Articles tagged with Pollution
A special issue of Science explores the environmental threat posed by plastics, including a reanalysis that found microplastic residence times to be several years, not days. The authors also highlight the need for a binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers analyzed the relationship between economic growth and environmental preservation. The model indicates that achieving a 'zero-emission society' is compatible with economic growth, but only if GDP is above a certain level and pollution reduction allocation is flexible.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a vast amount of plastic waste, including face-masks and gloves, that are now part of the archaeological record. Archaeologists argue that studying this material culture can inform policy decisions to tackle environmental pollution.
A novel technique has been developed to explore the fine structure of barium titanate, a perovskite titanate that could potentially replace lead titanate in sensors. The study found similar orbital hybridization between titanium and oxygen, as well as between barium and titanium electrons, contributing to polarization reversal.
Exorbitant healthcare spending depletes population resources, harming vulnerable groups through increased insurance premiums and taxes. The authors propose reducing financial pollution by learning from environmental pollution policy approaches.
A study by Princeton University researchers suggests that climate change can have both positive and negative effects on different groups. Those harmed by climate change should be compensated first, while those benefiting from it may receive payment afterwards. The approach aims to correct incentives and promote fairness in climate policy.
Microplastics have been found in nearly all organisms and habitats worldwide, but the factors contributing to their influx and accumulation in water ecosystems are not yet fully understood. A new study developed a sediment trap method to analyze annual accumulation rates and possible seasonal variation, finding that microplastic flux r...
Research evaluated 21 clear-sky detection methods, finding they produce lower accuracy rates when detecting cloudy skies. Higher aerosol loading significantly reduces clear-sky detection accuracy, highlighting the need for improved methods in polluted regions.
A study by University of Turku scientists reveals that ecology researchers underestimate the risks associated with unconscious cognitive biases, leading to overestimation of effects and poor reproducibility. The study found that career stage, gender, and affiliation country influence knowledge about biases and attitude towards them.
Residents of Kabwe Town, Zambia, exhibit high blood levels of lead and cadmium, leading to clinical symptoms of toxicity. The study found significant correlations between metal exposure and health effects, particularly in adults.
Scientists have created a new enzyme 'cocktail' that can digest plastic up to six times faster than existing methods. The combination of two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its building blocks, enabling recycling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new PSU study found 11 microplastic pieces per oyster and nine per clam along the Oregon coast. Microplastics were found in both Pacific oysters and razor clams collected from all 15 sample sites.
A recent international research study published in Science Advances journal shows that environmental awareness and investments in China over the past decade have led to a weakening of the connection between economic growth and pollution. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study reveals that global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands, with many species changing drastically without altering the overall number of species present. The research, published in PNAS, found that grasslands can resist the effects of global change for up to a decade, but eventually transform as conditions b...
Engineers at Duke University create a smart robotic system that uses physics-based models and path planning algorithms to locate gaseous leaks in complex environments. The system can handle multiple sources and measure contamination rates, offering a more robust approach than existing heuristic methods.
Research suggests a link between PM2.5 exposure and higher daily rescue inhaler use in individuals with asthma. Reducing PM2.5 pollution could result in significant economic benefits, estimated at nearly $350 million annually.
Researchers studied manta ray filtration using physical modeling and CFD, discovering a novel non-clogging mechanism that resists clogging. The 'ricochet' separation process allows water to pass through while tiny particles are eaten, promising applications for industrial wastewater treatment and reducing microplastic pollution.
Researchers analyzed precisely dated measurements of lead pollution in Greenland ice cores to uncover links between estimated lead emissions and historical events. The study found that lead pollution increased during periods of prosperity, such as the Phoenician expansion, and peaked under the Roman Empire.
A new detection system based on pressure changes offers a simpler, more affordable alternative for detecting cancer biomarkers, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. The system uses smartphone software to provide immediate results, enabling real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks and pollution.
Research has found a strong association between particulate matter (PM2.5) and increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and death. Higher education was found to be protective against the negative effects of PM2.5 on heart structure and function.
Researchers found that exposure to pollution from fires in the last few months of gestation leads to earlier birth and smaller babies. The study highlights the need for evidence-based policies to balance economic and environmental goals, especially in developing countries.
Studies examine racial bias in pollution, devaluation of black communities. Researchers found that physical spaces associated with black Americans are subject to negative stereotypes, leading to lower quality characteristics, monetarily devaluing them, and increased exposure to environmental pollutants.
Treating homeless individuals as an environmental contaminant exacerbates their marginalization and limited access to essential services. The study highlights the human costs of environmental indifference towards marginalized groups.
Rates of childhood pneumonia vary globally with solid fuel use; efficient stoves can reduce indoor pollution and improve child health. Improved cooking fuels may significantly benefit children's health worldwide.
