According to a study, warming ocean waters have&nbsp;led to a drop in Earth's brightness.

Our planet now reflects about half a watt less light per square metre than it did 20 years ago,&nbsp;with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of Earthshine data.

As part of the study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, researchers used decades of Earthshine measurements to come up with their conclusion.&nbsp;Earthshine is the light reflected from the Earth that illuminates the surface of the moon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-have-every-right-to-be-angry-boris-johnson-tells-climate-activists-417389">'You have every right to be angry', Boris Johnson tells climate activists</a>

Researchers estimate that the decrease in reflected light is the equivalent of a 0.5 per cent decrease in the Earth's reflectance.

According to the researchers, Earth reflects about 30 per cent of the sunlight it receives.

Philip Goode, a researcher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the lead author of the study, says that&nbsp;"The albedo drop was such a surprise to us when we analysed the last three years of data after 17 years of nearly flat albedo,".

In his statement, Goode is referring to the Earthshine data gathered by the Big Bear Solar Observatory in Southern California from 1998 to 2017.

The researchers said the dimming trend became apparent when the latest data was added to the previous years.

They noted&nbsp;that solar brightness and the planet's reflectivity are two features that affect the amount of net sunlight reaching the Earth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-1950s-coral-cover-reduced-by-half-in-world-finds-report-414010">Since 1950s, coral cover reduced by half in world, finds report</a>

Observations by the researchers did not correlate with the periodic changes in the Sun's brightness, meaning something on Earth is responsible for changes in Earth's reflectiveness.

According to NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project, there has also been a reduction in bright, reflective low-lying clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean in recent years.

That is the same area where increases in sea surface temperatures have been recorded because of the reversal of a climatic condition with likely connections to global climate change, according to the researchers.

According to them, the dimming of the Earth is also evident in how much more solar energy is being captured by Earth's climate system.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-warming-effects-frances-highest-peak-mont-blanc-shrinks-417053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the researchers, this additional solar energy can contribute to global warming once it reaches Earth's atmosphere and oceans.

"It's actually quite concerning," said Edward Schwieterman, a planetary scientist at the University of California at Riverside who was not involved in the study.

Many scientists had hoped that a warmer Earth might lead to more clouds and higher albedo, which would then help to moderate warming and balance the climate system, he said.

"But this shows the opposite is true,"&nbsp;Schwieterman added.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a study, warming ocean waters have led to a drop in Earth's brightness. Our planet now reflects about half a watt less light per square metre than it did 20 years ago, with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of Earthshine data.

According to a study, warming ocean waters have led to a drop in Earth's brightness. Our planet now reflects about half a watt less light per square metre than it did 20 years ago, with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of Earthshine data. As part of the study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, researchers used decades of Earthshine measurements to come up with their conclusion. Earthshine is the light reflected from the Earth that illuminates the surface of the moon. Also read | 'You have every right to be angry', Boris Johnson tells climate activists Researchers estimate that the decrease in reflected light is the equivalent of a 0.5 per cent decrease in the Earth's reflectance. According to the researchers, Earth reflects about 30 per cent of the sunlight it receives. Philip Goode, a researcher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the lead author of the study, says that "The albedo drop was such a surprise to us when we analysed the last three years of data after 17 years of nearly flat albedo,". In his statement, Goode is referring to the Earthshine data gathered by the Big Bear Solar Observatory in Southern California from 1998 to 2017. The researchers said the dimming trend became apparent when the latest data was added to the previous years. They noted that solar brightness and the planet's reflectivity are two features that affect the amount of net sunlight reaching the Earth. Also read | Since 1950s, coral cover reduced by half in world, finds report Observations by the researchers did not correlate with the periodic changes in the Sun's brightness, meaning something on Earth is responsible for changes in Earth's reflectiveness. According to NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project, there has also been a reduction in bright, reflective low-lying clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean in recent years. That is the same area where increases in sea surface temperatures have been recorded because of the reversal of a climatic condition with likely connections to global climate change, according to the researchers. According to them, the dimming of the Earth is also evident in how much more solar energy is being captured by Earth's climate system. According to the researchers, this additional solar energy can contribute to global warming once it reaches Earth's atmosphere and oceans. "It's actually quite concerning," said Edward Schwieterman, a planetary scientist at the University of California at Riverside who was not involved in the study. Many scientists had hoped that a warmer Earth might lead to more clouds and higher albedo, which would then help to moderate warming and balance the climate system, he said. "But this shows the opposite is true," Schwieterman added. (With inputs from agencies)

Study shows Earth's brightness is dropping because of climate change

A recent study has revealed that higher rates of mental illness are witnessed in children and young individuals, growing up amid heavy traffic-related air pollution. The symptoms generally come to light, by the time these individuals reach the age of 18.

