A team of researchers led by Michigan State University will investigate the effects of increasing doses of mercury on yellow perch. The study aims to shed light on the negative repercussions of low-level pollutants on fish populations.
A Swiss study by Empa found that energy-saving lamps have a larger ecological footprint due to electronic circuitry, but recycling reduces environmental effects. The production of incandescent bulbs has a negligible impact on the environment, while usage and power source are major factors.
A new study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that succimer does not effectively remove mercury from the body. Despite lower blood concentrations after one week, continued therapy over five months showed only a slight slowing of mercury accumulation.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's LAMP instrument has detected hydrogen, carbon monoxide, atomic mercury, calcium, and magnesium in the LCROSS impact plume, revealing volatile substances trapped near the Moon's poles. This finding is crucial for planning robotic and manned Moon bases.
Using new optics technology developed at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, astronomers have obtained images of a planet on a closer orbit around its parent star than any other extrasolar planet previously found. The discovery enables scientists to search for planets closer to the star than has been previously possible.
Researchers have developed electromechanical switches that can withstand twice the heat as transistors, enabling computers to operate in extreme temperatures. The switches, made from silicon carbide and nanotechnology, perform better than transistors at high temperatures and have no discernible leakage.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that fish located near coal-fired power plants have significantly lower levels of mercury than those further away. High levels of selenium, a chemical also emitted by these facilities, are believed to be the reason behind this surprising finding.
A region-wide study found that toxic pollution falling onto Puget Sound's waters has significantly decreased since 1991, with some pollutants decreasing by as much as 99%. However, industrial areas like Tacoma still have high air-deposited contamination levels, with the Port of Tacoma site recording the highest deposition rates.
A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.
Scientists have detected gas escaping from Mercury using NASA satellites designed to view the Sun's atmosphere. The STEREO mission has recorded evidence of a 'tail' of emission surrounding the planet, similar to comet-like features observed on Earth and in images taken by the MESSENGER satellite.
The moon was bombarded by two distinct populations of asteroids or comets in its youth, resulting in a more complex surface than previously thought. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft provided unprecedented global topographic maps using the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), highlighting lunar craters with clarity.
NASA has awarded CU-Boulder $6.7 million to design instruments for the Solar Probe Plus mission, which will orbit 22 times closer to the sun than Earth. The team aims to understand how the sun ticks and better forecast radiation environments for future space explorers.
A University of Alberta study finds that inorganic elements toxic at low concentrations are being discharged into the air and water by oilsands mining and processing. The research reveals that pollutant concentrations were highest near industry sites, contradicting claims of natural sources.
The discovery of two planets, Kepler 9b and 9c, confirms the first planetary system with more than one planet transiting the same star. The planets, both Saturn-sized gas giants, exhibit orbital resonance and gravitational interaction.
Researchers found established populations of genetically modified canola plants outside agricultural fields in North Dakota, reproducing and adapting to local environments. This discovery highlights concerns about the spread of biotech products and their impact on native species.
A University of Louisville Public Health doctoral student is developing a model to simulate the travel of mercury from an emission source to humans, aiming to inform environmental policy decisions. The research will focus on Kentucky waterways, with the goal of reducing risk to subsistence fishers, anglers, and women of child-bearing age.
MESSENGER's third flyby of Mercury reveals evidence of younger volcanism, with the youngest basins yet seen, and new information about magnetic substorms. The spacecraft also observed emission from an ionized species in Mercury's thin atmosphere for the first time.
A comprehensive study found mercury levels in Lake Erie walleye are rising, contrary to declines in other Great Lakes fish. The increase is attributed to environmental factors like invasive mussel populations and food web modifications.
This book explores the human side of element discovery, from gallium to mercury, weaving science with classic lore. The author delves into the lives of scientists who discovered elements, uncovering tales of madness, love, and tragedy.
A new study finds that climate change mitigation will not quickly return the hydrological cycle to its previous state. In contrast, data on tropical cyclone activity disagree, with some datasets showing an increase in storms and others not.
Researchers found that ferns in the northern end of the redwood forest ecosystem are better equipped to absorb fog water than those in the southern region. This has important implications for the structure of plant communities and how ecosystems function during drought periods. The study suggests that native ferns may be able to acclim...
