Scientists tested how plastic pollution in cow dung affects a common beetle species known for cleaning up animal waste. They found that when cow manure contains tiny plastic pieces—even in small amounts—it can seriously harm beetle babies. The beetles’ larvae struggled to survive when exposed to hig
A new system has been set up to tell the difference between pollution that comes from a city and pollution that comes from farms or factories. The idea is to help people fix the river faster by knowing exactly where bad water is coming from. The project was tested on the Sile River in Treviso,
In cities, the air isn’t just made of oxygen and dust. It carries invisible bits of plastic—some so small they can travel deep into our lungs. These tiny plastic pieces, called inhalable microplastics, don’t just float around randomly. New research shows their numbers change throughout the day and d
High school athletes across Southwest Michigan are putting up numbers that turn heads this spring. From softball sluggers to track stars, the latest Athlete of the Week poll highlights athletes who are pushing their teams forward with performances that stand out. Baseball diamonds are seeing some s
South Carolina is dealing with a tough weather mix. The state is still in severe to extreme drought, and the dry air keeps pollen from washing away. Warm temperatures and steady breezes let pollen stay airborne longer, making allergies worse for many residents. When rain is scarce, trees and grasse
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Black Sea’s northwest coast has faced pollution it wasn’t ready for. Before the war, this area already dealt with natural shifts and years of human impact from farming and industry. Now, the fighting has added sudden bursts of harmful substances while making it hard
Algae act like the grass of underwater worlds, turning sunlight into food for fish and other creatures. But tiny amounts of metals in water can harm them. A new study looked at how different algae types react to these metals. Researchers found that diatoms—algae with silica shells—are easily damage
The Penobscot River runs through the heart of a nation that has watched it flow for millennia. Its banks have taught people how to fish, gather, and live in harmony with the land. In spring, the river awakens as ice melts and water rushes faster. The people call this time “People of the Dawn”
Back in 2009, scientists warned that car and truck fumes were filling the air with dangerous gases. These gases trap heat, make smog worse, and harm people's lungs. The government agreed and set rules to cut down on these emissions. But recently, the EPA decided to ignore those warnings by scrapping
Shoppers in Southwest Florida now have a chance to weigh in on a simple but important question: Where do you go for the freshest fruits and veggies? A new poll is asking residents to vote for their favorite grocery store produce section, from Marco Island up to Cape Coral. The poll is interactive, s
