A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
A longitudinal study by SMU and the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment aims to quantify and qualify the impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. The five-year study will examine the effects on recycling rates, waste reduction, and economic benefits in Singapore.
Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that fruit by-products, often discarded due to their high phytochemical content, possess significant anti-degranulation and bile acid-binding properties. The study highlights the potential for utilizing these previously wasted resources as valuable anti-allergic agents.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully extracted the rare and valuable isotope promethium-147 from plutonium waste. This process not only reduces disposal costs but also provides a new source of the isotope, which has applications in nuclear batteries, medical imaging, and space exploration.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a novel process called photoreforming that uses sunlight to convert hazardous medical waste into clean hydrogen fuel. The process has the potential to save millions of pounds by reducing waste disposal costs and mitigating pollution.
Researchers discovered that autophagy protects neurons by regulating calcium levels, which are essential for excitatory transmission. When autophagy is switched off, calcium stores become damaged, leading to elevated neurotransmitter release and neuronal hyperactivity.
Researchers at the University of South Florida Health found that SSH1 disrupts p62's ability to clear damaged tau proteins and mitochondria, leading to accumulation of toxic cellular waste. This defect may help develop SSH1 inhibitors to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study models a 78% reduction in global plastic pollution by 2040 with immediate and coordinated action. However, even this best-case scenario predicts 710 million metric tons of plastic will still reach the environment.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that plastic objects found in the deep sea, such as a plastic bag and curd box, show no signs of degradation after 25 years. The findings indicate that microbial communities on plastic surfaces differ from those in surrounding sediments, suggesting a potential impact on marine ecosystems.
Researchers found specialized proteasomes target specific proteins involved in neuronal signaling and regulation. These proteins include Fos and Npas4, critical for active neurons, suggesting a connection between protein synthesis and degradation with independent roles in the cell.
A study found that hospitals in Toronto, Canada, discarded personal health information in recycling bins, including clinical notes and medical reports. The study highlights the need for organizational solutions to improve security of paper-based personal health information.
A new study reveals combosquatting domains are 100 times more prevalent than typosquatting domains, and nearly 60% of abusive domains remain active for over a year. Researchers discovered legitimate companies registering trademark-containing domains that were later taken over by malicious attackers.
Researchers found a strong correlation between waste disposal in catchment areas and plastic loads in rivers. Large river systems contribute significantly to ocean pollution due to higher concentrations of plastic particles per cubic meter of water.
Researchers blocked S1P breakdown, leading to learning and memory problems in mice. Autophagy pathway also impaired, resulting in accumulation of Alzheimer's proteins in the brains.
A recent study suggests that current CDC and WHO guidelines may not be sufficient to protect sewer workers from the risk of contracting Ebola through inhalation. The researchers found that worker inhalation exposure to Ebolavirus-contaminated aerosols in the sewer is a concern that needs to be addressed.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may be linked to defective brain cells that dispose of toxic proteins, causing harm to neighboring neurons. The study uses transparent roundworms to understand the process of eliminating toxic cellular substances, revealing a potent...
A study published in Cell Death and Disease suggests that problems with mitochondria may contribute to Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that faulty waste disposal systems can lead to damaged mitochondria, which produce less energy and cause oxidative stress.
Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.
Researchers analyzed 36 hours of calls and found that over 80% contained aggressive language, while positive words reduced problematic effects by 35%. Customers can get better service by using less aggressive language and following conversation rules.
A study by the University of Alberta and Boston University found that people are more likely to recycle items bearing their name or a national flag. This association helps individuals link the item to their sense of identity, making them feel more connected and reducing negative feelings associated with discarding it.
Researchers discovered rapamycin prevents Parkinson's disease by boosting cellular clean-up via up-regulation of a protein called TFEB, increasing lysosomal autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. This breakthrough challenges current dogma and presents new opportunities for drug discovery.
Research from the University of Cincinnati explores solvent-free chemistry, finding it can be just as reliable for chemical reactions without drawbacks. This approach reduces waste and costs, offering a financial savings.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield suggest that deep borehole disposal could dispose of all UK's high-level nuclear waste in just six boreholes, 5km deep. The concept has several advantages over current solutions, including reduced construction costs, easier site selection, and lower environmental impact.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that insects and other arthropods consume large amounts of garbage on NYC streets, including 2,100 pounds of discarded junk food per year. The researchers found that pavement ants are particularly efficient foragers in urban environments and compete with rats to eat human garbage.
Researchers discovered flu virus exploits aggresome, a cellular waste bundle, to release genetic material. The process takes 20-30 minutes and is gradual, with the virus tricking the waste pickup and disposal system.
Researchers identified a new cellular disposal mechanism that efficiently destroys toxic protein aggregates, such as those found in Huntington's disease. This discovery may help develop concepts for possible disease preventions and shed light on the mechanisms behind human neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study from the University of Sheffield has developed a method to reduce the volume of plutonium-contaminated nuclear waste by 85-95%. This approach involves mixing the waste with blast furnace slag and turning it into glass, creating a stable end product that effectively locks in radioactive materials.
