"Forever chemicals" are polluting African waters
Every week seems to bring a new report about where "forever chemicals" have been found: in soil, drinking water, our bodies and marine animals. Their proper scientific name is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). But they're more com.....»»
Historically bad year for dolphin strandings on Cape Cod has scientists looking for answers
An unprecedentedly bad year for beached dolphins on Cape Cod might have to do with warming waters changing the availability of the animals' food, said scientists hoping to curb the strandings......»»
Aquaculture researchers decode the genome of the African catfish to advance modern breeding approaches
Scientists at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf have decoded the genome of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), in collaboration with international partners......»»
Illegal mining clampdown in South Africa: Treating desperate people like criminals is an injustice
Illegal artisanal gold mining in South Africa is in the spotlight again. Under Operation Vala Umgodi ("plug the hole"), South African authorities have since December 2023 been trying to disrupt the illicit gold mining economy by cutting off water, fo.....»»
Light-based photocatalytic system can break down PFAS at room temperature
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a new approach for breaking down PFAS—a group of human-made "forever" chemicals commonly used for their water-resistant properties that can carry health risks from long-term exposure......»»
Mathematical modeling study demonstrates gene drives could boost malaria control when added to intervention package
The Target Malaria UK modeling team at Imperial College London has published their latest study in Nature Communications, titled "The potential of gene drives in malaria vector species to control malaria in African environments.".....»»
Collaboration uncovers mechanisms of an African plant with anti-HIV potential
A collaboration between The Wistar Institute and the University of Buea in Cameroon has uncovered the mechanisms for a medicinal plant with anti-HIV potential in Croton oligandrus Pierre & Hutch, a species of African tree that has been used in tradit.....»»
Flies carry bacteria, and some are resistant to antibiotics—evidence from three South African hospices
Houseflies live close to humans and domesticated animals and because they are so mobile they can easily spread bacteria that make people sick......»»
For 2nd year, Chesapeake Bay"s striped bass population is down: Regulators will decide if more rules are needed
Striped bass populations in the lower Chesapeake Bay are not doing well, marking the second year in a row for below-average numbers in Virginia waters......»»
Ensuring water for energy and food production in the Andes-Amazon headwaters
A new study, focused on a remote region of the Peruvian Andes where the waters of the Amazon originate, carries lessons for hydropower operators and farming communities worldwide: collaborating on sustainable land management is the best decision they.....»»
"Critically endangered" African penguins just want peace and food
Mashudu Mashau says it takes about two minutes to catch a penguin, a task he does weekly to investigate sightings of injured or sickly seabirds......»»
Troubled waters: How to stop Australia"s freshwater fish species from going extinct
Three-quarters of Australia's freshwater fish species are found nowhere else on the planet. This makes us the sole custodians of remarkable creatures such as the ornate rainbowfish, the ancient Australian lungfish and the magnificently named longnose.....»»
Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Houston spew most greenhouse gas of world cities
Cities in Asia and the United States emit the most heat-trapping gas that feeds climate change, with Shanghai the most polluting, according to new data that combines observations and artificial intelligence......»»
Decline in West African coastal fish stocks threatens food security and livelihoods
Small-scale fisheries play a vital role in providing food and livelihoods for millions of people around the world, particularly in low-income countries in Africa. However, there is limited statistical data on the composition, abundance, and distribut.....»»
Let African Communities Manage Their Climate Adaptation Plans
Outside groups often offer their solutions for climate adaptation in Africa. But the best people to manage the climate crisis are the people in those communities themselves. For climate adaptation to succeed in Africa, let communities and local leade.....»»
Apple tops list of retailers for removal of hazardous chemicals from stores
Apple's environmental credentials have been praised, as it has scored the highest among retailers in the U.S. and Canada for removing hazardous chemicals and plastics.Apple logo in trees - Image credit: AppleThe 2024 Retailer Report Card from Toxic-F.....»»
Which animals carry mpox? Our study identified African forest dwelling rodents as one source
Mpox is a disease caused by the highly infectious monkeypox virus. It's quite easily passed on from one person to another. But it originally came from infected animals......»»
Climate scientist combines research and teaching into "perfect storm" of discovery
This fall, Hurricanes Helene and Milton served as painful reminders of how climate change is fueling extreme weather, supplying warmer ocean waters and warmer air temperatures that lead to wetter, stronger tropical cyclones......»»
Four out of five people in Africa use wood for cooking. A transition would cut emissions and save lives
Four in every five people in Africa cook using wood, charcoal and other polluting fuels in open fires or inefficient stoves. This releases harmful pollutants and leads to respiratory illnesses and heart disease, particularly among children......»»
Uncovering health impacts of forever chemicals on freshwater turtles
A study in Science of the Total Environment has measured concentrations of PFAS—also known as forever chemicals—in Australian wildlife, following an analysis of freshwater turtle (Emydura macquarii macquarii) populations in Queensland......»»
53 years of survey data confirm African elephant decline
Habitat loss and poaching have driven dramatic declines in African elephants, but it is challenging to measure their numbers and monitor changes across the entire continent. A new study has analyzed 53 years of population survey data and found large-.....»»