Credit: DepositphotosThe potential threat of plastic pollution to human health remains uncertain, but the recent discovery that we are unknowingly consuming tiny plastic fragments in our water is causing widespread concern.To prevent microplastics and nanoplastics from infiltrating our bodies and brains, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a potentially sustainable and safe...
Credit: PixabayThe world's climate is at a critical juncture, with uncertain outcomes. A new climate model indicates that exceeding the Paris Agreement's primary target for global warming could trigger a chain of tipping points, making recovery extremely difficult, if not impossible.On our current climate path, there's up to a 45 percent chance of surpassing...
Earth has sweltered through its hottest day on record this weekDepositphotosEarth experienced its hottest day on record twice this week. According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), Sunday initially set the record for the highest global average temperature since records began in 1940, only for Monday to surpass it.On Sunday, July...
Credit: PixabayThe levels of dissolved oxygen in the world's water bodies are dropping quickly, and scientists consider this a major threat to Earth's life support system.Much like atmospheric oxygen is crucial for animals, dissolved oxygen (DO) is key for the health of aquatic ecosystems, whether in freshwater or marine environments. Given that billions of...
Credit: DepositphotosScientists have discovered a new source of dangerous "forever chemical" pollution in the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles.Certain lithium-ion battery technologies incorporate PFAS chemicals (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to reduce flammability and improve electrical conductivity.According to a peer-reviewed study in the journal Nature Communications, scientists have found high levels of PFAS...
Credit: PixabayThe University of Leeds has revealed the genuine climate impact of long-distance passenger travel in recent research.Although trips over 50 miles (one way) account for less than 3% of all travel by UK residents, they contribute 70% of all passenger travel-related carbon emissions. This disparity is even more pronounced with international travel, which...
Credit: PixabayWhile trees and green spaces are often celebrated for their contributions to cleaner air and a healthier environment, recent research has highlighted a surprising drawback: they can also be significant sources of air pollution. A study mapping volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over Los Angeles revealed that botanical emissions, particularly from trees, are responsible...
Credit: PixabayRecently, over 70 wildfires burned simultaneously in Greece. In early 2024, Chile experienced its worst wildfire season ever, resulting in over 130 fatalities. Last year, Canada endured record-breaking wildfires from March to November, and in August, flames ravaged Maui in Hawaii. And the list continues.Watching the news, it seems like catastrophic wildfires are...
Scientists have proposed that Earth’s moon-sized inner core revolves independently of the mantle and crust, and that it is now backpedaling relative to those other layers.JOHAN63/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUSA new study seems to support the contentious idea that the Earth's inner core's rotation has decelerated. Decades of earthquake data indicate that since around 2010, the...
Studies of marine shales and isotopic data from the Great Oxidation Event period reveal dynamic oxygen fluctuations in Earth’s early atmosphere and oceans, highlighting the prolonged and complex nature of this critical evolutionary stage.Recent findings indicate that Earth's "Great Oxidation Event" unfolded over a span of 200 million years.Fresh research underscores the intricate nature...
