Articles tagged with Pollution
Representatives from over 170 countries meet in Geneva to negotiate a legally binding agreement to tackle global plastic pollution. The proposed treaty aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity by limiting plastic production and eliminating hazardous substances.
Researchers found surprisingly high concentrations of small-diameter microplastics in air samples from their homes and cars, estimating adults inhale 68,000 particles per day. The study suggests health risks due to inhalation of lung-penetrating microplastics may be higher than previously thought.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing solar power generation in the US by 15% could lead to significant cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers pinpointed regions where clean energy investments return the greatest climate dividends and demonstrated the value of coordinated clean energy efforts.
A UK study monitored antimicrobial resistance and influenza viruses in water bodies frequented by wild birds, finding widespread AMR genes in 92% of samples. Influenza virus was detected in just 3.4% of samples, highlighting the need for more sensitive detection methods.
Despite poor health scores for England's rivers, independent review reveals important improvements in freshwater biodiversity, including increases in species richness and diversity. An alternative monitoring standard has been proposed to better reveal the status of different species and inform local decisions.
An international research team has proposed a comprehensive global framework for regulating tire additives, which are a significant source of environmental contamination. The framework aims to address the impacts of these chemicals on ecosystems and human health worldwide.
A study analyzing ozone pollution's impact on crop yields in China reveals significant yield losses of major staple crops, including rice, wheat, and maize. The researchers found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to reduced emissions, but projections suggest a continued risk of 8%–18% yield loss by 2050 without emission control.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that energy-efficient strategies can have a significant impact on public health in the European Union. The research reveals dramatic differences in health burdens from electricity use based on the source of energy used, with cou...
A groundbreaking study reveals multiple Portland neighborhoods have unhealthy noise levels that are likely to cause harm. The research, led by Oregon State University scientists, provides a framework for studying noise pollution in other US cities and identifies patterns of noise environments across the city.
Research found that chronic exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 air pollutants activates harmful allergic-like immune responses in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. The study suggests targeting oxidative stress or modulating NRF2 activity could be a new strategy to treat pollution-induced allergic inflammation.
Over 60 academic experts urge global plastics treaty to include human health impacts, toxic chemical regulation, and production caps. The briefing event, hosted by Cambridge University Press, offers clear evidence-based recommendations for a legally binding treaty.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University has developed an innovative air filter that mimics the way mucus-coated nasal hairs trap particles, achieving remarkable filtration efficiency. The particle-removing oil-coated (PRO) filter is a significant leap forward in air purification, offering improved performance and sustainability.
A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.
A recent study reveals that discarded plastic materials are a significant hazard to young birds, causing entanglements that lead to deaths. The study found that soft plastics and synthetic ropes were the most prevalent materials in bird nests, with baler twine accounting for 63% of entanglements.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
A team of researchers are studying the reproductive traits of Japanese tree frogs living in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, to understand how radiation affects their survival. Their findings suggest that radiation can disrupt genetic pathways associated with sperm motility, potentially altering reproductive success.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
Researchers found that sewage spills from land to sea coincided with winds of at least 6.5m/s on 178 days within a two-year period, potentially sending microplastics into the air. The study suggests that coastal towns and cities may be exposed to billions of airborne microplastic particles.
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
A University of Houston engineer has developed a method to create strong and eco-friendly materials from bacterial cellulose, which could replace plastic in various industries. The new material has high tensile strength flexibility, foldability, optical transparency, and long-term mechanical stability.
Research presents fig tree species storing calcium carbonate in trunks, converting CO2 from atmosphere. The oxalate-carbonate pathway increases soil pH and nutrient availability, making it a potential means to mitigate CO2 emissions.
Researchers used a data-driven approach to filter out ideal tree species for urban forests, mapping carbon stock and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emissions of six dominant urban tree species in Beijing. The study identified two optimal species: Betula platyphylla for high-altitude areas and Robinia pseudoacacia for urban...
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that prenatal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter is associated with low birth weight and preterm birth in India. The researchers used geospatial models to highlight vulnerable areas, including the Northern districts where children are more susceptible to air pollution.
Research using cardiac MRI found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, including diffuse myocardial fibrosis. The study suggests that fine particulate matter in the air may contribute to changes in the heart structure, potentially setting the stage for future cardiovascular disease.
Climate anxiety is growing, especially amongst young people, due to the polarized debate around climate change. Professor Beattie's book offers psychological tips on how to handle climate anxiety, including writing personal narratives about difficult emotional experiences. Strategies focus on improving mental well-being and empowering ...
Researchers developed an electrochemical conversion technology that achieves unprecedented performance in CO2-to-alcohol conversion, achieving a Faraday efficiency of 66.9%. The technology selectively produces allyl alcohol, a multi-carbon high-value-added compound, with potential applications in various industries.
A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.
Researchers studied the effects of 6-PPDQ on the citric acid cycle in C. elegans, finding disruptions at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study revealed reductions in key metabolites and enzyme gene expressions, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity.
Researchers found a positive correlation between exposure to black carbon and the likelihood of hospital visits for respiratory-related issues, particularly among older adults and women. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact of air pollution on certain populations.
