Immune-enhancing properties of zinc are well documented, yet scientists have been unable to comprehend exactly how it functions. In a groundbreaking study recently released in the March 25 edition of the journal Blood - published by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center - researchers from this renowned institution demonstrate two mechanisms in which this vital mineral supports immunity and suggest innovative ways it could be utilized.
A recent investigation revealed that the PFAS chemical GenX inhibits the neutrophil respiratory burst, a crucial defense mechanism for white blood cells known as neutrophils. The finding is an initial step toward better understanding how both legacy and emerging PFAS chemicals may influence one's innate immune system.
In the global tea market, water is usurped only by this refreshing beverage - making it the second most consumed drink worldwide. Did you know brewing tap water can lead to an accumulation of chlorine-derived disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in brewed teas; however, a team of researchers from Environmental Science & Technology recently uncovered that levels were unexpectedly lower in brewed varieties compared to those encountered during their processing – perhaps owing to differences between brewing methods.
Hundreds of families in Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Phu district were affected Sunday when several streets were submerged in reddish, smelly water tinged with chemicals.
Alleys along Phan Anh and To Hieu streets were in knee-deep red water following an hour-long rain. There were oily stains and white foams on the surface, along with smells of chemicals. The water even flowed into certain homes.
Chlorine-treated water may increase the risk of having children with heart problems, cleft palate or major brain defects, according to a study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Environmental Health.
Da Lat, a popular hill resort town in Lam Dong Province, was severely flooded Thursday following a 30-minute downpour. The downtown area was under nearly a meter of water. The heavy rainfall caused many shops on both sides of Phan Dinh Phung and Nguyen Cong Tru streets to flood, making it difficult for people to evacuate in time and damaging furniture.
Experts believe that Da Lat floods regularly because of the massive amount of greenhouse gas emissions and rapid urbanization, which has taken away all the available green space.
The city's water security is under threat from an increase in pollutants, a lack of an up-to-date water distribution network, and salt intrusion.
Microplastic contamination has been reported for the first time in beef and pork, as well as in the blood of cows and pigs on farms.
Scientists at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have found particles in three-quarters of meat and milk products tested, as well as every blood sample they took in a pilot study.
The food products were found in every sample of animal pellet feed tested, indicating a potential contamination route.
New research shows that rainwater in most locations on Earth contains levels of chemicals that "greatly exceed" safety levels.
These synthetic substances called PFAS are used in non-stick pans, fire-fighting foam and water-repellent clothes.
According to the World Bank, 44 percent of plastic waste at surveyed sites is made up of take-away food and drinks.
The World Bank released a report this week that shows that the take-away related waste accounted for 43.6 percent in number and 35.1 percent in weight of the total plastic waste, followed by fisheries-related waste (32.6 percent in number and 30.6 percent in weight), and household-related waste (21.6 percent in number and 22.8 percent in weight).