Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure toxic lead in sediments and water samples within minutes. This affordable technology has the potential to enable municipalities, schools, and homeowners to quickly test their water supplies for contamination.
A team of scientists created a computational model of proteins responsible for transforming mercury to toxic methylmercury, shedding light on how this reaction occurs and its environmental impact. The models suggest that conserved cysteine amino acids in HgcB are involved in shuttling mercury to HgcA during the reaction.
Research suggests that fertilizer and pesticide applications on croplands are the largest source of sulfur in the environment, exceeding peak levels seen during acid rain days. This increase poses risks to mercury levels, soil degradation, and asthma rates in agricultural areas.
Researchers measured pollutants in stranded dolphins and whales to understand their impact on ocean life. The study found high levels of mercury and arsenic in some species, highlighting the need for marine mammal stranding response efforts.
Researchers from UConn and Wesleyan University found high levels of mercury in the Still River, exceeding EPA guidance levels for weekly consumption. The study suggests that legacy mercury pollution is persisting in the environment and impacting the food web, with bioavailable forms posing a significant health risk to humans and wildlife.
Researchers found elevated total mercury concentrations in dragonfly larvae from various national parks, with higher levels in rivers and streams. The study suggests that these insects can be used to predict mercury levels in other species, enabling early warning systems for environmental hazards.
A nationwide survey of dragonfly larvae has confirmed the use of these insects to measure mercury pollution in US national parks, providing a new tool for researchers. The study found that about two-thirds of aquatic sites studied within national parks are polluted with moderate-to-extreme levels of mercury.
Researchers found toxic levels of mercury and blue-green algae in ancient Maya reservoirs, suggesting droughts may have contributed to the city's abandonment. The pollutants made the water toxic to drink, even if boiled, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental factors in ancient civilizations.
Scientists have discovered man-made mercury pollution in the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. This finding has significant implications for the marine environment and food chain, highlighting the impact of human activities on the planet.
Using data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, scientists at Durham University measured the rates at which neutron particles leaked out from Venus and Mercury. The findings suggest a neutron lifetime of 13 minutes, with implications for our understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics.
A new study shows that the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems during the Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as the Great Dying, directly disrupted ocean chemistry. This finding highlights the importance of understanding inter-connectedness of ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.
A study by Duke University scientists found that native communities hundreds of kilometers away from gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon have high levels of mercury exposure, leading to intellectual deficits and IQ losses. Children with higher mercury levels in their hair showed cognitive effects, even at lower exposure levels.
Astronomers using ALMA have spotted quasi-periodic flickers in millimeter-waves from the center of the Milky Way, suggesting a rotating radio spot circling a supermassive black hole. The findings provide insight into space-time with extreme gravity and may shed light on the behavior of gas around the black hole.
Researchers found that flooding and invasive species alter mercury pathways through food webs, affecting top predators like fish and birds. Algae and blackfly larvae are key sources of mercury, which can be transported to land by flying adults.
A new study finds deep flaws in EPA's benefit-cost analysis supporting a proposed rule to roll back Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The analysis ignores scientific evidence and economic best practice, failing to account for recent science and changes in electricity generation.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children whose mothers ate fish 1-3 times a week during pregnancy had lower metabolic syndrome scores than those who ate fish rarely. Moderate fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced inflammation and improved child metabolic health.
Researchers propose that Mercury's surface chemistry lab, fueled by solar winds and hot temperatures, can produce ice over a period of 3 million years. This process could account for up to 10% of Mercury's total ice reserves.
A new Australian technology developed by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies can absorb pollutants, including mercury and oil spills. The solution uses a polymer made from sulfur and plant oil to capture toxic substances in water, reducing environmental harm.
A new study by the University of Saskatchewan has found that the likely culprit of the Minamata poisoning is alpha-mercuri-acetaldehyde, a mercury waste product not previously identified. This organic mercury species was discharged directly from the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory and contaminated Minamata Bay.
