Issue # 307 _ September 2021
Cover
- Climate in the Anthropocene
- New IPCC report shows that humans are driving global warming and subjecting the planet to more extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall By Marcos Pivetta
- Boosted atmosphere
- Studies indicate that almost 80% of 405 recent extreme events were more frequent or intense due to changes caused by humans By Marcos Pivetta
- Cities battle the climate crisis
- Research in the human and social sciences is helping cities develop plans to adapt to the new reality of life on Earth By Christina Queiroz
Academic assessment
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New quality metrics
Universities and funding agencies search for more comprehensive metrics to assess researchers
By Fabrício MarquesOpen access
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The Sci-Hub effect
Study suggests articles downloaded from the pirate repository are cited more often
By Rodrigo de Oliveira AndradeSoil science
![](/wp-content/thumbs/c5d9b89018c228f6abe6b13551c69343208bfaec_300-200cropped.jpg)
Tracking crime
Soil sample analysis can aid investigations and help solve crimes
By Ricardo ZorzettoElectricity
![](/wp-content/thumbs/14ce728a879be9701a5e4408304d9feb4f409ee9_300-200cropped.jpg)
Heat energy from the sun
The first solar thermal energy projects are leaving the design stage in Brazil
By Domingos Zaparolli