The Environmental Review

Today, we’re exploring the quiet but powerful link between forests and your faucet. A new study from North Carolina State University, published in PLOS Water, reveals how the way we use land—particularly forests near rivers—can have profound, long-term effects on drinking water quality.Using models to project out to 2070, the research shows that converting forests to urban or agricultural land near water sources leads to more sediment, more nitrogen, and more filtration costs—raising both environmental and financial concerns.Joining us today to unpack the science and the stakes is Dr Elly T. Gay, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the San Diego State Univeristy.

The Study A new study led by Penn State has modeled the devastating agricultural consequences of a nuclear winter. Using the Cycles agroecosystem model, researchers simulated six scenarios of soot released into the atmosphere after nuclear war, showing global corn production could fall by as much as 87% due to blocked sunlight, cooler temperatures, and heightened UV-B radiation. Even a smaller regional conflict could cut production by 7%, destabilizing global food supply chains. The team also proposed a survival strategy: “agricultural resilience kits” containing fast-growing, cold-tolerant crop seeds that could sustain food systems not only after nuclear war, but also volcanic eruptions or other catastrophic disruptions. Their findings reveal both the fragility of global agriculture and the urgent need for preparedness. We’re joined by Dr. Yuning Shi, associate research professor in Penn State’s Department of Plant Science and first author of the study, and Dr. Armen Kemanian, professor of production systems and modeling at Penn State and lead developer of the Cycles agroecosystem model. Together, they combine expertise in crop modeling, atmospheric science, and agricultural adaptation to explore how humanity can prepare food systems for the unthinkable.

Tropical forests are among the planet’s most powerful naturl climate solutions—but what if their ability to grow back depends on something hidden beneath the soil?In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sarah Batterman, a scientist at the Carys Institute of Ecosystem Studies and University of Leeds with a PhD from Princeton University, about new research showing that tropical forests can recover up to twice as fast after deforestation when their soils contain enough nitrogen. Based on one of the largest and longest forest experiments ever conducted across Central America, the study reveals how underground nutrients quietly control tree growth, carbon capture, and the pace of climate recovery.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about something deeply human — our instinctive connection to nature. It turns out, you don’t need a biology degree to tell when a forest is full of life.New research published in People and Nature suggests that ordinary people can accurately sense biodiversity just by looking at forest images or listening to nature sounds. And these gut feelings closely align with what scientists measure on the ground.To help us explore this remarkable link between perception, ecology, and mental health, I’m joined by Kevin Rozario, lead author of the study and researcher at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research. His work is helping bridge the gap between conservation science and the way we experience wild places.

In today’s episode, we’re examining a hidden but increasingly deadly force in the world’s tropical forests: thunderstorms. While heat and drought have long been blamed for rainforest tree deaths, new research reveals that short, intense storms—amplified by climate change—may be toppling trees at alarming rates.To help us understand this overlooked driver of ecosystem change, I’m joined by Dr. Evan Gora, forest ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and lead author of a recent paper in Ecology Letters. His team’s work shows that storms may account for up to 60% of tropical tree deaths, fundamentally reshaping how we think about forest health and carbon storage.

In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the hidden allies keeping our food systems — and brunch menus — alive: native plants and insect pollinators. A new study out of Curtin University reveals that preserving strips of native vegetation beside avocado orchards provides a vital lifeline for pollinators, especially when crops aren’t in bloom.To help us unpack the science, I’m joined by Dr. Joshua Kestel, lead author of the study and expert in environmental DNA and agroecology. His research shows that native vegetation more than doubles the foraging diversity of pollinating insects — with big implications for global food security and sustainable farming.

When we think about fossil fuel pollution, we usually picture oil wells or smoke pouring out of power plants. But a new study shows that the most widespread exposure may come from places most people never notice.In today’s episode of The Environmental Review Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Buonocore and Dr. Mary Willis from Boston University, whose research reveals that nearly 47 million Americans live within a mile of fossil fuel infrastructure — including hidden parts of the supply chain like storage facilities and transport hubs. Their work reframes fossil fuels not as isolated sites, but as a vast, embedded system shaping where and how people live.

