A breakthrough technology allows scientists to obtain DNA samples from the air. The new technology collects environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by animals and humans for identification. Previously used to study fish, animals and invasive species, eDNA now shows promise in fields such as infectious disease epidemiology and forensics. Prior to the study, eDNA had been … Continue reading Breakthrough (and scary) technology allows scientists to collect DNA from the air
Face masks are laced with cancer-causing toxic chemicals
Scientists found that some face masks used by the general public are laced with toxic chemicals, including known carcinogens and environmental pollutants. Michael Braungart, a German chemist and the scientific director of environmental nonprofit Hamburg Environmental Institute, carried out tests on face masks that people had worn shortly before developing rashes on the face. He detected formaldehyde, aniline and other toxic chemicals in the … Continue reading Face masks are laced with cancer-causing toxic chemicals
“Wormnado” – Hundreds of worms cluster into a tornado-like pattern on New Jersey sidewalk
Earthworms typically tunnel to the surface after a rainstorm and writhe on top of the soil and sidewalks. But a pack of worms in New Jersey did more than just litter the ground after a heavy downpour. On March 25, a woman from Hoboken spotted hundreds of worms congregating to form a weird, tornado-like shape on a walkway near Maxwell … Continue reading “Wormnado” – Hundreds of worms cluster into a tornado-like pattern on New Jersey sidewalk
Discarded face masks, PPE are killing wildlife around the world
Millions of people around the world have been using single-use face masks, disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid infection since the coronavirus pandemic began in March last year. But the increased use of such items has resulted in a new wave of litter, one that harms and even kills animals. Those are the findings of a … Continue reading Discarded face masks, PPE are killing wildlife around the world
Nearly one-third of global agricultural land at high risk of pesticide pollution, study reveals
Pesticides are heavily used in conventional farms to protect food crops. But according to a recent study, about a third of global farmland today is at high risk of pesticide pollution. Published Monday in Nature Geoscience, the study revealed that Asia houses the largest land areas that face an increased risk of pesticide pollution in countries like China, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. Furthermore, … Continue reading Nearly one-third of global agricultural land at high risk of pesticide pollution, study reveals
Scientists find 55 new environmental chemicals in pregnant women, newborns
Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) detected 109 chemicals in pregnant women and their newborn children, including 55 that have never before been found inside human bodies and 42 whose sources and uses remain unclear. Of the 55 chemicals, 37 are ones that researchers have little to no information on. Published recently in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, … Continue reading Scientists find 55 new environmental chemicals in pregnant women, newborns
These Ayurvedic herbs are effective disinfectants and fumigants
A nosocomial infection also called a healthcare-associated infection (HCAI), is an infection acquired by a patient while he or she is receiving treatment in a hospital or long-term care facility. HCAI is the most common adverse health event in healthcare settings that affects patient safety. According to reports, HCAI affects about 3.2 percent of all hospitalized patients in the … Continue reading These Ayurvedic herbs are effective disinfectants and fumigants
POLLUTION PLAGUE: Coronavirus waste is harming animals around the world, from dogs to penguins
The single-use face masks and disposable latex gloves protecting people from the Wuhan coronavirus are also harming animals, according to a recent report by researchers from Leiden University in the Netherlands. The report, published in Animal Biology, provides an overview of cases of entanglement and ingestion of face masks, latex gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) by terrestrial and aquatic animals. In … Continue reading POLLUTION PLAGUE: Coronavirus waste is harming animals around the world, from dogs to penguins
US scientists detect MORE THAN 50 chemicals from everyday products in pregnant women and newborns
American scientists have detected more than a hundred chemicals in the blood of pregnant women and their children. Fifty-five of these substances had not been found in humans before, while 42 “mystery chemicals” had no sources or known uses. Based on their findings, the scientists posited that the children receive the chemicals through the mother’s placenta while … Continue reading US scientists detect MORE THAN 50 chemicals from everyday products in pregnant women and newborns
Top 10 foods and beverages you probably had NO IDEA contain chemical pesticides
Are you eating pest killer food? Would you eat a plate of food if someone accidentally sprayed the whole dish with bug killer or weed killer? Are you one of those people who think there’s no cure for cancer, while you consume pesticides all day long? If you don’t want to die like a roach in … Continue reading Top 10 foods and beverages you probably had NO IDEA contain chemical pesticides
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 