission summarises the many and varied ways in which disturbances to biodiversity affect the spread of human diseases.

Microbes and biocatalytic enzymes could offer useful tools for cleaning soils polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), suggests a new review of remediation approaches. However, risk assessments and further work are needed before their use can be extended beyond the lab to realworld situations. This comprehensive overview of available and novel methods indicates their constraints and potential for future development and research.

Cloud Compute is our latest cloud based data centre service allowing you to self-service and access cloud based infrastructure globally.It's all about choice and flexibility, building the service you need as for long as you need it. Setting up infrastructure that perfectly aligned, faster than ever with near instant provisioning times across private and public availability zones.

How do you turn a problem into an opportunity? When looking for innovative ways to increase the reach and impact of an annual global event, while reducing travel costs, Andres Bulto talked to BT.

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.

Myke is ruined, Grey (maybe) gets an office, and they both read Creativity Inc.

Grey is a leaf on the wind, Myke shares his thoughts on Todoist, and they both share their experiences on hiring and applying.

Myke has read _Triggers_, Grey tries to deal with a backlog, and they have amazing new merch available.

Home sellers in California's state capital now have a new way to sell their homes with certainty and control over what is traditionally a stressful and complex process

SUFFOLK – While landfall of Hurricane Florence is imminent along the North Carolina coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton...

CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun rehabilitating the Route 707 (Blair Park Road) bridge over Lickinghole Creek in...

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ⸺ Route 3 in Lancaster County has reopened to through traffic between Route 201 and Route 600 in the Lively area. The road...

The post Aussie almond growers cracking on with harvest appeared first on The Lead SA.

Dawid Malan’s imperious unbeaten knock of 91 steered Middlesex to a rare Vitality Blast victory against Gloucestershire at Radlett as they climbed to second place in the South Group.

Radlett Cricket Club head groundsman Nick Searle has received a commendation in this year’s annual ECB Groundsman of the Year Awards.

The post GFG Alliance port to be used for ship scrapping appeared first on The Lead SA.

Driving up the long curved path up to The Grove always feels like a treat, and none more so than on last Friday evening when I was invited to try the hotel’s newly refurbished restaurant.

The post First crush makes wine history for Eyre Peninsula appeared first on The Lead SA.

POPULAR restaurant chain TGI Fridays are looking for staff for their upcoming Middlebrook branch.

South Chesterfield – Remnants of Tropical Storm Michael left portions of Virginia, including the VDOT Richmond District, covered in water and...

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have repaired and reopened over 200 roads and bridges that were affected by...

LEESBURG – The two-lane Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) bridge over Tuscarora Creek has been reduced to one lane of alternating traffic until further...

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Drivers along the Franconia-Springfield Parkway (Route 289) bridge over Accotink Creek now have better protection from oncoming...

LYNCHBURG —What a difference a day makes. At least as far as the weather is concerned. The heavy rain and strong winds from yesterday have given way to sunny skies and a calm breeze. Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Michael’s aftermath remains a reminder.

LYNCHBURG —(4 pm) Road conditions have improved across the Lynchburg District this weekend; however, approximately 140 roads remain closed from the effects of Tropical Storm Michael late last week. Motorists, particularly those in Halifax and Pittsylvania counties, should prepare now for their morning commute. Several detours are in place and can be expected to add time to travel. In addition, caution is urged as some may be unfamiliar with the routes being used.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A left lane closure is in place on US 460 East, Richmond Highway, in Campbell County for bridge repairs due to a vehicle strike.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – US 58 over Sandy Creek at the Halifax/Pittsylvania County line has been closed to traffic since Tropical Storm Michael struck the Commonwealth in October and motorists have used a lengthy detour that required travel in North Carolina. Weather permitting the eastbound structure will re-open to one lane of traffic in each direction today, Wednesday, November 7.

Club cricket has become the latest sport to be suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was an afternoon of frustration for battling Watford as they were held to a goalless stalemate by Crystal Palace.

Watford were unable to build on their victory over Liverpool and remain outside the relegation zone on goal difference after slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

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SALEM – A crash involving a tractor-trailer has closed exit 143 on I-81 this morning. Access to I-81 from I-581 and access to I-581 from I-81 has been impacted and drivers will need to seek alternate routes during the morning commute. I-81 southbound to exit 143 with access to I-581 southbound is closed. Travelers on southbound I-81 requiring access to I-581 will need to use Route 11 to Peters Creek Road or use Route 460 at exit 150 to return to I-581 or to access the downtown Roanoke area. I-581 northbound to I-81 southbound is closed. Travelers on I-581 from Roanoke heading to Salem using I-81 will need to use Peters Creek Road or other side roads for access back to I-81 at exit 141. In addition, drivers traveling on I-81 northbound and from I-581 to access northbound I-81 should expect delays and heavy congestion. The right lane of I-81 northbound at exit 143 is also closed. Drivers should expect delays in this area through at least 8 a.m. and further delays are possible through the morning.