A new paper reveals that global dietary trends are diminishing human health and harming the environment. Alternative diets offer substantial health benefits and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land clearing, and species extinctions.
A new study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that school environment plays a determining role in teacher expectations of students. The study showed that school academic composition is the most influential factor, followed by socioeconomic and ethnic composition of students.
A new study suggests that assigning a price to nature's services can lead to trade-offs between conservation and economic benefits. While some ecosystems benefit from pricing, others suffer as traditional conservation strategies may not effectively protect the economic value of biodiversity.
Scientists developed new geochemical tracers to detect hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers can track the presence of frac fluids and distinguish them from wastewater coming from other sources.
Scientists have developed geochemical tracers that can identify hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers were tested at a spill site in West Virginia and a brine wastewater treatment plant in Pennsylvania, allowing for the detection of frac fluid contamination and potential risks to water supplies.
A recent study by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry identified key knowledge gaps in understanding pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) impacts on ecosystems and human health. The priority areas include research on human health exposure, as well as regional testing methods for measuring PPCPs in the envir...
Research found that environment plays a significant role in the development of eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe and often painful food allergy. The study also identified several environmental risk factors, including food allergies and high twin birth-weight difference.
Researchers are studying nature's secrets to develop efficient light-based technologies. From seashells to spider wings, scientists are discovering inspiration in the natural world to create innovative solutions for energy, healthcare, and communications.
The gibbon genome study provides new insights into the biology and evolutionary history of this family of apes. Factors contributing to gibbon diversity and adaptability are reported, highlighting the dynamic evolution of mobile elements in primate genomes.
A new study by Yale University authors found that consumers are more likely to purchase a product if it is perceived as environmentally friendly due to unintentional design changes rather than intentional eco-friendly efforts.
More than 500 delegates from 62 countries have issued a call to action to address the impacts of climate change on human health and the global environment. The ecohealth community has developed a vision and commitment to action that will bring together existing efforts to respond to climate change.
Positive psychology research suggests that less materialism leads to increased happiness and well-being, resulting in a healthier environment. Thrift and conserving resources also contribute to overall happiness.
Researchers estimate mercury levels in global ocean, separating natural and human sources for the first time. The study found that ocean waters shallower than 100m have tripled in mercury concentration since the Industrial Revolution.
A new study by New York University found that a well-designed physical work environment can improve nurses' efficiency, teamwork, and communication, leading to higher job satisfaction. The study also revealed that this indirect impact on job satisfaction is associated with better patient outcomes.
A new study has found that the dispersant compound DOSS, used in the Deepwater Horizon spill, persists in the environment for up to four years, remaining associated with oil and affecting marine ecosystems. The persistence of DOSS in deep-sea sediments, corals, and sand patties on Gulf beaches indicates a need for further research into...
Researchers at Kansas State University have found that bacteria can acquire iron from the environment using tiny protein loops on their surface. These protein loops are similar to fingers and can open or close to grab iron molecules, allowing the bacteria to establish an infection.
A study published in Nature Communications found that around half of the genes influencing reading ability also impact mathematics skills. The research suggests a substantial overlap in genetic variants affecting both traits, with complex interactions between genetics and learning environment playing a crucial role.
A new study found that cancer cells' thick sugar coating enhances their survival by altering cell signaling pathways. The coating causes the cell membrane to change shape, leading to unchecked growth and increased lethality for cancer patients.
African Americans have higher preterm delivery rates than non-Hispanic whites, partly due to disparities in residential environments. Researchers are investigating the links between subjective and objective measures of neighborhood exposures and preterm delivery among African American women.
Researchers analyzed honeybee waggle dances to evaluate EU agri-environment schemes, finding they benefit bees. The study used a novel source of data to monitor large land areas and provide information on landscape quality.
Jiang and DeAngelis' theoretical paper explores how species modify their environment to gain benefits, affecting community diversity. Their work is likely to foster further research and generate hypotheses for experimental studies.
