A new study has found that foreign-born immigrant women from the Caribbean are at a higher risk of elevated mercury levels in their blood. Mercury exposure is particularly concerning for infants and children due to potential damage to cognitive and central nervous system development. The study suggests that community education efforts ...
A recent study of 56 children with autism spectrum disorders found no statistically significant correlation between urinary mercury levels and autism. The researchers suggest that mercury excretion rates are unlikely to have a clear causal link to autism spectrum disorders.
The average global temperatures and illumination models suggest that roughly half of Vesta's surface is cold and dark enough for water ice to survive. The polar regions are thought to be favorable for water ice existence, but may be buried beneath a layer of dry regolith.
The Lyman Alpha Mapping Project detects water frost and high surface porosities in lunar permanently shadowed regions, challenging previous assumptions about its loss and accumulation. This finding adds to the understanding of the Moon's water resources and supports future exploration and potential permanent base considerations.
Most of the Milky Way's 100 billion stars have planets similar to Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The research found an average of 1.6 planets in the habitable zone around each star.
Researchers have discovered that massive volcanic eruptions in the late Permian period likely caused the extinction of nearly all marine species and a majority of land life. Mercury levels were found to be significantly higher than today's human-caused emissions, contributing to the loss of 95% of life in the sea.
Researchers have discovered two planets that survived being engulfed by their parent star, shedding new light on stellar and planetary systems. The discovery may also offer insights into the possible future of our own solar system.
Astronomers using NASA's Kepler mission have detected two Earth-sized planets, Kepler-20e and 20f, orbiting a G-type star. The discovery brings scientists closer to their goal of finding a twin Earth, with the planets expected to have rocky compositions and masses less than those of Earth.
Research reveals that the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere facilitate the transformation of elemental mercury into oxidized mercury, which can be deposited into aquatic ecosystems. This process enables mercury to enter the food chain, posing environmental risks.
A new study reveals that humans have released 385,000 tons of mercury into the environment over the past 5,000 years, with emissions peaking in the late 1800s and rising again due to increased coal use. The research challenges the notion of declining mercury emissions.
Scientists have discovered tranquillityite in Australia's Eel Creek Formation, a mineral previously believed to originate on the Moon. Meanwhile, researchers in Hong Kong present the first three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the region, providing insights into crustal structures and earthquake activity.
Researchers found an inverse correlation between mercury exposure and antioxidant status in Alaskan huskies, suggesting potential health risks for indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for monitoring and reducing mercury generation, particularly from coal-generated power plants.
A new report proposes science-based strategies to monitor and set limits for air pollution, aiming to protect and restore U.S. ecosystem health. The authors review current pollution evaluation criteria and propose critical loads of pollutants to design policy and manage ecosystems.
A Mayo Clinic study suggests that patients taking the age-related macular degeneration drug ranibizumab may experience increased intraocular pressure, a potential risk factor for glaucoma. The research found that a subset of patients had higher-than-normal eye pressure, regardless of pre-existing risk factors.
Scientific studies show mercury concentrations in inland lakes and rivers exceed EPA health criterion, affecting fish and wildlife populations. Research indicates improvements in air emission controls have slowed mercury contamination, but some areas still pose serious risks to human health.
Researchers used MESSENGER data to confirm past volcanic activity on Mercury, which poured out huge volumes of lava 3.5-4 billion years ago
The MESSENGER mission has provided unprecedented data on Mercury's magnetic field, revealing a host of firsts, including evidence of widespread flood volcanism and direct measurements of its surface composition. The study sheds light on the planet's global magnetic field geometry and its interaction with solar wind.
The MESSENGER spacecraft has shown that Mercury's surface material composition differs significantly from other terrestrial planets, with higher abundances of sulfur and potassium. The planet's surface also features a unique magnetic field and extensive volcanic plains covering over 6% of its surface.
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes saw faster blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol level control with more frequent primary care visits every two weeks. The study found that doubling the time between physician encounters increased median times to reach treatment targets by 35-87%.
Scientists have found that nanoparticles can cause brain injury in fish, leading to the formation of vacuoles and nerve cell death. The results may influence policy regulations on environmental protection and human safety.
Researchers developed semiconductor materials that detect gamma rays, identifying plutonium and uranium. The method uses dimensional reduction to create heavy elements with immobilized electrons, making them suitable for detection.
