https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/pollution/ Pollution articles. Air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution and more. Read current events articles on pollution, pollution prevention and pollution control. en-us Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:38:11 EDT Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:38:11 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/pollution/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020847.htm A new study reveals that chemicals used to replace ozone-damaging CFCs are now driving a surge in a persistent “forever chemical” worldwide. The pollutant, called trifluoroacetic acid, is falling out of the atmosphere into water, land, and ice, including in remote regions like the Arctic. Even as older chemicals are phased out, their long lifetimes mean pollution is still rising. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:17:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020847.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112211457.htm Plastic pollution is not just in oceans and soil. Scientists have now found enormous amounts of microscopic plastic floating through urban air, far exceeding earlier estimates. Road dust and rainfall play a major role in moving these particles through the atmosphere. The findings suggest the air may be one of the most important pathways for plastic pollution. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:33:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112211457.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020008.htm The Arctic is changing rapidly, and scientists have uncovered a powerful mix of natural and human-driven processes fueling that change. Cracks in sea ice release heat and pollutants that form clouds and speed up melting, while emissions from nearby oil fields alter the chemistry of the air. These interactions trigger feedback loops that let in more sunlight, generate smog, and push warming even further. Together, they paint a troubling picture of how fragile the Arctic system has become. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:21:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032408.htm Microplastics in rivers, lakes, and oceans aren’t just drifting debris—they’re constantly leaking invisible clouds of chemicals into the water. New research shows that sunlight drives this process, causing different plastics to release distinct and evolving mixtures of dissolved organic compounds as they weather. These chemical plumes are surprisingly complex, often richer and more biologically active than natural organic matter, and include additives, broken polymer fragments, and oxidized molecules. Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:47:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032408.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024231.htm This year’s ozone hole over Antarctica ranked among the smallest since the early 1990s, reflecting steady progress from decades of global action under the Montreal Protocol. Declining chlorine levels and warmer stratospheric temperatures helped limit ozone destruction. Scientists say the layer remains on track to recover later this century. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:16:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024231.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050457.htm Long-term inhalation of toxic air appears to dull the protective power of regular workouts, according to a massive global study spanning more than a decade and over a million adults. While exercise still helps people live longer, its benefits shrink dramatically in regions with heavy fine particle pollution—especially above key PM2.5 thresholds common in many parts of the world. The researchers emphasize that outdoor activity shouldn’t stop, but better air quality could unlock far greater health gains. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:37:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050457.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125081914.htm Rerouted shipping during Red Sea conflicts accidentally created a massive real-world experiment, letting scientists study how new low-sulfur marine fuels affect cloud formation. The sudden surge of ships around the Cape of Good Hope revealed that cleaner fuels dramatically weaken the ability of ship emissions to seed bright, reflective clouds—cutting this cloud-boosting effect by about two-thirds. Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:55:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125081914.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124231904.htm Using a precisely aligned pair of laser beams, scientists can now hold a single aerosol particle in place and monitor how it charges up. The particle’s glow signals each step in its changing electrical state, revealing how electrons are kicked away and how the particle sometimes releases sudden bursts of charge. These behaviors mirror what may be happening inside storm clouds. The technique could help explain how lightning gets its initial spark. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:57:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124231904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251120002832.htm Experts say the ocean could help absorb carbon dioxide, but today’s technologies are too uncertain to be scaled up safely. New findings released during COP30 highlight the risks of rushing into marine carbon removal without proper monitoring and verification. With the 1.5°C threshold approaching, researchers stress that emissions cuts must remain the top priority. Ocean-based methods may play a role later, but they need careful oversight first. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:52:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251120002832.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251030075117.htm Researchers in Japan have revealed how some gourds draw pollutants into their fruits. The secret lies in a protein that carries contaminants through the plant sap. By manipulating this protein’s structure, scientists hope to breed crops that resist contamination or serve as natural soil purifiers. This finding bridges food safety and environmental cleanup. Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:09:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251030075117.