Scientists conducted precision comparisons among NIST's cesium fountain and mercury ion clocks, narrowing the range for a possible change in the fine-structure constant. These experiments aim to develop a more complete understanding of the history of the universe and test recent theories.
A study published in PLoS Biology finds that low levels of toxic substances cause critical stem cells to prematurely shut down. The research identifies a common molecular trigger for the effects of toxicant exposure, offering new insights into damage caused by toxicant exposure and potential methods to evaluate chemical safety.
A new study by Oregon State University and the EPA found that over 600 rivers in the western US have widespread mercury contamination in fish. Piscivorous fish like bass and walleye show significantly higher levels of mercury than non-piscivore species like trout.
Individuals with diagnosed hypertension in the US have lower blood pressure readings and better control compared to those in five Western European countries. The study found that treatment thresholds are more aggressive in the US, resulting in higher rates of hypertension control.
A University of Michigan study has found that forest fires release more mercury into the atmosphere than previously recognized. The research, led by Doctoral student Abir Biswas, estimates that wildfires and prescribed burns account for approximately 25 percent of human-generated mercury emissions in the United States.
The study measures infrared light from three gas giant planets, detecting no temperature differences between their day and night sides. Temperatures appear to be uniform, around 925 degrees Celsius, due to strong winds that mix the atmosphere planetwide.
Research has identified five hotspots of high mercury contamination in fish and birds across eastern North America, posing a risk to human health and wildlife. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mercury emissions from coal-fired power stations and municipal waste incinerators to mitigate this environmental threat.
A small study found that fish oil supplements during pregnancy improve toddlers' hand-eye coordination, with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to better performance. The findings suggest that relatively high doses of omega-3 rich fish oil supplements have no adverse effects on neurodevelopment or growth.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have developed fiber-reinforced polymer composites that quadruple the toughness of dental composites. Braided polyethylene fibers performed best, increasing toughness by up to 433% compared to the composite alone.
Scientists at JILA have developed an ultra-stable laser system to manipulate strontium atoms, producing the most precise 'ticks' ever recorded in an optical atomic clock. This achievement enables improved time-keeping, precision measurements of high frequencies, and quantum computing using neutral atoms.
A study found that heart failure patients with higher systolic blood pressures had lower death rates compared to those with lower pressures. Lower systolic pressures may indicate more advanced disease and a poorer prognosis.
Researchers from France and Italy used synchrotron light to investigate the mysterious darkening of ancient Pompeii wall paintings, discovering chemical reactions involving chlorine, mercury, and calcite. The study provides new insights for conservators and preservation of Roman archaeological sites.
Researchers have directly imaged a faint brown dwarf companion to the star HD 3651, which hosts a planet. The discovery provides valuable information on planetary formation and offers a unique insight into the co-formation of planets and brown dwarfs around the same star.
Scientists used high-resolution radar signals to create detailed images of the lunar south pole, finding abundant rocks but no evidence of ice sheets. The study suggests that any future lunar base should not rely on ice resources.
A review of studies found that moderate fish consumption reduces coronary death by 36% and death rate by 17%. The study suggests that adequate consumption of other seafood is essential to minimize methylmercury exposure and ensure DHA intake.
A comprehensive analysis of fish consumption found that moderate intake reduces risk of coronary heart disease by 36% and total mortality by 17%. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood also improve early brain development in infants, particularly when consumed by pregnant or nursing mothers.
Two new planets have been discovered by astronomers, both extremely close to their stars and estimated to be around 3,272 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery is made possible by the transit method, which detects slight dimming of starlight as planets pass in front of their stars.
Intraocular pressure increased in 90% of weightlifters during exercises, with higher pressures observed when holding breath. The study suggests that weightlifting could be a potential risk factor for normal-tension glaucoma.
A recent study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder and Pennsylvania State University found that over one-third of giant planet systems could have Earth-like planets in habitable zones. These planets, formed through the migration of gas giants, may host oceans several miles deep and potentially support life.
The IAU defined a planet as a celestial body in orbit around the Sun with sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium. The new definition includes our solar system's eight recognized planets and a distinct class of dwarf planets, including Pluto.