A recent University of California, Berkeley study found that reframing environmental rhetoric according to conservative morals can reduce partisan polarization on ecological matters. When pro-environmental messages focus on protecting the natural environment from harm, conservatives are more likely to feel disgust and support environme...
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new method for storing UK's nuclear waste using glass technology. The process, called vitrification, has been shown to produce glass that is resistant to damage from energetic gamma rays.
Research at Pompeii counters previous theories that tombs were abandoned due to garbage, suggesting people continued to maintain burial spaces alongside public areas. The ancient city's casual treatment of waste is also revealed, with trash found in homes, streets, and alleys.
A novel sewage digestion system designed by Duke University's Marc Deshusses has the potential to revolutionize sanitation in developing countries. The system captures methane gas produced during waste breakdown, using it to kill pathogens and destroy harmful bacteria.
Sam Guyer, a Tufts University assistant professor of computer science, has won a $443,000 grant to develop a new approach to improving virtual machines. His research aims to create more efficient software that can balance security and resource usage without sacrificing performance.
Researchers have identified a master gene controlling lysosome and autophagosome function, shedding light on rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for inherited conditions like Tay-Sachs and Alzheimer's disease.
Projections predict tsunami debris will spread out eastward, reaching Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in a year and US West Coast in three years. The debris will then enter the North Pacific Garbage Patch, where it will break into smaller pieces.
The SRNL filter design uses a patented rotary microfilter to separate solid material from radioactive liquid waste, reducing costs and infrastructure for high-level waste disposal. The adapted system is now being tested at the Hanford Site and made available for other potential users.
According to Angelicque White, an assistant professor of oceanography at Oregon State University, the 'Great Garbage Patch' is less than 1% of Texas's geographic size. The amount of plastic in the North Pacific Ocean has not increased tenfold since the 1950s, contrary to previous claims.
Cost-cutting advances in metallocene catalysts have led to production of stronger, more durable polyethylene plastics. These upgraded plastics are used in a range of consumer products, including garbage bags and camping cookware.
Researchers pretreated polycarbonate with UV light and heat before exposing it to three types of fungi, including the white-rot fungus. The fungi broke down the plastic, using its BPA as energy, resulting in substantial decomposition without releasing toxic chemicals.
Researchers have discovered a way to reuse cigarette butts to protect steel from rusting, a process that can be costly and disrupt oil production. The study identified nine chemicals in the extracts of cigarette butts that appear to be responsible for this anti-corrosion effect.
A study found that Laysan albatrosses nesting on Kure Atoll and Oahu ingested significantly different amounts of plastic, with those on Kure Atoll consuming almost ten times the amount. The birds' stomach contents revealed a wide range of plastic items, including Asian characters indicating their likely origin.
The global e-waste problem requires harmonization of disposal and recycling standards across national borders to effectively address the issue. The use of outdated electronic devices poses significant risks to human health and the environment, with 20-50 million tonnes of e-waste generated annually.
Researchers at USC have identified a specific tumor suppressor called UVRAG, which regulates membrane traffic routes for cellular cleaning and recycling. The study found that UVRAG facilitates autophagosome formation and maturation, and is connected to endocytic trafficking.
A Dutch engineer suggests building pyramids from solidified waste to dispose of toxic industrial and domestic waste. This innovative system reduces the risk of toxic materials leaching into groundwater, providing a sustainable solution to waste management.
Research papers published in Vadose Zone Journal reveal complex environmental problems at INEEL, including microorganisms and geophysical imaging. Extensive cleanup and monitoring efforts are being based on current understanding of the subsurface and associated contamination issues.
Black bears in urban areas are spending less time hunting and more time eating human trash. The study found that these bears are becoming overweight and less active due to increased availability of food sources like garbage. Local ordinances can help mitigate conflicts by mandating bear-proof garbage containers.
Scientists, led by Bartel, develop RNA enzymes in lab that can replicate and act as enzymes, but still short of the 200-nucleotide goal. The RNA-world hypothesis proposes RNA played both DNA and protein roles in early evolution, with researchers re-creating this system to study its feasibility.
The Decontamination, Decommissioning, and Remediation Optimal Planning System (DDROPS) simulates facility decontamination and waste minimization. This software optimizes cutting and packaging of debris to reduce radiation exposure risk and disposal costs.
According to Professor Bernard Cohen, nuclear power plants emit fewer carcinogens and pollutants compared to coal burning power stations. This results in a much lower fatality rate, with air pollution from coal causing 25 fatalities per minute versus only 0.018 for nuclear.
Russian scientists are developing a bacterial mixture to break down organic waste from astronauts' underwear, reducing storage issues in space. The disposal unit will process plastic, cellulose, and other waste aboard spacecraft, addressing the acute problem of waste management in space.