New eco-friendly cremation methods use low-heat processes and break down corpses into soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A corpse composting method turns bodies into natural soil without a sealed casket, providing environmentally friendly burial options
A mathematical model suggests that aggressively treating low blood pressure and cholesterol levels may harm some patients with diabetes. The study found that only a small proportion of patients at average risk received significant benefits from intensive treatment.
Research by Duke University scientists reveals that seawater's higher concentrations of mercury make saltwater fish like tuna and shark more toxic to humans. Methylmercury latches onto dissolved organic matter in freshwater, but tightly binds to chloride in seawater, where sunlight can't break it down as easily.
Recent guidelines call for lower target blood pressure levels in CKD patients, but a critical review finds the data is not definitively supported by scientific evidence. The author suggests that doctors should make individualized decisions about blood pressure control for their patients with kidney disease.
A WHOI scientist's comprehensive report evaluates the impact of human activities on ocean chemistry, revealing widespread changes in seawater acidity, oxygen levels, and mercury pollution. The research highlights the need for deeper understanding and coordination to address these issues.
A study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by one serving per day is associated with a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 18 months. The researchers suggest that this reduction can lead to substantial health ben...
A Queen's University study found that Arctic seabirds' diets can funnel toxic ocean metals to terrestrial ecosystems, affecting other organisms. The research analyzed sediment cores from two Canadian Arctic ponds and linked bird diets to specific metal contaminants.
New research using DNA barcoding identifies specific tuna species with high mercury levels, which can pose a health risk to frequent fish eaters. The study suggests that consumers can minimize their mercury intake by choosing lower-mercury tuna options like yellowfin, and calls for clearer labeling of tuna species.
Corot-9b, a gas giant planet, has an interior similar to that of Jupiter and Saturn, allowing it to maintain liquid water. The planet's distance from its star and lack of tidal forces make this possibility plausible.
Astronomers have discovered a temperate exoplanet, Corot-9b, with a mass about 80% that of Jupiter and an orbit similar to Mercury's. The planet is thought to have a temperature range of -20°C to 160°C, making it a significant finding in the study of exoplanets.
A Queen's University study has discovered high levels of mercury in the Cataraqui River sediment, with contamination widespread along the western shore.
Researchers found that coastal and open-ocean fish have distinct mercury signatures, ruling out the idea that they pick up methylmercury by eating contaminated coastal fish. Instead, they suggest that mercury is deposited into the open ocean and undergoes methylation in low-oxygen microenvironments.
Researchers developed a new approach to track mercury's movement through Arctic ecosystems using a 'fingerprint' method. The study confirmed mass-independent fractionation occurs during sunlight-driven reactions in snow, allowing for the estimation of mercury loss and retention.
A University of Adelaide pathologist has sounded a warning about the dangers of herbal medicines, which can cause serious illnesses, exacerbate pre-existing health problems, or result in death if taken in excess or combined with prescription drugs. The study analyzed 251 Asian herbal products and found high levels of toxic substances.
NIST's new aluminum-based quantum logic clock outperforms previous mercury atom clocks by more than twice its precision, achieving accuracy within 17 decimal places. The enhanced logic clock uses a different type of partner ion to improve efficiency and sets the stage for future time standards.
Carnegie scientists Kenneth Caldeira, Yingwei Fei and Steven Shirey have been elected AGU Fellows for their exceptional contributions to climate science, geological research and Earth sciences. Their work has significantly advanced scientific understanding of the internal structure of Earth and other planets.
A new study reveals that aged dental fillings may contain a non-toxic form of mercury. Researchers found that the surface forms of mercury in dental amalgam change over time, with most mercury lost through evaporation or exposure to hygiene products.
The University of Plymouth is investing £500,000 in joint research with the Peninsula Dental School to tackle key areas in oral health. The research will focus on statistical epidemiology, virtual reality, and nanotechnology, aiming to ease dental anxiety and develop more aesthetically pleasing materials.
