A study by Umeå University and Ghent University reveals that immune cells orchestrate the mobilization of zinc to fight microbes, making them more vulnerable. The balance of trace metals in the immune system plays a crucial role in the efficiency of neutrophils to kill microbes.
Researchers are making progress in overcoming technical hurdles to create layered structures, continuous gradients, and fully three-dimensional architectures with programmable material variation. Optimized laser parameters and build sequences can enhance strength, control heat flow, and improve energy absorption.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) from metals like nickel and vanadium, and sulfate particles, is strongly linked to asthma hospitalizations. The researchers identified these compounds as the most harmful components in the PM2.5 mixture.
Physicists from the IFJ PAN in Cracow have successfully produced homogeneous coatings of titanium oxide nanotubes on large metal surfaces, overcoming the obstacle of crystal grain boundaries. The method combines nanoparticle lithography and electrochemical anodization, enabling controlled material properties.
A recent survey of 178 dogs in 10 states found that two-thirds consume higher-than-recommended levels of heavy metals in their drinking water. The study highlights the need for further research on the long-term health effects of these exposures, particularly in rural areas where private wells are common.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a catalyst system that converts alcohols to valuable chemical products at lower temperatures using safer iodine compounds. The new system eliminates toxic heavy metal waste, cuts reaction temperatures by over half, and reduces energy costs.
HKUST researchers have discovered a previously unrecognized atomic-scale mechanism that obstructs efficient LIB recycling. Aluminum impurities infiltrate NCM cathode crystals, altering internal chemistry and suppressing metal leachability. The study equips industry with tools for scalable sustainable battery recovery systems.
A team of Penn State researchers has discovered a fundamental reaction in transition metal chemistry that can proceed through a different order of events, achieving the same outcome. This finding raises questions about whether this new pathway has been occurring all along and potentially opens up new avenues for chemical design.
A team of Penn State researchers has found a new way for the fundamental reaction of oxidative addition to occur, potentially opening up new space for chemical design. This discovery could lead to more efficient industrial processes and the creation of new reactions that break down stubborn pollutants.
Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara develop a new filter that can extract rare earth elements from end-of-life products like electronic waste. The technique combines solid-state extraction with precision chemistry to create a simple and environmentally attractive process, increasing the concentration of REEs fourfold.
Researchers develop new method to detect subtle magnetic signals in common metals like copper, gold, and aluminum, using a laser and large-amplitude modulation of the external magnetic field. This breakthrough could lead to advances in semiconductor industry, spintronic devices, and quantum systems.
A new study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found a potential link between growth problems among infants and high levels of toxic metals and other elements in the breast milk of Mayan women in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán watershed region. High concentrations of arsenic, barium, beryllium, and lead were associated with impaire...
Scientists use argon plasma to disperse and guide metal atoms to desired positions, reducing waste and maximizing the use of rare metals. The method allows for the creation of ultra-thin single-layer metal clusters with precise control over atom placement, enabling efficient catalysis in green technologies.
A University of Pittsburgh study has identified a protein called ferritin that can selectively recover critical metals like cobalt and nickel from liquid solutions. The process uses benign conditions and could significantly reduce energy demands and costs associated with metal recovery.
The Toxic Metals Symposium is a high-caliber event featuring over 40 renowned scientists from 20 countries discussing health effects of toxic metals. The symposium aims to provide a platform for researchers, policymakers, and experts to exchange knowledge and ideas.
Researchers found that disposable e-cigarettes release higher amounts of metals and metalloids than older refillable e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The study highlights the need for urgency in enforcement due to hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel, antimony, and other substances.
A new multi-cohort study found that exposure to certain metals detected in urine is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study analyzed over 10,000 adults across diverse geographic and racial backgrounds and observed consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased HF risk.
Researchers at DGIST developed a high-efficiency PV-based hydrogen production technology using eco-friendly ternary quantum dots. The team successfully controlled the synthesis mechanism of copper indium sulfide, eliminating heavy metals and producing hydrogen using sunlight.
