A natural gas well. Credit: wikimedia
AGU News
Eos launches ‘Research & Developments’ to keep up with rapid policy changes
AGU’s magazine Eos has launched a new blog, “Research & Developments,” to keep up with the onslaught of changes in U.S. science policy and funding. Eos reporters will provide timely, brief updates and critical context for law and policy changes that impact science and scientists. [check it out]
Featured Research
Microbes eat up methane leaking from abandoned oil and gas wells
Decommissioned oil and gas wells can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Microbes that naturally occur in soils can efficiently remove methane before it reaches the atmosphere, suggesting soil could be used as a nature-based solution to well leaks, a new study finds. [Geophysical Research Letters study]
Brake wear adds dangerous antimony to city air
The metal antimony can harm human health, but its sources in urban environments are not well known. Brake wear and waste incineration are the major antimony sources in Wuhan, China, a new study finds. The findings can guide regulation and public health measures. [JGR Atmospheres study]
Opinion: Formalizing the Anthropocene would “align the Earth sciences with reality”
In 2024, the International Union of Geological Sciences rejected a proposal to formally define the Anthropocene as an epoch. But the Earth “clearly no longer operates in a ‘Holocene mode,’” and formalizing the Anthropocene would recognize this critical shift, scientists argue in a new editorial. Such recognition, they state, would “acknowledge the facts” and “align the Earth sciences… with reality.” [AGU Advances commentary]
“Mega-pool” salt marshes are expanding in Maine, threatening carbon storage
Salt marshes provide critical habitat and ecosystem services, and their health rests in the balance between vegetation and pools of standing water. Pool growth can degrade habitat and limit carbon cycling. Maine’s 12 largest salt marshes expanded by about 16% from 2009 to 2021, with growth largely driven by the expansion of “mega pools.” The findings will guide marsh restoration projects. [JGR Earth Surface study]
Food insecurity linked to heart disease, diabetes in the US
A lack of consistent access to food increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to a new study of health and food deserts in the U.S. The tie is particularly strong in the South. [GeoHealth study][Eos research spotlight]
Higher ozone levels tied to heart attack risk
Higher levels of ozone pollution were associated with increased rates of some types of heart attack 4-5 days after the pollution, a new study finds. The correlation was stronger in non-Hispanic Black patients than white patients, and the association remained significant even at ozone levels lower than WHO guidelines. [GeoHealth study][Eos research spotlight]
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