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Nature recovery setbacks, Christmas tree footprint, CDC hepatitis B vaccine policy...
Vendredi 5 décembre 2025 à 22:04
Environment & Nature
England’s Nature Recovery Plan Undermined by Contract Clause
The Guardian highlights mounting concerns from conservationists after the UK government inserted a clause into England’s flagship nature recovery plan, permitting contracts to be terminated with just a year’s notice. Conservation groups argue that this, combined with ongoing underfunding, will significantly curb participation and reduce long-term protection for rare species and habitats. The scheme, originally designed to fund landscape-scale restoration projects over decades, now faces uncertainty that could deter landowners from making lasting commitments to biodiversity restoration.
The Guardian (Environnment)
Environmental Impact of Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees
The Guardian explores the complex question of whether a real or artificial Christmas tree is more sustainable, noting that using an existing artificial tree for as many years as possible is generally better than buying a new real tree each year. However, the answer is nuanced: real trees, if grown sustainably and disposed of properly, can have a lower carbon footprint, while artificial trees made from non-renewable materials only become eco-friendlier after many years of reuse. The article offers practical tips for reducing the environmental impact of this holiday tradition.
The Guardian (Environnment)
Britain’s Bird-Themed Street Names Rise As Species Decline
A new report covered by The Guardian spotlights a surge in British street names honoring declining birds—such as skylarks, lapwings, and starlings—while actual populations of these species continue to plummet. The RSPB found a 350% increase in “skylark” street names and similar trends for other birds since 2004, yet this symbolic recognition is not matched with meaningful conservation action. Experts warn that unless concrete measures are taken, these commemorations may become all that remains of once-common species.
The Guardian (Environnment)
Sydney’s GreenWay: A Model for Urban Nature Corridors
A long-envisioned 6km cycling, walking, and green corridor linking Sydney Harbour to the Cooks River is set to open, according to The Guardian. The “GreenWay” project, decades in the making, will connect urban communities with nature, promote sustainable transport, and restore native habitats along its length. Planners and advocates hope it will serve as a template for similar urban nature corridors worldwide, balancing recreation, conservation, and active mobility.
The Guardian (Environnment)
Science & Biodiversity
Microbial Life Thriving Beneath Glaciers
The Scientist reveals that far from being barren, glaciers harbor a vibrant and extensive microbial biosphere. Recent research shows that biomass stored in Earth’s glacial ice is comparable to that of all rainforest soils, challenging assumptions that the cryosphere is lifeless. These findings not only expand scientific understanding of extreme environments but also have implications for ecosystem resilience as glaciers recede due to climate change.
The Scientist
Health & Policy
CDC Panel Ends Universal Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendation
A major shift in US vaccine policy was reported by The Guardian, STAT News, and The NY Times: the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to end the longstanding recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination of newborns. Instead, only babies born to mothers who test positive for the virus will receive the vaccine at birth; others will start at two months. Public health experts, including those cited by CNBC, warn this reversal could undermine decades of progress in reducing hepatitis B infections in infants. The new panel, including several vaccine skeptics, made the change amid criticism that no new scientific evidence justified the move.
The Guardian
STAT News
sciencenews.org
Live Science
The NY Times
CNBC
Retraction of Influential Monsanto Roundup Safety Study
The Guardian reports that the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology has retracted a pivotal 2000 study that had been widely cited by Monsanto to defend the safety of its glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup. The editor-in-chief cited “serious ethical concerns” regarding the independence and academic integrity of the research, especially after internal documents revealed company influence. This retraction casts doubt on decades of regulatory decisions based on the study’s findings and highlights the critical importance of research transparency.
The Guardian
Science & Discovery
Ancient Helium Reservoirs Could Help Avert Looming Shortage
Live Science examines the global helium shortage, a challenge for industries and medical technologies that rely on the element. Traditionally sourced from natural gas extraction, which emits significant carbon, researchers are now identifying large, ancient, and “carbon-free” helium reservoirs trapped in Earth’s crust. These discoveries could reduce emissions from helium production and secure future supplies, though tapping these resources presents its own technical and environmental hurdles.
Live Science
Physicists’ ‘Shortcut’ Brings Quantum Simulations to Laptops
A new computational technique reported by Live Science enables quantum simulations—once the domain of supercomputers or AI—to be run efficiently on standard laptops. By updating the “truncated Wigner approximation” into a user-friendly conversion table, the method democratizes access to complex quantum modeling and could accelerate research in quantum physics and materials science.
Live Science
Neandertal Noses Not Specially Adapted for Cold, Study Finds
sciencenews.org features a new study overturning the long-held belief that Neandertals evolved large noses to survive cold climates. Detailed analysis of a remarkably preserved Neandertal skull shows their nasal structures are similar to those of modern humans, refuting the idea that their protruding faces were cold-adaptive. The findings reshape our understanding of Neandertal biology and their adaptation strategies.
sciencenews.org