Today, we’re diving into an invisible threat that’s all around us — air pollution. We know it affects our lungs, but what if I told you it might also be quietly scarring your heart, even if you feel completely fine?Joining me to unpack this groundbreaking research is Dr. Kate Hanneman — a trailblazer at the intersection of environmental health and cardiac imaging. She’s a cardiac radiologist, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, and Vice Chair of Research in Medical Imaging. Having studied at the likes of Harvard, Stanford, and other prestigious institutions, she’s using her expertise in advanced cardiac MRI to reveal just how deeply air pollution—specifically PM2.5—can affect our hearts over time.

Today we’re joined by Dr. Mike Gardner, an Professor at Flinders University and leading expert in biodiversity and conservation genetics, and PhD candidate Dee Trewartha, who together have been researching the endangered pygmy bluetongue skink. Together, they’re part of a groundbreaking project exploring how climate change is affecting this tiny, burrow-dwelling reptile—and whether moving it to cooler habitats could help it survive. Their findings could shape the future of conservation as the planet warms.

In the hottest place on Earth, one plant doesn’t just survive — it grows faster.In this episode of The Environmental Review Podcast, we speak with Karine Prado, Research Specialist at Michigan State University’s Plant Resilience Institute, about a desert plant that rewrites what we thought was biologically possible.Honey sweet, native to Death Valley, can rapidly reconfigure its cells, genes, and photosynthetic machinery to thrive in temperatures above 120°F.Karine explains how this plant adapts in real time, what happens inside its cells under extreme heat, and how studying nature’s toughest survivors could help future crops withstand climate-driven heatwaves.

For years, we’ve been told that Earth is plunging into a sixth mass extinction — that species are disappearing faster than ever before. But what if that story is more complicated than we think?In this episode of The Environmental Review Podcast, we’re joined by Kristen Saban and Professor John Wiens from the University of Arizona to unpack a surprising new study that challenges one of the most widely accepted narratives in conservation science. By analysing 500 years of extinction data across nearly two million species, their research suggests that extinction rates actually peaked around a century ago and have declined since — even though biodiversity loss remains a serious global threat.We discuss what past extinctions can — and can’t — tell us about the future, why islands and continents face very different risks, and how conservation efforts may be quietly working.

Today’s episode is about breaking something scientists once thought was unbreakable. Teflon — the plastic in non-stick pans and industrial coatings — is famous for being chemically indestructible. But a new study suggests that assumption might be wrong. I’m joined by two researchers who turned that myth upside down:Dr. Dominik Kubicki, who used advanced spectroscopy to prove the chemistry is truly cleanDr. Roly Armstrong, who led the project on breaking down Teflon using mechanical energy instead of heat

Welcome back to The Environmental Review Podcast. I’m today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest questions facing the future of clean energy: Where will all the lithium come from? To help us unpack this pressing question, I’m joined by Dr. Alissa Kendall — a leading voice in environmental engineering and sustainability. She’s the Ray B. Krone Endowed Professor at University of California, Davis and has spent her career exploring how we can build greener, smarter systems for the planet. Her latest research, published in Nature Sustainability, explores how battery recycling could transform the electric vehicle supply chain and reduce our reliance on lithium mining.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most iconic and critically endangered species in the world: the axolotl.These amphibians, native only to Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco, are facing increasing threats from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. But today, we’ll be exploring an innovative and hopeful approach: combining restored native wetlands and artificial habitats to help bring axolotls back from the brink.To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Dr. Alejandra Ramos, an ecologist and conservation scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico whose research bridges restoration ecology, amphibian behavior, and environmental sustainability. Her latest paper, published in PLOS ONE, explores how captive-bred axolotls respond to different wetland habitats — and what that means for the future of species reintroduction programs.

