Articles tagged with Water
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.
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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.
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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.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified four bacteria found in drinking water that can form biofilms on pipes. Combining these bacteria with Methylobacterium produces a biofilm within 72 hours. The study suggests targeting specific bacteria could prevent biofilm formation and reduce chemical treatments.
A USGS report identifies crucial factors influencing public-supply well vulnerability to contamination, including geochemical conditions, groundwater age, and human-induced changes in aquifer conditions. Understanding these factors can help anticipate future water quality issues and inform water management strategies.
A four-year EU-funded project has developed a response programme to rapidly restore drinking water networks following a deliberate contamination event. The SecurEau toolbox includes tools for detecting water quality changes, identifying sources of contamination, and cleaning distribution systems.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Lahore University of Management Sciences are developing affordable test strips to detect pathogenic bacteria in drinking water. The project aims to address water safety concerns in Lahore, where over 60% of water sources are contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.
A Duke University-led study reveals that homeowners within one kilometer of shale gas wells are more likely to have contaminated drinking water with methane, ethane, and propane. The research analyzed 141 drinking water samples from private wells in northeastern Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale basin.
A new study by University of Miami researcher Justin Stoler examines the demographics of sachet water usage in Ghana's capital Accra, revealing how poverty and environmental concerns impact urban water security. The research highlights the unintended social and environmental consequences of widespread sachet water use.
A team of researchers studied water under extreme conditions, discovering its structure transforms from ordered to disordered at supercritical temperatures. This knowledge provides an improved estimate of water's behavior during geochemical and geological processes.
A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Adelaide found that fluoride in drinking water prevents tooth decay for all adults regardless of age or childhood consumption. Adults living in fluoridated communities had up to 30% less tooth decay.
Researchers in India have developed a filter system using the medicinal herb Tridax procumbens to remove fluoride from drinking water. The technology can reduce fluoride levels by up to 98% in just three hours, making it a promising approach for defluoridation.
Computer simulations reveal that water stabilizes specific charge states on the catalyst surface, increasing efficiency and outperforming a gas phase. Researchers also found that thermodynamic conditions can control catalytic efficiency by varying pressure and temperature.
A study by psychologists found that 'water clubs' in care homes significantly improve the health of elderly residents through social interaction, with enhanced wellbeing and fewer falls reported. The research supports the idea that group identity can be a powerful tool for improving individuals' quality of life.
A new approach uses partial differential equations to model pollution spread and identify potential contamination sources. The method provides fast solutions, but more complex models are needed for realistic networks.
Researchers found that varying the pH and filter cleaning can shift the balance of beneficial microbes in drinking water. They suggest this could help reduce harmful bacteria, making water safer for consumers.
A Yale University study reveals that Hurricane Irene polluted the Catskill watershed, darkening lakes and affecting the Ashokan Reservoir that supplies New York City with drinking water. The storm dumped unprecedented amounts of dissolved organic matter into the reservoir, equivalent to 43% of its average annual export.
A recent study found that 61 of 181 North Carolina migrant farmworker camps failed to meet state water quality standards, with high levels of total coliform bacteria and E. coli detected in the water.
University of Arizona environmental engineering professor Shane Snyder will present on emerging contaminants in drinking water and treatment levels required around the world. He also shares his global water quality experiences from countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
A lack of access to clean water and sanitation affects 2.6 billion people, causing preventable illnesses and deaths. Women in developing countries can play a key role in addressing this issue if given the chance.
Researchers discovered that certain types of bacteria form biofilms on filters, breaking off into drinking water due to pH levels. Simple changes to filter cleaning and water pH can shift the balance towards beneficial bacteria, potentially improving water quality.
A new study found that prenatal and early childhood exposure to the chemical solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) may be associated with poorer color-discrimination abilities. People exposed to higher levels of PCE from gestation through age 5 exhibited greater visual impairments, suggesting irreversible effects.
A Duke University study suggests naturally occurring pathways allowed salts and gases from the Marcellus shale formation to migrate into shallow drinking water aquifers. The study found elevated levels of salinity with similar geochemistry to deep Marcellus brine in drinking water samples.
Research suggests that encouraging people to drink more water is driven by market interests rather than a need for better health. A balanced diet and lifestyle are key to weight loss, with fluid intake from unprocessed sources being equally important.
A study led by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to nutrient deficiencies in breast milk and growth deficits in offspring. The researchers also discovered that exposure to arsenic increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
Dr. Ashok Gadgil has developed safe drinking water solutions like UV Waterworks, which provides clean water at a price of just two cents per 10 liters. His Berkeley-Darfur Stove increases fuel efficiency, saving households over $300 per year.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed rapid testing method using paper strip to detect E. coli in recreational water within minutes, improving public safety and closing the gap between outbreaks and detection. The test strips can detect potentially harmful concentrations of E. coli with much greater accuracy than existing p...
Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages
Researchers found that adding lime juice to water treated with solar disinfection removed detectable levels of E. coli significantly faster than solar disinfection alone. The treatment time was comparable to boiling and other household methods, making it a potential effective solution for improving water quality in low-income regions.
A UC Davis report reveals that over 90% of human-generated nitrate contamination comes from agricultural activity, posing health risks to 1 in 10 people in the state's most productive agricultural areas. Fixes for drinking water systems could cost $20-35 million per year.
Climate change is projected to put strain on global groundwater resources as precipitation decreases and people turn to groundwater for water needs. The UN-sponsored research emphasizes the importance of regulating and conserving non-renewable groundwater to ensure its sustainability.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.
Researchers develop a simple and cost-effective method to purify water using the 'miracle tree' Moringa oleifera seeds. The process harnesses the positively charged protein in the seed extract to capture lab-grown E. coli and remove sediment from water samples.
