A team of marine scientists at UC Santa Cruz has developed a novel approach to predicting harmful algal blooms by tracking chemical cues produced by microscopic ocean predators. This technique, known as SPATT, extends predictive lead time by up to seven weeks compared to conventional toxin-tracking methods.
A seven-year study of Barred Owls in California shows a significant decline in exposure to the most lethal class of rodenticides, attributed to the state's policy restrictions. The study also detects a new contaminant, cholecalciferol, in nearly one in five owls, suggesting product substitution as older compounds become harder to access.
A study found six Alaska rivers' water chemistry changed due to thawing permafrost, releasing iron, sulfuric acid, and other metals. The effects were observed 60 miles downstream, with metal concentrations 70 times higher than in pristine areas.
Researchers have found 'plasticorals', coral rubble fused with plastic, on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. This discovery highlights a potential threat to critical marine environments, as plastic pollution can disrupt coral propagation and harbor coral pathogens.
Researchers developed a microscopic technology that can grow cells in three dimensions, enabling more accurate assessment of toxicity of drugs, nanomaterials and pollutants. The device, manufactured from PDMS, enables the automated conduct of multiple experiments and recovers intact cellular models for further analysis.
Researchers found that fish serotonin transporters, similar to human counterparts, can be highly sensitive to antidepressants found in water, highlighting potential risks to aquatic life. The study suggests prioritizing specific pharmaceuticals in environmental monitoring programs and deriving species-specific risk thresholds.
A study from the University of California, Davis, and Argentina's National Research Council found that 71% of southern giant petrel chicks sampled had plastic in their bodies. Even small amounts of plastic ingestion were associated with changes in nutrition, metabolism, and immune response in young chicks.
Microplastics have been found throughout a protected Florida wetland, with concentrations highest along waterways. The study reveals that water movement plays a crucial role in transporting and concentrating microplastics within the ecosystem.
A study found anticoagulant rat poisons in 78% of tested caracals, highlighting a hidden problem for the city's wildlife. Researchers call for tighter control over the sale, distribution, and use of these poisons, which can accumulate in animals' bodies and harm non-target predators.
Combined exposure to copper and glyphosate causes stronger stress responses in earthworms than individual contaminants. Biochar reduces these effects, improving soil habitability and reducing earthworm response to contamination.
The ENCECO Youth Talent Program provides one-year Young Scholar Support Plan, Journal Expert Training Program, and honorary certificate to outstanding early career researchers in environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. The program aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the next generation of editorial talent.
A study monitored the eggs of 14 bird species over a decade to characterize their exposure to environmental pollutants. The analysis detected contaminants derived from DDT and other pesticides, which impact species reproduction and ecosystem health.
A Simon Fraser University study found over 200 contaminants in juvenile Chinook salmon in the Lower Fraser River estuary, including priority contaminants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides. This exposure adds stress to already vulnerable fish populations.
A study on C. elegans reveals that dissolved biochar affects nematode growth and physiology, with lower doses promoting development and higher doses disrupting normal functions. The findings highlight the need for careful dosing and oversight when deploying biochar in agricultural systems.
Researchers at Dalian University of Technology have discovered that biochar can directly degrade organic pollutants, removing up to 40% of contaminants. This breakthrough reveals biochar's hidden superpower, opening new avenues for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental engineering.
Researchers investigate how nanoplastics pass from mothers to their offspring, affecting survival and reproductive capacities in Daphnia magna. They also explore gene expression changes and the impact of bioplastics on the environment.
The MiningImpact project is investigating the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems. Scientists are studying biodiversity, genetic connectivity, and ecosystem health to develop indicators and threshold values for harm.
A study found that 31% of 'shark' products in the US are from endangered species, sold without proper labeling. The research used DNA barcoding to identify species, revealing critically endangered sharks were being sold as common or vulnerable species.
Research on killifish reveals that maternal exposure to toxic substances like crude oil and flame retardants can have lasting impacts on offspring and subsequent generations. Exposure to these chemicals during critical developmental windows can alter gene function, behavior, and health outcomes in humans and wildlife.
Researchers develop efficient testing procedure to quickly detect neurotoxic effects in humans, closing the gap with traditional animal experiments. Chlorophene is identified as a substance that disrupts learning and memory processes, exhibiting paradoxical excitation, a previously unknown effect.
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 have discovered a way for caterpillars to metabolically degrade plastics in a matter of days, storing it as body fat. However, this process comes at a cost, ultimately leading to the caterpillar's death.
The SEB Conference 2025 will feature over 500 talks on latest advances in experimental research across animal, plant and cell biology. The event highlights groundbreaking research in biomechanics, wildlife conservation, human disease and bio-inspired robotics.
