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.....»»
3D imaging allows researchers to observe degradation of micro- and nanoplastics with unprecedented detail
In a global first, University of Waterloo researchers have used 3D imaging technology to understand the fine details of microplastics, paving the way for more effective methods of plastic waste recycling......»»
Researchers develop molecular biosensors that only light up upon binding to their targets
Biosensors—devices that use biological molecules to detect the presence of a target substance—have enormous potential for detecting disease biomarkers, molecules-in-action in diverse biological processes, or toxins and other harmful substances in.....»»
Composite plastic degrades easily with bacteria, offers environmental benefits
Billions of tons of plastic waste clutter our world. Most of it has accumulated on the ground and in the oceans or disintegrated into tiny particles known as microplastics that pollute the air and the water, penetrating vegetation and the bloodstream.....»»
Worm study shows risks posed by antidepressants in water
Common drugs such as antidepressants enter the environment via sewage. In her PhD research, Toxicologist Merel van der Most has shown that this affects the behavior of nematodes. These drugs may also be harmful to many other aquatic creatures. Van de.....»»
Q&A: Making the case for artisanal and small-scale mining
Artisanal and small-scale mining plays a critical role in supplying the world with minerals vital for decarbonization, but this kind of mining typically lacks regulation and can be socially and environmentally harmful......»»
The world"s fastest single-shot 2D imaging technique films ultrafast dynamics in flames
Candle flames and airplane engines produce tiny soot particles from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as their precursors, both of which are harmful to humans and the environment. These carbon-based particles are also common in space, making up.....»»
Harmful “nudify” websites used Google, Apple, and Discord sign-on systems
Sign-on systems from Big Tech companies have been incorporated into deepfake generators. Enlarge (credit: Photo illustration by Jacqui VanLiew/WIRED; Getty Images) Major technology companies, including Google, Apple, and.....»»
Deepfake-generating AI websites blocked from using Sign in with Apple
Apple has blocked some developers from using Sign in with Apple, after a report discovered popular sign-in tools have been used by websites providing harmful AI image undressing services.Legitimate examples of Sign in with AppleWhile Apple Intelligen.....»»
Cultured zooplankton provide new avenue to monitor and rid oceans of microplastic pollutants
Testing for levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton aims to help develop new ways to assess and manage the rising global pollution problem, Flinders University experts say......»»
New images reveal global air quality trends
The global concentrations of one of the main air pollutants known to affect human health has been graphically illustrated for the first time by a team of scientists......»»
Researchers identify effective materials for protecting astronauts from harmful cosmic radiation on Mars
Researchers have identified specific materials, including certain plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers, as well as Martian soil (regolith), which would effectively protect astronauts by blocking harmful space radiation on Mars. These findings could.....»»
Calls to ban "harmful pornography" are rife—here"s what teens actually think about porn
Pornography has been in the news a lot this year. It was at the center of discussions addressing violence against women back in May. Deepfake pornography has also been in the headlines......»»
Study discovers an electric current in the gut that attracts pathogens like Salmonella
How do bad bacteria find entry points in the body to cause infection? This question is fundamental for infectious disease experts and people who study bacteria. Harmful pathogens, like Salmonella, find their way through a complex gut system where the.....»»
Researchers develop nanoparticle array implantation for sensitive and reusable detection
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) researchers have developed a highly sensitive and reusable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) microfluidics system that has achieved a detection limit lower than 10 ppt (parts per trillion) of harmful subs.....»»
Weather patterns as a major contributing factor to complex air pollution
"Complex pollution" usually refers to the environmental pollution phenomenon formed by the simultaneous presence of multiple pollutants in the same environment. In China, the issue of controlling the complex air pollution of fine particulate matter (.....»»
Green warriors: Plants on the frontline against microplastics
With escalating concerns about the enduring impact of plastic waste, phytoremediation emerges as a promising solution. This method utilizes plants to capture and degrade pollutants, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.....»»
Wildfires are increasing toxic mercury in streams in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, study finds
Wildfires have been burning across Idaho this summer, and their list of harmful impacts is long, from worsening health conditions because of smoke to challenges recovering millions in costs to fight them......»»
How feeding birds may be polluting local environments
New research led by an NAU alumnus shows that backyard bird feeders, although put out with the best of intentions, is changing the chemistry of local ecosystems, including introducing a potentially harmful amount of phosphorus into the environment......»»
More evidence on the dangerous attitudes of men who ogle
A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has provided further evidence that men who frequently stare at women's bodies, rather than their faces, are more likely to harbor harmful attitudes and show tendencies that may lead to sexual assault......»»
A new way of thinking about the economy could help protect the Amazon, and help its people thrive
To protect the Amazon and support the well-being of its people, its economy must shift from environmentally harmful production to a model built around the diversity of indigenous and rural communities, and standing forests......»»