Dutch designer Ermi van Oers has created an off-grid lamp that uses a living plant to produce light. The device, dubbed “Living Light,” uses microorganisms of plant origin to convert the chemical energy that a plant naturally produces during photosynthesis into an electric current. The lamp is fully self-sufficient, meaning it doesn’t have to be plugged into … Continue reading This fascinating off-grid lamp is powered by photosynthesis
Exposure to common chemicals wreaks havoc on your hormones: Endocrine disruptors linked to multiple health problems
Endocrine disruptors are toxic chemicals that interfere with your endocrine system, which is the network of glands that produce, store and secrete hormones. Also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC), these toxins are linked to multiple health problems, including infertility, diabetes, cancer and stunted brain development. Endocrine disruptors are found in a long list of common, everyday products, such as baby bottles and household … Continue reading Exposure to common chemicals wreaks havoc on your hormones: Endocrine disruptors linked to multiple health problems
Flame retardants, pesticides now leading risk factors for IQ loss
A study in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology found that exposure to flame retardants and pesticides is now the leading contributor to IQ loss. The study, which was published in February last year, also showed that exposure to heavy metals decreased over the past 16 years. A team led by New York University (NYU) researchers arrived at these findings after analyzing data from the National … Continue reading Flame retardants, pesticides now leading risk factors for IQ loss
Ticks carrying Lyme disease thrive near California coast, study finds
Ticks have been turning up in areas that were once believed to be free of the blood-sucking parasites, according to a study led by researchers from Colorado State University. Published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, it showed that disease-carrying ticks, which were once thought to inhabit woodlands, are also present near Northern California’s coastline. The arachnids inhabit the … Continue reading Ticks carrying Lyme disease thrive near California coast, study finds
Common plastic additive linked to fertility problems
A study published in the journal PLOS Genetics found that exposure to the plastic additive diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) could cause fertility problems. Led by Harvard Medical School researchers, the study showed that DEHP increases breaks in the DNA during egg production and impairs cells’ ability to repair these breaks. How common plastic additive affects fertility DEHP belongs to a family of chemicals called phthalates. It is … Continue reading Common plastic additive linked to fertility problems
Toxic “forever chemicals” found in fertilizers made from sewage sludge
Toxic “forever chemicals” seem to be everywhere these days, from drinking water sources to breast milk. Now, it appears that the chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have also found their way into fertilizers, according to a report published last month. The report was written by researchers from the Ecology Center and the Sierra Club, … Continue reading Toxic “forever chemicals” found in fertilizers made from sewage sludge
Celebrate, but not with glitter: Glitter is a toxic pollutant that should be banned, warn scientists
Glitter is tiny, sparkly and festive, but these minuscule particles are harmful to the environment. According to experts, glitter should be banned to protect oceans and marine life. Why is glitter bad for the environment? Glitter particles are very small, and marine animals often mistake them for food. This is bad because microplastics like glitter can damage … Continue reading Celebrate, but not with glitter: Glitter is a toxic pollutant that should be banned, warn scientists
Factory-farmed meat more likely to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria – study
A recent study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that factory-farmed meat is more likely to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria than organic meat. Researchers arrived at this conclusion after studying data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), a joint program between the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NARMS collected chicken breast, ground beef, ground turkey … Continue reading Factory-farmed meat more likely to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria – study
Scientists find toxic “forever chemicals” in home fertilizers made from sewage sludge
Many home gardeners buy compost or fertilizers to improve the quality of their soil. Unfortunately, some home fertilizers made from biosolids – nutrient-rich, organic materials derived from sewage sludge – contain alarmingly high levels of “forever chemicals,” or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Those are the findings of a recent report by scientists with Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in … Continue reading Scientists find toxic “forever chemicals” in home fertilizers made from sewage sludge
Indoor pollution in classrooms threatens the health of schoolchildren, scientists warn
When you think of indoor air pollution, you might imagine a home with a wood-burning stove or a smoky bar. One environment that may not come immediately to mind is a school, but the unfortunate truth is that indoor air pollution in classrooms around the world is putting children’s health in jeopardy. A study published … Continue reading Indoor pollution in classrooms threatens the health of schoolchildren, scientists warn
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 