earth & Climate ScienceS
Over Time, Electric Vehicles Prove Their Worth
Authors: Pankaj Sadavarte (former postdoc), Drew Shindell and Daniel Loughlin
The context: Experts debate whether electric or gas vehicles are responsible for more carbon dioxide emissions when supply chains are factored in.
The method: Researchers modeled CO2 emissions for electric and gas vehicles based on fuel and battery production, vehicle manufacturing and road use. They applied the model over four scenarios representing growing electric vehicle adoption across the U.S. until 2050.
The findings: Mining and production associated with lithium-ion batteries contributes to 30% higher CO2 emissions for electric vehicles compared to gas vehicles during production. Within three years of use, however, cumulative CO2 emissions from electric vehicles are lower than for gas vehicles. All told, environmental damages associated with gas vehicles are 2 to 3.5 times more costly than electric vehicles when effects on climate and air quality are factored in.
The takeaway: Higher rates of electric vehicle adoption will accelerate the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions while also improving air quality.
The paper: , published in PLOS Climate on Oct. 29, 2025.
environmental natural sciences
Outsize Influence: Microbes Shape Embryonic Development
Authors: Emily Green, Ph.D.’26, Akila Harishchandra, Richard Di Giulio, Nishad Jayasundara and Duke colleagues
The context: We know a lot about how microbes shape human health and development after birth, but not much about their interaction with embryos.
The method: The researchers obtained microbe-free embryos of zebrafish — a common experimental organism — and grew them in water containing common microbes and, separately, in sterile water. They also exposed embryos from each group to a toxic chemical. Then they analyzed the effects of these conditions on embryonic development.
The findings: The microbes altered genetic processes essential to making proteins and pathways linked to energy metabolism, neurodevelopment and drug response. Embryos exposed to the chemical showed physiological and behavioral changes.
The takeaway: The results suggest that microbes affect embryo development and resilience to environmental stressors. The study helps pave the way for future research into embryo-microbe interactions.
The paper: , published in Molecular Ecology on Nov. 5, 2025.
Environmental social systems
How Can Meta Meet Its Data Center Energy Demands?
Authors: Tsedensodnom Uranbold, MEM’26, and Luana Marangon Lima
The context: Growing use of artificial intelligence is driving data center energy demand. Research analyzing links between energy economics and technology can inform policies that promote reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.
The method: Using Meta as a case study, the team compared how well different energy systems — wind, solar, solar plus battery storage, nuclear and natural gas — can meet data center demands through 2030. They used a metric called levelized cost of electricity, which factors in the costs of energy system development, operation and maintenance, and the value of energy production.
The findings: Solar with battery storage is Meta’s cheapest option but requires advanced energy storage and management solutions. Natural gas is a reliable alternative but raises concerns about carbon emissions. Nuclear is the most expensive option, with high up-front costs, but is stable and carbon-free.
The takeaway: When it comes to powering energy-intensive data centers, there are trade-offs between cost, reliability and sustainability.
The paper: , published in Energy Reports, December 2025.
Marine Science & Conservation
Finding Common Ground Among Small-Scale Fisheries
Authors: Alba Aguión (former postdoc), Xavier Basurto and colleagues
The context: Small-scale fisheries account for about 40% of global fish catch, but their defining traits vary widely. A better understanding of the needs and contributions of these fisheries could support tailored policymaking.
The method: Researchers analyzed data on 1,255 small-scale fisheries from 43 countries and scored them according to operational, socioeconomic, technological and post-harvest attributes.
The findings: The team identified five broad groups of small-scale fisheries based on traits such as use of motorized vessels or refrigeration. Each archetype corresponded to one of three main functions: providing nutrition and income, driving economies or a blend.
The takeaway: The results provide a guiding framework for policy that links sustainable development goals to the needs of small-scale fishers. The study also offers insights applicable to small-scale producers in other food systems.
The paper: , published in Nature Food on Oct. 24, 2025.
In the Media
Recent articles and interviews featuring Nicholas School faculty and students:
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Study Finds Cancer-Linked Chemicals in Some Firefighter Gear (Heather Stapleton in HealthDay)
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(Doug Nowacek in National Geographic)
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(Lee Ferguson in NC Health News)
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(Gabrielle Carmine, Ph.D.’25, in Mongabay)
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(Heather Stapleton on WPTF Raleigh)
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(Jessica Maher, MEM’03, in Salazar Center for North American Conservation)
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(Lee Ferguson in Everyday Health)
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(Gabrielle Carmine, Ph.D.’25, and Pat Halpin in Global Seafood Alliance)
Summaries by Julie Leibach, Senior Science Writer
Nicholas School Communications & Marketing