In the rocky landscapes of southwest China, water is on the move. It carries more than just moisture. It also moves harmful stuff like mercury, thallium, and arsenic. These toxic elements are found in the soil. They come from different places. Some come from rocks breaking down. Others come from the
Histamine is a big deal in our bodies. It does a lot of important jobs. It works through four different receptors, each with its own favorite partner protein. One of these receptors, called H 4 R, is special. It helps control how certain cells move and fight off invaders. But how it does this has
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
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
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
Phthalates are sneaky chemicals that can mess with our bodies, especially the male reproductive system. One of the worst offenders is di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHxP). Even though Europe banned it in 2020, people are still getting exposed to it. How? Well, sunscreen might be the culprit. Some sunscreens
Spotless starlings are small, sleek birds with a glossy black plumage. They are found in parts of Europe and North Africa. They are known for their impressive vocal abilities and social behavior. They are also known for their interesting reproductive strategies. When female starlings are not in the
Plastic waste is a big problem. It's everywhere and hard to get rid of. But what if we could turn it into something useful, like medicine? Scientists have found a way to do just that. They used a common bacteria called E. coli to change plastic into a key ingredient for paracetamol, a common painkil
Hazmat incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials require careful handling. The goal is to stop the spread of contamination and prevent harm to people and the environment. While wet decontamination is the go-to method, it's not always practical. Cold weather and lim
Vitamin D is crucial for bone health. But did you know it might also play a role in childhood obesity? The connection between vitamin D deficiency and obesity in young people is a hot topic. However, the exact reasons behind this link are still a mystery. One interesting theory suggests that inf
