Pollution News and Research

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Research reveals bacterium capable of degrading petroleum-based plastics

Plastic pollution is an evident environmental issue at present. The aggregation of petroleum-based plastics poses disastrous effects.

21 Oct 2021

Incorporating RNA-inspired breaking points to reduce plastic pollution

Once plastic products are used and discarded, they can linger in oceans, collecting in large "garbage patches" and harming sea life. One potential solution, a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA), has so far not fully lived up to its promise, showing little sign of breakdown once in seawater.

21 Oct 2021

Study finds higher levels of air pollutants in regions near oil and gas wells

In a 14-year analysis of air quality across California, Stanford researchers observed higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents.

13 Oct 2021

Long-term exposure to low concentrations of air pollution may increase mortality risk

Exposure to low concentrations of air pollution, even at levels permitted under federal regulations, may be causing tens of thousands of early deaths each year among elderly people and other vulnerable groups in the U.S., according to a large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

8 Oct 2021

Study develops a highly efficient expression system for high protease yield

Proteases, one of the most inventive products, are utilized to enhance the efficacy of feed additives.

28 Sep 2021

Study employs machine learning to predict outcomes in agriculture

Recent research emphasizes that machine learning can identify “genes of importance” that support crops to grow with reduced fertilizer.

From New York University (NYU) 28 Sep 2021

Scientists assemble a quantitative assessment for agriculture sustainability

For the first time, scientists have assembled a quantitative assessment for agriculture sustainability for countries around the world based not only on environmental impacts, but economic and social impacts, as well.

20 Sep 2021

Study inspects nitrogen mitigation effects against the backdrop of reconciling food security

Nitrogen is significant to the agricultural sector. Each year, beyond 100 million tonnes of nitrogen are used for crops in the form of fertilizer to assure that adequate food is produced to feed the constantly growing global population.

15 Sep 2021

Researchers develop a new method for monitoring organic pollutants using plants

Researchers at Kobe University's Biosignal Research Center have successfully developed plants that can be used to detect organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water.

9 Sep 2021

Study identifies global priority areas to aid conservation decision making at all levels

Using a novel modeling approach, new research published in Nature Ecology and Evolution reveals the location and intensity of key threats to biodiversity on land and identifies priority areas across the world to help inform conservation decision making at national and local levels.

1 Sep 2021

Study traces antibiotic impact by analyzing the oral microbiome of bears

Historical museum collections were used by scientists to analyze the impacts of human-made antibiotics over the complete history of their application.

31 Aug 2021

High levels of antibiotic resistance in wild Swedish bears follow human antibiotic use

An international team of researchers used historical museum collections to study the effects of human-made antibiotics over the entire history of their application.

27 Aug 2021

Regenerative food chains are crucial to ecological, human, and socioeconomic well-being

A regenerative and socially responsible approach to food production and distribution is crucial to long-term food security and fundamental to our ecological and human well-being, according to a study by an acclaimed researcher at Clemson University.

25 Aug 2021

Researchers propose the use of root exudates to rejuvenate arsenic-contaminated soil

Soil pollution with extremely toxic arsenic is a global crisis posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

25 Aug 2021

Understanding computational fluid dynamics can inform more effective design of drug delivery devices

Increased air pollution in recent years has not only contributed to deteriorating environmental conditions in cities across the globe.

12 Aug 2021

UW researchers identify a link between air pollution and dementia

Using data from two large, long-running study projects in the Puget Sound region -; one that began in the late 1970s measuring air pollution and another on risk factors for dementia that began in 1994 -; University of Washington researchers identified a link between air pollution and dementia.

10 Aug 2021

UKRI invests in research projects that aim to build a sustainable future for marine economy

Six new research projects that aim to build a sustainable future for the marine environment and those whose livelihoods depend on it were announced today.

26 Jul 2021

Enzymatic PET recycling has sizeable energy and carbon-saving benefits

Researchers in the BOTTLE Consortium, including from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the University of Portsmouth, have identified using enzymes as a more sustainable approach for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic in single-use beverage bottles, clothing, and food packaging that are becoming increasingly relevant in addressing the environmental challenge of plastic pollution.

21 Jul 2021

Wetlands constructed along waterways is most effective for reducing agricultural runoff

Implementing large-scale wetlands in the areas surrounding agricultural systems could limit agricultural runoff in key waterways.

5 Jul 2021

New method turns biodegradable plastics into foam to prevent pollution

Biodegradable plastics are supposed to be good for the environment. But because they are specifically made to degrade quickly, they cannot be recycled.

30 Jun 2021