Scientists from FEFU and colleagues developed a resonant lattice laser that controls the near- and mid-IR radiation properties of mercury telluride QDs, overcoming fundamental physical limitations. This enables the creation of ultra-compact bright sources for quantum computers and advanced sensors.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that higher mercury levels in the blood are associated with an increased prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer. Participants with high total or methyl mercury levels had nearly double or 1.7 times greater odds of non-melanoma skin cancer, respectively.
Researchers at ICFO have developed a novel photodetector technology using PbS Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQDs) that can detect light in the long infrared range. The new material platform is made with mercury-free material, enabling lower energy detection and broader spectral coverage.
Researchers have analyzed the polychromy of the Pachacamac idol using non-invasive techniques, revealing that red is not blood but mercury from cinnabar. The study also confirms the idol's age as around 731 AD, with local ritual importance before Inca rule.
A new study by New York University researchers reveals that flame retardants and pesticides are now the leading causes of IQ loss in children, outweighing heavy metals. The study found that over 1 million children suffered from intellectual disability between 2001 and 2016 due to exposure to these toxic chemicals.
Research suggests that glacier retreat leads to increased mercury uptake by vegetation, which can sequester more mercury than released glaciers. This phenomenon is not accounted for in current global models and has significant implications for global mercury cycling.
A study in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reveals that coal-burning activities in the Asia-Pacific region have contaminated sediment layers in the US Pacific Northwest, with mercury deposition increasing by 400-fold. Global cooperation is essential to mitigate these environmental consequences.
A new study found that fossilized shells from around the globe show evidence of both rapid ocean warming and elevated mercury levels during the Deccan Traps volcanic eruptions. The findings suggest that the mass extinction event that killed off dinosaurs may have been triggered by both asteroid impact and massive volcanic eruptions.
A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...
A new model predicts that deforestation and small-scale gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon increase mercury levels in local rivers, with effects lasting for decades. The research suggests that policies can be developed to mitigate these impacts and protect public health.
Teams from Cerro Tololo and Kitt Peak Observatories imaged Mercury's transit with different telescopes and cameras. The goal is to measure the parallax shift caused by Mercury's apparent position on the Sun to calculate the distance to the Sun.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz discovered elevated mercury levels in mountain lions, lichen, and deer within the fog zone, approaching toxic thresholds. Bioaccumulation contributes to higher concentrations up the food chain, posing a significant risk to terrestrial mammals.
Research reveals significant increases in suspended sediment concentrations in affected Amazon river reaches due to artisanal gold mining. Elevated turbidity is likely to impact fish community structure, while ASGM-associated sediments may facilitate mercury transport to nearby communities.
Research reveals artisanal gold mining is altering water clarity and dynamics in the Madre de Dios River watershed, causing increased sediment levels that contain mercury and other contaminants. This has severe impacts on fish populations and other aquatic life, disrupting natural seasonal cycles and habitat of endangered species.
A study found declining mercury concentrations in lake trout from Lake Michigan, likely due to domestic emissions reductions. However, changes in fish diets and growth rates due to zebra mussel invasions slowed these declines.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that reduced mercury use in the Great Lakes region has not led to a decline in mercury accumulation in large game fish. Instead, aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels are forcing fish to seek atypical food sources enriched in mercury.
Researchers found that increased mercury levels in the environment contributed to the mass extinction of three out of four species on Earth 201 million years ago. The study suggests a cocktail effect of CO2, global warming, and toxic substances like mercury, challenging the traditional theory of greenhouse gas-induced climate change.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that climate change increases the risk of mercury contamination in Arctic areas. The study reveals that thawing permafrost releases mercury into surrounding waterways, soil, and air, leading to increased levels of methylmercury, a neurotoxin.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks study tested 297 subsistence-caught fish from Kotzebue Sound and found average mercury levels safe for unrestricted consumption. Only four individual fish exceeded the
A study found high levels of pollutants, such as industrial fluids and mercury, in the blubber and skin of English Channel dolphins. The levels of pollutants were similar to those previously described for bottlenose dolphins in other contaminated areas.
