Graphene could make fertilizer more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly

Researchers continue to search for fertilizers that are more efficient and affordable. One study, published in the journal Applied Materials and Interfaces, looked at graphene as a carrier for fertilizers to exhibit these characteristics, without causing more harm to the environment. A team of researchers at the University of Adelaide developed a fertilizer carrier using graphene oxide sheets to make effective … Continue reading Graphene could make fertilizer more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly

Agricultural waste could be contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

While there are plenty of issues within the factory farming industry, one aspect in particular could spell big trouble for us all: antibiotic overuse, and the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Literal tons of antibiotics are purchased and fed to livestock every year, around the world. Approximately 131,000 tons of antibiotics were used to treat livestock … Continue reading Agricultural waste could be contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Hawaii bans sunscreen chemicals that destroy coral reefs

Just how toxic is your sunscreen? Many of the chemicals used to “protect” you from the sun are so hazardous that they actually threaten the well-being of some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, like coral reefs. In fact, the state of Hawaii just passed a bill banning the sale of sunscreens that contain … Continue reading Hawaii bans sunscreen chemicals that destroy coral reefs

Researchers create robot fish that can swim right next to real ones in coral reefs

There are plenty of unexplored areas in Earth’s seas and oceans, and scientists are always looking for ways to observe these places better in the name of science. Now a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have reportedly developed a soft robot fish that could make it easier to do just that. Dubbed “SoFi,” the … Continue reading Researchers create robot fish that can swim right next to real ones in coral reefs

The Pacific Ocean is becoming the world’s largest trash dump

For years, the Pacific Ocean has inspired composers, painters, and writers to come up with masterpieces that praise its beauty. Sadly, these could now be things of the past. The Pacific Ocean is now one huge garbage dump that covers 600,000 square miles, no thanks to all kinds of debris — including bottles, ropes, plastic bags, fishing … Continue reading The Pacific Ocean is becoming the world’s largest trash dump

China plans to finance and build thousands of coal-fired power plants worldwide

China has big plans concerning renewable energy in the future. After all, increased adoption of renewable energy sources can help in China’s plan to clean up its skies and minimize the levels of pollution. But while everything seems to be on the right track domestically, quite the opposite appears to be going on outside of … Continue reading China plans to finance and build thousands of coal-fired power plants worldwide

A match made in Hell: Monsanto-Bayer merger gets the green light… farmers are worried, as they should be

  As hundreds of lawsuits against Monsanto for personal injury and wrongful death move forward, German pharmaceutical company Bayer has been given the green light to acquire Monsanto in a deal surpassing $60 billion. The mega monopoly merger was approved by the U.S. Department of Justice in April. Instead of breaking monopolies up, the U.S. encourages monopolies to merge … Continue reading A match made in Hell: Monsanto-Bayer merger gets the green light… farmers are worried, as they should be

San Francisco Bay shellfish found to be contaminated with four different types of toxins

An alarming number of different toxins was found in mussels collected from the San Francisco Bay, reported a Science Daily article. A research team determined four different kinds of toxins, including one located in freshwater environments, in a study published in the journal Harmful Algae. The team found that the San Francisco Bay now houses a concoction of multiple toxins found … Continue reading San Francisco Bay shellfish found to be contaminated with four different types of toxins

How to prepare for a drought

Living in the U.S. means learning how to deal with reduced rainfall, which is the main cause of droughts. Almost every part of the country will go through periods of reduced rainfall, as per Ready.Gov. A drought refers to a period of irregular dry weather that often lasts long enough to disrupt the normal flow of daily life. … Continue reading How to prepare for a drought

PFAs, chemicals commonly found in household and everyday items, found to interfere with metabolism and body weight

A Harvard University study determined that high blood levels of obesogens – better known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a prevalent class of persistent chemicals – were linked with increased weight gains during latter parts of diets. According to its results, women were more vulnerable to PFA-connected obesity than men. The research team came from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and … Continue reading PFAs, chemicals commonly found in household and everyday items, found to interfere with metabolism and body weight