Pollution

We already know that waterborne plastic particles can enter the bodies of fish, which are then eaten by humans. New research, however, shows that such particles can enter the food chain via another route, by traveling from plants to insects to fish.

Extraordinary research has presented a new hypothesis as to how cancer develops, inspired by a forgotten study from 75 years ago. The research showed how pre-existing mutations in healthy tissue can be prompted into tumorous proliferation by air pollution.

A new study is the first to investigate the links between air pollution and a baby’s gut microbiome. The research found exposure to air pollution in the first six months of life is associated with a microbiome composition linked to inflammatory disease.

Marine plastic pollution is a big problem, as exemplified by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. According to a study conducted by the Ocean Cleanup project and Wageningen University, most of the plastic in that patch comes from the fishing industry.

It has long been known that plants can help mitigate air pollution in urban environments. New research reinforces such findings, showing that "tredges" planted around schoolyards can help protect children from traffic-derived airborne particles.

In a new study, chemists claim to have found an Achilles’ heel to the ultra-stable molecules of toxic PFAS "forever chemicals." Using a relatively simple chemical reaction, the team could “decapitate” some kinds of PFAS into benign end products.

In wastewater produced by the textile industry and others, dye is one of the primary pollutants. A newly developed synthetic polymer is capable of removing that dye from the water, plus it can be cleaned up and reused to treat more wastewater.

Microplastics are a major environmental problem, but a new study could help cut out a decent chunk of them. Silk could be a biodegradable replacement for microbeads and particles that are often added to cosmetics, paints and other products.

Scientists studying plastic pollution in the UK have turned their eye to small land mammals and found traces of the material in more than half the species sampled, with a seemingly equal distribution across locations and even dietary habits.

A new report has estimated more than 10 percent of all cancer cases in Europe are likely caused by environmental and occupational exposure to pollution. The report indicates most of these cases could be prevented by improving environmental protections.

The ongoing discovery of microplastics in remote, seemingly pristine corners of the world continues to add important detail to a troubling picture of widespread pollution, and the latest finding takes the threat into new terrain.

Climate scientists have reported the highest levels of carbon dioxide ever recorded in the atmosphere. The latest in a series of record-breaking years saw levels 50 percent higher than pre-industrial times, a concentration not seen 4 million years.