Researchers found that European whitefish muscle omega-3 fatty acid concentration declined by 60% from growing to spawning seasons. Local people traditionally fish for winter supplies during the main growing season when nutritional quality is optimal, reflecting an understanding of the fish's energy-demanding spawning process.
Researchers have found that abnormal blood pressure in middle and late life significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be a key factor in reducing this risk.
Researchers found that warming oceans are driving up methylmercury levels in fish due to increased energy consumption and changing diets. As sea temperatures rise, fish use more energy to swim, requiring them to consume more calories, which can lead to higher mercury levels.
A Rutgers-led study reveals that mercury pollution from years ago is affecting waterways in the New Jersey Meadowlands, with two creeks identified as major sources. The research found that legacy contamination outweighs newer sources, guiding cleanup efforts.
A study found that certain genetic variants in children may make them more vulnerable to the toxic effects of prenatal methylmercury exposure. The research, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, suggests around 30% of children carry a gene variant increasing their risk.
A UC Santa Cruz study found that many college students are unaware of the mercury exposure risks associated with eating large amounts of tuna. Students reported consuming up to 20 servings of tuna per week, exceeding recommended levels and potentially causing neurological damage.
Peter V. Cooney, a renowned dentist and researcher, has been awarded the 2019 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Honorary Membership for his significant contributions to dental research and improving oral health globally. His impressive career includes leading national dental health surveys and collaborating on public...
A new study by WSU researchers found surprisingly high levels of indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and possibly mercury, in carefully monitored homes. Temperature fluctuations inside the homes led to increased pollution levels, which varied throughout the day.
Research by an international team including the University of Saskatchewan has found toxic metals in European eels' ovaries, potentially jeopardizing their reproductive success. The metals, including mercury and copper, are concentrated in the eels' bodies during their journey to spawning grounds.
A new European study found that families with a higher socioeconomic position are at a greater risk of exposure to environmental chemical contaminants. Pregnant women and their children from more affluent backgrounds had higher levels of pollutants such as PFAS, mercury, and pesticides in their bodies.
Researchers at NTNU have created a new electronic component that emits ultraviolet light, replacing traditional fluorescent lamps with a non-toxic and cheaper alternative. The technology has the potential to increase market demand for UVC products by 40% annually.
Scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center discovered a large, solid iron core in Mercury's center, approximately 1,260 miles wide. This finding sheds light on the planet's interior structure and its cooling rate, potentially helping predict Earth's magnetic field changes.
Researchers found evidence of a solid inner core in Mercury, approximately 1,260 miles wide and making up half the planet's core. This discovery helps scientists better understand Mercury's interior and offers clues about how rocky planets change over time.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps led to a global catastrophe known as the Great Dying, which killed off 95% of life on Earth. The eruptions released massive amounts of mercury vapor into the atmosphere, causing acid rain and warming the planet.
A UMass Lowell expert is studying how much mercury accumulates in forests to reduce the pollutant worldwide. The research team measures forest soils and watersheds to understand mercury cycles.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in blood samples from Great white sharks in South Africa. The study found no adverse effects on the sharks' immune system despite the presence of these toxins.
Researchers found a fine haze of cosmic dust over Mercury's orbit, forming a ring some 9.3 million miles wide. They also identified the likely source of dust at Venus' orbit: a group of never-before-detected asteroids co-orbiting with the planet.
Scientists have recovered accurate values for precession frequencies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter using lake sediment data from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic epochs. The findings provide insights into climate variations driven by Solar System chaos and could constrain models of Solar System evolution.
The updated guideline recommends using electronic oscillometric devices for accurate office blood pressure measurement, reducing human errors associated with the auscultatory approach. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is also recommended to screen for white coat and masked hypertension in clinical practice.
A Dartmouth College study reveals a complex relationship between climate change, wetland loss, and mercury pollution in marine food webs. Higher levels of mercury are associated with higher organic carbon in coastal waters, leading to increased methylmercury levels in estuarine fish.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that body size and sea-surface temperature are primary factors affecting methylmercury levels in tuna. The researchers developed a model to predict mercury levels, which worked well for most regions but underestimated levels in certain areas.