California health officials are warning about a surge in a potentially deadly fungal infection. The state is reporting 6,761 cases of valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, through July this year. That means California is on pace to top last year’s record of 12,595 cases. There were fewer than 1,000 cases logged in the year … Read more
Wash — and learn. “The next time you’re using a tumble dryer, take a look at the lint catcher,” materials scientist Joshua Grolman told The Post. “All of this debris is what we breathe in on a daily basis.” Microplastics are ubiquitous, found in everything from toys and cosmetics to cleaning products and clothing. They’re … Read more
No need for vacationers to test the waters here, experts say. The summer vacation spoiler has been identified as a cyanobacterial bloom — and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) says that the crummy blue-green conditions seem to be spreading, with a noticeable increase in scale since Aug. 2. Currently, the contamination stretches … Read more
I’ve seen a rash of social media posts recommending the application of sticky-tape bands around tree trunks to prevent spotted lantern flies and other garden pests from accessing tree canopies and munching on foliage. But those bands also catch caterpillars, butterflies, bees and birds, which would be difficult to free without ripping off their limbs or breaking their … Read more
Let this sink in — a dangerous, salt-obsessed bacterium is wreaking havoc along the Gulf Coast. Several dozen cases of Vibrio vulnificus and nine deaths have been reported so far this year across Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. The rod-shaped bacterium lurks in warm, brackish waters — it can enter your body when … Read more
This nuisance would work any soon-to-be bride’s last nerve. Before walking down the aisle, one nearly-wed was forced to walk down to Human Resources after a scorned coworker complained about being excluded from her wedding guest list. “This was honestly one of the weirdest work things I’ve ever dealt with,” barked the beleaguered bride-to-be in a Reddit … Read more
Is this the start of Goo York City? UK scientists have discovered a massive “blob” of rock underneath the Appalachian mountains that’s slowly oozing its way toward New York City, per a slimy new study published in the journal Geology. “This thermal upwelling has long been a puzzling feature of North American geology,” the study’s … Read more
Just dew it! Spending time outdoors has long been shown to enhance physical and mental well-being by encouraging exercise, fostering social interaction, reducing stress and anxiety, elevating mood, improving focus and even promoting better sleep. Exposure to daylight — especially in the morning — helps synchronize our internal clocks, making it easier to fall asleep … Read more
Prepare to fume. Leaded gasoline was widely used as car fuel in the US from the 1920s until the 1970s — it was phased out because it was found to be harmful to the environment and human health. It’s taken decades for the extent of lead’s toxicity to be fully understood. A new study adds … Read more
It could be time to pull the plug on your beloved jug. Everyone knows that it’s important to hydrate — water delivers nutrients to cells, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints and helps remove waste. You can’t live without it. Carrying a reusable water bottle ensures consistent hydration throughout the day. The problem is, concerns have … Read more
It’s time to talk about the birds, the bees and the PTFEs. They’re already in our lungs, livers, kidneys, blood and even our brains. New research out Tuesday in the journal Human Reproduction reveals that microplastics are coming for our baby-makers, too. A new study has found a shocking amount of microplastics in semen and ovaries … Read more
Not to be knit-picky, but laundry is a major contributor to microplastic pollution. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed tiny fibers during the wash cycle that can pass through standard wastewater treatment and end up in waterways. Now, three Case Western Reserve University engineering alumni have fabricated a special washing machine filtration system to … Read more
It’s time to screen your sunscreen. A new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed more than 2,000 SPF products sold in the US, finding that nearly 80% of them failed to meet its criteria for safety, health and effectiveness. “Wearing any sunscreen is much more important and offers better sun protection for your … Read more
Well, this blows. Microplastics — pesky particles that have contaminated our air, water, food and bodies — have been linked to a higher risk of inflammation, hormone disruption, DNA damage, respiratory illnesses and heart problems, among other health issues. A new study suggests that inhaling microplastics can suppress a type of white blood cell in … Read more
Smokey Robinson has been accused of misconduct. Four women filed a lawsuit against the 85-year-old musician in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, claiming sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, hostile work environment, and more, The Post can confirm. The singer’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the lawsuit. The females — all using … Read more
There goes the neighborhood! Suburban living has its upsides — bigger homes, less noise and more natural green spaces, to name a few. Developments with grassy lawns and wooded parks draw families because they create a sense of relaxation and offer safe areas for children to explore and play, boosting physical and mental health. But … Read more
The average American experiences 48 days of annual “eco guilt” — the feeling that they could be doing more to help the environment. A new survey of 2,000 Americans pinpointed the specific number of days per month that people feel strong guilt around their environmental habits and found this strikes 3.8 times per month on … Read more
Not to burst your bubble, but your gum might be packed with plastic. A new study found that chewing a single piece releases hundreds — if not thousands — of microplastics into your saliva, which you’re most likely swallowing. That’s a real blow, especially since a growing body of research suggests these tiny particles may … Read more
The Red Sea has got nothing on this red beach. The shoreline off an Iranian island turned bright red after getting battered by heavy rains in a scene straight out of the Bible. Footage of this so-called crimson tideline is currently amassing millions of views across Instagram, the Daily Mail reported. The red hue is … Read more
Although there is plenty of room at this California vacation spot, your entire family won’t be able to check in for a stay. Alila Marea Beach Resort, located in Encinitas, will no longer be welcoming children on the property. The World of Hyatt luxury resort posted the announcement of the transition on its website. “Please note … Read more