The atlas provides maps of 14 diseases and conditions, alongside environmental agents such as air pollution and pesticides. It highlights areas with consistent patterns of lower relative health risks, including central London and North Norfolk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain activity in place cells helps construct cognitive maps, a pattern of activity reflecting an animal's internal representation of its environment. This activation can mark the birth of a memory, as seen in rats who pause to inspect their surroundings and create new place fields.
A study published in Nature Genetics identified a large number of heritable genes associated with disease risk, providing a new resource for understanding the genetic control of transcription. The researchers analyzed blood sample data from twins and found that heritable genes are more likely to be associated with disease.
A study found that genes amplify stress from harsh environments for some children, while supportive environments help mitigate this effect. The research used telomere length as a biomarker of stress and showed that genetic pathways play a role in the stress response.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new mechanism that governs how body clocks react to changes in the environment. The enzyme casein kinase 1epsilon (CK1epsilon) controls how easily the body's clock can be adjusted or reset by environmental cues such as light and temperature.
The Australian National University-led Cooperative Research Centre for Space Environment Management will track space debris, improve predictions of space debris orbits, and predict potential collisions in space. The center aims to reduce the rate of debris proliferation and remove debris using ground-based lasers.
A virtual computer-based world was created to facilitate international healthcare education, engaging participants in a three-dimensional environment. The study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this new pedagogy, offering healthcare professionals limited access to traditional education resources.
Research finds that indigenous cultures' medicinal plant use is linked to their environment, making them vulnerable to climate change and globalization. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge to mitigate the impact of environmental changes on these communities.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Press Journals found that controlling a chaotic environment may be key to helping people stop excessive behaviors like hoarding and stockpiling. Participants in cluttered rooms showed increased likelihood of impulse spending compared to those in organized spaces.
Research reveals a long-term hidden threat to the environment: shrinking households. A study by Michigan State University found that as global household size declines, it will double the number of homes needed per-capita, straining natural resources and the environment.
A study by King's College London suggests that pain sensitivity can be altered by lifestyle and environmental factors through epigenetics. Researchers found variations in chemical modifications within genes involved in pain sensitivity, including the TRPA1 gene.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that toddlers' physical aggression is strongly associated with genetic factors, accounting for most of the stability and change. The study used a twin cohort design to investigate the role of genetics and environment in early childhood aggression, finding support for the genetic mat...
Researchers have created an artificial bone marrow that can reproduce hematopoietic stem cells, which could facilitate the treatment of leukemia. The new technology uses synthetic polymers and protein building blocks to mimic the natural environment of bone marrow, allowing for more efficient stem cell reproduction.
A new NOAA report suggests that specific types of fish farming can be done without harming the coastal ocean environment as long as proper planning and safeguards are in place. The study found minimal to no effects on the environment in cases where farms are responsibly managed.
Studies show that environmental factors significantly impact the genetic makeup of fruit flies living in 'Evolution Canyon', a unique natural environment with contrasting climates. The research confirms natural selection as a powerful influence in shaping the population's gene pool.
A new study from King's College London found that genetic differences between students explain on average 58% of the differences in GCSE scores, while environmental factors account for 29%. The research used identical and non-identical twins to compare the impact of genetics versus environment on educational achievement.
A new model from Uppsala University predicts how bacteria can rapidly adapt to environmental changes through smart regulation of gene expression. The study shows the ultimate limit for bacterial protein level adjustments in response to changing environments.
The Center for Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) at Duke University has been awarded a $15 million grant renewal to continue studying the environmental impact of nanoparticles. The research focuses on understanding where nanoparticles accumulate, how they interact with other chemicals, and their effects on ecosystems.
Researchers cataloged interactions between breast cancer cells and normal cells in their environment, finding that most signals promoted cancer. Blocking multiple signals simultaneously inhibited tumor growth more effectively than blocking individual signals.
A new £800,000 grant from the Medical Research Council will enable scientists to connect diverse databases and investigate links between climate, environment, and human health. The project aims to develop an IT system and database linking weather, climate, and environmental data with information on health and wellbeing.