A three-year study found that 62% of corals weakened by pollution died when parrotfish bit them, turning a natural process into coral murder. Multiple stressors combined with warming temperatures facilitate pathogens, killing corals.
A Cooper's hawk in Greater Vancouver has been found with the highest levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) ever recorded, significantly higher than levels in California or China.
The scientific community is facing a 'pollution problem' due to plagiarism, fraud, and predatory publishing, threatening the trustworthiness and reliability of research. Dr. Arthur Caplan proposes a national meeting to address this issue and promote sustainable publishing practices.
Researchers found that people create classification systems to deal with clutter, modifying rules or tolerating transgressions. Understanding everyday tidiness practices helps consumers negotiate social norms regarding tidiness, enabling them to cope with daily constraints and opportunities.
Researchers found snapping turtles are surviving in urban areas with polluted or degraded habitats; stopping water pollution could restore suitable environments for the species. Engaging in environmental actions like reducing waste and chemicals can increase biodiversity and improve quality of life.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that elemental mercury can be converted to methylmercury by bacteria in environments lacking oxygen. This discovery complicates mercury cleanup efforts and highlights the need for further research on microbial mercury methylation.
A multidisciplinary study investigates the effects of anthropogenic influences on coral reefs, focusing on microbial dynamics and their impact on coral health. The research explores intricate interactions between microbes, coral, algae, and fish, revealing key insights into the delicate balance of these ecosystems.
Researchers used Twitter data to model how lifestyle factors such as social status, pollution exposure, and interpersonal interaction influence health. They found that even people who regularly talk about exercising get sick more often than those who actually exercise.
The study found that otters are more common in areas with moderate human impact, where water quality has improved and prey species like fish and crayfish are abundant. The researchers suggest conserving aquatic habitats to encourage greater distribution of the species.
The Lancet Editorial highlights how aid agencies often prioritize their own interests over helping individuals, with a focus on raising funds and media coverage. This critique emphasizes the need to examine the industry's operations, beyond financial scrutiny.
A study found that at least 85% of computers imported into Peru are reused, rather than going directly into recycling. The US is the source of up to 76% of used computers imported to Peru, challenging the widespread belief that e-waste is mainly about dumping unusable junk.
Long-term research reveals a quarter-century of data on penguin numbers, showing a decline of over 20 percent in the last 22 years. Penguins are struggling with food scarcity, leading them to nest outside protected areas where they fall prey to predators.
A DNA test can detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, reducing economic impact on fisheries, recreational activities, and aquaculture sites. Factors such as climate change and pollution contribute to algal bloom occurrences.
Dental amalgam's use is being restricted due to mercury concerns, but scientific evidence suggests a link between the two is unclear. The move may remove a viable treatment option for dentists and patients worldwide.
A new model developed by Dr. Sam Brown recognizes the impact of durable goods on cooperation, showing that cheaters can increase without immediate consequences but ultimately face costs when others follow suit. This research has far-reaching implications for fields like ecology, economics, and medicine.
Researchers found nematodes' life cycle affects pollution sensitivity, with sexually-reproducing strains more vulnerable. Temperature changes trigger genome shifts and alter gene regulation, impacting population growth.
Recent studies have found that levels of toxic metals in New Orleans soil samples were not significantly higher than before Hurricane Katrina. In fact, some pollutants may have decreased due to natural processes. Researchers are now focusing on restoring the Gulf Coast's resilience through science and engineering.
A study found that individuals prioritize groups with punishment options over those without, leading to increased cooperation and financial rewards. This discovery may contribute to a general theory of human cooperation and inform strategies for addressing global issues like climate change.
A professor of environmental studies at U of T is bridging the gap between science and religion to address the environmental crisis. He notes that some religious yet ecology-minded Republicans are involved in a campaign against gas-guzzling SUVs, asking Americans to consider more ecologically sensitive cars.
Researchers at Cardiff University have developed new combustion processes that could significantly reduce pollution, thanks to a collaborative project with the University of Adelaide. The project uses advanced laser diagnostics to improve models for alternative fuel mixes.
A study by Andrea Ferro found that common household activities like dusting, vacuuming, and even walking around can resuspend house dust, increasing exposure to particulate pollution. This can aggravate health problems like asthma and decrease lung functioning.
Researchers developed a model to calculate movements of both sand and mud in tidal areas, revealing locations with little sedimentation due to quick water flow. The model can predict the effect of human intervention in tidal waters, addressing questions about released polluted mud layers and ecosystem changes.
The report provides a sober assessment of nanotechnology's possibilities, distinguishing between current applications, potential future advancements, and unfeasible goals. It also explores the role of social science in nanotechnology development, highlighting opportunities to anticipate and incorporate implications into the technology.
A new optical laser sensor will reduce energy consumption by up to 30% and greenhouse gas emissions in the steel industry. The sensor, developed at the University of Toronto, measures thermal and chemical energy losses and adjusts parameters to lower energy consumption.