Articles tagged with Pollution
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Research found that widespread contaminants like mercury and certain PFAS compounds affect the function of mitochondria in wild seabirds, potentially undermining fitness. The study measured pollutant levels and mitochondrial function in Scopoli's shearwaters and connected diet to exposure through stable isotopes.
A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some bottled water contains significantly higher levels of microplastics than tap water. The study used a novel method for detecting tiny particles and analyzed water samples from four treatment plants near Lake Erie and six different brands of bottled water.
Researchers found a significant decrease in lead concentrations in hair samples from Utahns, spanning over 100 years. The study demonstrates the impact of environmental regulations on public health and highlights the importance of protecting against toxic metals like lead.
A global strategy is required to address the issue of reduced ozone decline despite decreased emissions of precursor pollutants in North America and Europe. The study found that increased transport of ozone from abroad is the main driver of the weaker-than-expected decline of ozone levels.
A third of fish off Pacific Islands' coasts contain microplastics, with Fiji showing a high rate of contamination. Research highlights the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that air frying fatty foods produces fewer VOCs and ultra-fine particles compared to other cooking methods. However, repeated use without cleaning can negate some benefits for indoor air quality.
A new study from Harvard found that North Atlantic pilot whales have 60% lower concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their bodies since the phaseout of these chemicals. The researchers measured bulk organofluorine levels as a proxy for total PFAS concentrations, including newer types of PFAS.
Researchers found that particulate matter concentrations in Sarajevo exceed WHO recommended daily limits, with wood-burning stoves contributing to organic pollution. Sulphur dioxide emissions from old power plants also impact air quality, with the city's valley experiencing rapid pollutant drop at night.
A new study using satellite data confirms that California's shift to electric vehicles is making measurable differences in air quality and public health. For every 200 ZEVs added, nitrogen dioxide levels dropped 1.1%.
A new study found that US forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century. Natural forces such as temperature, precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, while human drivers like tree-planting and forest management also play a role.
A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may raise the risk of autism diagnoses in children. Mothers who were exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke had a 23% higher risk of their child being diagnosed with autism by age 5.
The article reviews corrosion challenges in supercritical offshore CO2 pipelines, highlighting external and internal corrosion processes. The authors propose multiple impurity management, internal coatings, inhibitors, and external coatings as mitigation measures.
A study by researchers at the University of Seville found that 100% of children aged 0-2 years had exposure to environmental pollutants, with arsenic being the most neurotoxic element. The study highlights the need for routine biomonitoring programs to track exposure and its impact on early childhood development.
Researchers developed a new way of measuring indoor air pollution by analyzing human movement, showing elevated levels of pollutants during occupied periods. The study provides a new approach to designing healthier indoor spaces, combining Birmingham's air-pollution expertise with radar-based sensing and optimization techniques.
MIT Energy Initiative researchers developed the largest combined dataset on global ammonia supply chains, examining economic and environmental impact of different scenarios. The study found that a full transition to clean ammonia production could cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 71% for a 23.2% cost increase.
Researchers found plastics in 7 of 10 green sea turtles, with macroplastics dominating the diet, and estimated origin of ingested plastics to extend beyond the turtles' migratory range. This study provides evidence for transboundary marine plastic pollution affecting sea turtles.
A Chinese research team detects high concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban atmospheres, revealing a previously underappreciated source of plastic pollution. The study provides new insights into the environmental transformation, fate, and broader implications of atmospheric plastics.
Researchers linked oily material to a 2019 oil slick in Brazil, using ocean current models and chemical analysis. The study reveals an additive contaminant effect where plastic pollution can transport oil pollution far beyond its origin.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
A new study maps the real-time evolution of thirdhand smoke, revealing a dynamic source of continuous air pollution in indoor spaces. Thirdhand smoke maintains a stable presence in the air for extended periods and becomes more nitrogen-rich over time.
Researchers have found a wide range of forever chemicals in seabirds from the remote Southern Ocean, providing evidence for long-range transport and bioaccumulation of PFAS. The study highlights the global reach of these persistent chemicals, which are not easily broken down in the environment.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
A new 'River Literacy' concept has been developed to educate communities about the vital roles rivers play in daily lives, cultures, and ecosystems. The framework highlights seven easy-to-grasp principles designed for schools, riverside communities, and the general public.
A new study finds that traffic-related pollution causes immediate changes in the atmospheric electric field, while particulate matter affects it more slowly. The research also identifies a 'weekend signal' where reduced emissions lead to a weakened electric field.
Research from University of Vermont reveals exposure to Canadian wildfire smoke worsened asthma symptoms in children in the US Northeast. The study found that smoke from hundreds of miles away affected children's health, highlighting growing health risks for the region as climate change fuels more smoke-filled summers.
Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering has received a $600,379 grant to advance technology targeting harmful algal blooms in Florida's waterways. The project aims to develop novel 3D-printed adsorbent materials for efficient phosphate removal.
New research by MIT researchers found that even with the same CO2 reduction, air travel causes about three times more damage to air quality than comparable electricity purchases. The study highlights the importance of considering co-pollutants and regional factors when evaluating climate actions.
A new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that small home appliances with electric heating coils and brushed DC motors emit large quantities of ultrafine particles, posing significant health hazards. The study suggests that children are at a higher risk due to their smaller airway diameters.
A research team at Foshan University has developed a method to reduce cadmium accumulation in rice crops using foliar-applied molybdenum nanoparticles. The study shows that MoNPs down-regulate key genes involved in cadmium uptake and cell wall modification, reducing Cd accumulation in root tissues and limiting its entry into grains.
