A study by Duke University found that children living in homes with vinyl flooring or flame-retardant sofa foam have significantly higher concentrations of potentially harmful toxins in their bodies. The researchers discovered a six-fold increase in PBDEs in the blood serum of children from homes with flame-retardant sofa foam.
Researchers from University of Colorado at Boulder found that daily household activities like cooking and cleaning release high levels of airborne chemicals, contributing to indoor and outdoor air quality. The study highlights the importance of proper ventilation in homes to minimize health impacts.
A cross-disciplinary study examines humans' interactions with plant and animal species across different cultures worldwide through time. The researchers found that humans can have a stabilizing effect on their ecosystems by providing ecosystem services such as lighting fires, while also playing a destructive role in other cases.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that smokers with melanoma are 40% less likely to survive than non-smokers. Researchers believe smoking may disrupt the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
Researchers discover that virus-infected bacteria can produce new viruses to attack their original invader, a form of resistance previously unknown. This competitive interaction helps stabilize microbial populations in marine systems, crucial for biogeochemical processes related to climate change.
Research suggests that indigenous hunters play a crucial role in maintaining food webs in the Australian desert. The absence of human activity allowed invasive species to flourish, leading to extinctions of native animals. Traditional landscape burning practices also had a significant impact on the ecosystem.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing a predictive model to help NASA assemble ideal teams for the Mission to Mars. The study, conducted in two analog environments, reveals that crews experience diminished abilities to think creatively and solve problems, with successful task completion rates between 20-60%.