A new study found that MRI-assessed tumor responses to neoadjuvant therapy can predict survival among patients with advanced rectal cancer. The findings suggest that using MRI prior to surgery may help change the course of patient care, enabling physicians to choose a more effective chemotherapy drug or avoid surgery in some cases.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to withstand high levels of mercury and remove it from their surroundings, providing a potential technology for bioremediation. The bacteria were able to grow in extremely high concentrations of mercury and remove over 80% of it in five days.
A study published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review reveals high levels of toxic heavy metals in Jail Talav and Kalwa Lakes, posing a risk to drinking water and crop irrigation. Regular monitoring is crucial for the well-being of the surrounding population.
The University of Cincinnati has developed a lab-on-a-chip sensor that can detect highly electronegative heavy metals like manganese in human blood serum in just ten minutes. This sensor is environmentally friendly and child-friendly, making it an attractive option for clinical, occupational, and research settings.
A new study reveals that measurable amounts of mercury emitted by coal-fired power plants are deposited in local soil, contaminating regional watersheds and affecting fish populations. The research found hot spots of mercury contamination tied to specific power plants, highlighting the need for better energy production choices.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found that soy and milk protein supplements lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with pre-hypertension and stage-1 high blood pressure. The study suggests replacing refined carbohydrates with foods or drinks high in soy or milk protein may help prevent and treat high blood pressure.
A study found that broken compact fluorescent light bulbs continuously release mercury vapor for weeks to months, posing a risk of exceeding safe human exposure levels. The authors recommend rapid removal and suitable packaging to minimize the risk of breakage and retain Hg vapor.
A University of Arizona planetary scientist has determined Neptune's rotation with high accuracy by tracking atmospheric features in its atmosphere. The discovery improves upon previous measurements and provides a better understanding of the planet's fundamental properties.
A Washington State University study found significantly more birth defects in areas of mountaintop coal mining, with nearly twice the rate of non-mining areas. The research also controlled for socioeconomic and behavioral risks, confirming a link between mountaintop mining and higher birth defect rates.
A team of physicists has devised a theoretical framework that explains the real-time behavior of superfluids made of fermions, a crucial step towards studying neutron stars. The researchers used the world's most powerful supercomputer to simulate complex calculations, shedding light on the properties of these enigmatic objects.
A recent study analyzing over 14,000 young adults found that nearly 19% have high blood pressure. The analysis contradicts previous estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which reported only 4% of adults in this age group having high blood pressure.
Kepler's first four months of data reveal evidence for over 1,200 planetary candidates, with 408 residing in systems containing two or more planets. These multi-planet systems are characterized by flat orbits, tilted less than 1 degree, and lack Jupiter-sized gas giants.
Researchers found that glaucoma is more likely to progress with peak intraocular pressure of 18 mm Hg or higher, as well as cornea thinning and disc hemorrhage. These risk factors can help clinicians decide how aggressively to treat patients to slow glaucoma progression.
New policy proposals aim to reduce toxic chemical exposure and subsequent burden of disease on children, with estimated annual costs of $76.6 billion. The studies also found a statistically significant association between air pollution and infectious respiratory illness in children.
Researchers at University of Alberta find that inorganic mercury transforms into deadly monomethylmercury in seawater, amplifying toxic effects through the food chain. Microbial life forms are believed to carry out this process, which accounts for 50% of neurotoxin present in polar marine waters.
Green UV sterilization uses LEDs to safely disinfect food and water without mercury. MEGa-rays enable precise detection of nuclear threats by penetrating through lead and thick containers. Researchers also develop a full 3D invisibility cloak in visible light.
A study published in the American Heart Association journal found a strong link between excessive screen time in children and narrowed arteries in the back of their eyes. Children who spent more hours watching TV or playing video games had narrower retinal arteriolar caliber, indicating future cardiovascular risk.
A recent study by Duke University reveals a six-fold increase in Amazon deforestation in Peru, largely driven by artisanal gold mining fueled by record gold prices. The mining activities have led to widespread mercury pollution, contaminating water and soil, and posing risks to human health and the environment.
Researchers tracked increases in methylmercury levels in black-footed albatross feathers over 120 years, attributing them to human-generated emissions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts in the Pacific Ocean, where mercury pollution poses a significant threat to endangered seabird species and human health.
