The International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment will discuss successes and failures of research on human exposure to toxic metals. Major themes include risk assessment, environmental epidemiology, and human health effects, with a focus on protecting children from toxic metals.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins and two other academic medical centers found that large fluctuations in eye pressure during the day or over consecutive days are associated with greater risk of vision loss. Glaucoma patients who experienced low fluctuations in pressure had a lower risk of further vision loss compared to those wi...
Researchers at Cornell University found that larger lakes have longer food chains than smaller ones, contrary to previous assumptions about energy availability. The study suggests that the size of an ecosystem, not energy levels, constrains food-chain length.
A team of Boston University astronomers has captured new ground-based photos of Mercury's surface, revealing details similar to those on the Moon. The images, taken in August 1998, show bright craters and dark lunar mare-like markings, providing insights into Mercury's geology.
Ford's Prototype Optimization Module (POM) reduced prototypes by one fourth, cutting weeks and millions of dollars from development. The module also promoted wider customer-oriented dialogue among design and test engineers and management.
Research suggests that occupational lead exposure significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly among those working in jobs with high levels of lead exposure. The study found a strong correlation between lead exposure and Alzheimer's, while other metals such as aluminum and solvents were not associate...
A study by a University of Michigan School of Nursing professor found that moderate exercise can lower diastolic blood pressure in pregnant women, reducing the risk of developing gestational hypertension. The randomized trial involved 16 high-risk women who engaged in treadmill or bicycle exercise three days a week for 10 weeks.
Researchers have discovered gold grains, tin-based pewter plates, and lead shots at the Blackbeard's flagship wreck, providing insights into the treasure's composition and burial conditions. The findings are part of two studies presented at the Southeastern Section Geological Sciences Association Meeting on March 23.
The Earth's oceans are predicted to evaporate within 1 billion years as the sun's temperature increases, leading to a waterless planet. The process is driven by the sun's increasing brightness, which will eventually cause water to evaporate into space.
Researchers at TIGR have completed the genetic sequence of Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacteria that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. The study reveals its unique genome composition and large redundancy of repair functions, which may contribute to its exceptional radiation resistance.
When a star swallows a planet, it can experience profound effects on its evolution, including changes in spin rate and emission of infrared radiation. The simulations show that large planets can survive for thousands of years before being vaporized by the heat, leaving behind tell-tale signs such as high lithium abundance.
A study found that people with pets experienced half the increase in blood pressure under stress compared to those without pets. The researchers used medication to control high blood pressure and tested the effects of pets on stress reactivity.
The study found elevated levels of DDE and mercury in bald eagle eggs on Kiska Island, but not on other islands. Seabirds are thought to be the major source of contamination due to their diet rich in fish from contaminated water.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University found that metal contaminants in Lake Superior sediments primarily come from native ore deposits, not atmospheric sources. High concentrations of mercury were detected, associated with copper and silver deposits.
Astronomers believe that megaflares produced by tangled magnetic fields on a star and its planet might help identify distant Sun-like stars with planetary systems. This phenomenon could provide energy for the development of life on rocky planets, making it a promising area to search for extraterrestrial life.
JHU/APL's MESSENGER spacecraft will be the first to visit Mercury in over three decades, gathering data on the planet's density, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. The $286 million mission has potential applications in industry beyond scientific research.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found no additional mercury exposure to children from dental fillings, despite low environmental exposure. Tiny amounts of mercury were detected in primary teeth, but statistical analysis showed no correlation with the number of fillings.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to scavenge heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, zinc, nickel, or manganese from very dilute solutions, reducing contamination to the lowest detectable level
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant can make African Americans more sensitive to salt, increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers found that even small amounts of salt can raise blood pressure in individuals with the gene variant.
Researchers from the University of Kentucky Medical Center have found no significant association between mercury levels in autopsied brains and dental amalgam status. The study, which compared over 200 brain samples, suggests that small amounts of mercury released from dental amalgams are not taken up by the brain.