Welcome back to The Environmental Review Podcast. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a fascinating intersection of fluid dynamics, biomimicry, and robotic design. New research from the University of Michigan introduces a golf-ball-inspired prototype with dynamically adjustable dimples that can drastically reduce drag and even steer itself—no fins, no rudders, just smart surface control. To unpack the science behind this innovation, we’re joined by Dr. Anchal Sareen, assistant professor of naval architecture and mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, and lead author of two new studies published in Flow and Physics of Fluids.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Andrea Loayza, a leading Chilean ecologist and Associate Professor at the University of La Serena. Her research focuses on plant–animal interactions, seed dispersal, and biodiversity in arid ecosystems. From desert rodents to extinct megafauna, her work uncovers how life adapts in some of Earth’s harshest environments.

Welcome to the environmental review, where we bring environmental research and policy to light. Today we’re joined by one of the most respected voices in forest and fire ecology—Dr. Hugh D. Safford. With decades of experience leading research across the Sierra Nevada and beyond, Dr. Safford has shaped how we understand wildfire, climate change, and the role of traditional ecological knowledge in land stewardship. He’s the Chief Scientist at Vibrant Planet, a former US Forest Service regional ecologist, and a professor at Uni cali Davis. Whether he’s restoring resilient forests or hiking high-altitude mountains, his work bridges science, policy, and people.

Today’s episode is all about rain — but not the kind that ruins your beach day. Instead, we’re looking at how raindrops themselves could become tiny power plants.A 2025 study from the National University of Singapore, published in ACS Central Science, has shown that water droplets can be used to generate clean, renewable electricity using a brand-new method. It's called plug flow, and it might just change how we think about everyday rain.

I’m your host, and today we’re talking about a new study that brings together two things we all encounter daily—air pollution and city lights—and links them to something unexpected and alarming: thyroid cancer in children.This study, titled “Perinatal Exposures to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Outdoor Artificial Light at Night and Risk of Pediatric Papillary Thyroid Cancer,” was just published in Environmental Health Perspectives on April 7, 2025. It’s led by Dr. Nicole Deziel of Yale University, along with a large team of researchers from Yale, the University of Southern California, UC Berkeley, and the American Cancer Society (Deziel et al., 2025).Their work investigates how exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and artificial light at night—during the earliest stages of life—might raise the risk of thyroid cancer in children and teens.Let’s dive into what this means, how the study was done, and what we can all do in response.Contacts - feel free to reach out!Gmail - [email protected]/X - theenvironmentalreviewCitations:Nicole C. Deziel, Rong Wang, Joshua L. Warren, Catherine Dinauer, Jennifer Ogilvie, Cassandra J. Clark, Charlie Zhong, Joseph L. Wiemels, Libby Morimoto, Catherine Metayer, Xiaomei Ma. Perinatal Exposures to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Outdoor Artificial Light at Night and Risk of Pediatric Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2025; DOI: 10.1289/EHP14849

Today, we’re diving into one of the most exciting breakthroughs in genetic science—an expansion of the CRISPR-Cas9 toolbox that could change medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection. CRISPR is a gene editing technology that can edit humans, plants and more. It might just be the key in our fight against the warming climate. Scientists from Duke University, led by Gabriel L. Butterfield, Dahlia Rohm, Avery Roberts, and Charles A. Gersbach, have discovered new versions of the Cas9 enzyme, which could make gene editing even more powerful. This research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), was contributed by Rodolphe Barrangou and reviewed by Luciano A. Marraffini and Feng Zhang. But what does this all mean for us? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.Contact: Email - [email protected]/X - theenvironmentalreviewCitationsGabriel L. Butterfield, Dahlia Rohm, Avery Roberts, Matthew A. Nethery, Anthony J. Rizzo, Daniel J. Morone, Lisa Garnier, Nahid Iglesias, Rodolphe Barrangou, Charles A. Gersbach. Characterization of diverse Cas9 orthologs for genome and epigenome editing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2025; 122 (11) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2417674122

