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......»»
Microplastic sizes in Hudson-Raritan Estuary and coastal ocean revealed
Rutgers scientists for the first time have pinpointed the sizes of microplastics from a highly urbanized estuarine and coastal system with numerous sources of fresh water, including the Hudson River and Raritan River......»»
Paper without the microplastics: An economical and ecofriendly coating
Michigan State University's Muhammad Rabnawaz has created a new coating for paper packaging that's both economical and ecofriendly......»»
With a pinch of salt: How reliable are existing studies on microplastics in table salt?
Just as environmentally conscious scientists predicted, our excessive use of plastics is coming back to bite us. Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than a few millimeters, can now be found everywhere, but more so in seawater. As expected,.....»»
High energy radiotherapy could "paint" tumors to avoid harming healthy tissue
A radiotherapy technique which 'paints' tumors by targeting them precisely, and avoiding healthy tissue, has been devised......»»
High energy radiotherapy could "paint" tumours to avoid harming healthy tissue
A radiotherapy technique which 'paints' tumors by targeting them precisely, and avoiding healthy tissue, has been devised in research led by the University of Strathclyde......»»
Method for temporal monitoring of microplastic sedimentation
The effects of microplastics on our health and the environment are being rigorously studied all across the world. Researchers are identifying microplastic sources and their potential routes to the environment by examining rainwater, wastewater, and s.....»»
Environmental scientists cite need for studies looking into impact of microplastics
A pair of environmental scientists are warning that the worldwide population could be facing another health crisis—ailments that impact people due to ingestion of microplastics. In their Perspectives piece published in the journal Science, A. Dick.....»»
How microplastics in the soil contribute to environmental pollution
Plastic, with its unabated global production, is a major and persistent contributor to environmental pollution. In fact, the accumulation of plastic debris in our environment is only expected to increase in the future. "Microplastics" (MP)—plastic.....»»
Researchers find broad impacts from political polarization
Political polarization is having far-reaching impacts on American life, harming consumer welfare and creating challenges for people ranging from elected officials and policymakers to corporate executives and marketers......»»
Boat strikes in protected areas could be harming whale sharks" development
The biggest fish in the ocean, whale sharks, are incredible animals. They can reach lengths of over 18 meters and weigh more than 19,000kg. Each shark has a unique pattern of spots on its body, like a fingerprint......»»
Dramatic increase in microplastics in seagrass soil since the 1970s
Large-scale production of vegetables and fruit in Spain with intensive plastic consumption in its greenhouse industry is believed to have leaked microplastic contaminants since the 1970s into the surrounding Mediterranean seagrass beds. This is shown.....»»
Combined river flows could send up to 3 billion microplastics a day into the Bay of Bengal
The Ganges River—with the combined flows of the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers—could be responsible for up to 3 billion microplastic particles entering the Bay of Bengal every day, according to new research......»»
How plants produce defensive toxins without harming themselves
Plants produce toxic substances to defend themselves against herbivores. In a new study, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena and the University of Münster, Germany, were able to describe in detail the biosynthesis a.....»»
Washing your clothes can create Arctic microplastic pollution
Households in Europe and North America are flooding the oceans with plastic pollution simply by washing their clothes, scientists said Tuesday after research found the majority of microplastics in Arctic seawater were polyester fibres......»»
Pikas are adapting to climate change remarkably well, contrary to many predictions
Climate change is harming many special places and iconic species around our planet, from Glacier National Park's disappearing glaciers to California redwoods scorched by wildfires. But for the animal I study, the American pika (Ochotona princeps), th.....»»
Businesses stand to benefit from sustainable restructuring
The Earth is populated by an increasing number of people who demand more and more products, which is simply not viable in the long run. Our planet does not have unlimited resources. Emissions are harming the environment in various ways......»»
Novel method reveals small microplastics throughout Japan"s subtropical ocean
Research conducted in the Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) has revealed the presence of small microplastics in the ocean surrounding Okinawa. The stu.....»»
Plastic is blowing in the wind
As the plastic in our oceans breaks up into smaller and smaller bits without breaking down chemically, the resulting microplastics are becoming a serious ecological problem. A new study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals a troubling aspect.....»»
Microplastics Revealed in the Placentas of Unborn Babies
Microplastic particles have been revealed in the placentas of unborn babies for the first time, which the researchers said was "a matter of great concern." From a report: The health impact of microplastics in the body is as yet unknown. But the scien.....»»
Highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs, new study says
Mussels, oysters and scallops have the highest levels of microplastic contamination among seafood, a new study reveals......»»