Microplastics are everywhere, but are they harming us?
Microplastics have been found in the ocean and the air, in our food and water. They have been found in a wide range of body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys and even testicles......»»
Reducing plastic pollution by adding RNA-inspired "breaking points"
Once plastic products are used and discarded, they can linger in oceans, collecting in large "garbage patches" and harming sea life. One potential solution, a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA), has so far not fully lived up to its promis.....»»
Microplastics in belugas worked their way up food chain, researchers find
Microplastics are being found in even the most remote waters, say Simon Fraser University researchers who studied how the particles ended up in the stomachs of beluga whales through prey......»»
Researchers engineer microorganisms to tackle PET plastic pollution
From overflowing landfills to floating garbage islands in the oceans to microplastics in remote wilderness areas, billions of tons of discarded plastic have created a global pollution crisis......»»
Research shows how plastics threaten biodiversity of marine life
New research at Queen's University highlights the impact that microplastics are having on hermit crabs, which play an important role in balancing the marine ecosystem. .....»»
More microplastics are entering the ocean from disposable masks
The enormous surge of face-mask use since the beginning of the global lockdown in March 2020 has saved countless human lives, a crucial component to limiting the transmission of the novel coronavirus. But with 129 billion masks being consumed globall.....»»
Eliminating microplastics on farmland
In many countries, farmers and gardeners use mulch films to increase their crop yields. The films are often made of polyethylene and can be used to control weed growth, soil temperature and water consumption. Unfortunately the petroleum-based materia.....»»
Fringe Doctors" Groups Promote Ivermectin for COVID despite a Lack of Evidence
The organizations touting unproved protocols for the antiparasitic drug may be harming vaccination efforts -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
Drugs in river at UK"s Glastonbury music festival harming fish: scientists
High levels of illegal drugs have been found in a river running through Britain's Glastonbury music festival site, endangering a rare species of fish and other wildlife, scientists said on Tuesday......»»
Baby Poop Is Loaded With Microplastics
An alarming new study finds that infant feces contain 10 times more polyethylene terephthalate (aka polyester) than an adult’s......»»
Infants have more microplastics in their feces than adults, study finds
Microplastics—tiny plastic pieces less than 5 mm in size—are everywhere, from indoor dust to food to bottled water. So it's not surprising that scientists have detected these particles in the feces of people and pets. Now, in a small pilot study,.....»»
Maritime rope could be adding billions of microplastics to the ocean every year
The hauling of rope on maritime vessels could result in billions of microplastic fragments entering the ocean every year, according to new research......»»
COVID Vaccines Show No Signs of Harming Fertility or Sexual Function
The novel coronavirus, in contrast, can disrupt both things in unvaccinated men and women -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals
The fact that microplastics can accumulate organic pollutants from the environment and transport them has been known for some time. What is new, however, is that metals can also be transported in this manner. In addition, the smaller the particles, t.....»»
Microplastics discovered in the Arctic ecosystem
Around the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, rhodoliths made up of coralline red algae provide ecological niches for a wide variety of organisms. A team of researchers from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), the Univer.....»»
The Olympics without Fans Is Harming Athletes" Performance
Simone Biles drops out of an event, citing the lack of an audience -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
Plastic accumulation in food may be underestimated
A new study has found plastic accumulation in foods may be underestimated. There is also concern these microplastics will carry potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which are commonly found in coastal waters, up the food chain......»»
Mathematical model predicts the movement of microplastics in the ocean
A new model tracking the vertical movement of algae-covered microplastic particles offers hope in the fight against plastic waste in our oceans......»»
The ocean is full of tiny plastic particles – we found a way to track them with satellites
Plastic is the most common type of debris floating in the world's oceans. Waves and sunlight break much of it down into smaller particles called microplastics—fragments less than 5 millimeters across, roughly the size of a sesame seed......»»
How food production emissions are harming health
While increased agriculture production has reduced hunger, it is also linked to unhealthy diets and increased emissions that are severely affecting human health, says a study......»»
Researchers use satellites to track ocean microplastics from space
Environmentalists have been raising awareness about microplastics in the oceans. Now, researchers are using a NASA satellite to track the problem......»»