Climate change is contributing to the release of mercury stored in northern wetlands, which can become toxic in food chains. Wildfires are unleashing this mercury at levels up to 15 times greater than previously calculated.
Physicist Andrei Lebed has discovered exotic superconductivity where electron pairs exhibit both rotating and non-rotating behavior, breaking down conventional symmetry laws. This phenomenon is observed in strong magnetic fields and has significant implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics.
A declaration by top scientists states that mercury pollution poses significant risks to human health, particularly for children and women of childbearing age. The declaration also highlights the need for reduced mercury use and emissions, as well as careful fish consumption to minimize exposure.
Researchers at UW-Madison presented studies on the ineffectiveness of fish advisories, the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in mercury contamination, and the long-term consequences of in utero exposure to methylmercury. The findings highlight the need for improved communication, funding, and media coverage to address these issues.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that moderate exercise has no negative impact on the heart's ability to pump blood or increase in size. Exercise improves heart function and reduces abdominal fat, benefiting those who make gains in physical fitness.
Researchers have found a nearby star system that could potentially host an Earth-like planet with the right conditions. The modelled system is expected to have a habitable zone where terrestrial planets can form, similar to our own solar system.
Physicists at NIST have developed a portable atomic clock based on a single mercury ion, outperforming the national standard clock by at least five times. The improved version of the mercury clock maintains accuracy for over 400 million years, opening up new possibilities for ultra-precise timekeeping and frequency standards.
A study by Dr. Eric Fombonne and colleagues found no link between MMR vaccinations and autism rates in Quebec children, contradicting previous concerns. The incidence of autism remained high despite reductions in thimerosal use.
Dr. Ferracane is recognized for his pioneering work on dental composites, behavior of mercury in amalgam, and Fourier transform infrared techniques. He is also an esteemed teacher and has made significant contributions to the dental materials community through his research, teaching, and service.
Two studies evaluate health effects of dental amalgam fillings in children, finding no detectable loss of intelligence or kidney function. Children with mercury exposure showed low and stable levels without correlation to symptoms.
The SAMMS technology can selectively remove metal contaminants without creating hazardous waste or by-products, with initial targets including coal-fired power plants and municipal facilities. In tests, 99.9% of mercury was successfully removed from simulated wastewater, meeting EPA discharge limits.
Precision biochemistry techniques track DNA damage in fish, identifying low-level lesions that correlate with pollution. These biomarkers can provide a direct measure of contaminant impact and assess pollution remediation efforts.
Researchers conducted two large studies on children with dental amalgam fillings and found no adverse health effects. Despite initial concerns about mercury poisoning, the studies concluded that children exposed to amalgam had low levels of mercury in their urine and no measurable signs of damage to the brain or kidneys.
A study of over 534 children found no significant differences in neuropsychological function between those with amalgam and resin composite materials. Higher urinary mercury levels were detected in the amalgam group, but no adverse effects were observed. The study concludes that mercury-containing amalgam should remain a viable clinica...
A new study has found significant regional differences in ocean contamination levels among albatrosses, with black-footed albatrosses foraging in the California Current exhibiting higher concentrations of mercury and organochlorine compounds. The findings suggest that these contaminants build up in the tissues of animals high on the fo...
Researchers at PNNL developed thiol-SAMMS to remove mercury and other contaminants from produced waters. The technology, recently awarded for successful commercial use, has been licensed for production by Steward Advanced Materials.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued new quality standards for testing herbal products, focusing on the analysis of ephedra and potentially toxic heavy metals. These standards will aid in ensuring the accuracy of laboratory analyses and maintaining product safety.
A new method using ultrasound and genetically modified algae can remove up to 60% of mercury from contaminated water, according to Ohio State University researchers. The technique uses ultrasonic waves to release mercury from sediments, which is then absorbed by the algae, leaving the sediment clean.
Researchers suggest that seafood can play a role in reducing coronary heart disease, Alzheimer's, and other mental illnesses. Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which support cognitive development and brain health. However, more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of seafood consumption.