Northwestern University researchers develop method to change molecular properties by altering surface geometry, mimicking nature's simplicity. The technique enables the creation of patchy nanoparticles with unique chemical properties, opening doors for new materials and applications.
High school students became more concerned for others and the environment during the Great Recession, according to a new study. Researchers found that students who graduated from high school during the recession were more interested in social issues and saving energy.
A new study found that China's payments for ecosystem services programs led to significant forest growth and environmental benefits. However, the programs also had negative impacts on rural households and their livelihoods, highlighting the need for more sustainable policies.
Biologists discovered that green algae require haemoglobin and nitric oxide to signal the absence of oxygen, allowing them to activate genes and produce hydrogen. In an oxygen-rich environment, this gene is idle, and its inactivation has fatal consequences for the algae.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity highlights the critical role of parenting style and home environment in shaping children's physical activity levels and dietary habits. The researchers found that a healthy home environment and parental role modeling are essential for promoting healthy behaviors in kids, ...
A meta-analysis of 71 studies found that agri-environment schemes, such as sowing wild-flowers and organic farming, enhance the diversity and abundance of wild bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The results suggest that increasing flower abundance in field margins and roadsides can boost pollinator populations, especially common species.
A former University of California, Riverside graduate student built a system that replicates a human colon, septic tank, and groundwater to understand the impact of bacteria on groundwater. His research found that pathogens could potentially linger longer in aquatic environments, posing a risk to water quality.
A new study found that high levels of OR noise can have a disruptive effect on a surgeon's auditory processing abilities and cause a decrease in speech comprehension. The researchers tested 15 surgeons with varying years of experience under different listening conditions, including quiet, filtered noise, background noise, and music.
A Virginia Tech study found that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where human numbers are limited. The research identified the coupled nature of humans, animals, and the environment across landscapes, posing a critical threat to human and animal health.
A three-year study by Professor Michael Blaber and his team suggests that proteins, not RNA, were the first molecules to form life. The researchers found that 10 prebiotic amino acids could be folded into complex protein structures in a high-salt environment, supporting a 'protein-first' view of abiogenesis.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that hepatitis A virus acquires an envelope from infected cells when found in the environment, blurring the distinction between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This unique behavior allows the virus to evade host immune systems and survive longer periods between hosts.
JoVE is launching a new environment section to publish cutting-edge methodologies and innovations in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and more. The section aims to promote environmentally conscientious practices and provide a platform for researchers to present greener technology.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that the chemical TDCPP was present in 99% of dust samples from participants' homes, vehicles and offices. The office environment was the strongest predictor of metabolized TDCPP in urine, with lower concentrations in newer buildings.
A new study found that prolonged exposure to an enriched environment activates brain receptors, preventing amyloid beta protein from weakening nerve cell communication. This provides a molecular mechanism for why a richer environment can help lessen the memory-eroding effects of Alzheimer's disease.
A team led by Dr. Natalia Rybczynski has identified the first evidence for an extinct giant camel in Canada's High Arctic, dating back 3.4 million years. The discovery extends the range of camels in North America northward by 1,200 km and suggests a possible adaptation to polar environments.
Researchers at Duke University found that silver nanoparticles can have adverse effects on plants and microorganisms in low doses, leading to reduced biomass and altered enzyme activity. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the environmental impact of these particles.
A global survey reveals that environmental issues, particularly climate change, are a low priority for people in the US and around the world. In the surveys, the economy ranked highest in concern, with environmental issues ranking sixth.
In a study published in Science, fruit flies were found to lay their eggs in an alcohol-soaked environment when sensing parasitic wasps, forcing larvae to consume booze to combat infection. The discovery suggests that using toxins in the environment to medicate offspring may be common across the animal kingdom.
A new report from an international consortium warns that climate change will disproportionately affect older people, leading to increased vulnerability and mortality. The study calls for better awareness among policymakers and the public to address this critical issue.