Turning mine waste into healthy soil
Tailings, the waste left after extracting precious and critical minerals, often contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that can pollute soil, water, and even crops. There are over 1,800 tailings storage facilities around the world, and in 2019, a.....»»
Surprise finding in study of environmental bacteria could advance search for better antibiotics
In what they labeled a "surprising" finding, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers studying bacteria from freshwater lakes and soil say they have determined a protein's essential role in maintaining the germ's shape. Because the integrity of a bacterial.....»»
Rising mercury pollution in soil could be related to climate change, study suggests
In 2017, the Minamata Convention on Mercury went into effect, designed to help curb mercury emissions and limit exposure across the globe. However, a new study of mercury levels in soil suggests that the treaty's provisions might not be enough. A stu.....»»
Up-cycling petroleum waste into a high-performance yet sustainable triboelectric nanogenerator
A striking landmark in Vancouver, Canada, "The Big Yellow Sulfur Pile" is a testament to the massive amounts of elemental sulfur produced from the hydrodesulfurization process of petroleum refining......»»
Chemical cocktail from plastics: Pilot study describes degradation and leaching process of plastic consumer products
Plastic waste in rivers and oceans is constantly releasing chemicals into the water. Until now, it was unknown how large these quantities are and which substances are released particularly strongly. In the large-scale P-LEACH project, experts from fo.....»»
Waste into gold: Oyster shells repurposed as magic "Seawool"
Growing up on Taiwan's west coast where mollusk farming is popular, Eddie Wang saw discarded oyster shells transformed from waste to function—a memory that inspired him to create a unique and environmentally friendly fabric called "Seawool"......»»
A common parasite could deliver drugs to the brain—how scientists are turning Toxoplasma gondii from foe into friend
Parasites take an enormous toll on human and veterinary health. But researchers may have found a way for patients with brain disorders and a common brain parasite to become frenemies......»»
How Do You Get Drugs to the Brain? Maybe Try a Parasite
A common parasite could one day deliver drugs to the brain. Here's how scientists are turning Toxoplasma gondii from foe into friend......»»
People are returning Humane AI Pins faster than Humane can sell them, report says
Returned devices are currently e-waste that can't be reassigned, per The Verge. Enlarge / The Humane AI Pin. (credit: Humane) Humane AI Pins were returned at faster rate than they were sold between May and August, accor.....»»
High nitrogen input promotes the redistribution of new organic carbon to deeper soil layers
Exogenous reactive nitrogen input has a profound effect on the carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. Most current research on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in relation to nitrogen input has focused predominantly on the surface soil layers. How.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of salt stress tolerance in wild tomatoes
As our climate changes and soil salinity increases in many agricultural areas, finding crops that can thrive in these challenging conditions is crucial. Cultivated tomatoes, while delicious, often struggle in salty soils. Their wild cousins, however,.....»»
Finding pearls in the mud: Eco-friendly tungsten recovery from semiconductor waste
Semiconductor industry waste is typically seen as a costly disposal problem and an environmental hazard. But what if this waste could be transformed into a valuable resource?.....»»
This Is How a Healthy Coral Reef Sounds—And Why It Matters
Coral reef soundscapes could help researchers assess their overall health......»»
Scientists use carbon isotopes to track "forever chemicals"
Organofluorine compounds—sometimes called "forever chemicals"—are increasingly turning up in our drinking water, oceans and even human blood, posing a potential threat to the environment and human health......»»
Chang"e 6 brought rocks from the far side of the moon back to Earth—what this sample could hold
China achieved a historic feat by bringing back the first-ever sample from the lunar far side in June 2024. It's moon lander, Chang'e 6, used a robotic scoop and drill to collect approximately 5 pounds (2 kilograms) of rocks and soil. These samples c.....»»
Nanomaterials may enhance plant tolerance to high soil salt levels
Soil salt concentrations above the optimal threshold for plant growth can threaten global food security by compromising agricultural productivity and crop quality. An analysis published in Physiologia Plantarum has examined the potential of nanomater.....»»
Data protection is poor for African farmers who use digital services: Kenya and Ghana cases highlight gaps
Across Africa, agricultural producers are turning to digital solutions to get information about farming methods, market access or financial services. By 2022, there were 666 of these solutions operating on the continent, the highest number among all.....»»
Ancient poppy seeds and willow wood offer clues to the Greenland ice sheet"s last meltdown
As we focused our microscope on the soil sample for the first time, bits of organic material came into view: a tiny poppy seed, the compound eye of an insect, broken willow twigs and spikemoss spores. Dark-colored spheres produced by soil fungi domin.....»»
Wheat waste: A phosphorus crisis?
Experiments published in Food and Energy Security by scientists at Queen Mary University of London and Royal Botanic Gardens suggest that we are globally wasting huge amounts of phosphorus......»»
Sunscreens can hurt the marine environment—how to choose one that"s healthy for you and the sea
Choosing which sunscreen to use can be mind-boggling. Should you choose one with the highest sun protection factor (SPF) or another with "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly" credentials? Is it best to opt for a spray or a lotion? What's the difference bet.....»»
Researchers use vibrations from traffic to measure underground soil moisture
Caltech researchers have developed a new method to measure soil moisture in the shallow subterranean region between the surface and underground aquifers. This region, called the vadose zone, is crucial for plants and crops to obtain water through the.....»»