CoRoT-7 b is a rocky planet circling a star 480 light years from Earth, with temperatures above 4,000 degrees F on its surface and potentially hosting multiple volcanoes due to its close orbit. Its extreme volcanic activity makes it unlikely to harbor life.
CU-Boulder is leading a $3.3 million concept study for a lander mission to Venus, aiming to study the planet's surface, climate, and atmosphere. The mission will compare Venus with other terrestrial planets and help understand Earth's fate.
A new study reveals that older dental fillings, containing beta-mercuric sulfide or metacinnabar, are unlikely to be toxic. The surface forms of mercury in these fillings lose up to 95% of their mercury over time, making human exposure less concerning.
A new study led by the University of Michigan reveals that polar bears get their nutrition from two main food webs: phytoplankton-based and ice algae-based. The research found that those who primarily eat phytoplankton have higher mercury concentrations, highlighting the importance of understanding Arctic ecosystems.
A study simulated car crashes involving pregnant women, aiming to improve safety in the automotive industry. The research aims to better understand how crash forces specifically affect pregnant women and their developing babies.
Researchers will study the entire power plant system to identify opportunities for energy and cost savings in carbon capture and compression. The goal is to recover heat generated during compression and use it to improve power plant efficiency.
Research shows that biotech soybean oil enriched with SDA produces more EPA than traditional ALA, reducing heart disease risk. The oil's high efficiency and absence of contaminants make it a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids for humans.
Research at the University of Granada found that consuming fish more than 3 times a week during pregnancy is associated with worse cognitive performance in children. Higher levels of mercury exposure also show generalised delays in cognitive, memory, and verbal areas.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute have created a new proof-of-concept dental restorative material made with zirconia nanoplatelets, which are super hard due to the arrangement of atoms in the material. The new fillings aim to replace amalgam, containing mercury, and offer improved durability and ease of use.
The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) aims to determine whether maintaining blood pressure levels below current recommendations reduces cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. The nine-year trial will enroll over 7,500 participants aged 55+ with high systolic blood pressure.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
Christine Bergeron, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, receives an EPA fellowship to study the impact of mercury on American toads' reproductive success. The research reveals that female toads transfer mercury to their eggs, affecting offspring viability and potentially long-term population health.
In the early 1960s, a Harvard-educated surgeon and US Air Force General proposed testing women in space due to their lighter weight, lower heart rate, and fewer reproductive system issues. A total of 19 women were enrolled, with 68% passing the tests, earning them the nickname 'Mercury 13'. The data from these women's physiological tes...
Researchers discovered how bacteria convert methylmercury into a less-toxic form, a trait that lets them survive in mercury-rich environments. Understanding this mechanism may be a viable way to combat methylmercury pollution.
Researchers from UT Houston and Jamaica are launching a two-year, $300,000 study to explore the potential connection between genes and toxic metals in causing autism spectrum disorders. The study aims to identify specific genes that may interact with exposure to toxins like mercury, lead, and arsenic.
Researchers have detected a surge in galactic cosmic rays, reaching a Space Age high, attributed to the solar minimum. The increase poses a risk for astronauts and satellite systems, requiring re-evaluation of radiation shielding.
MESSENGER will zip within 142 miles of Mercury's surface, taking high-resolution color images and ultraviolet measurements. CU-Boulder's MASCS instrument aims to pinpoint iron on the planet's surface, which maintains its magnetic field.
Research found that premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency were three times more likely to develop systolic hypertension 15 years later. Vitamin D has a well-established role in bone health, and deficiency may also increase cancer risk and immune function problems.
Brookhaven scientists have developed a cost-effective method to remove mercury contamination from soil and industrial waste using In Situ Mercury Stabilization (ISMS). The technology involves treating mercury-contaminated materials with sulfur-based reagents, reducing environmental impact and making remediation more affordable.
A new structure of the zinc transporter protein has been revealed, showing how it senses and regulates zinc levels in cells. The discovery suggests an auto-regulatory mechanism for zinc transport and may lead to the development of treatments for diseases like seizure disorders or diabetes.
Oceanographers at University of Hawaii at Manoa found that deeper pelagic fish have higher mercury concentrations due to their unique diets. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of understanding the open ocean ecosystem to sustainably manage fish populations.