A University of Alberta researcher is investigating the potential link between long-term exposure to disinfected water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. She will develop new tools to detect toxic DBPs in drinking water, with the goal of eliminating their formation.
Research found that children exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water before birth and during early childhood were at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder and PTSD. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to the neurotoxin may contribute to long-term mental health issues.
A natural substance extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds can purify water by binding to sediment and killing microbes. The process uses functionalized sand, providing a simple, locally sustainable way to produce storable drinking water.
Glaciers are shrinking at a rapid pace, with water levels potentially decreasing by 30% during the dry season. The accelerated glacial retreat poses serious problems for millions of people dependent on the water for electricity, agriculture, and drinking water.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that joining old lead pipes with new copper lines using brass fittings increases the amount of lead released into drinking water supplies due to galvanic corrosion. This can make the problem worse for safety-minded, lead-pipe-removal programs at water utilities across the country.
A portable, self-sustaining wastewater treatment system is being developed to reduce the cost of water and fuel for military bases on or near the front lines. The integrated system uses solar power, biological conversion processes, and nano-filtration to break down wastewater and produce methane fuel and drinking water.
Scientists discover water's conductivity increases at extremely low temperatures, contradicting expectations for an ordinary liquid. This phenomenon supports the idea of a 'liquid-liquid' phase transition in water.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study investigates the impact of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on drinking water quality. The research found that while there are no health risks associated with PEX pipes, certain types may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor, especially when water remains in the pipes over time.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that perennial ponds are not a significant contributor to high levels of arsenic in India's groundwater. Instead, the researchers propose that organic matter contained in Holocene sedimentary basins is likely the source of the toxin, taking thousands of years to reach the a...
SMU scientists are collecting water samples in UNHCR camps, analyzing them in the lab, and training workers to test water supplies. The team will develop a worldwide database to identify contaminants and track water quality over time, addressing issues such as iodide and fluoride contamination.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student has received the EPA's STAR Fellowship Award to develop a low-cost method for removing fluoride from drinking water in rural Ethiopian communities. Her research aims to address severe overexposure to fluoride, which can cause bone damage and tooth discoloration.
A team of Iowa State researchers has developed a new method for analyzing drinking water samples in space, using colorimetric solid phase extraction to detect iodine and silver concentrations. The innovative technology will enable astronauts to quickly assess the safety of their drinking water in real-time.
Researchers have created a cost-effective solution to address the growing issue of arsenic-contaminated drinking water in developing countries. The new technology uses pieces of plastic bottles coated with cysteine to remove arsenic from water, producing drinkable water with levels significantly lower than the current safe standard.
Two winning projects were selected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in need. The Tagore-SenGupta Foundation project will install arsenic removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia, while Jenna Forsyth's project focuses on low-resource chlorine generation for safe drinking water in western Kenya.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student is testing materials to address fluorosis, a widespread health issue in the Rift Valley. The goal is to develop effective and sustainable solutions that meet the World Health Organization standard.
Researchers found that arsenic exposure elevates cardiovascular disease mortality in individuals who smoke. Arsenic levels above the safe limit significantly increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even at lower doses than previously reported.
A new study is planned to investigate the health effects of high lithium levels in drinking water on mothers and children in Andean villages. Researchers have found high levels of arsenic, lithium, and other substances in the drinking water and urine of women studied, which may pose a health risk.
Researchers have discovered that minced banana peels can quickly and efficiently remove toxic metals like lead and copper from river water, outperforming other materials in the process. The discovery could provide a sustainable solution for water purification, especially in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed nanomembranes with pores of up to 55 nanometers in diameter, large enough for water to pass through but too small for bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to cost and time savings in water filtration.
Researchers found a correlation between lithium levels in tap water and lower mortality rates in Japanese municipalities. In experiments with the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, lithium treatment led to increased longevity. The findings suggest that low-dose lithium may have life-prolonging effects in humans.
Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.
Scientists in China have created a more eco-friendly and cost-effective way to produce deuterium-depleted drinking water, which may be beneficial for human health. The new technique uses a platinum catalyst to efficiently remove deuterium from water, reducing levels from 150 ppm to 125 ppm.
A Florida State University researcher has developed a molecular sensor that accurately detects fluoride levels at very low concentrations, posing a carcinogenic risk. The sensor's nanomolar sensitivity makes it one of the most sensitive fluoride sensors known to date.
A USGS study has found large differences in arsenic concentrations from well to well, even at the town level, highlighting the need for private well owners to test their water. Elevated arsenic levels have been detected in multiple towns across Maine, posing a risk to residents' health and requiring prompt action.
Scientists have developed a new filtering technology that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water without clogging. The material uses silver and electricity to destroy bacteria, allowing for easy flow through the filter.
A study by Duke University scientists has identified potential sites where CO2 leaks from underground storage could contaminate freshwater aquifers, posing a risk to drinking water quality. The research found that certain geochemical markers can be used to detect early warnings of potential carbon dioxide leaks.
A new filtering technology has been developed that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water in seconds without clogging or consuming much energy. The technology uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to destroy bacteria, making it a promising solution for providing clean drinking water to those in need.
A study of 362 Quebec children found significant deficits in the intelligence quotient (IQ) of those exposed to higher concentrations of manganese in drinking water. Despite being below current guidelines, the results indicate that manganese may pose a risk to children's intellectual development.
A new clinical trial confirms that drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before meals helps people shed more pounds than those who do not drink water. The study found that water drinkers lost about 15.5 pounds over 12 weeks, while non-water drinkers lost about 11 pounds.
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers found that the application of disinfectants in recreational pools can lead to adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that brominating agents should be avoided as disinfectants, and that a combination of UV treatment with chlorine is the best method to treat pool waters.