Calcium (Ca) plays a fundamental role in carbonate weathering and the global carbon cycle. Carbonate weathering contributes approximately 80% of the dissolved Ca flux delivered from global rivers to the oceans. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the geochemical behavior of Ca isotopes during carbonate weathering. The research group led by Prof. Han Guilin at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) integrated multi-isotope datasets (including Li-K-Fe-Zn) to investigate the geochemical behavior of Ca isotopes in river water and suspended sediments of the Lancang River during carbonate weathering. This work provides new insights into the global C-Ca cycle. The related findings have now been published in Science China Earth Sciences in 2025.

Dolphins produce a range of vocalizations used for echolocation and communication. These vocalizations vary with social context, environmental conditions, and external stimuli, communication, reflecting their cognitive and behavioral complexity. A study published in PLOS One on December 3, 2025 by Francesco Di Nardo at Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy and colleagues suggests that the frequency and duration of captive dolphin vocalizations may indicate engagement with structured activities.

Paleontologists pin down brain evolution in the first flying reptiles.

Professor John Smol of Queen's University has been awarded the prestigious Mohn Prize for 2026 for his groundbreaking research on environmental changes in the Arctic. Recognised for his leadership in palaeoecological studies, Smol has developed innovative tools to measure long-term changes in Arctic freshwater ecosystems, including the impacts of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. With over 700 scientific articles, 24 books, and numerous accolades, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada, Smol is a leading figure in Arctic research. The award will be presented during Arctic Frontiers in Tromsø in February 2026, where Smol will also participate in discussions and seminars.

The largest annual meeting focused on weather, water, and climate sciences, the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) will be held 25–29 January, 2026, in Houston, Texas. 

Using measurements and advanced computer models, an international team led by researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt has pinpointed an emission source for the climate-damaging gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) in southern Germany. This regional source of SF₆ has not yet been taken into account in Germany's climate balance sheet.