Scientists wanted to see how chemicals from building materials move through soil. They used both computer models and real-life experiments to figure this out. The computer models, like PELMO, are usually used for farming chemicals. But buildings are different from farms. So, the scientists had to ad
India's farms are facing a silent threat: microplastics. These tiny plastic bits are sneaking into the soil and messing with crops. But how much do farmers know about this issue? A recent study took a closer look at what Indian farmers think about microplastic pollution. Researchers talked to 310 f
Fungi are sneaky survivors. They often find themselves in tough spots, like food or hospitals, where they need to adapt quickly. One way they do this is by picking up new genetic material from other organisms. This process is called horizontal gene transfer. Recently, scientists have found that fung
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
Microbial life is everywhere. It's in the soil, in the air, and even inside us. These tiny organisms are super important for keeping the planet healthy and balanced. But humans are messing things up. We're losing these microbes fast. This is a big problem because it affects everything from the envir
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
Tiny robots, smaller than the width of a human hair, are no longer just a dream. They are real and have the power to change the world. But why aren't we seeing them everywhere yet? The journey of these micro and nanorobots started with a famous lecture and a sci-fi movie. Now, they are used in medic
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
Delhi, a city known for its heavy pollution, has seen some good news lately. Over the past decade, the amount of tiny, harmful particles in the air, called PM2. 5 and PM10, has been going down. This drop is thanks to new eco-friendly tech and stricter rules on industries, even though there are more
In Hong Kong, nurses' views on their work settings in public hospitals were recently studied. Over a year, nurses from 71 different wards in four hospitals shared their thoughts. They filled out surveys every three months, and the number of participants varied from 604 to 865 each time. The surveys
