Microplastics found embedded in tissues of whales and dolphins
Microscopic plastic particles have been found in the fats and lungs of two-thirds of the marine mammals in a graduate student's study of ocean microplastics. The presence of polymer particles and fibers in these animals suggests that microplastics ca.....»»
Lake bottom testing shows plastics migrating down into sediment layers
A team of environmentalists, geographers and ecologists affiliated with several institutions in Europe has found that microplastics have migrated into multiple sediment layers in three lakes in Latvia. In their study, published in the journal Science.....»»
Controlling the microenvironment to promote wound healing and regeneration
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science has unveiled a new principle for controlling the microenvironment of biological tissues to promote wound healing and regeneration. This discovery holds significant promise for the development of w.....»»
The effects of primer pairs, PCR conditions, and peptide nucleic acid clamps on plant root fungal diversity assessment
Fungi are frequently found both around and within plant tissues (especially in roots) and are involved in both plant nutrient acquisition and resistance to pathogens. Thus, characterizing the diversity and composition of plant-associated fungal commu.....»»
Coast Guard launches "traffic control for whales" in Washington State"s Puget Sound
Joe Gaydos remembers the beautiful minke whale that washed up on the shore of a San Juan Island in 2022. Illuminated by a pink and orange sunrise, its injuries were consistent with a fatal strike......»»
Climate change could push bowhead whales to cross paths with shipping traffic
The population of bowhead whales that migrates between the Bering and Beaufort Seas each year is a conservation success story, with today's population nearing—if not exceeding—pre-commercial whaling numbers. But climate change is shifting the wha.....»»
Baleen whales evolved a unique larynx to communicate but cannot escape human noise
Baleen whales are the largest animals to have ever roamed our planet and as top predators play a vital role in marine ecosystems. To communicate across vast distances and find each other, baleen whales depend critically on the production of sounds th.....»»
Study details toxic elements found in stranded whales, dolphins over 15 years
Whales and dolphins get their nutrients and essential elements through their diet. While eating fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans, and other marine mammals, they are also exposed to heavy metal contaminants......»»
Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of South East Queensland sharks
Researchers have discovered not only microplastics but also a higher abundance of cellulose-based fibers in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland (SEQ)......»»
Scientists create method to bond hydrogels and other polymeric materials using chitosan
Hydrogels are versatile biomaterials conquering an increasing number of biomedical areas. Consisting of water-swollen molecular networks that can be tailored to mimic the mechanical and chemical features of various organs and tissues, they can interf.....»»
Australians are washing microplastics down the drain and it"s ending up on farms
Australian wastewater treatment plants produce thousands of tons of treated sewage sludge every year. This nutrient-rich material is then dried to make "biosolids," which are used to fertilize agricultural soil......»»
SPNS2 found to be directly exporting S1P for signaling, can be inhibited
When an enemy invades, defenders are ferried to the site to neutralize the marauders. In the human body, a protein carrier called SPNS2 transports S1P molecules from endothelial cells to rally immune cell response in infected organs and tissues......»»
Synthetic fibers and tire abrasion found to have the strongest impact on corals
Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it i.....»»
Microplastics in soils: First consistent risk assessment
Microplastics in soil are extremely diverse and complex. This makes it difficult to determine the risks of plastic pollution to soil life, which is an increasing concern among policymakers and scientists. Researchers from the Spanish Institute IMDEA.....»»
Researchers develop eco-friendly "magnet" to battle microplastics
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, and University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers are leading the charge with an innovative solution......»»
Surprising behavior in one of the least studied mammals in the world
Some animals live in such remote and inaccessible regions of the globe that it is nearly impossible to study them in their natural habitats. Beaked whales, of which 24 species have been found so far, are among them: They live far from land and in dee.....»»
An eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soil ecosystem
In today's world, plastics are used extensively due to their favorable properties and affordable costs. The widespread use of these non-biodegradable materials, however, makes them a waste management nuisance and global environmental concern. It is e.....»»
Industrial pollutants found in Mediterranean corals for the first time
Pollutants from burning fossil fuels have been found embedded in corals, for the first time, offering scientists a potential new tool to track the history of pollution, finds a new study led by UCL researchers......»»
French navy enforces fishing ban to protect dolphins
"They see us, and we see them," said French Navy Lieutenant Dany, board commander of a nimble Falcon 50 surveillance plane flying over the vast Bay of Biscay......»»
When nanoplastics are not what they seem: Release of oligomers from polyester textiles
Plastic household items and clothing made of synthetic fibers release microplastics, particles less than five millimeters in size that can enter the environment unnoticed. A small proportion of these particles are so small that they are measured in n.....»»
A pod of killer whales trapped in drift ice off northern Japan has apparently safely escaped
A pod of killer whales that was trapped in drift ice off Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido, prompting concern from environmental groups, has apparently safely escaped, officials said Wednesday......»»