It’s time to clear the air. While staying inside seems like a safe way to avoid the harmful effects of air pollution, it turns out that nitrogen dioxide, a toxic gas that primarily comes from cars, lurks indoors as well. A new study out of Stanford University suggests that an everyday household appliance accounts for … Read more
This news may keep you up at night. New research from Harvard University has found a link between evening light exposure and an increased risk of heart disease. Moreover, the authors claim that even modest amounts of light at night can have serious, long-term consequences. In the small study, brain imaging and satellite measurements were … Read more
Location, location, location! A new study on aging across 40 countries confirms that your geographic location and your “exposome” — the physical, social and sociopolitical factors in your environment — significantly influence your chances of enjoying a long, healthy life. Two women bike in Copenhagen in this undated photo. Denmark is where you should go … Read more
It’s not pretty in pink. A UK man was filled with “sadness” after stumbling across a neon pink lake, which he believed might’ve been caused by industrial pollution — but the causes are au natural. “I was taken aback by it as I haven’t seen anything like it before,” Barry Knight, 61, told South West … 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
Talk about a dirty little secret. A popular cleaning tool might leave your counters sparkling, but new research shows that the household staple is quietly shedding trillions of microplastics into the environment every month. Those pesky particles don’t just disappear. They seep into the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you … 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
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
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
Let’s clear the air. Benzene, a harmful chemical found in gasoline, cigarette smoke and paint strippers, is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Now, a new study out of Stanford University reports that benzene-caused cancer risks are significantly higher — especially for children — … Read more
What’s the air quality in New Delhi, Jakarta or Buenos Aires? Until Tuesday, the United States Embassy in those cities could have told you. But the Trump administration has effectively shut down a global air quality monitoring program, ending more than a decade of public data-collection and reporting from 80 embassies and consulates worldwide. The … Read more
This is rubbish! Researchers say that deteriorating car tires and decomposing garbage are sending minute plastic fragments into the air, which may be fueling infertility, colon cancer and respiratory illnesses. There’s long been concern about how exposure to microplastics — found in cosmetics and toothpaste and shed from food containers and clothing — can hurt … Read more
Your holiday candles that smell of pomegranate, peppermint and pine may spark joy in your home, but they can also fuel your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, a new study finds. “Our research shows that some home fragrance products may be detrimental to indoor air quality,” Asit Kumar Mishra and Marie Coggins, researchers from Ireland, wrote last … Read more
It was the light-mare before Christmas. A UK family has labeled their landlords “scrooges” for ordering them to switch off their Christmas decorations at night over “light pollution” concerns. “We just can’t understand it — we’re just trying to spread a bit of festive cheer,” Michael Stonier, 21, told South West News Service while denouncing … Read more
Cancer may seem like an old person’s disease, but studies have shown that certain types have become increasingly prevalent in Americans younger than 50. Recent research found that Gen X and millennial Americans are at higher risk of developing 17 cancers compared to older generations. Rates of colon cancer diagnoses, for example, have increased by 15% in adults … Read more
Young adults who develop colon cancer tend to be diagnosed at later stages of the devastating disease — and have more aggressive types of tumors, new research finds. The study authors “strongly” link colon cancer in young people to obesity, family history of the illness, inflammatory bowel disease and symptoms such as stomach pain and … Read more
Let’s hope this air-brained scheme never takes off. Researchers at the University of Cambridge announced a pie-in-the-sky plan to get the aviation industry to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 — by mandating longer flight times. Air travel isn’t harsh punishment enough these days, apparently — witness the recent American Airlines flight was rerouted to its … Read more
Vision loss and high cholesterol increase the likelihood of developing dementia, according to a new report that says nearly half of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 risk factors. The Lancet Commission, composed of 27 dementia experts, previously identified 12 lifestyle struggles responsible for 40% of dementia cases, with hearing loss, … Read more
BIvalves are packing more than just pearls. High levels of fiberglass have been found inside oysters and mussels for the first time, a new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials has revealed. A new study found high levels of fiberglass have been found inside oysters and mussels for the first time. prakasitlalao – … Read more
Tri not to flip out, but “The Simpsons” has predicted the future — again. The beloved animated sitcom has enjoyed quite the reputation for seeing into the future during its 35-year run, teasing everything from Donald Trump as president to a failed attempt to recreate Willy Wonka’s chocolate world in real life, not to mention Diddy’s … Read more