Plastic pollution is in clouds and could sabotage weather forecasts
| yahoo.com
Microplastics are in the Earth’s atmosphere and could be disrupting weather patterns and climate, according to Penn State University (PSU) scientists. In research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology: Air, the team showed how microplastics can "act as ice nucleating particles" or microscopic aerosols that facilitate the formation of ice crystals in clouds. This article quotes Miriam Freedman, professor of chemistry.
Biology and Ecology Student Research Showcase winners announced
| psu.edu
The Biology and Ecology Student Research Showcase, hosted by the Biology Graduate Student Association and Ecology Graduate Student Organization on Nov. 1, featured poster and podium presentations from nearly 30 graduate and undergraduate students.
Three new hawks join flock at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
| psu.edu
Three new hawks have joined the flock at the Klingsberg Aviary at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, including a forest-dwelling goshawk and two rough-legged hawks native to Pennsylvania’s grasslands.
Penn State Global hosts Day of Service, leadup to sustainability conference
| psu.edu
On Oct. 12, Penn State Global hosted a multi-campus synchronous Day of Service aimed at getting students involved in sustainability work in their communities. More than 80 students from five campuses – Abington, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley and University Park – participated in four service experiences, which conclude with the Global Sustainable Action Conference on Nov. 16-17.
EarthTalks: Chief sustainability officer to discuss decarbonizing the University
| psu.edu
Lara Fowler, chief sustainability officer at Penn State, director of Penn State Sustainability, and teaching professor of law, will give the talk, “Decarbonizing Penn State: How Does Law, Policy, and Financing Fit In?” at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, in 112 Walker Building on the University Park campus, as well as via Zoom.
Talk to explore flood management, infrastructure funding in New Zealand
| psu.edu
Patrick Walsh, an economist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will give the talk, “Distributional Impacts of Flood Adaptation and Infrastructure Funding in New Zealand,” at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in 157 Hosler Building on Penn State's University Park campus.
Microplastics may affect weather and climate by producing clouds, researchers find
| pbs.org
Clouds affect Earth’s weather and climate in many ways. New research suggests that the presence of microplastic particles may affect weather and climate by producing clouds in conditions where they would not form otherwise. This article was originally written for The Conversation by Miriam Freedman, professor of chemistry, and Heidi Busse, doctoral student in chemistry. It was also published by Wired and Yahoo.
'Everything becomes a little bit less stable': native Pennsylvania trees battle two diseases
| wesa.fm
A native Pennsylvania hardwood tree is facing extinction. Beech trees are being attacked by two separate diseases – one moves very slowly while the other is rapidly deteriorating the trees' population. This article quotes Vincent Cotrone, urban forestry and natural resource educator for Penn State Extension.
Study: Your highway commute is contributing to bee deaths
| audacy.com
As pollinators, honeybees are important part of the Earth’s ecosystem. Populations of the insect have been on the decline, causing concern about crops, and highway traffic may be a contributing factor. This article mentions Penn State research.
Penn State’s chemical engineering program celebrates 100 years
| psucollegian.com
Penn State’s chemical engineering program started as an “offshoot” of Penn State’s Department of Chemistry, according to professor of chemical engineering Dr. Andrew Zydney’s work “Chemical Engineering at The Pennsylvania
Penn State Sustainable Labs Program kicks off third year with cohort of 21 labs
| psu.edu
Penn State's Sustainable Labs Program, now in its third year, is enhancing sustainability in research labs across the University. The program has expanded to multiple campuses with more than 70 labs and 600 researchers as part of current or past cohorts.
Construction Set to Begin on $89.9M Sackett Building Renovation, Additions at Penn State
| statecollege.com
Work on major renovations and additions to Penn State's historic Sackett Building is expected to begin this month, following approval by the Board of
Flooding is the world's most devastating natural disaster, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Millions of Americans live in high-risk flood zones, with the threat amplified by climate change and aging infrastructure. This episode explores how innovative computer modeling and visualizations can help communities plan for future flood risks and develop effective response strategies. Listen to the podcast.
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