Australian Heat Wave Made Five Times More Likely by Climate Change
A new analysis revealed that human-induced climate change made the intense early January heat wave in Australia five times more likely. The study, conducted by World Weather Attribution, also indicated that the heat wave occurred despite a weak La Niña, which typically brings milder temperatures to the region.
The research highlighted the significant impact of fossil fuel use on extreme weather events. According to the analysis, the increased likelihood of the heat wave was directly linked to climate change driven by human activities.
Meanwhile, in other news from the scientific community, Nature News issued author corrections for two previously published articles. One correction addressed an error in a Nature article published on January 21, 2026, concerning deep-water formation during the Last Glacial Maximum. The correction involved a mislabeled color scale on a figure, which has been updated in the online versions of the article. The other correction concerned a Nature article published November 12, 2014, regarding nutrient-sensing nuclear receptors and autophagy, where duplications were inadvertently introduced during figure assembly.
In unrelated research, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology announced a breakthrough in reusable heterogeneous catalysts for hydroformylation. Recent research demonstrated that a rhodium (Rh) cluster of an optimal, intermediate size exhibits the highest catalytic activity in hydroformylation reactions.
Outside the realm of scientific research, a German practice known as "lüften" is gaining popularity in the United States. "Lüften," which translates to airing out, involves opening windows daily, even in winter, to reduce mold, humidity, pollutants, and odors. Some Germans practice "stoss lüften," or shock ventilation, opening all windows for a short period. The practice has become a trend on social media, with users calling it "burping their home." Experts suggest that this practice can benefit health by improving indoor air quality.
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