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083631.htm Scientists are taking the once-radical concept of dimming the sun through stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) seriously, but a Columbia University team warns that reality is far messier than models suggest. Their study reveals how physical, geopolitical, and economic constraints could derail even the best-intentioned attempts to cool the planet. From unpredictable monsoon disruptions to material shortages and optical inefficiencies, every step introduces new risks. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:29:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083631.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251018102124.htm Mars’ north polar vortex locks its atmosphere in extreme cold and darkness, freezing out water vapor and triggering a dramatic rise in ozone. Scientists found that the lack of sunlight and moisture lets ozone build up unchecked. This discovery, made with data from ESA’s and NASA’s orbiters, could reveal clues about Mars’ past atmospheric chemistry and potential for life. Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:46:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251018102124.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230947.htm New research reveals that Earth’s continents owe their stability to searing heat deep in the planet’s crust. At more than 900°C, radioactive elements shifted upward, cooling and strengthening the landmasses that support life. This ancient heat engine also distributed valuable minerals, giving scientists new clues for exploration and for spotting potentially habitable planets. Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:05:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081819.htm Marine heatwaves can jam the ocean’s natural carbon conveyor belt, preventing carbon from reaching the deep sea. Researchers studying two major heatwaves in the Gulf of Alaska found that plankton shifts caused carbon to build up near the surface instead of sinking. This disrupted the ocean’s ability to store carbon for millennia and intensified climate feedbacks. The study highlights the urgent need for continuous, collaborative ocean observation. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:18:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250917221212.htm America already mines all the critical minerals it needs for energy, defense, and technology, but most are being wasted as mine tailings. Researchers discovered that minerals like cobalt, germanium, and rare earths are discarded in massive amounts, even though recovering just a fraction could eliminate U.S. dependence on imports. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:12:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250917221212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000244.htm Barrels dumped off Southern California decades ago have been found leaking alkaline waste, not just DDT, leaving behind eerie white halos and transforming parts of the seafloor into toxic vents. The findings reveal a persistent and little-known legacy of industrial dumping that still shapes marine life today. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:02:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250905180736.htm A team of chemists has discovered how to transform PET plastic waste into BAETA, a material that captures CO2 with remarkable efficiency. Instead of ending up as microplastics in the environment, discarded bottles and textiles could become tools to combat climate change. The method is energy-friendly, scalable, and potentially lucrative, offering industries both sustainability and practicality. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:22:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250905180736.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085150.htm Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking nickel-based catalyst that could transform the way the world recycles plastic. Instead of requiring tedious sorting, the catalyst selectively breaks down stubborn polyolefin plastics—the single-use materials that make up much of our daily waste—into valuable oils, waxes, fuels, and more. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:02:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085150.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085134.htm The booming space industry has filled the skies with rockets and satellites, but this rapid expansion comes with a hidden danger: slowing the recovery of the ozone layer. Rocket launches and burning space debris release chlorine, soot, and metals high in the atmosphere, where they linger for years, damaging Earth’s protective shield against UV radiation. Scientists warn that if annual launches surge to projected levels by 2030, ozone recovery—already not expected until mid-century—could be delayed for decades. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:08:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085134.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250827010736.htm Scientists have discovered that waxworm caterpillars can break down polyethylene plastic, one of the most common and persistent pollutants on Earth. These “plastivores” metabolize plastic into body fat within days, offering a striking potential solution to the global waste crisis. But there’s a twist: on a plastic-only diet, the caterpillars weaken and die quickly. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:24:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250827010736.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250821094527.htm As the ozone layer recovers, it’s also intensifying global warming. Researchers predict that by 2050, ozone will rank just behind carbon dioxide as a driver of heating, offsetting many of the benefits from banning CFCs. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250821094527.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250820000805.htm Kelp forests bounce back faster from marine heatwaves when shielded inside Marine Protected Areas. UCLA researchers found that fishing restrictions and predator protection strengthen ecosystem resilience, though results vary by location. Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:07:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250820000805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113525.htm Rising CO₂ levels will make the upper atmosphere colder and thinner, altering how geomagnetic storms impact satellites. Future storms could cause sharper density spikes despite lower overall density, increasing drag-related challenges. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:04:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250816113525.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250812234523.htm Amid growing concerns over plastic waste and microplastics, researchers are turning agricultural leftovers into biodegradable packaging. Using cellulose extracted from unlikely sources, including grapevine canes, they have created strong, transparent films that break down in just 17 days without leaving harmful residue. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:51:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250812234523.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011823.htm Plastic pollution is a mounting global issue, but scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have taken a bold step forward by creating a new bioplastic inspired by the structure of leaves. Their innovation, LEAFF, enhances strength, functionality, and biodegradability by utilizing cellulose nanofibers, outperforming even traditional plastics. It degrades at room temperature, can be printed on, and resists air and water, offering a game-changing solution for sustainable packaging. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 01:18:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234404.htm Air pollution isn't just bad for your lungs—it may be eroding your brain. In a sweeping review covering nearly 30 million people, researchers found that common pollutants like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and soot are all linked to a significantly higher risk of dementia. The most dangerous? PM2.5—tiny particles from traffic and industry that can lodge deep in your lungs and reach your brain. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 01:47:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm Scientists in Australia have uncovered the biological triggers behind oil production in oats, a discovery that could revolutionize how oats are processed and marketed. By using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, researchers identified key enzymes that drive oil synthesis in oat grains. This opens the door to developing low-oil oat varieties that are easier to mill and better suited for high-demand markets like plant-based foods and oat flour. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:39:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000858.htm An ancient glacier high in the French Alps has revealed the oldest known ice in Western Europe—dating back over 12,000 years to the last Ice Age. This frozen archive, meticulously analyzed by scientists, captures a complete chemical and atmospheric record spanning humanity’s transition from hunter-gatherers to modern industry. The core contains stories of erupting volcanoes, changing forests, Saharan dust storms, and even economic impacts across history. It offers a rare glimpse into both natural climate transitions and human influence on the atmosphere, holding vital clues for understanding past and future climate change. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000858.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043405.htm Twenty-five years after first warning that oil spills would wane while invasive species and climate impacts would surge, an international team revisits its coastal forecasts and finds many bull's-eyes, alongside surprising misses. Plastic pollution, ocean acidification, and sensory pollution have risen faster than imagined, even as strong treaties curbed chemicals like TBT. The scientists argue that shorelines remain “sentinels” for the global ocean and urge a blend of local action and sweeping accords such as a Global Plastics Treaty to keep future surprises in check. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 02:59:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043405.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250624044326.htm Over 300 million years ago, Earth experienced powerful bursts of carbon dioxide from natural sources—like massive volcanic eruptions—that triggered dramatic drops in ocean oxygen levels. These ancient "carbon burps" led to dangerous periods of ocean anoxia, which stalled marine biodiversity and potentially reshaped entire ecosystems. In a groundbreaking study, scientists combined high-tech climate models with deep-ocean sediment analysis to pinpoint five such events. The alarming part? Today's human-driven CO₂ emissions are skyrocketing at speeds hundreds of times faster than those ancient upheavals—raising urgent questions about how modern oceans, particularly coastal zones rich in marine life, might react. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:38:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250624044326.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014222.htm In a surprising twist during an air quality study in Oklahoma, researchers detected MCCPs an industrial pollutant never before measured in the Western Hemisphere's atmosphere. The team suspects these toxic compounds are entering the air through biosolid fertilizers derived from sewage sludge. While these pollutants are not yet regulated like their SCCP cousins, their similarity to dangerous "forever chemicals" and unexpected presence raise red flags about how chemical substitutions and waste disposal may be silently contaminating rural air. Tue, 17 Jun 2025 01:42:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014222.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603115026.htm A new study details processes that keep pollutants aloft despite a drop in emissions. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:50:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603115026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123821.htm Ozone pollution is a global environmental concern that not only threatens human health and crop production, but also worsens global warming. While the formation of ozone is often attributed to anthropogenic pollutants, soil emissions are revealed to be another important source. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:38:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123821.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529155413.htm Hurricane Ida wreaked an estimated $75 billion in total damages and was responsible for 112 fatalities -- including 32 in New Jersey and 16 in New York state. Yet the hurricane could have been even worse in the Big Apple, find scientists. Thu, 29 May 2025 15:54:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529155413.