A new study found that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water, causing impacts on zebrafish larvae's hormone systems and lipid metabolism. The researchers highlight the need to address toxic chemicals in plastics across their life cycle.
Research reveals that Alaska wolves consuming sea otters have unprecedented mercury levels, potentially driven by climate change and coastal ecosystem changes. The study, led by University of Calgary ecotoxicology expert Ben Barst, found higher mercury concentrations in wolves from Pleasant Island compared to mainland Alaskan wolves.
The event aims to create a positive scientific and policy legacy from the Congress in Denmark, Europe, and internationally. The conference will focus on key research presented at the Joint Congress and future priorities from the EndoCompass Research Roadmap.
A study found 3,196 poisoning events in European raptors, with scavenging birds disproportionately affected by carbofuran and aldicarb. The most commonly poisoned species was the Eurasian Buzzard, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers at Lund University found that hedgehogs collected from urban areas in Sweden contained high concentrations of lead, pesticides, and other pollutants. The study provides an environmental fingerprint of urban ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and reduced use of synthetic materials.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
New study highlights significant gaps in understanding how sunscreens affect marine ecosystems, with chemicals entering the environment through various pathways. Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive studies to understand the effects of UV filters on marine life and potential risks to human health.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
Researchers found 1,806 suspected particles across 180 samples of Oregon's marine and freshwater species. Pink shrimp had the highest concentrations, while Chinook salmon had the lowest. The study highlights a need for technologies to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment.
This study found that fungicides alter the rhizosphere microbiome, reducing beneficial bacteria and weakening plant defenses. The presence of Bacillus subtilis strain LD15 is crucial for protecting cucumbers from fungal pathogens.
Research suggests that plants can be used as an eco-friendly tool to collect and degrade plastic particles in natural ecosystems. Various plants have been found to absorb or adsorb micro- and nanoparticles through their roots or leaves, making them suitable for use as filters in wetlands or along highways.
A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.
Researchers at UniTrento will develop a recycling process for used tyres to create new non-polluting tyres, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and purchasing costs by 25%. The project aims to produce tyres for heavy-duty vehicles first, but the goal is to create sustainable tyre solutions.
Research shows that wild birds in vineyards are highly susceptible to triazole fungicide contamination, disrupting hormones and metabolism, impacting reproduction and survival. Vineyards use significantly more fungicides than other crops, posing a unique threat to bird populations.
Researchers analyzed PFAS levels in fish food and organisms used in aquatic laboratory experiments. They found significant contamination across different types of food and aquaculture practices, recommending pre-testing for all feeds and organisms.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
A new UW-led report emphasizes the unequal burden of marine plastic pollution on different communities, particularly in developing countries. The study calls for a more equitable approach to address the issue, focusing on plastics production rather than waste management.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Nanotechnology, Agriculture and Environment will cover topics such as nanotechnology innovation, sustainability, and biological applications. The event will feature renowned scientists as speakers and provide hands-on experiments, technical visits, and didactic activities.
Researchers found biocide-free silicone-based paint to be more effective against fouling than copper-based paints in the Baltic Sea region. The environmentally friendly alternative drastically reduced heavy metal releases into sensitive sea ecosystems.
A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
A City University of Hong Kong study found that improper disposal of surgical masks can pollute over 54,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually with microplastics. The research also showed that microplastics accumulate in the food chain, affecting marine organisms and potentially harming higher-level species.
A new study by Royal Holloway University of London found that glyphosate has no significant effect on bumble bee mortality, reproduction, or sucrose consumption. The research also suggests that the pesticide does not make parasite infections more intense at environmentally realistic concentrations.
Researchers found that fluorinated compounds in ski wax alter the brains of bank voles, causing hormonal disorders and changes in dopamine levels. In contrast, laboratory mice showed no significant effects on hormone levels but had larger livers due to PFAS exposure.
A study found that seabirds around the globe consume up to 52% of plastic, leading to accumulation of its chemical components in their bodies. Researchers analyzed oil from preen glands and stomach contents of bird carcasses to determine contaminant burdens.
A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ have developed a model that can predict the effects of toxicants on sensitive individuals and species at very low concentrations. The model takes into account the interaction between toxicant concentration, individual sensitivity, and environmental stress.
Researchers found that pesticides can have lasting impacts on aquatic ecosystems, affecting populations of small crustaceans and zooplankton. The study's results suggest that standard toxicity tests may not capture the full extent of pollution in waters.
Researchers have created a new conceptual model for understanding deep-water oil spills, emphasizing the importance of mid-water and deep ocean impacts. The study highlights major gaps in scientific understanding and calls for further investigation into long-term effects.
Research articles explore impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on aquatic vertebrates and humans. Studies reveal mechanisms behind reproductive abnormalities and ecological risks associated with environmental contaminants.