Microplastics could make other pollutants more harmful
Microplastics—small plastic pieces less than five millimeters in length—are becoming a ubiquitous ecological contaminant. Studies suggest that on their own, these tiny bits are potentially harmful, and it's unclear what effect they could have on.....»»
Elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes should be considered a new factor of global change, researchers say
Human-caused global change is a complex phenomenon comprising many factors such as climate change, environmental contamination with chemicals, microplastics, light pollution, and invasive plants. One of the main tasks of global change biology is to i.....»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»
Chlorinated flame retardants found to affect avian embryonic development
Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed under the category of globally controlled persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by the Stockholm Convention in 2017. However, SCCPs toxicity, particularly its developmental toxicity in avian embryo.....»»
The detection of a massive harmful algal bloom in the Arctic prompts real-time advisories to western Alaskan communities
In the summer of 2022, a research cruise detected a massive harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the Bering Strait region of western Alaska. This expedition provided a dramatic example of science utilizing new technology to track a neurotoxic HAB, and effect.....»»
Nanocarbon catalyst design unlocks new avenue for sustainable fuel additive production
Vehicle exhaust from fossil fuel combustion constitutes a main source of air pollutants like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. To mitigate air pollution, researchers are looking into additives to fuels like dimethoxymethane (DMM). But DMM productio.....»»
Unexpected phage protein function discovered in bacteria battle
An unexpected find has enabled important progress to be made in the battle against harmful bacteria. An international team of researchers, led by Professor Peter Fineran from the University of Otago, investigated a particular protein used by bacteria.....»»
Researchers identify multiple "forever chemical" contamination hot spots in US
Harmful chemicals that don't break down are present in public water systems nationwide, and West Virginia University economists have found that densely populated, higher-income areas and those that use groundwater tend to have the highest contaminati.....»»
Our clothes generate microplastics that pollute the St. Lawrence River and other bodies of water, say researchers
Our clothes are made mainly of plastic......»»
Harmful substances in soft plastic lures: Risks for anglers and the environment
An interdisciplinary research team has demonstrated in their new study that harmful phthalates and endocrine disruptors are released from common soft plastic baits......»»
Unexpected source of nutrients fuels growth of toxic algae from Lake Erie
Climate change, such as warming and changes in precipitation patterns, affects the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) globally, including those of toxin-producing cyanobacteria that can contaminate drinking water......»»
Novel method for mass production of recombinant proteins uses mono-sodium glutamate
Mass production of recombinant proteins using yeast cell "factories" needs methanol, a compound that requires safe handling, carries the risk of catching fire, and sometimes produces harmful byproducts. Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry (.....»»
Scientists explore how single-atom catalysts impact water purification in advanced oxidation process
The rapid increase in global industrialization in the past centuries has resulted in the disposal of excessive toxic pollutants into the environment, seriously threatening the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Peroxymonosulfate-based advanced oxida.....»»
New research shows soil microorganisms could produce additional greenhouse gas emissions from thawing permafrost
As the planet has warmed, scientists have long been concerned about the potential for harmful greenhouse gases to seep out of thawing Arctic permafrost. Recent estimates suggest that by 2100 the amount of carbon dioxide and methane released from thes.....»»
Porous materials and machine learning provide inexpensive microplastic monitoring method
Optical analysis and machine learning techniques can now readily detect microplastics in marine and freshwater environments using inexpensive porous metal substrates. Details of the method, developed by researchers at Nagoya University with collabora.....»»
Researcher says not every exotic species needs to be controlled
Certain invasive exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish, are harmful to our environment because they nibble on aquatic plants, dig burrows in banks, and transmit crayfish plague to native species. "But there are also non-native fish and crayf.....»»
The Earth"s changing, irregular magnetic field is causing headaches for polar navigation
The Earth's liquid molten outer core, composed mostly of iron and nickel, exerts an electromagnetic field extending from the north and south pole that protects the planet from harmful solar particle radiation......»»
‘Self-Cleaning’ Paint Could Break Down Pollutants on Surfaces and from the Air
Recycled materials contribute to a potential pollutant-neutralizing paint.....»»
Are the Microplastics Found in Testicles a Health Danger?
Evidence shows microplastics can end up in many different organs and may harm reproductive health.....»»
Ambitious targets are needed to end ocean plastic pollution by 2100, analysis finds
A collaboration between researchers at Imperial College London and GNS Science, suggests that reducing plastic pollution by 5% per year would stabilize the level of microplastics—plastics less than 5 mm in length—in the surface oceans......»»
Many microplastics in the world"s oceans have likely escaped detection, researchers say
Chemicals within microplastics that are found in our world's oceans and waterways, and in drinking water sources, remain of concern to scientists and public health officials. A new study that investigated the presence of the smallest particles of mic.....»»