Food waste and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues. Scientists have found a clever way to tackle both at once. They used a special bacteria called Stenotrophomonas geniculata to turn food scraps into a useful biopolymer. This biopolymer, called PHBV, is similar to natural rubber. I
Cockroaches might not be everyone's favorite insects, but they play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems balanced. Unfortunately, these critters are also getting a dose of carbendazim, a common fungicide used in farming and food production. This chemical is everywhere: in water, soil, air, and even
Difenoconazole, a common fungicide in farming, often ends up in rivers and streams. This can be bad news for fish. A recent study took a close look at how this chemical affects a type of fish called Pethia conchonius, found in the Teesta River. The study found that even small amounts of difenoconaz
Florida has recently set up a new migrant detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz. " This facility is part of a broader effort to increase the number of beds for detaining migrants nationwide. The center is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a remo
The Senate is in the middle of a record-breaking voting session. It's been over 24 hours of non-stop votes on a big tax and spending bill. The Senate has already broken a record with 45 consecutive votes. Now, they're still going strong. Senator John Barrasso from Wyoming thinks a final vote might
In the heart of Iowa, a battle is brewing between farming and nature. Farmers have been draining wetlands to grow crops, but this has left birds that migrate in the spring with fewer places to rest. To tackle this issue, scientists are looking at how man-made wetlands can help. These wetlands are n
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
Fish farming can be a tough business, especially when it comes to keeping nets clean. Biofouling, or the buildup of unwanted organisms, is a big headache. It makes nets heavier and messes with the water flow, which can stress out the fish. Usually, farmers clean the nets or use special chemicals to
The recent strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities have raised questions about the potential environmental impact. Experts agree that a Chernobyl-like disaster is unlikely. The uranium enrichment sites in Iran are not as dangerous as one might think. These sites are spread across the country. Some
Nanoplastics are tiny bits that come from breaking down common plastics. These plastics are found in everyday items. The plastics are polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. Scientists put these plastics through simulated marine weathering for up t