Childhood exposure to nitrogen oxides and particulate matter and the development of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are linked.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-air-pollution-is-causing-miscarriages-359301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These are the findings of a 25-year-long joint British/American study. The study was conducted on 2,039 children from England and Wales, all twins, born in 1994 and 1995. An assessment of their mental health was done at 18.

The authors of this study conclude that "the results collectively suggest that youths persistently exposed to moderate levels of nitrogen oxide air pollution may experience greater overall liability to psychiatric illness by young adulthood," said a report in The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-in-india-led-to-17-million-deaths-in-2019-study-351871">Air pollution in India led to 1.7 million deaths in 2019: Study</a>

According to them, the connection between air pollution and the risk of mental illness is "modest" but real. "Individual, family and neighbourhood influences on mental health", such as poverty and/or a family history of mental disorder don't seem to affect this association.

"This study has demonstrated that children growing up in our biggest cities face a greater risk of mental illness due to higher levels of traffic,"&nbsp;said, the study’s co-author, Dr Helen Fisher. "While we might like to think of our towns and cities as green and open spaces, it's clear that there is a hidden danger that many will not have even considered."

The mental health evaluation of participants at the age of 18 was done via an assessment of symptoms for ten of the most common psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, ADHD, and alcohol dependence. This was then used to calculate something known as the psychopathology factor or p-factor, which is a measure of their mental health. Participants with a higher p-factor score displayed more symptoms.

Participants with the highest exposure to nitrogen oxides scored 2.62 points higher p-factor score than their peers in the bottom three quartiles. While those with the most particulate matter exposure scored 2.04 points more.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-may-result-in-irreversible-blindness-study-says-359752">Air pollution may result in irreversible blindness, study says</a>

"We know from research that our mental health is determined by the lives we lead, the environments we’re in and our experiences from our early years onwards. A child’s mental health is influenced by many factors, including their home, school, community and neighbourhood," said, Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health think tank.

"We know that poverty, racism, trauma and exclusion are major risks to mental health.&nbsp;Today’s research shows, our physical environment matters too, and making places safer, cleaner and healthier to live in will have lifelong benefits," he added.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;World Health Organization data, worldwide nine out of ten people are exposed to high pollution levels. Various studies&nbsp;identify pollution as one of the major contributing, aggravating factors for poor heart and lung health and ailments of the central nervous system and risk of mental illness.&nbsp;

While the study does show an interrelation between pollution, traffic fumes and mental ill-health, according to Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, "what they can’t do is to show that it’s the high air pollution that actually causes the poorer mental health."

A recent study has revealed that higher rates of mental illness are witnessed in children and young individuals, growing up amid heavy traffic-related air pollution.

A recent study has revealed that higher rates of mental illness are witnessed in children and young individuals, growing up amid heavy traffic-related air pollution. The symptoms generally come to light, by the time these individuals reach the age of 18. Childhood exposure to nitrogen oxides and particulate matter and the development of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are linked. Watch | These are the findings of a 25-year-long joint British/American study. The study was conducted on 2,039 children from England and Wales, all twins, born in 1994 and 1995. An assessment of their mental health was done at 18. The authors of this study conclude that "the results collectively suggest that youths persistently exposed to moderate levels of nitrogen oxide air pollution may experience greater overall liability to psychiatric illness by young adulthood," said a report in The Guardian. Also read | Air pollution in India led to 1.7 million deaths in 2019: Study According to them, the connection between air pollution and the risk of mental illness is "modest" but real. "Individual, family and neighbourhood influences on mental health", such as poverty and/or a family history of mental disorder don't seem to affect this association. "This study has demonstrated that children growing up in our biggest cities face a greater risk of mental illness due to higher levels of traffic," said, the study’s co-author, Dr Helen Fisher. "While we might like to think of our towns and cities as green and open spaces, it's clear that there is a hidden danger that many will not have even considered." The mental health evaluation of participants at the age of 18 was done via an assessment of symptoms for ten of the most common psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, ADHD, and alcohol dependence. This was then used to calculate something known as the psychopathology factor or p-factor, which is a measure of their mental health. Participants with a higher p-factor score displayed more symptoms. Participants with the highest exposure to nitrogen oxides scored 2.62 points higher p-factor score than their peers in the bottom three quartiles. While those with the most particulate matter exposure scored 2.04 points more. Also read | Air pollution may result in irreversible blindness, study says "We know from research that our mental health is determined by the lives we lead, the environments we’re in and our experiences from our early years onwards. A child’s mental health is influenced by many factors, including their home, school, community and neighbourhood," said, Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health think tank. "We know that poverty, racism, trauma and exclusion are major risks to mental health. Today’s research shows, our physical environment matters too, and making places safer, cleaner and healthier to live in will have lifelong benefits," he added. According to World Health Organization data, worldwide nine out of ten people are exposed to high pollution levels. Various studies identify pollution as one of the major contributing, aggravating factors for poor heart and lung health and ailments of the central nervous system and risk of mental illness. While the study does show an interrelation between pollution, traffic fumes and mental ill-health, according to Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, "what they can’t do is to show that it’s the high air pollution that actually causes the poorer mental health."

Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study

Office workers are ready to welcome automation of repetitive digital tasks, as on average employees spend more than three hours a day on mundane computer tasks which are not part of their primary job and are ripe for human error, a survey said on Tuesday.

According to a global study commissioned by Automation Anywhere, in India, out of 1,000 participants surveyed, 88 per cent believe humans should not be carrying out repetitive administrative tasks if they can be automated.

The research by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/nearly-10000-citibank-employees-to-lose-jobs-as-bank-plans-to-introduce-robots-144218">robotic process automation</a> player noted that nearly half of workers surveyed found digital administration boring and a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/indias-it-industry-body-nasscom-dismisses-mass-layoff-reports-15782">poor use of their skills</a>, while the majority of respondents said it gets in the way of doing their main job and reduces their overall productivity. 
With an 8-hour workday being the global norm, according to the survey, the average employee loses 60 hours per month to easily automate tasks.

By deploying a digital workforce and automating these repetitive tasks, employees could be given back a quarter of their annual work time (4.5 months) to focus on more meaningful work, boosting productivity and overall business value.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indian-women-more-tech-savvy-than-western-counterparts-246039">Indian women more tech-savvy than western counterparts</a>

At the very top of the "hated task" heap is general data entry? manually inputting data into a computer or other devices, followed closely by managing e-mail traffic and filing digital documents, such as documents, spreadsheets, images or PDFs - into the correct digital folder.

Compiling reports from IT and software systems and invoice management round out the top five most hated tasks, the survey noted. 
"Close to 80 per cent of the participants in India believe that admin work is an obstacle for them to do their main job," said Milan Sheth, Executive Vice President India, Middle East &amp; Africa, Automation Anywhere.

Sheth further said, "workers can focus on higher-value tasks if the mundane repetitive tasks can be automated".

As per the report, more than 95 per cent of participants in India are open to the idea of working alongside digital co-workers/software bots. 
Besides, 55 per cent of respondents said they would consider leaving a job if this manual administrative load became too high, while 85 per cent would be attracted to work at a company that invested in automation to reduce repetitive digital administration tasks.

Automation Anywhere commissioned independent research group OnePoll to conduct 10,500 interviews with office workers in 11 countries around the world in 2019. Respondents represented a variety of demographic groups, job levels, industry sectors, and company sizes.&nbsp; 
Human activity reducing numbers of predatory animals: Study 
London, Jan 21 (PTI) Predatory animals, especially small invertebrates like spiders and ladybird beetles, are most likely to be lost when natural habitats are converted to agricultural land, or towns and cities, according to a global study.

Small ectotherms - cold-blooded animals such as invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, large endotherms, including mammals and birds, and animals that eat fungi were also disproportionally affected, researchers said.

The reduction in numbers is in abundance of 25-50 per cent compared to natural habitats, according to the researchers from the University College London (UCL) in the UK.

The study, published in the journal Functional Ecology, analyzed over one million records of animal abundance at sites ranging from primary forest to intensively managed farmland, and cities.

The data represented over 25,000 species across 80 countries. Species were grouped by size, whether they were warm or cold-blooded and by what they eat. Species ranged from the oribatid mite weighing only 2x10-6 grammes to an African elephant weighing 3,825 kilogrammes.&nbsp;

"Normally when we think of predators, we think of big animals like lions or tigers," said lead author of the research, Tim Newbold from UCL. "These large predators did not decline as much as we expected with habitat loss, which we think maybe because they have already declined because of human actions in the past (such as hunting)," Newbold said.

The researchers found that small predators - such as spiders and ladybirds - show the biggest declines. The results indicate that the world's ecosystems are being restructured with disproportionate losses at the highest trophic levels - top of the food chain.

Knowing how different animal groups are impacted by changing land-use could help us better understand how these ecosystems function, and the consequences of biodiversity change.&nbsp;

"We know that different types of animals play important roles within the environment - for example, predators control populations of other animals," said Newbold. "If some types of animals decline a lot when we lose natural habitats, then they will no longer fulfil these important roles," he said.

