Abstracts: Sea Level Rise, Science Funding, and More

A roundup of science news from around the Web — and around the world.

•  Climatologist James Hansen warns in a study that sea level rise could devastate major coastal cities much faster than previously predicted, but other scientists are critical of his methods. (Scientific American)

•  Though incredibly convenient, self-driving cars could raise serious privacy and surveillance issues. (The Atlantic)

Google self-driving car

•  NSF budget cuts are threatening critical biological sampling projects such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s assessment of fishing quotas. (Nature)

•  As if you needed it, here’s some science on the mental benefits of spending time in nature. (Outside) 

•  Two papers in the journal Environmental Geochemistry and Health have been retracted due to complications in the peer review process. (Retraction Watch)

• Humans could cut greenhouse gas emissions 29 percent by 2050 by eating less red meat, a new study says. (Los Angeles Times)

•  Here, Siddhartha Mukherjee tells the story of his family’s history with mental illness and the discoveries researchers have made about the genes linked to schizophrenia. (The New Yorker)

•  An even-handed look at a contentious scientific question: Do brain tissue infections contribute to Alzheimer’s disease? (Scientific American)

•  And finally, a collection of striking photos of world monuments during Earth Hour, in which lights were turned off to raise awareness of energy efficiency. (The Atlantic)