Researchers discovered that a substantial proportion of metals are removed from seawater solution by solid manganese-oxide particles. Chemical reactions in sediment release metals back into solution, which then mix back up through the ocean. This process changes how we view ocean chemistry and its impact on climate.
Researchers have synthesized CrNbO4, a novel dual functional scale that protects refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) from oxidation and thermal attack. It exhibits low thermal conductivity and resistance to CMAS corrosion.
A new study by UC Riverside researchers reveals that ultrasonic cigarettes may pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful metals in their liquids and aerosols. The study found elevated levels of metals like arsenic and selenium in u-cigarette products, which can lead to lung diseases, organ damage, and cancer.
A new study found that animal manure is a preferable option for limiting metal contamination in agricultural soils. In contrast, oestrogenic activity in the Scheldt estuary decreases downstream, indicating the impact of wastewater treatment and European regulations.
A recent psychological study found that high levels of toxic metals in mothers and newborns are associated with early childhood development problems. Breastfeeding during the first six months is generally considered favourable to an infant’s health, but exposure to toxic metals reduces its intensity and duration.
A novel approach uses oxidative potential to assess the impact of heavy metal-contaminated soils on plants, identifying key metabolic disruptions and biochemical changes. This method offers a faster and more reliable alternative to traditional methods, enabling quicker responses to soil pollution.
A recent study estimates that up to 17% of global cropland is contaminated with toxic heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. The study reveals a high-risk zone in low-latitude Eurasia, where concentrations of these pollutants exceed safety thresholds.
Researchers found that common urban pollinator plants like white clover and bindweed accumulate toxic metals from contaminated soils, posing a risk to bee health. To mitigate this, scientists recommend testing soil for metals before planting wildflowers and choosing plant species suitable for the local conditions.
Researchers at Lund University found that hedgehogs collected from urban areas in Sweden contained high concentrations of lead, pesticides, and other pollutants. The study provides an environmental fingerprint of urban ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and reduced use of synthetic materials.
A team of physicists at Rice University has made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of strange metals by leveraging quantum information theory. Electron entanglement peaks at a critical transition point, shedding new light on the exotic properties of these materials.
A recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology estimates that 25 out of 32 key geological resources have exceeded sustainable water limits. This highlights the need for sustainable water use in resource production, particularly for water-intensive metals like copper.
Researchers create atomically thin 2D metals using a new manufacturing technique called vdW squeezing, which allows for the production of diverse materials with enhanced physical properties. The technique enables the exploration of novel physics and new device architectures.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
Researchers found that brewing tea can adsorb significant amounts of toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium from drinking water. The study revealed that steeping time played the most significant role in removing metal ions, with longer steeping times resulting in more effective filtering.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries recovers critical metals, emitting less greenhouse gases and using significantly less water and energy than conventional mining. The study's findings suggest that recycling can help relieve supply insecurity and mitigate climate change by utilizing existing battery sources.
Researchers have developed a pioneering approach to predict and engineer the metalation of proteins, crucial for life. The study reveals that metal availability plays a key role in binding metals within cells, and provides practical tools to forecast metal-protein interactions.
Scientists from Chiba University successfully analyzed human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells using a new sample introduction system, achieving accurate elemental composition measurements without damaging the cells. The study expands the potential of ICP-MS technology for mammalian cultured cell analysis.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth warns that corrosion-protection systems in offshore wind turbines could leach harmful levels of metal into the ocean. The research highlights the need for comprehensive monitoring of water and sediments around wind farms to mitigate risks to ecosystems and human health.
New research from Macquarie University identifies the probable locations and mechanisms of accumulations of critical metals at the margins of old cores of continents. These areas have been found to contain more sulfur and copper than elsewhere on the continents, making them potential targets for future exploration activities.
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered a phenomenon where quasiparticles lose their identity in extreme quantum materials, leading to unique properties. This discovery has broader implications for understanding transitions in other correlated materials and creating advanced superconductors.
