Scientists found that small-scale gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon is stripping away topsoil and reshaping the land in ways that deplete water — a key reason forests fail to grow back. The process leaves behind hot, dry piles of sand and stagnant ponds. These sandy mounds can reach 145 degrees F (60 C) and drain water up to 100 times faster than forest soil, making the terrain inhospitable to tree growth. Sites near ponds or at lower elevations retain more moisture and show signs of natural regrowth, suggesting that water access — not just soil quality — plays a critical role in forest recovery. To improve reforestation, the researchers recommend flattening the sand piles and filling in mining ponds so plant roots can reach the water table more easily.

Crucial guidance to empower countries to develop or review their position on international law and cyber activities has been unveiled.

About The Study: This cost-effectiveness analysis found that cessation of public water fluoridation would increase tooth decay and health system costs in the U.S. Despite concerns regarding toxic effects associated with high levels of fluoride, this model demonstrates the substantial ongoing benefits of water fluoridation at safe levels currently recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Toxicity Program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Complaint lines such as New York City’s 311 let people report quality-of-life problems in their building or neighborhood, from excessive noise to illegal parking. But resident-generated data typically suffer from reporting bias, with some neighborhoods and addresses calling attention to problems at lower rates than others.