Researchers found high levels of selenium in contaminated toads and their offspring, leading to developmental abnormalities such as structural malformations and abnormal swimming. The study highlights the importance of maternal transfer in contaminant exposure for amphibians.
The Finnish SIXS instrument will measure the Sun's X-ray and particle radiation on Mercury, providing valuable data on the planet's surface and magnetosphere. The instrument is part of the BepiColombo mission, a European Space Agency project that aims to explore Mercury's orbit and composition.
Researchers have developed DNA-wrapped carbon nanotube sensors that can detect low concentrations of mercury ions in whole blood, opaque solutions, and living mammalian cells. The sensors work by detecting changes in the DNA's shape structure, which is triggered by the presence of target ions.
Researchers found that the temperature of a person who has consumed a beverage can affect the accuracy of oral electronic thermometers. The study suggests that parents should wait for at least 30 minutes to take their child's temperature after consumption.
Researchers found that half of planetary collisions result in impactors bouncing off, leaving them significantly altered. These collisions can strip away atmospheres, crusts, and mantles, producing diverse asteroid populations.
A recent study found that mercury can be carried long distances in the atmosphere and combined with other chemicals, making it more water-soluble and easily removable. High concentrations of reactive gaseous mercury can now be present even far from industrial sources, posing a significant threat to ecosystems.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that alagebrium reduces stiffening in arteries by 37% and improves endothelial function by 102%. The drug works by breaking down advanced glycation endproducts, which contribute to arterial aging. The results suggest a potential new therapy for reducing cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
The Harvard Center for Risk Analysis examines the health effects of fish consumption, finding that moderate intake reduces stroke risk by 17% and coronary heart disease mortality by 3.9%. However, high mercury exposure may harm cognitive development.
Eating one fish meal per week provides significant nutritional benefit, but decreasing fish consumption can lead to lost omega-3 fatty acids and increased risks of coronary heart disease and stroke. The study suggests that the government advisories may be doing more harm than good by limiting fish intake.
Researchers at Lehigh University developed a method to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by modifying boiler operating conditions. The technique achieved a 50-75% reduction of total mercury in flue gas with minimal impact on plant performance and fuel cost.
Researchers will study chemical reactions and transformation of mercury in flue gases of coal-fired power plants. They aim to develop a mathematical model to predict mercury emissions and create more effective technologies for controlling mercury emissions.
A new database, The Canary Database, tracks animal diseases linked to human health threats, such as mercury poisoning and West Nile Virus infection. The project aims to improve human health decision-making by analyzing animal sentinel data.
A study found that blood pressure control is suboptimal in older women with hypertension, with only 28% of women in this age group achieving controlled blood pressure. The researchers also noted that treatment rates are high, but the use of cost-effective thiazide diuretics is low.
A study found high concentrations of arsenic in a sample of the King's hair, suggesting exposure to heavy metals may have exacerbated his porphyria attacks. The researchers believe antimonial medications containing arsenic were the probable source of the toxin.
Researchers found that vermilion particles first turn black, then white through a two-step degradation process, challenging the prevailing view of simultaneous color development.
Health professionals from Physicians for Social Responsibility, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Nurses Association file lawsuit against EPA over mercury rule. The rule threatens significant mercury reductions for 10-15 years longer than required by Clean Air Act, posing risks to brain development in children.
MESSENGER successfully tested its main camera by snapping distant approach shots of Earth and the Moon. The images show bands of clouds between North and South America on Earth's sunlit side, providing valuable data for planetary exploration.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing smart lighting sources with improved spectral power distribution, polarization, and color temperature to enable new functions in various fields. These innovations have the potential to reduce energy consumption, dependency on oil, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1d for Indiana limestone, which is a critical component in various industries. The SRM will support the production of cement, concrete, and iron steel.
A new combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 21.5 points in 77% of patients, with 83% achieving acceptable diastolic blood pressure levels. The study included diverse patient groups and showed significant results.
PNNL's ecological dock design reduces harm to nearshore marine life, while a new system tracks juvenile salmon behavior, aiding restoration of critical habitats. The lab also developed a cost-effective nanomaterial to remove mercury from industrial wastes, significantly reducing production costs.