A recent study found that a PFAS mixture can interfere with placental development, impairing nutrient transfer and hormone production. The research used a 3D trophoblast model to simulate placental exposure, revealing disrupted invasiveness, apoptosis, and proliferation processes.
A large-scale study of over 11,000 adults found that even low-level air pollution is associated with advanced coronary artery disease, often before symptoms appear. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was linked to higher calcium scores and more severe narrowing of the arteries in both men and women.
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to convert hazardous acid mine drainage into ferric chloride, a widely used water treatment chemical. Laboratory tests achieved removal rates of over 99% for pollutants from river water.
Researchers found that crickets are unable to distinguish between plastic and food, and will consume large plastic particles if their mouth can fit them. Crickets also break down microplastics into smaller nanoplastics during digestion, which may have negative environmental effects.
New method detects small microplastic concentrations up to 10,000 particles per cubic meter, with drift and sinking behaviors observed. Microplastics reach sea depths via biofouling or neutral buoyancy, affecting marine environment and necessitating urgent countermeasures.
A new study found that long-term exposure to toxic air can weaken the health benefits of regular exercise. The study analyzed data from over 1.5 million adults and found that people living in high pollution areas had a reduced risk of dying, but not eliminated, despite exercising regularly. Clean air can still enhance health gains, wit...
A new study reveals that persistent organic pollutants accumulate in tissues of sheep and their lambs from birth, transferring to the developing fetus. Concentrations of POPs in lamb tissues averaged 30–103% of those measured in the mothers.
A University of Houston scientist teams with international partners to map Antarctica's glaciers, revealing tidal movements and retreat rates up to 700 meters per year. The dataset provides the most detailed view yet of how glaciers interact with the ocean, enabling better understanding and modeling of sea-level rise.
Researchers found that nutrients in lagoons are highest near the island, lower offshore, and linked to human activities on land. Precipitation acts as a key mediator for connections between land use and lagoon waters.
A study at the University of Buffalo discovered a new membrane that separates hydrogen from CO2 with a record-breaking selectivity of 1,800, outperforming previous rates by 18 times. The crosslinked polyamines-based membrane also exhibits self-healing properties and stability under extreme conditions.
A new paper argues that modern life has outpaced human evolution, leading to chronic stress and health issues. The researchers suggest that societies need to rethink their relationship with nature and design healthier environments to mitigate these effects.
A long-term study found that prescribed burning significantly enhances the net productivity of plots with three treatments, increasing carbon sequestration capacity while maintaining large fire-resistant trees. This approach can help reduce wildfire hazard and support California's goal of net zero carbon by 2045.
Marine carbon dioxide removal technologies have the potential to play a role in mitigating global warming, but verifying their effectiveness and ensuring they don't harm the ocean is crucial. The European Marine Board report highlights the need for measures to ensure these technologies are used responsibly.
Research by University of Birmingham scientists reveals that lower-income individuals are more likely to own cheaper, higher-emitting vehicles contributing disproportionately to local urban air pollution. Spending an additional £10,000 on a diesel vehicle is associated with a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions per litre.
Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.
Researchers discover that PFAS can harm ducklings even before they hatch, altering their gene expression and potentially affecting their fat metabolism and immune system. The findings support demands for a blanket EU ban on the substances, which are considered 'forever chemicals' due to their long-term persistence in the environment.
Researchers track benthic nutrient fluxes using a new device called CAROSEL, which measures nitrogen released from sediments in real-time. The findings reveal daily rhythms in oxygen fluxes and highlight the importance of understanding sediment-water interactions in managing aquatic ecosystems.
A study analyzing US birth records found that a cap-and-trade initiative to reduce ozone pollution significantly improved infant health outcomes, including higher birth weight and lower rates of low birth weight and very preterm birth.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified eight per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in B.C. sea otters, with concentrations three times higher on average in otters near major cities and shipping routes. This proximity effect highlights the need for government regulation to prevent PFAS spread.
A new study by MIT researchers and their collaborators at national laboratories quantifies I-129 release under three different scenarios: direct disposal in deep underground repositories, dilution and release, and filters to capture I-129. France's practice of reprocessing releases 90% of I-129 into the biosphere, while U.S. approach l...
A study warns that Ukraine's soils are losing vital crop nutrients due to reduced fertilizer access and inefficient farming practices. To mitigate this, the authors recommend better farm management, efficient use of fertilizers, and introducing legumes into crop rotations.
Researchers analyzed liver and skeletal muscle samples from dead sea otters and found high levels of toxic 'forever' chemicals, linked to increased disease mortality. Concentrations were three times higher near major cities and shipping routes, highlighting a significant health risk to the species.
A practical, evidence-based checklist developed by scientists at the University of Surrey is helping everyone plan their next greening project with confidence. The study found that mixed gardens, such as small front gardens with a tree, shrubs, and green walls, give the greatest economic benefits for their size.
Researchers at Binghamton University are testing the long-term stability and environmental effects of perovskite solar cells, a more environmentally friendly option, to prevent lead leakage and pollution. The study aims to improve the durability and recyclability of solar panels, enabling widespread adoption of renewable energy sources.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that the world is facing unprecedented levels of health threats due to climate change, with millions of lives lost unnecessarily. The report calls for urgent action to limit future harm by prioritizing human health in policy decisions.
The ATP-DEC calculator provides accurate and transparent information on carbon disclosure, helping align aviation with climate targets. It captures real-world variations and life cycle emissions, making it a crucial tool for policymakers, airlines, and passengers.
A new study reveals Low-Cost Source Apportionment (LoCoSA) is being used to great effect across the Global South, offering a powerful tool for improving public health and environmental policy. Researchers are now putting their findings into practice in Uganda, identifying and understanding dominant sources of Kampala's air pollution.