Plastic is everywhere. It is in the oceans, in the food we eat, and even in the air we breathe. But what many people do not know is that plastic comes with a hidden cost. It is the chemicals that tag along with plastic that pose a real threat. These chemicals can mess with our health in ways we are only just beginning to understand. One key way to understand this is...
Soybean meal is a staple in pig feed. It's cheap and packed with protein. But it has a dark side. Growing soybeans can harm the environment. It can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of wildlife habitats. So, researchers are looking for greener alternatives. One promising contender is Spirulina, a type of microalgae. It's rich in protein and has a s...
Minerals play a huge role in how tiny plastic bits move around in nature. These minerals are often found mixed with organic stuff, forming special teams called organo-mineral complexes. These teams act differently than the minerals alone. Two minerals that were studied are ferrihydrite and goethite. Goethite is what ferrihydrite turns into over time. Scientists look...
The spread of Spartina alterniflora along the Yellow Sea coast has been a game-changer for local ecosystems. This plant's invasion has not been uniform. It has different effects at different stages of growth. This is especially true for the native snail Littoraria intermedia. Researchers wanted to understand how the plant's invasion stages and seasons affect the snai...
The UK is gearing up for the 2024 general election. Political parties are rolling out their manifestos. These documents outline what each party plans to do if they win. They are a mix of concrete plans and hopeful outcomes. For example, a party might promise tax cuts. They might also claim that these cuts will boost people's spending power. However, it's not always c...
New Zealand's beaches are under threat from a tiny but significant problem: microplastics. These minuscule plastic particles have been found in beach sediments across the country, with a recent study focusing on three regions: Northland, Waikato, and Canterbury. The study aimed to understand the extent of microplastic pollution in these areas, using a method to separ...
The Yangtze River Estuary is a hotspot for nitrogen activity. Human actions have led to a surge in nutrients flowing into this area, disrupting the natural nitrogen cycle. Two crucial processes in this cycle are nitrification and nitrogen uptake. These processes have not been studied together much in estuaries until now. Scientists used special techniques to track t...
Phosphorus is a big deal in farming. It's a key nutrient for crops, but it can also cause serious environmental problems. One person who understood this better than most was Andrew Sharpley. He spent over four decades studying phosphorus and its impact on the environment. His work has shaped how we think about and manage this crucial element. Sharpley's career spann...
The ozone layer, Earth's natural defense against harmful UV rays, has been under threat for decades. 40 years ago, scientists found a massive hole in this protective shield over Antarctica. This discovery sparked global concern and action. The ozone layer acts like sunscreen for the planet, absorbing UV rays that can cause serious health problems. These include skin ...
The medical world is buzzing with a big question: How can eye surgeons cut down on the mountains of trash they produce? More and more, doctors are taking a hard look at their practices. This is especially true for those who perform cataract surgeries. These surgeries are incredibly common. In fact, millions are done every year. So, the waste really adds up. To ...