Researchers found high mercury levels in fish and shellfish consumed by lagoon residents, leading to systemic oxidative stress and metabolic alterations. The study's findings suggest a link between mercury contamination and chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
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 Colorado State University have developed a more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals, effective even at room temperatures. The organic photoredox catalysis system uses visible light to alter chemical compounds, reducing energy demands and pollution in various industries.
A recent study led by WVU student Isabella Tuzzio found microplastics in every fish sampled from seven central Appalachian streams. The researchers discovered significant environmental risks and potential human health hazards due to the accumulation of microplastics in the food chain.
Researchers found that some AI prompts create up to 50 times more CO2 emissions than others, with reasoning-enabled models producing the most emissions. Users can significantly reduce emissions by prompting AI to generate concise answers or limiting high-capacity model use.
A recent USC study found associations between increased exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress during preconception and the first trimester with the odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant. Living in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood can increase these risks, particularly for women exposed to heat stress.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that residents in U.S. coastal counties near ocean waters with high concentrations of microplastics are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The study analyzed data from 152 counties and found a significant association betwe...
Researchers will investigate fire smoke carcinogens and cancer biomarkers in active, retired, and cadet firefighters to understand the impacts of firefighting on their lifelong health. The study aims to identify groups most at risk for cancer and recommend policies and programs to protect firefighter health.
A new study from the University of California, Riverside shows that sealing manure ponds at a Central Valley farm can dramatically reduce atmospheric methane emissions. The researchers found that this method can achieve an 80% reduction in emissions, comparable to California state officials' climate planning estimates.
Researchers found that COPD patients have a larger accumulation of carbon deposits in their alveolar macrophage cells, which grow abnormally large and cause inflammation. This buildup is associated with worsened lung function.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
A nationwide study reveals that methane leaks from energy-intensive states like Texas lower air quality for people in neighboring states. Strong environmental regulations are shown to reduce hazardous gas leaks and improve safety.
A new study uses preserved plants and animals from natural history museums to track pollution trends over two centuries. Researchers found significant changes in pollutant levels between specimens collected in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the impact of industrial activity on human health.
Global soil nitrous acid emissions have increased from 1980 to 2016, contributing to a 2.5% annual rise in the global surface ozone mixing ratio. This can lead to overexposure of vegetation to ozone, affecting ecosystem balance and food crop production.
Researchers found that adopting new digital systems to help oceangoing container ships get in line to offload their cargo at busy ports reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 16-24%. This intervention is cheap and utilizes existing technology.
Researchers developed a new computer modeling approach to simulate the behavior of tiny nanoparticles in the air, improving accuracy and efficiency. This could lead to better monitoring of air pollution and more precise ways of predicting its effects on human health.
Researchers developed a new method to identify hazardous chemicals in sewage sludge and electronic waste, revealing toxic compounds like PFAS, bisphenols, and phthalates. The study highlights the need for better monitoring tools and treatment strategies to address circular economy goals.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully engineered a shapeshifting protein that can change shape in response to signals, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications. This achievement marks the first step towards creating stable yet dynamic proteins using AI-augmented protein engineering.
A new MIT study reveals that climate change will make it harder to reduce ground-level ozone in certain regions, including eastern North America and Western Europe. In contrast, northeast Asia may see improvements in air quality with decreased nitrogen oxide emissions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to boost the efficiency of electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and release by introducing a simple intermediate step that facilitates both capture and release. The new method uses nanofiltration membranes to separate ions in the solution based on their charge, allowing for more effici...
A new economic geography model, incorporating firm heterogeneity and environmental pollution, can help policymakers understand the impact of industrial clusters on regional development. The model suggests that changes in firm productivity distribution and trade costs can influence industrial agglomeration and region development.
A NTU Singapore study found that robust air pollution control measures can prevent 36,000 ozone-related premature deaths annually in Southeast Asia by 2050. Implementing stringent emission reduction measures could drop annual deaths by 22,000 under a business-as-usual scenario.
A study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution experienced rapid weight gain and higher BMI by age 13, leading to increased insulin resistance in their mid-20s. The study suggests early interventions can help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
A recent study reveals that just 100 corporations are behind a fifth of global extractive conflicts, exacerbating environmental and social harms in the Global South. The companies, mainly from the Global North, engage in high-value resource extraction and transport, concentrating wealth while transferring harms to local populations.
New research found that inhaled microplastics inhibit tissue maintenance functions of pulmonary macrophages. The findings suggest that exposure to microplastics can lead to long-term disruption of immune function and increase risk of cancer and other diseases.
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series reveals that seagrass ecosystems along Florida's Nature Coast have remained relatively healthy over the last several thousand years. The research, conducted by conservation paleobiologists, used fossilized mollusk shells to infer ecosystem health and found that these communities a...
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that combining air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma. In contrast, a more favorable environment can prevent up to 11.6% of asthma cases, suggesting that urban planning can play a crucial role in reducing the disease.
Researchers found microplastics in Texas bay sediments, but most have been swept out to sea, not settling at the bottom. The study suggests microplastics can absorb chemicals and build up in marine life, eventually affecting humans.
A new study found that PFAS exposure remains a concern for California adults, with drinking water, seafood, eggs, and brown rice identified as contributors. While dietary associations are lower than previous studies, the findings highlight the need to regulate PFAS in drinking water.