Today, we’re diving into a breakthrough in nuclear fusion technology—one that could bring us closer to a future powered by clean, limitless energy. This breakthrough comes from Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, where physicists have developed a new computer code called QUADCOIL. This innovation could simplify and reduce the costs of stellarators, a promising type of fusion reactor. We’ll break down the science, the impact, and what this means for the future of fusion power.Contacts:Email - [email protected]/X - theenvironmentalreviewCitationsLanke Fu, Elizabeth J. Paul, Alan A. Kaptanoglu, Amitava Bhattacharjee. Global stellarator coil optimization with quadratic constraints and objectives. Nuclear Fusion, 2025; 65 (2): 026045 DOI: ⁠10.1088/1741-4326/ada810

Welcome to The Environmental Review! Today, we’re joined by Dr. Andrea Grottoli, a leading marine scientist and professor at The Ohio State University. A global expert in coral resilience and climate change, she has led groundbreaking research on coral bleaching and ecosystem adaptation. She also developed UZELA, an innovative technology that enhances coral feeding to support reef restoration. As a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, former president of the International Coral Reef Society, and a lot more, her work is shaping the future of marine conservation.Contact Dr. Andrea Grottoli: [email protected]. Andrea Grottoli's Website: https://u.osu.edu/grottoli.1/ContactsEmail: [email protected]: theenvironmentalreview

Coral reefs, often considered the rainforests of the sea, are among the most diverse and vital ecosystems on our planet. They provide habitat for approximately 25% of all marine species and offer critical ecosystem services, including coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism, with an estimated global economic value of nearly $10 trillion USD. However, these invaluable ecosystems face unprecedented threats due to climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Scientists are working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions to enhance coral resilience. One such groundbreaking development is the Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array, or UZELA. In today’s episode, we will explore the research behind this remarkable technology, the scientists who pioneered it, and its implications for coral conservation.Contact:Gmail: [email protected]/X: theenvironmentalreviewCitations:Andréa G. Grottoli, Shannon L. Dixon, Ann Marie Hulver, Claire E. Bardin, Claire J. Lewis, Christopher R. Suchocki, Robert J. Toonen. Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA): A technology solution to enhance zooplankton abundance and coral feeding in bleached and non‐bleached corals. Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, 2025; DOI: 10.1002/lom3.10669

As humanity’s ventures into space become more ambitious, an unexpected challenge has emerged: the increasing risk posed by re-entering space debris to our planet’s busy airspaces. This episode explores a groundbreaking study that sheds light on this issue, examining its findings and discussing the broader implications for aviation safety and environmental policy. Contact: Gmail: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview Citation: Wright, E., Boley, A. & Byers, M. Airspace closures due to reentering space objects. Sci Rep 15, 2966 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84001-2

Note, as a podcast, we stand for factual information (any bias should be backed with claims although we tried not to be biased except for at the very end of the pod) - everything here has been factually collected to the best of our knowledge. We support climate improvements and the use of green tech, though we do not necessarily align with any political party. The little 'two cents' at the end was based on online data to look at the potential power of green tech in killing two birds with one stone, not any direct criticism to the global leaders. Today we’re looking at Donald Trump’s 2025 withdrawal from the Paris Agreement—what it means, why it happened, and how different stakeholders are reacting. This marks the second time the U.S. has left the Paris Agreement under Trump. He first pulled the country out in 2017, only for the U.S. to rejoin under President Joe Biden in 2021. Now, under Trump’s second presidency, the U.S. has once again withdrawn. Why did he make this decision again? How are businesses, world leaders, and environmental groups responding? And what does this mean for global climate efforts? We'll look at these questions in todays episode. Contact: Gmail: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview

In this episode, we’re diving into a groundbreaking study published in Climate Resilience and Sustainability. Led by Dr. John Redhead from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, along with researchers from the University of East Anglia, this study provides an in-depth analysis of how climate change could radically transform UK agriculture by the year 2080. With global temperatures projected to rise by 2°C or even 4°C above pre-industrial levels, the future of British farming is at a crossroad. The research paints a fascinating picture of a UK where crops like chickpeas, soybeans, and even citrus fruits could thrive while traditional staples like wheat and strawberries face serious declines. Contact: Gmail: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview Link to Study: https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cli2.70007 Citations: John W. Redhead, Matt Brown, Jeff Price, Emma Robinson, Robert J. Nicholls, Rachel Warren, Richard F. Pywell. National Horizon Scanning for Future Crops Under a Changing UK Climate. Climate Resilience and Sustainability, 2025; 4 (1) DOI: 10.1002/cli2.70007

In today's episode, we’re exploring the incredible story of the Brazil Nut tree—a true giant of the Amazon rainforest. This towering tree is more than just a source of nuts. It’s a key player in the rainforest’s ecosystem, a symbol of how humans have shaped nature, and now, thanks to groundbreaking research, it’s a genetic marvel that’s giving us new insights into biodiversity and conservation. Special credit goes to Dr. Victor Caetano-Andrade and his team at the Max Planck Institutes for their pioneering research, which forms the foundation of today’s episode. Contact me! Email: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview Citations: Hua Wang, Victor Caetano-Andrade, Nicole Boivin, Charles R. Clement, Wellyngton Espindola Ayala, Ramiro Dario Melinski, Francislaide da Silva Costa, Detlef Weigel, Patrick Roberts. Long-term human influence on the demography and genetic diversity of the hyperdominant Bertholletia excelsa in the Amazon Basin. Current Biology, 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.023

Road salt pollution is an extremely secretive weapon that damages our organisms, our land, and even our human health. Led by Professors from Virginia Tech, we look today at the promising potential of cattail plants to fight pollution, and additionally analyse alternatives used by individuals in New Hampshire and Scandanavia. Contacts - feel free to reach out! Gmail: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview Citation: S. Long, M.A. Rippy, L. Krauss, M. Stacey, K. Fausey, The impact of deicer and anti-icer use on plant communities in stormwater detention basins: Characterizing salt stress and phytoremediation potential, Science of The Total Environment, 2025, 178310, ISSN 0048-9697, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178310.

In this podcast episode. we look at the groundbreaking research from Elisabeth Van Roijen (University of California, Davis), Sabbie Miller (University of California, David) and Steve Davis (Stanford University) as they look at the potential for concrete to lock carbon away for good. By adding concrete with bio-synthesised alternatives, our buildings could sequester carbon for billions of years, reducing emissions and temperatures. Contact - feel free to reach out! Gmail: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview

In January 2025, a variety of wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles Area have broken out, putting more than 180,000 people at risk. In this episode, we cover what they are, California's extensive battle with wildfires, and the surprising impacts of AC in response to these wars. Our hearts go out to the people faced with the wildfires. Stay safe, and stay informed. (note - the Maria in the podcast is not Maria - we have not provided the actual name due to privacy reasons) Contact - feel free to reach out! Gmail: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview Youtube: theenvironmentalreview

Northvolt, a large green battery producer in Sweden, has recently filed for Bankruptcy in the United States, accumulating over $5.8 Billion in debt. We cover the story of it's collapse, and it's significance in Europe's sustainability industry. While this is a huge loss, there is still hope for the future. Contacts Email: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview

Today, we looked at the carbon footprint - a popular buzzword that actually has significant scientific meaning. We look at Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (CO2e), and look at the implications of watching Netflix and sending emails on your environmental footprint. Contacts - feel free to reach out! Email: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview

What are microplastics? In our first episode, we cover microplastics, what they are, how they affect the environment, and what is being done to resolve it's widespread glitter-like effect. In the future, we hope to get some researchers to deep dive into the problem! Contacts - feel free to reach out! Email: [email protected] Instagram/X: theenvironmentalreview