A new study by Indiana University professor Evan Ringquist finds that emissions trading programs do not create heavily polluted areas in minority and low-income communities. The study analyzed data from the sulfur dioxide allowance trading program and found no evidence of 'hot spots' or increased pollution in these areas.
Scientists have isolated two chemicals from an ancient herb that can block melanin production, making it a promising alternative to toxic skin whitening creams. The chemicals are 100 times more effective in reducing melanin pigmentation than common skin whitening agents.
A third of patients with resistant hypertension were found to have 'white coat' hypertension during ambulatory monitoring. The study suggests that those with true resistant hypertension show high blood pressure at work and during the night, but their cardiovascular outcomes are better than previously thought.
A large-scale Harvard study of over 51,000 men and 121,700 women found no association between mercury exposure and increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. Higher levels of mercury exposure were actually linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, likely due to beneficial effects of fish consumption.
CU-Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics designed an $8.7 million instrument onboard MESSENGER, which will help solve mysteries about Mercury's hot surface and atmosphere. The mission aims to better understand planetary systems and formation, with dozens of students involved in analyzing data.
Researchers found a significant association between sugar-sweetened drink consumption and increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Higher glucose and fructose intake also contributed to higher blood pressure levels, particularly when combined with sodium.
Researchers from Hebrew U. and US discovered how mercury gets into fish we eat by converting passive mercury to active form with bromine, a process found globally but more prevalent at Dead Sea due to high bromine levels.
A study led by Brown University researcher Eric Loucks found a significant correlation between advanced education and lower blood pressure in both men and women. Women who completed 17 years of schooling or more had systolic blood pressure readings that were on average 3.26 mmHg lower than those who did not finish high school.
The STABCON project developed a cost-effective solution for treating polluted sediments in ports, using the stabilisation and solidification method. The method involves mixing contaminated sediments with products that bind them to create a solid material containing hazardous substances, reducing environmental harm and costs.
A study of 1,133 children in the Czech Republic found that indoor coal use was associated with a half-inch shorter height at age 36 months compared to households using other fuel sources. Exposure to coal smoke may also impair growth through mechanisms such as endocrine disruptors.
The Kepler-11 system features five inner planets with masses between 2.3 and 13.5 times that of Earth, orbiting within 50 days, and a sixth planet with an orbital period of 118 days. The planets' densities suggest they may be mostly water or hydrogen-helium gases, defying expectations for small hot planets.
MESSENGER's successful entry into Mercury's orbit marks a major milestone in understanding the planet's origin, composition, and geological history. The spacecraft has captured stunning images of Mercury's previously unexplored hemisphere, revealing its intricate details.
Researchers confirmed that citric acid reacts with sunlight to harvest energy and form purple-colored nanoparticles, a potential green energy source.
A study using a 'fingerprinting' technique has identified the main sources of mercury in Bay Area fish, tracing it back to sediments and historic mining sites. The findings suggest that small fish acquire mercury from sediments and pass it along to larger fish, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to protect wildlife.
Researchers found lower MIF mercury isotopes in eggs from northernmost nesting areas with year-round sea ice, while those from southern Alaska without ice reflected greater mass-independent fractionation effects. The study aims to investigate the relationship between ice cover and mercury distribution in the environment.
A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that increased BPA exposure in women can lead to a 50% decline in fertilized eggs during IVF treatment. The researchers recommend reducing BPA levels through lifestyle and dietary modifications to minimize reproductive health risks.
Researchers use earthworms to treat wastewater and soil contaminated with nickel, chromium, vanadium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. The method shows promise as an inexpensive alternative to industrial cleanup methods.
The new infrared camera features a 16-fold increase in pixels, enabling higher-resolution images in the dark. The Type-II superlattice technology reduces mercury content and improves uniformity, increasing yield and reducing cost.
Researchers found extremely high levels of oxidized mercury above the Dead Sea, a phenomenon previously only observed in polar regions. The findings suggest that bromine in the atmosphere plays a key role in initiating mercury oxidation.
A new international population study led by the University of Cincinnati examines the human developmental effects of environmental exposure to complex metal mixtures found in electronic waste. The research aims to identify potential preventative measures to reduce human exposures, particularly for pregnant women and young children livi...