KIST researchers develop a nanostructured composite fiber material to efficiently recover rare earth metals from waste permanent magnets and industrial wastewaters. The material achieves high adsorption capacities, outperforming conventional adsorption materials.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
The RC-Metals Project aims to recover precious metals from e-waste using various methods, including molten bath melting processes. The project's main objective is to reduce the accumulation of WEEE waste and decrease the need for importing key-raw materials.
Researchers develop efficient way to recycle e-waste containing metals, semiconductors and rare elements; microwave-assisted pyrolysis method effectively recovers copper wires, improving recycling process.
A novel citric-acid-based method has been developed to recycle metals from NCM cathodes with minimal energy usage and lower emissions. The process involves a relatively small amount of citric acid, allowing for efficient separation and reclamation of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese metals.
Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully produced liquid hydrogen using a novel magnetocaloric cooling method, which consumes less energy and eliminates greenhouse gas refrigerant use. The breakthrough material does not contain rare-earth metals, reducing environmental concerns.
Researchers have developed an ultra-strong, ductile alloy using 3D printing technology, which combines the benefits of refractory metals like NbTiZr. The oxygen-doped blend creates a unique combination of strength and flexibility, making it ideal for aerospace and medical applications.
A study by USC researchers estimates that 850,000 pounds of toxic metals have been released into the environment in the Western US from 2009-2021. The team found a range of heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium used as corrosion inhibitors, as well as arsenic in phosphate ores.
Researchers found that wildfire suppressant products can contribute to elevated metal levels in the environment. The study tested 14 fire suppression products and found that they contained at least one metal exceeding EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level regulations for drinking water.
A new recycling process reduces environmental impact by eliminating energy-intensive methods, producing harmful waste streams. The innovative technique recovers critical metals with high purity (>95%) and yield (>85%), addressing critical metal shortages and negative environmental impacts.
The Indian Institute of Science team proposes an on-site alternative using iron nanoparticles that can remediate heavy metals. The S-CMC-nZVI material showed nearly 99% efficiency at Cr6+ removal under different conditions.
Research explores impact of exogenous additives on heavy metal passivation and nitrogen retention in pig manure composting. Microbial additives show promise in reducing bioavailability of heavy metals, while also improving nitrogen retention.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that high levels of toxic metals in urine predicted faster increases in blood sugar. Individuals with highest arsenic exposure qualified as prediabetic 23 months earlier and diabetic 65 months earlier than those with lowest exposure.
Researchers have developed a sugar-like polymer that traps heavy metals within insoluble clumps for easy removal, demonstrating potential as a recyclable material. The polymer showed high efficiency in removing cadmium and lead from river water, with minimal impact on other metal ions.
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Caltech argues that iron was life's primeval metal. They found that early oceans were rich in iron, which is essential for biomolecules to bind to metals. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the importance of other transition metals like zinc.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered a chemical 'chameleon' that can improve the process of purifying rare-earth metals. The ligand changes its behavior depending on experimental conditions, allowing for multiple separations in different orders.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a cleaner way to separate rare-earth elements from complex mixtures. They designed sponges that selectively absorb one metal while excluding others, with the potential to improve purification processes globally.
Researchers confirm Kagome superconductor, a class of materials with star-shaped structure exhibiting unique electronic, magnetic, and superconducting properties. The discovery enables novel electronic components, such as superconducting diodes, with potential for energy-efficient quantum devices.
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a novel approach to metalworking using chitinous colloids and composites. By leveraging the affinity between chitin and metals, they created functional metallic structures without high temperatures or pressures.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.
A University of Michigan-led study found that higher levels of metals in blood and urine are associated with a greater risk for ALS and shorter survival. Occupational exposure to metals was also linked to increased metal levels, emphasizing the need for accounting for environmental factors when evaluating overall exposure risk.
A new study finds that higher levels of six urinary metals are linked to increased cardiovascular disease and mortality in a diverse US population. The findings support the role of urinary metals as novel risk factors for CVD and all-cause mortality.