How we are contaminating our waters with microplastics and a multitude of chemicals
A plastic sandwich wrapper bobs in the water where the Limmat River flows out of Lake Zurich. The current carries it downstream through Zurich's historic center before eventually depositing it on the bank of Werd island. Exposed to sunlight, it gradu.....»»
How the invasive spiny water flea spread across Canada, and what we can do about it
Across the tranquil waters of Canada's vast network of lakes and rivers, a quiet invader is on the move. The spiny water flea, Bythotrephes cederströmii, is a microscopic predator that is forever altering the ecological fabric of aquatic habitats in.....»»
Study suggests dolphins could be exposed to potentially harmful microplastics through inhalation
U.S. researchers have detected microplastic particles in air exhaled by wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting that inhalation may be a relevant route of exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants. Miranda Dziobak of the College of Charleston i.....»»
Light broadens the scope of alkene synthesis
Chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a straightforward method to convert common chemicals like carboxylic acids, alcohols, and alkanes directly into valuable alkenes......»»
New technologies could help destroy persistent "forever chemicals"
Scientists and engineers are developing new ways to destroy per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) efficiently and sustainably. This class of chemicals is known as "forever chemicals" because PFAS persist and accumulate in the environment, anima.....»»
Study finds it could take over 40 years to flush PFAS out of groundwater
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known commonly as PFAS, could take over 40 years to flush out of contaminated groundwater in North Carolina's Cumberland and Bladen counties, according to a new study from North Carolina State University. The study.....»»
Barnacle-inspired polymers could present new way to design antibiotics, researchers say
Scientific literature has shown that barnacles that cling to rocks at the seashore use naturally occurring chemicals to clear rock surfaces of bacteria in preparation for laying down their sticky "glue." Since bioengineering professor Abraham Joy's l.....»»
Low-temperature synthesis technique uses upcycled textile waste to create green, safe waterproof coating
A new technique could create waterproof coatings for clothes from discarded textiles—far safer for humans and the environment than current coatings, which are typically made with harsh chemicals and carcinogens......»»
Drowned by hurricane, remote N.Carolina towns now struggle for water
Nicole Crane, exhausted, tearful and unwashed after a week of searching for a neighbor swept away by the raging waters of Hurricane Helene, dreams of taking a shower......»»
Scientists develop novel method for strengthening PVC products
Researchers have developed a way to make one type of plastic material more durable and less likely to shed dangerous microplastics. Their study has identified a secure way to attach chemical additives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The work is publishe.....»»
The medicines we take to stay healthy are harming nature. Here"s what needs to change
Evidence is mounting that modern medicines present a growing threat to ecosystems around the world. The chemicals humans ingest to stay healthy are harming fish and other animals......»»
Protection decisions loom for endangered North Atlantic right whales
Pregnant North Atlantic right whales will soon begin the long swim from the frigid waters off New England's shores to the warm calving grounds of Georgia's coast......»»
Climate change is causing algal blooms in Lake Superior for the first time in history
Lake Superior is known for its pristine waters, but a combination of nutrient additions from increasing human activity (including farming and development), warming temperatures and stormy conditions have resulted in more frequent blooms of potentiall.....»»
Three hard truths hindering cloud-native detection and response
According to Gartner, the market for cloud computing services is expected to reach $675 billion in 2024. Companies are shifting from testing the waters of cloud computing to making substantive investments in cloud-native IT, and attackers are shiftin.....»»
eBay listings for banned chemicals shielded by Section 230, judge rules
DOJ can’t force eBay to remove environmentally harmful product listings. eBay has defeated a lawsuit that the US Department of Justice raised last fall, which alleged that eBay.....»»
Toxic chemicals from Ohio train derailment lingered in buildings for months
New study offers lessons on how to better protect communities from disasters. On February 3, 2023, a train carrying chemicals jumped the tracks in East Palestine, Ohio, rupturing.....»»
Shrinking lake on Albanian-Greek border struggles to survive
Plants and reeds have sprouted up as the waters of Little Prespa Lake on the Albanian-Greek border recede, their beauty overshadowing a painful truth: the lake is slowly dying......»»
eBay listings for banned chemicals shielded by Section 230, judge rules
DOJ can’t force eBay to remove environmentally harmful product listings. Enlarge (credit: Justin Sullivan / Staff | Getty Images News) eBay has defeated a lawsuit that the US Department of Justice raised last fall, whi.....»»
Toxic chemicals from Ohio train derailment lingered in buildings for months
New study offers lessons on how to better protect communities from disasters. Enlarge / This video screenshot released by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows the site of a derailed freight train in East Pale.....»»
Southern California study finds high levels of airborne plasticizers
A new study documents how Southern Californians are chronically being exposed to toxic airborne chemicals called plasticizers, including one that's been banned from children's items and beauty products......»»
Farm waste can filter microplastics in surface runoff, prevent pollution
Using treated plant waste as a filter reduced the presence of harmful microplastics in agricultural runoff by more than 92%, according to a new study authored by a University of Mississippi research team......»»