You know how heavy metals like lead and mercury can be really bad for our environment and health? Well, scientists are coming up with clever ways to spot these troublemakers. They're using special color-changing reagents that are easy on the wallet and great at pinpointing heavy metals. Plus, they'r
Coral reefs, the underwater cities of the ocean, are facing a sneaky threat: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, are becoming increasingly common in our seas. Scientists wanted to figure out how different amounts of these microplastics affect reef-building c
Imagine what happens when you toss a disposable face mask into a landfill. Scientists have been looking into this, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in mask use. They found that these masks can break down over time, releasing tiny pieces called microplastics and harmful chemicals
Ever heard of tiny superheroes called cyanobacteria? Under iron-scarce conditions, these guys produce special compounds called siderophores. Siderophores are like little iron magnets, helping plants absorb this essential nutrient even when it's in short supply. Scientists from various labs set out t
In today’s farming landscape, a popular method to boost crop growth involves the use of neonicotinoids, a type of insecticide. However, these chemicals can have a negative impact on both the environment and human health. To address this concern, scientists have developed an innovative, self-powered
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has a clear view: life on Earth has improved in many ways over the past 50 years. Things like infant deaths, global literacy, and poverty rates have all gone down. But there's a big exception: the natural world. It's been hurt by pollution and overuse. Amazon, Bezo
You might not expect it, but some cities in southwest China are showing the world how to grow their economies while keeping their environment squeaky clean. A recent study dug into 282 cities to figure out who's doing this best. And you know what? Those southwest cities are nailing it! Experts have
Thyroid cancer, particularly Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC), is known for its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. One key factor influencing this is the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). To better understand this, scientists used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze the immune micro
Imagine tiny particles smaller than the width of a human hair made from iron and a plant called Parietaria alsinifolia. These aren't just any particles—these are nanoparticles, and they're being made in a way that's kind to the environment. Scientists used extracts from Parietaria alsinifolia to cre
You might think that psychotic experiences (PE) are rare. But for LGBTQ+ teens, they're more common. Why? Researchers believe it's because these teens face different challenges in their social world, both good and bad. For instance, they might deal with more bullying or have less social support. Thi
