Global warming increases oyster sensitivity to pollution
Do you enjoy eating oysters on a hot sunny afternoon? Make the most of it - it may not last forever. Research has shown that global warming increases the sensitivity of oysters to metal pollution, causing a deadly threat to populations in polluted areas. view more (2005-07-12)
Low level cadmium exposure linked to lung disease
New research suggests that cadmium is one of the critical ingredients causing emphysema, and even low-level exposure attained through second-hand smoke and other means may also increase the chance of developing lung disease. view more (2008-08-20)
A promising new approach to cadmium induced hepatoxicity: Cytoprotective effect of midkine
Cadmium comes from a wide variety of sources in the environment and from industry and is extremely toxic to humans. Environmental exposure can occur via the diet and drinking water. view more (2008-01-17)
Snails snack on poison metals
SOILS tainted with heavy metals from industrial pollution and sewage sludge may poison organisms that live in the soil far more readily than thought. The finding raises fears that unexpectedly high levels of toxins are getting into the food chain. Contaminated soils are given hazard ratings that are based on the key assumption that organisms can... view more... (2002-12-18)
Metal homeostasis research in plants will lead to nutrient-rich food and higher yielding crops
Deficiencies of micronutrients such as Iron and Zinc commonly limit plant growth and crop yields. Dartmouth Professor Mary Lou Guerinot is conducting research to better understand the mechanisms of micronutrient uptake, distribution and regulation. view more (2006-08-07)
Garlic Helps Protect Our DNA
Mutagens damage DNA. Consequently, antimutagens have to repair these damages. As the effects on DNA differ, the ways of reparation also vary. However, the mechanism of the activity of some antimutagens has not been found yet. A team headed by Professor G.D. Zasukhina at N.I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics (http://www.vigg.ru/vigg-en.htm),... view more... (2002-06-07)
Study shows transfer of heavy metals from water to fish in Huelva estuary
A team of researchers from the University of Cadiz has confirmed that zinc, copper and lead are present at high levels in the water and sediments of the Huelva estuary, and have studied how some of these heavy metals are transferred to fish. view more (2009-06-16)
Rising ocean temperatures, pollution have oysters in hot water
Oysters exposed to high water temperatures and a common heavy metal are unable to obtain sufficient oxygen and convert it to cellular energy. view more (2006-10-11)
New imaging technique reveals the atomic structure of nanocrystals
A new imaging technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois overcomes the limit of diffraction and can reveal the atomic structure of a single nanocrystal with a resolution of less than one angstrom (less than one hundred-millionth of a centimeter). view more (2009-02-19)
Tiny crystals promise big benefits for solar technologies
Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have discovered that a phenomenon called carrier multiplication, in which semiconductor nanocrystals respond to photons by producing multiple electrons, is applicable to a broader array of materials that previously thought. view more (2006-01-05)
Heavy Metal Rocks Plant Cells too
Heavy metals can trigger widely varying stress reactions in plants. A team at the Campus Vienna Biocenter was now able to provide evidence for this in a research funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). The results, now awaiting publication, are an important basis to comprehend how plants cope with an increase in heavy metal concentrations in... view more... (2004-09-22)
Quantum dot recipe may lead to cheaper solar panels
Rice University scientists today revealed a breakthrough method for producing molecular specks of semiconductors called quantum dots, a discovery that could clear the way for better, cheaper solar energy panels. view more (2007-05-03)
Scientists Reveal The Dangers of Counterfeit Cigarettes
Scientists at the Universities of Glasgow and St Andrews have discovered high levels of a cancer-causing toxic metal in counterfeit cigarettes, widely available in the UK. The fakes are not only illegal but pose an extra health hazard to smokers buying them. The discovery was made when examining samples of the most popular cigarette brands sold... view more... (2004-12-15)
Nanomanufacturing: Systematic study of nanostructure growth yields production 'road map'
Researchers have taken an important step toward high-volume production of new nanometer-scale structures with the first systematic study of growth conditions that affect production of one-dimensional nanostructures from the optoelectronic material cadmium selenide (CdSe). view more (2005-11-01)
Truly sick or simply scared?
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered a way to increase the sensitivity of test strips that will enable creation of a portable biosensor that can address a major concern associated with incidents involving chemical or nerve agents - the need to quickly distinguish between individuals who have been exposed and the... view more... (2007-08-20)
Gold Solution for Enhancing Nanocrystal Electrical Conductance
In a development that holds much promise for the future of solar cells made from nanocrystals, and the use of solar energy to produce clean and renewable liquid transportation fuels, researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have reported a technique by which the electrical conductivity... view more... (2009-09-10)
'Strained' quantum dots show new optical properties
Quantum dots, tiny luminescent particles made of semiconductors, hold promise for detecting and treating cancer earlier. However, if doctors were to use them in humans, quantum dots could have limitations related to their size and possible toxicity. view more (2008-12-08)
Hard shell, glowing core
Tiny semiconductor crystals can be prompted to give off light - brighter than conventional dyes and in wavelength ranges that these only produce under certain conditions. Israeli chemist Uri Banin and his coworker Yun-Wie Cao demonstrated this with several core/shell nanocrystals made of the semiconductor indium arsenide. It has been known for... view more... (1999-12-09)
Making nanoparticles in artificial cells
Two new construction manuals are now available for the world's smallest lamps. Based on these protocols, scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces have tailor-made nanoparticles that can be used as position lights on cell proteins and, possibly in the future as well, as light sources for display screens or for optical... view more... (2009-06-29)
Papers recently published online by Nature and the Nature Research Journals
NATURE MEDICINE(http://www.nature.com/naturemedicine) [1] Cadmium's disguise does damage to estrogen-sensitive tissues DOI: 10.1038/nm902 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nm902) With 15,000 tons produced each year for batteries, alloys, and pigments, the heavy metal cadmium is one of the most serious environmental pollutants. Chronic exposure can... view more... (2003-07-15)
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