06.12.2024/Kiel. To mitigate climate change, man-made carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions must be reduced as quickly and drastically as possible. Additionally, some of the CO₂ already emitted needs to be safely removed from the atmosphere. One solution is to accelerate and enhance the ocean's natural uptake of CO₂ by increasing its alkalinity. Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) mimics the natural process of rock weathering by adding ground rock, or its dissolution products, directly to the seawater. So far, little is known about the effects of this method on marine life. Now, a study by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel has assessed the impacts of a moderate OAE application, showing that the effects on zooplankton are likely minimal and that the food web could remain stable. The results are published today in the journal Science Advances.

MIT researchers developed biodegradable materials that could replace the plastic microbeads now used in beauty products. The materials could also be used to encapsulate nutrients for food fortification.

Rutgers School of Public Health research found that New Jersey’s expansion of the Family Leave Insurance program in 2019 and 2020 was associated with a sharp increase in the use of family leave benefits among state residents.