When much of the world was plunged into lockdown last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a lot of speculation that the lack of activity would benefit the environment. However, a new study shows that these changes to our lifestyles actually slightly warmed the planet for several months in 2020 in a counterintuitive … Continue reading COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 caused temporary global warming, study shows
Researchers evaluate the efficiency of natural plant products for disinfecting surfaces
In this study, researchers from India evaluated the efficiency of traditional fumigation practice using natural plant products to disinfect the air and surfaces. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. Environmental disinfection is an excellent method for reducing nosocomial or healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). HCAIs are major … Continue reading Researchers evaluate the efficiency of natural plant products for disinfecting surfaces
EPA pledges to regulate PFAS in drinking water
On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new action items that would put the agency one step closer to regulating “forever chemicals” in drinking water. The toxic chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have contaminated drinking water in the U.S. over the past few decades. More than two years ago, a former EPA administrator … Continue reading EPA pledges to regulate PFAS in drinking water
EPA approves use of toxic pesticide previously banned for use on citrus
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Jan. 12 that it approved the use of aldicarb, a toxic pesticide it had banned in 2010, and the antibiotic streptomycin on Florida’s citrus plants. The decision allows 100,000 acres of citrus groves to be treated with 2.5 million pounds of aldicarb, which has been banned in over 100 countries. It is also the only … Continue reading EPA approves use of toxic pesticide previously banned for use on citrus
Germany preparing for electricity rationing to stabilize green power grid
Germany is now looking to ration its electricity supply to stabilize its green power grid. The European country mulled over the measure amid looming blackouts due to its unstable energy supply. The country’s energy issues have also threatened the stability of the larger European Union grid. Germany once had one of the most stable and reliable power grids worldwide … Continue reading Germany preparing for electricity rationing to stabilize green power grid
Dogs Exposed to BPA Give Us Epigenetic Clues About Our Own Wellbeing
Exposure to a widespread environmental chemical could cause changes to chemical tags on DNA, which can impact the expression of genes and potentially increase the risk for disease. Researchers studied one of our closest companions – dogs – and the epigenetic effect of bisphenol-A (BPA) found in canned dog food. Since these animals share our … Continue reading Dogs Exposed to BPA Give Us Epigenetic Clues About Our Own Wellbeing
Chemical reaction between pipe alloy and water disinfectants produce cancer-causing chromium in drinking water
Researchers from the University of California, Riverside have found that pipe alloy can react with residual water disinfectants to produce cancer-causing chromium that gets mixed in drinking water. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers said that chemical reactions can change chromium in water pipes into a form that creates genetic mutations in cells. Pipe alloy plus disinfectants … Continue reading Chemical reaction between pipe alloy and water disinfectants produce cancer-causing chromium in drinking water
Unexplained “booming noises” baffles people around the world
Mysterious booming noises were heard across various locations in the United States, Canada and Ireland in November, and nobody seems to know where the strange sounds originated. In the regional district of North Okanaganin Canada, many locals heard a sudden, deafening noise around noon on Nov. 27, with one resident saying it sounded “like a volcano erupted.” Both village officials and … Continue reading Unexplained “booming noises” baffles people around the world
Scientists develop an electrochemical process that removes toxic mercury from contaminated water
Researchers from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden developed a method that can remove nearly 100 percent of toxic mercury from contaminated water. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers said that the electrochemical process works by encouraging mercury ions to form an alloy with another metal. This effectively draws the heavy metal out of the … Continue reading Scientists develop an electrochemical process that removes toxic mercury from contaminated water
Microplastic pollution found near summit of Mount Everest
Scientists from the University of Plymouth in the U.K. recently made a disturbing discovery near the summit of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth: microplastics. Microscopic pieces of plastic were found just a few hundred feet short of the peak of the 29,000-foot mountain, at a spot known as the balcony. The scientists collected snow samples from 11 locations on … Continue reading Microplastic pollution found near summit of Mount Everest
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 