Lead Contamination in Older Neighborhoods Lead contamination in urban moss has been a growing concern, especially in older neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. A recent study conducted by Alyssa Shiel, an environmental geochemist at Oregon State University, revealed that lead levels in moss from older Portland neighborhoods can be as much as 600 times higher than
Mindfulness has gained immense popularity in recent years as a way to combat stress and improve mental health. This Buddhist-based form of meditation focuses on being aware of one’s thoughts, sensations, and feelings in the present moment. While it may seem like a harmless practice, the reality is that there are hidden dangers associated with
Plastics have become a ubiquitous presence in our daily lives, with tiny fragments now being found in major organs such as the placenta. This raises significant concerns about the impact of microplastics on our health. Researchers have conducted various studies to investigate the effects of microplastics on organ replicas and mice. However, the concentrations of
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have created a new technique that promises to revolutionize the synthesis of molecular compounds containing heavy elements such as americium, curium, and others. This innovative method, as detailed in two recent articles published in Chemical Communications and the JACS Au, opens up a whole
An international team of researchers, led by Andrew Sweetman of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), recently made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-held assumptions about oxygen production on Earth. The study, titled “Evidence of dark oxygen production at the abysmal seafloor,” published in the journal Nature Geoscience, reveals that metallic minerals on the
Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) serves as the theoretical framework for delving into the forces at play within atomic nuclei, as well as their constituent protons and neutrons. The focus of QCD research often lies in understanding how quarks and gluons are contained within nucleons. While mathematically, the forces inside nucleons can be likened to gravity, the
The recent discovery of an intermediate mass black hole near the center of the Milky Way galaxy has sparked excitement among astronomers. Named IRS 13, this cluster of stars is believed to house a black hole in its midst, providing valuable insights into the growth and evolution of black holes. IRS 13 is not just
Delta Air Lines, along with other airlines, is facing a significant challenge in restoring operations after a faulty software update wreaked havoc on their systems. The impact of this update has been felt worldwide, leading to the grounding of several flights and causing chaos for travelers. The total number of cancellations within, into, or out
The emergence of long COVID-19 since 2020 has undeniably been a significant global health concern that has affected millions of individuals worldwide. This condition, characterized by persistent health effects following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has garnered extensive scientific attention, with over 24,000 scientific publications dedicated to its study. From respiratory symptoms to debilitating fatigue
Sleep is an essential aspect of our overall well-being. We all crave a good night’s sleep, but sometimes achieving it can be a challenge. Many of us are aware of the benefits of regular exercise on sleep quality. However, the timing and intensity of exercise in relation to bedtime have been points of contention. While
A recent study led by astronomers from the University of Michigan has shed light on a fascinating discovery: up to 60 percent of near-Earth objects may be “dark comets” containing ice within their rocky bodies. These dark comets have the potential to provide insights into the origins of Earth’s water, raising questions about the sources
In the annals of human history, few diseases have struck fear into the hearts of populations like the bubonic plague. Originating in Europe, this deadly disease caused havoc during three major pandemics over the past 1,500 years. The first outbreak occurred from the fifth to the seventh century, claiming the lives of approximately 15 million
The concept of using mosses to terraform Mars is a fascinating idea proposed by ecologist Xiaoshuang Li and his team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mosses, which are non-vascular plants, have historically proven to be resilient in harsh environments on Earth. Their ability to adapt and thrive in barren landscapes makes them a potential
The quarterly results of Big Tech giants in the next two weeks are eagerly anticipated as they will shed light on the sustainability of artificial intelligence investments. Wedbush Securities analysts foresee significant growth and earnings acceleration due to the AI revolution sweeping through various industries. However, the market sentiment towards AI is not uniform, with
India is making significant strides in transitioning its energy sector away from dirty fuels towards cleaner alternatives. A prime example of this shift can be seen at a Coca-Cola factory on the outskirts of Chennai, where a giant battery is powering machinery, replacing a diesel generator. This move represents the country’s growing focus on battery