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529145727.htm Researchers determined how much outdoor particulate pollution affects indoor air quality. Their study concluded pollution from inversion and dust events is kept out of buildings, but wildfire smoke can sneak inside if efficient 'air-side economizers' are in use. Thu, 29 May 2025 14:57:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529145727.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124114.htm Reducing travel speeds and using an intelligent queuing system at busy ports can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oceangoing container vessels by 16-24%, according to researchers. Not only would those relatively simple interventions reduce emissions from a major, direct source of greenhouse gases, the technology to implement these measures already exists. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:41:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180929.htm With wildfires increasing in frequency, severity, and size in the Western U.S., researchers are determined to better understand how smoke impacts air quality, public health, and even the weather. As fires burn, they release enormous amounts of aerosols -- the vaporized remains of burning trees and homes that enter the atmosphere and the air we breathe. Now, a new study dissects these aerosols and gases to pinpoint their potential effects on our health as well as the planet's short and long-term weather. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180929.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm Engineers developed a membrane that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size, an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation. Thu, 22 May 2025 16:25:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124838.htm A modeling study shows that global warming will make it harder to reduce ground-level ozone, a respiratory irritant that is a key component of smog, by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:48:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124838.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161115.htm In 2022 a team discovered that high levels of OH radicals can be generated indoors, simply due to the presence of people and ozone. This means: People generate their own oxidation field and change the indoor air chemistry around them within their own personal space. Now, in a follow-up study again in cooperation with an international research team, they found that commonly applied personal care products substantially suppress a human's production of OH radicals. These findings have implications for the indoor chemistry, the air quality of occupied spaces, and human health, since many of the chemicals in our immediate vicinity are transformed by this field. Wed, 21 May 2025 16:11:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521125115.htm A study has found that implementing robust air pollution control measures could mean Southeast Asian countries prevent as many as 36,000 ozone-related premature deaths each year by 2050. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:51:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521125115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124758.htm If you've ever sat waiting at the doctor's office to give a blood sample, you might have wished there was a way to find the same information without needles. But for all the medical breakthroughs of the 20th century, the best way to detect molecules has remained through liquids, such as blood. New research, however, could someday put a pause on pinpricks. A group of scientists announced they have created a small, portable device that can collect and detect airborne molecules -- a breakthrough that holds promise for many areas of medicine and public health. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:47:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124758.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250516165150.htm New research suggests that the negative effects of the ozone hole on the carbon uptake of the Southern Ocean are reversible, but only if greenhouse gas emissions rapidly decrease. The study finds that as the ozone hole heals, its influence on the ocean carbon sink of the Southern Ocean will diminish, while the influence of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will rise. Fri, 16 May 2025 16:51:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250516165150.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512202042.htm Stifling heat and sticky air often make summertime in the city uncomfortable. Due to the heat island effect, urban areas are significantly warmer than nearby rural areas, even at night. This, combined with more frequent extreme weather events caused by climate change, often render the city an unpleasant environment in the summer. Urbanization and climate change modify the thermal environment of urban areas, with an expectation that urban disasters from extremely hot weather and heavy rainfall will only become more severe. Mitigating potential damage involves reducing the intensity of the heat island effect and adapting to climate change. Motivated by this problem, a team of researchers set out to investigate how the reduction in urban heat release could help mitigate and control the rapid development of thunderstorms and local rainfall. Mon, 12 May 2025 20:20:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512202042.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122255.htm Researchers have developed two unique energy-efficient and cost-effective systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to generate hydrogen. The unique systems reveal new pathways to economically generate 'green' hydrogen, a sustainable and renewable energy source, and the potential to remediate nitrogenous waste in aquatic environments. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122255.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122012.htm The marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis feeds on oil, multiplying rapidly in the wake of oil spills, and thereby accelerating the elimination of the pollution, in many cases. It does this by producing an 'organic dishwashing liquid' which it uses to attach itself to oil droplets. Researchers have now discovered the mechanism by which this 'organic dishwashing liquid' is synthesized. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:20:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105342.htm Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced, say researchers. Tue, 06 May 2025 10:53:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105342.