A German study suggests that people complaining of health problems related to dental amalgam fillings may be using it as a scapegoat for underlying psychological issues. The researchers found low levels of mercury in the saliva, blood, and urine of participants, contradicting concerns about the alloy's safety.
A mercury poisoning illness known as Minamata disease has resurfaced in the Amazon rainforest, affecting thousands of people. The disease, which causes severe neurological damage, is linked to consumption of methyl mercury-contaminated fish.
A 12-year study of doctors found that men who ate a diet rich in nuts had a decreased risk of dying from heart disease. In another study, people eating an oat-rich diet had lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol levels.
Recent analysis of Mars data from the Mars Pathfinder Mission suggests that the C1 carbonaceous chondrite standard is incorrect, with Mars exhibiting a distinct elemental composition. This contradicts previous assumptions about the terrestrial planets' formation and density variations.
Researchers at Hughes Space and Communications have developed a new ion propulsion system that can keep satellites in orbit for up to 25 years, using the inert gas xenon. This innovation reduces the need for frequent fuel replacements, ensuring reliable signal reception and preventing collisions with neighboring satellites.
Despite high levels of mercury found in the Seychelles, a nine-year study found that frequent consumption of commercially sold fish carries no ill effects from low levels of mercury. The study suggests that current regulations in the US are sufficient to safeguard frequent fish eaters against mercury exposure.
Scientists have developed SAMMS, a self-assembled monolayer on mesoporous support that selectively binds toxic or precious metals like mercury and lead. The technology has shown promise in cleaning up contaminated waterways and recovering valuable metals.
Io's volcanic hot spots reach surface temperatures of over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, more than double previous measurements. The extreme temperatures suggest a unique process of differentiation and heavy element composition, shedding light on the moon's geological history.
A study by Deborah R. Young found that t'ai chi lowered systolic blood pressure in sedentary older adults, with significant effects seen after six weeks of exercise. The benefits were comparable to those achieved through moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.
Scientists have discovered oxygen locked in ice on Callisto, a moon of Jupiter, with sunlight playing a key role in separating hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Meanwhile, the Galileo team has found that sulfur dioxide emissions from Io are caused by both volcanic activity and frost sublimation.
A recent study has found a link between methylmercury exposure in pregnant mothers and neurological delays in 7-year-old children. The research, conducted in the Faroe Islands, used sophisticated neuropsychological and neurophysiological techniques to examine the effects of prenatal mercury exposure on brain development.
A team of scientists discovered a special protein that encases copper to transport it through the cell and deliver it to specific enzymes. The finding provides clues to toxic mechanisms of other metals and rare diseases related to copper metabolism.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new database to aid in the discovery of gold and silver deposits in three western states. The system combines geologic and related map information to provide a comprehensive overview of mineral content, allowing for more accurate assessments of potentially valuable areas.
The USGS is providing crucial information for restoring the South Florida ecosystem through multidisciplinary research activities. The latest data on pre-development environmental conditions, contaminant transport, and physical conditions in Florida Bay are being shared to inform land and water resource managers.
A long-term trial found that treating hypertension reduces heart failure risk, even in those with severe heart disease. The study showed significant benefits for patients over 80 and those who had a heart attack before the trial.
The Boston University team successfully captured the first-ever image of Hale-Bopp's three tails, providing new insights into the comet's composition. The team's innovative detector system and modest telescope size allowed them to detect faint signals from sodium gas, which is not visible to the naked eye.
Research suggests that dietary levels of nutrients during formative months and years are important determinants of blood pressure. Studies found that children who consumed more calcium and fiber had lower diastolic blood pressure, while eating more fat was linked to higher diastolic pressure.
Dr. Bob Reinert recommends states adopt a single set of guidelines to minimize exposure to contaminants in fish. Effective guidelines can help anglers filter out unwanted chemicals from their catch.
Researchers are evaluating potential health effects of long-term mercury exposure on former workers and employees. The study aims to characterize how mercury affects the nervous system, kidney function, and reproductive system.
Researchers at ORNL developed microscopic sensors using microcantilevers, detecting relative humidity, temperature, and pressure. They can also detect DNA, proteins, and natural gas, with potential as biosensors.