Rivers Are Drowning in Toxic Sludge
Harmful algal blooms are taking over as the world warms and grows richer in carbon dioxide—and there’s no easy fix......»»
Double whammy antibiotic makes antibiotic resistance much harder—new study
Most antibiotics are natural products of bacteria and other microorganisms from the environment. They are part of a silent chemical warfare among microorganisms in soils, rivers and seas right now. The fact that they are natural products that have be.....»»
"Current" events: Scientists devise a new way to measure river flows
A team of scientists and engineers at NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has collaborated to see if a small piloted drone, equipped with a specialized payload, could help create detailed maps of how fast water is flowing. Rivers supply fresh.....»»
Atmospheric rivers shape long-term changes in Arctic moisture variability
Recent decades have seen rapid warming in the Arctic, known as Arctic amplification, which has impacted the Arctic's cryosphere and ecosystems and influenced global weather and climate through changes in atmospheric circulation......»»
PFAS found in nearly all fish tested from four northern Illinois rivers
Scientists tested nine fish species from four northern Illinois rivers for contamination with per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances, synthetic chemicals found in numerous industrial and commercial products and known to be harmful to human health. They f.....»»
Ammonia-free gallium nitride semiconductor production found to improve crystal quality, reduce environmental impact
Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors can now be grown without ammonia, a toxic chemical that needs a sophisticated detoxifying system before it can be released into the atmosphere. The new technique is not only more environmentally friendly but also.....»»
Exploring cadmium-induced alterations in the expression profile of microRNAs
Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, has been identified as a significant environmental pollutant due to its widespread industrial use and persistence in the environment. Chronic exposure to Cd poses a considerable threat to human health, as it accumul.....»»
Thousands evacuated as record rains pound northern Japan
Record heavy rain forced the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan as rivers burst their banks washing away bridges and cars, officials and media reports said Friday......»»
"Truly frightening": Pesticides increasingly laced with forever chemicals
Toxic "forever chemicals" are increasingly being used in US pesticides, threatening human health as they contaminate waterways and are sprayed on staple foods, a study said Wednesday......»»
Streets turned into rivers as Typhoon Gaemi blows past Philippines
Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on Wednesday, triggering floods in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon......»»
Woodchip bioreactor helps reduce pesticide run-off from horticulture greenhouses
Pesticides seeping out of intensive horticulture into waterways have long-concerned NSW north coast communities. Now a new Southern Cross University study provides evidence that bioreactors can significantly limit this toxic run-off......»»
New car smell reaches toxic levels on hot days, researchers find
A study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by new cars on hot summer days finds concerning levels of formaldehyde and other aldehydes......»»
Team develops a technique to detect nutrients in soil faster and more affordably
Every year, Missouri farmers lose millions of dollars in valuable nutrients that wash away into rivers and lakes. These nutrients—nitrates and phosphates found in fertilizers—are crucial for plant growth, but they wreak havoc on aquatic life when.....»»
Gold co-catalyst improves photocatalytic degradation of micropollutants, finds study
To remove micropollutants such as pesticides and trace chemicals from the environment, you need something equally small and cunning. One potential method is photocatalysis, which uses semiconducting nanomaterials powered by sunlight to adsorb toxic c.....»»
Environmental groups ask feds to take over Georgia"s coal ash program
A handful of environmental groups filed a petition July 18 asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to claw back oversight of the disposal of Georgia's toxic coal ash from state regulators, citing concerns over groundwater contamination......»»
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.....»»
Crown-of-thorns starfish larvae feast on toxic cyanobacteria, study finds
Researchers have uncovered an under-the-sea phenomenon where coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish larvae have been feasting on blue-green algae bacteria known as "sea sawdust.".....»»
New research sheds light on river dynamics and cutoff regimes
How are rivers characterized? Traditional methods rely on plant forms and sedimentological techniques, focusing on deposits. Riccardo Maitan, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Padova, is developing a novel approach based on river hydrological be.....»»
It Will Soon Be Easier for Americans to Recycle Batteries
Improperly discarded batteries leak toxic chemicals and are prone to exploding. A new program funded by the Department of Energy will prop up battery drop-off sites across the US......»»
Along shifting coastlines, scientists bring the future into focus
In the wet, muddy places where America's rivers and lands meet the sea, scientists from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory are unearthing clues to better understand how these vital landscapes are evolving under climate change......»»
A better way to make RNA drugs: Enzymatic synthesis method expands capabilities while eliminating toxic byproducts
While the COVID-19 vaccines introduced many people to RNA-based medicines, RNA oligonucleotides have already been on the market for years to treat diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and amyloidosis. RNA therapies offer many advantages over tra.....»»