Environmental Studies

Health of amphibians in oil sand fields area assessed

By Will Ferguson, WSU College of Arts and Science The impact of pollutants from the world’s largest oil sand field on the health of amphibians marks the focus of a team of research biologists from Washington State University and Canada.

Researchers find new clues for nuclear waste cleanup

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – A Washington State University study of the chemistry of technetium-99 has improved understanding of the challenging nuclear waste and could lead to better cleanup methods.

WSU research highlights deforestation threat to jaguars

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Accelerating deforestation of jaguar habitat, especially in corridors connecting conservation areas, threatens the long-term survival of the iconic predator, according to new research by Dan Thornton, an assistant professor in the Washington State University School of the Environment.

Researchers develop environmentally friendly, soy air filter

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a soy-based air filter that can capture toxic chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, that current air filters can’t.

Computer models find ancient solutions to modern problems

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University archaeologists are at the helm of new research using sophisticated computer technology to learn how past societies responded to climate change.

Research: Arctic’s role as climate moderator threatened

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer SAN FRANCISCO – Scientists in a rare and sometimes dangerous study of the Arctic have found that the region’s thinning sea ice is more prone to melting and storms, threatening its role as a moderator of the planet’s climate.