The conversion of land to human use is associated with the removal of large amounts of natural plant biomass, usually, to give space for livestock and crops, the researchers noted. The limiting of the quantity and diversity of resources available at this level potentially explains the disproportionate reductions in predators seen in this study, they said.

Office workers are ready to welcome automation of repetitive digital tasks, as on average employees spend more than three hours a day on mundane computer tasks which are not part of their primary job and are ripe for human error, a survey said on Tuesday.

Office workers are ready to welcome automation of repetitive digital tasks, as on average employees spend more than three hours a day on mundane computer tasks which are not part of their primary job and are ripe for human error, a survey said on Tuesday. According to a global study commissioned by Automation Anywhere, in India, out of 1,000 participants surveyed, 88 per cent believe humans should not be carrying out repetitive administrative tasks if they can be automated. The research by the robotic process automation player noted that nearly half of workers surveyed found digital administration boring and a poor use of their skills, while the majority of respondents said it gets in the way of doing their main job and reduces their overall productivity. With an 8-hour workday being the global norm, according to the survey, the average employee loses 60 hours per month to easily automate tasks. By deploying a digital workforce and automating these repetitive tasks, employees could be given back a quarter of their annual work time (4.5 months) to focus on more meaningful work, boosting productivity and overall business value. Also Read: Indian women more tech-savvy than western counterparts At the very top of the "hated task" heap is general data entry? manually inputting data into a computer or other devices, followed closely by managing e-mail traffic and filing digital documents, such as documents, spreadsheets, images or PDFs - into the correct digital folder. Compiling reports from IT and software systems and invoice management round out the top five most hated tasks, the survey noted. "Close to 80 per cent of the participants in India believe that admin work is an obstacle for them to do their main job," said Milan Sheth, Executive Vice President India, Middle East & Africa, Automation Anywhere. Sheth further said, "workers can focus on higher-value tasks if the mundane repetitive tasks can be automated". As per the report, more than 95 per cent of participants in India are open to the idea of working alongside digital co-workers/software bots. Besides, 55 per cent of respondents said they would consider leaving a job if this manual administrative load became too high, while 85 per cent would be attracted to work at a company that invested in automation to reduce repetitive digital administration tasks. Automation Anywhere commissioned independent research group OnePoll to conduct 10,500 interviews with office workers in 11 countries around the world in 2019. Respondents represented a variety of demographic groups, job levels, industry sectors, and company sizes. Human activity reducing numbers of predatory animals: Study London, Jan 21 (PTI) Predatory animals, especially small invertebrates like spiders and ladybird beetles, are most likely to be lost when natural habitats are converted to agricultural land, or towns and cities, according to a global study. Small ectotherms - cold-blooded animals such as invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, large endotherms, including mammals and birds, and animals that eat fungi were also disproportionally affected, researchers said. The reduction in numbers is in abundance of 25-50 per cent compared to natural habitats, according to the researchers from the University College London (UCL) in the UK. The study, published in the journal Functional Ecology, analyzed over one million records of animal abundance at sites ranging from primary forest to intensively managed farmland, and cities. The data represented over 25,000 species across 80 countries. Species were grouped by size, whether they were warm or cold-blooded and by what they eat. Species ranged from the oribatid mite weighing only 2x10-6 grammes to an African elephant weighing 3,825 kilogrammes. "Normally when we think of predators, we think of big animals like lions or tigers," said lead author of the research, Tim Newbold from UCL. "These large predators did not decline as much as we expected with habitat loss, which we think maybe because they have already declined because of human actions in the past (such as hunting)," Newbold said. The researchers found that small predators - such as spiders and ladybirds - show the biggest declines. The results indicate that the world's ecosystems are being restructured with disproportionate losses at the highest trophic levels - top of the food chain. Knowing how different animal groups are impacted by changing land-use could help us better understand how these ecosystems function, and the consequences of biodiversity change. "We know that different types of animals play important roles within the environment - for example, predators control populations of other animals," said Newbold. "If some types of animals decline a lot when we lose natural habitats, then they will no longer fulfil these important roles," he said. The conversion of land to human use is associated with the removal of large amounts of natural plant biomass, usually, to give space for livestock and crops, the researchers noted. The limiting of the quantity and diversity of resources available at this level potentially explains the disproportionate reductions in predators seen in this study, they said.

Employees spend over 3 hours a day on easily automatable tasks: Study

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Study shows Earth's brightness is dropping because of climate change

Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study

Employees spend over 3 hours a day on easily automatable tasks: Study