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121805.htm Atmospheric and climate scientists show that biological particles may induce rain events that could contribute to flooding and snowstorms, owing to their ability to precipitate ice formation in clouds. They call for an update of meteorological and climate models. Mon, 05 May 2025 12:18:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121618.htm Could the artificial introduction of oxygen revitalise dying coastal waters? While oxygenation approaches have already been proven successful in lakes, their potential side effects must be carefully analysed before they can be used in the sea. This is the conclusion of researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Radboud University in the Netherlands. In an article in the scientific journal EOS, they warn: Technical measures can mitigate damage temporarily and locally, but they are associated with considerable uncertainties and risks. Above all, they do not offer a permanent solution because the oxygen content will return to its previous level once the measures end, unless the underlying causes of the problem, nutrient inputs and global warming, are not tackled. Mon, 05 May 2025 12:16:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121618.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121615.htm Urban rats spread a deadly bacteria as they migrate within cities that can be the source of a potentially life-threatening disease in humans, according to a six-year study that also discovered a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. Mon, 05 May 2025 12:16:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121615.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164008.htm A team has discovered how certain bacteria breathe by generating electricity, using a natural process that pushes electrons into their surroundings instead of breathing on oxygen. The findings could enable new developments in clean energy and industrial biotechnology. Thu, 01 May 2025 16:40:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142729.htm Trees, parks, wetlands and green roofs can no longer be seen as a 'nice-to-have' aesthetic enhancement but a vital component for creating climate-resilient, healthier and more equitable cities, according to an international paper. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:27:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142729.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141835.htm An international team of scientists has moved beyond just 'scratching the surface,' to understand how microplastics move through and impact the global ocean. For the first time, scientists have mapped microplastic distribution from the surface to the deep sea at a global scale -- revealing not only where plastics accumulate, but how they infiltrate critical ocean systems. Researchers synthesized depth-profile data from 1,885 stations collected between 2014 and 2024 to map microplastic distribution patterns by size and polymer type, while also evaluating potential transport mechanisms. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:18:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141835.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112651.htm A small study found that fatty buildup in the blood vessels of the neck (carotid arteries) may contain 50 times or more micronanoplastics -- minuscule bits of plastic -- compared to arteries free of plaque buildup. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:26:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131539.htm Biodegradation is an important natural process during oil spill cleanup. A new study revealed that using spill treating agents does not negatively impact naturally occurring biodegradation. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:15:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131539.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421162936.htm Despite advances in wastewater treatment, tiny plastic particles called microplastics are still slipping through, posing potential health and environmental hazards, according to new research. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:29:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421162936.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421162612.htm Across the United States, 58% of counties have no active air-quality monitoring sites, according to a new study. Rural counties, especially those in the Midwest and South, are less likely to have air-quality monitoring sites, which could impede pollution estimations and impact public health, the team said. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:26:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421162612.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112904.htm A new study suggests that early-life exposure to two widespread environmental pollutants -- small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night -- could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. The study found a 'significant association' between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and outdoor artificial light at night (O-ALAN) and increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in children and young adults up to 19 years old. The exposures occurred during the perinatal stage of life, typically defined as the time from when pregnancy occurs up to a year after birth. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:29:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145511.htm The consequences of wildfires in or near urban areas go beyond the damage to buildings and ecosystems, to the threat of contamination of drinking water according to water quality and treatment experts. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:55:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145511.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416152129.htm Using advanced DNA sequence analysis, a research team has discovered that tiny organisms in Brooklyn's highly contaminated Gowanus Canal have developed a comprehensive collection of pollution-fighting genes. This finding suggests the potential of a cheaper, more sustainable, and less disruptive method for cleaning contaminated waterways than the current oft-used dredging operations. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:21:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416152129.htm