Mining does more than just extract resources. It also leaves behind a mix of materials that can affect the environment. One of these is slurry, a thick mixture used in grouting to fill gaps in the earth. But what happens when this slurry interacts with groundwater? Recent research sheds light on thi
Microbial life is everywhere. It's in the soil, in the air, and even inside us. These tiny organisms are super important for keeping the planet healthy and balanced. But humans are messing things up. We're losing these microbes fast. This is a big problem because it affects everything from the envir
In a recent study, the Pocotaligo River in Sumter, South Carolina, was found to have the highest levels of PFAS contamination among 22 waterways tested across the United States. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals, " are synthetic substances that persist in the environment and the human body, posing s
Tiny robots, smaller than the width of a human hair, are no longer just a dream. They are real and have the power to change the world. But why aren't we seeing them everywhere yet? The journey of these micro and nanorobots started with a famous lecture and a sci-fi movie. Now, they are used in medic
In Taiwan, esophageal cancer is a serious health issue. It's tough to treat and often has poor outcomes. Scientists are now looking into how certain chemicals in our environment might play a role in causing this disease. One group of chemicals, called organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), has ca
Delhi, a city known for its heavy pollution, has seen some good news lately. Over the past decade, the amount of tiny, harmful particles in the air, called PM2. 5 and PM10, has been going down. This drop is thanks to new eco-friendly tech and stricter rules on industries, even though there are more
In Hong Kong, nurses' views on their work settings in public hospitals were recently studied. Over a year, nurses from 71 different wards in four hospitals shared their thoughts. They filled out surveys every three months, and the number of participants varied from 604 to 865 each time. The surveys
Plastic is everywhere. It's in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. But what happens when these tiny plastic bits, called microplastics, find their way into our bodies? Scientists wanted to find out. They looked at samples from different organs of people who had passed away.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by a former student and an instructor. They claim the university did not take action against antisemitism on campus after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. The instructor, Lior Alon, and the former student,
In small towns across China, wastewater treatment plants are having a tough time. These plants use special ponds called ecological combination ponds (ECPs) to clean water. But when the water coming in changes a lot, it's hard to adjust the settings. This leads to too much air being pumped in and too
