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Everyday air pollution has stronger impact on health than short-term smog, says expert
Smog and poor air quality are not the same. Smog situations are high concentrations of pollutants that last for a relatively short time. Although they do have a negative impact on health, air pollution is much more important because it has a long-term, everyday impact, says Dr. Krzysztof Skotak from the Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute.
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Sewage treatment plant tests research station that removes micropollutants
The Pomorzany Sewage Treatment Plant is testing a pilot station that detects and removes PFAS compounds and micropollutants. The research results will enable the construction of an effective level 4 treatment installation, in accordance with the new EU urban wastewater treatment directive.
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Forest anthills are 'environmental islands' for fungi
Forest anthills can be 'environmental islands' for fungi, say scientists from the Botanical Garden and the Faculty of Biology at the University of Warsaw, who discovered the presence of a specific group of fungi in the hills of the wood ant, different from those in the surrounding forest litter. The presence of anthills can therefore promote local biodiversity.
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Children help scientists count Danish tardigrades
Scientists have counted tardigrades living in Denmark. They recorded a four-fold increase in the number of species, including at least nine previously unknown ones. This was possible thanks to the help of hundreds of children who collected over 8,000 lichens and mosses, even from the most remote areas of Denmark.
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Driving children to school increases air pollution, say experts
The increase in air pollution in cities is related to increased traffic during morning commutes to schools, according to research from the University of Warsaw. Scientists believe that the situation can be improved by changing the habits of children and parents, not by traffic bans.
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Tardigrade cryptobiosis, or how to dry out and survive - AMU research
Cryptobiosis is a condition thanks to which tardigrades are able to survive in the most extreme conditions. The cell cytoskeleton may also participate in this phenomenon. Scientists from the Adam Mickiewicz University have just received a grant to study this topic.
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European wolf populations still too small, say scientists
European wolf populations are still too small, believe members of an international research team, including scientists from the Universities of Warsaw and Gdańsk. They have shown that most European wolf populations do not meet the criteria set by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
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What attracts birdwatchers to rare species?
In recent years, birdwatchers have shown an increase in interest in rare birds. This may be related to the growing popularity of the hobby and the rapid spread of information about rare sightings via social media, say researchers.
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Scientists from Warsaw institute develop new algorithm for studying RNA
ARTEMIS is the name of a new computational method with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of RNA, a key molecule involved in various cellular functions. The algorithm was developed by scientists from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw.
