Exposure to heavy metals compromises immune functions and reduces reproductive success in the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), according to a new paper published by researchers working with the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) at Temple University in collaboration with the veterinary research group of the Department of Health Sciences at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy.
Tag: Heavy Metals
Some wildfire suppressants contain heavy metals and could contaminate the environment
Researchers reporting in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters explored whether wildfire suppressants could be a source of elevated metal levels sometimes found in waterways after wildfires are extinguished. Several products they investigated contained high levels of at least one metal.
South Africa improves e-waste management with support from Empa
In summer 2024, the South African government published a strategy paper on the management of e-waste, which was developed in collaboration with Empa. This is the first time the country has issued standardized guidelines for the proper and safe handling of e-waste. The collaboration is part of a program funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Se acumulan las pruebas de libros venenosos que contienen tintes tóxicos
Algunos libros de la época victoriana fueron teñidos con pigmentos tóxicos. Las últimas investigaciones sobre estos “libros venenosos” utilizaron una técnica no aplicada previamente a los libros para evaluar una colección universitaria, y los investigadores descubrieron que algunos volúmenes tenían posiblemente niveles inseguros. Presentarán sus resultados en la ACS Fall 2024.
Evidence stacks up for poisonous books containing toxic dyes
Some Victorian books were dyed with toxic pigments. The latest research on these “poison books” used a technique not previously applied to books to assess a university collection, and the researchers found some volumes had possibly unsafe levels. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2024.
Study Finds Many Cocoa Products Contaminated by Heavy Metals
A new study from George Washington University found a disquieting percentage of cocoa products in the U.S. contain heavy metals that exceed guidelines, including higher concentrations in organic products.
Toxic metal particles can be present in cannabis vapes even before the first use
Vapes are thought to be a “safer” way to consume cannabis, but they present their own risks. Researchers have discovered toxic metal particles in vaping liquids even before first use of the device, and this toxicity was worse in illicit products. They will present their results at ACS Spring 2024.
From the Arctic to Antarctic: scientists estimated accumulation of metals in lakes of polar regions of the Earth
Russian scientists analyzed the process of accumulation of heavy metals in sediments of lakes of polar and subpolar regions of the world. Researchers found out that lead and antimony are well accumulated even in lakes situated far from direct sources of pollution.
Metal Contamination Causes Metabolic Stress in Environmental Bacteria
Most studies on the effects of heavy metals on bacteria living in these environments have only focused on one metal at a time. In this study, researchers found that exposing bacteria to a mixture of metals caused their metabolism to change and led them to act as if they were starved for iron.
Mangroves: environmental guardians of our coastline
They are the salt-tolerant shrubs that thrive in the toughest of conditions, but according to new UniSA research, mangroves are also avid coastal protectors, capable of surviving in heavy metal contaminated environments.
Print, Recycle, Repeat: Scientists Demonstrate a Biodegradable Printed Circuit
Scientists have developed a fully recyclable and biodegradable printed circuit. The advance could divert wearable devices and other flexible electronics from landfill, and mitigate the health and environmental hazards posed by heavy metal waste.
Flexible, wearable X-ray detector doesn’t require heavy metals
Researchers in ACS’ Nano Letters report a proof-of-concept wearable X-ray detector prepared from nontoxic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) layered between flexible plastic and gold electrodes for high-sensitivity sensing and imaging.
Are Heavy Metals Toxic? Scientists Find Surprising New Clues in Yeast
Scientists at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have compiled the most complete library yet of lanthanide heavy metals and their potential toxicity – by exposing baker’s yeast to lanthanides. Their findings could help researchers uncover hidden pathways between lanthanide metals and disease.
Scientists Recruit New Atomic Heavyweights in Targeted Fight Against Cancer
Researchers from Berkeley Lab and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed new methods for the large-scale production, purification, and use of the radioisotope cerium-134, which could serve as a PET imaging radiotracer for a highly targeted cancer treatment known as alpha-particle therapy.
How Did Red Algae Survive in Extreme Environments?
Red algae have persisted in hot springs and surrounding rocks for about 1 billion years. Now, a Rutgers-led team will investigate why these single-celled extremists have thrived in harsh environments – research that could benefit environmental cleanups and the production of biofuels and other products.
Science Snapshots From Berkeley Lab
This edition of Science Snapshots highlights the discovery of an investigational cancer drug that targets tumors caused by mutations in the KRAS gene, the development of a new library of artificial proteins that could accelerate the design of new materials, and new insight into the natural toughening mechanism behind adult tooth enamel.