Researchers from the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington have discovered how some microorganisms that live in portions of the ocean where oxygen is almost absent manage to thrive. Called marine oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs), these regions are sandwiched between the oxygen-rich surface and the deep layers. In their study, which appeared in the journal PNAS, they … Continue reading Arsenic is toxic to humans, but these microbes live and breathe it
You’re golden: Researchers look at gold nanoparticles for improved cancer detection
When it comes to cancer, early detection can often mean the difference between life and death. One of the most promising developments in cancer detection can be found in nanotechnology, and gold nanoparticles in particular could prove to be a life-saving tool. Nanoparticles are already used in certain types of medical screenings and tests, but gold is … Continue reading You’re golden: Researchers look at gold nanoparticles for improved cancer detection
Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials
Single-use plastics cause plastic pollution, a problem that affects rivers, lakes, and oceans. To address this concern, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a recycling process that turns various materials made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into other useful products that will last longer. NREL’s research was published in the journal Joule. What is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)? Polyethylene terephthalate … Continue reading Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials
Avocado seeds contain compounds that reduce inflammation
Pennsylvania-based researchers announced a new medicinal application for avocado pits. They recently derived an extract from avocado seed that helps regulate inflammation linked to cancer and other serious diseases. After eating or removing the edible part of the avocado, people usually throw away the inedible pit. But the new study suggests that the seed may be a good source … Continue reading Avocado seeds contain compounds that reduce inflammation
Breakthrough device can easily and accurately measure fluoride concentrations in water
What if there were a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to test your drinking water at home or at work to determine just how much toxic fluoride it contains? Well, thanks to the dedicated work of researchers from Switzerland, now there is. A new study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society highlights the amazing capabilities of … Continue reading Breakthrough device can easily and accurately measure fluoride concentrations in water
New study sheds light on how Alzheimer’s disease damages the brain
Researchers claimed to have figured out exactly how amyloid beta and tau proteins harm the brain during the onset and progress of Alzheimer’s disease. They urged for therapies that simultaneously target both pathogenic proteins because the structures they formed could interact with each other. When amyloid beta accumulates in the brain, it forms stiff plaques. Similarly, high levels of … Continue reading New study sheds light on how Alzheimer’s disease damages the brain
New material made from recycled plastic bottles could help reduce water pollution
Singaporean researchers have come up with a new incentive for people to recycle disposable PET plastic bottles instead of just throwing them away. They can turn the plastic waste into a group of very useful materials called aerogels, which would make the disposable bottles well worth the effort of holding on to or recovering from landfills. Aerogels … Continue reading New material made from recycled plastic bottles could help reduce water pollution
A cheaper alternative? Scientists looking at converting plastic waste into hydrogen fuel
The problem of plastic waste pollution shows no signs of letting up. Around eight million tons of plastic waste are making their way into our oceans every year, and the problem is only expected to get worse as plastic production will need to grow by three or four times by 2050 to meet demand. Although … Continue reading A cheaper alternative? Scientists looking at converting plastic waste into hydrogen fuel
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 