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
Marine life heading away from the equator could signal global mass extinction, scientists warn
When it comes to biodiversity, the waters around the equator have long been miles ahead of most of the rest of the planet. The tropical waters are known for their rich and varied marine life, with creatures ranging from vibrant coral reefs, whale sharks and sea turtles to tropical tuna and manta rays. Unfortunately, its … Continue reading Marine life heading away from the equator could signal global mass extinction, scientists warn
“Eco-friendly” glitter just as damaging to the environment as conventional glitter, study finds
“Eco-friendly” glitter has become increasingly popular these days, fueled in part by the need to find alternatives to conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glitter, a known environmental risk. However, a new study reveals that so-called eco-friendly glitter is just as damaging to the environment, causing ecological damage to rivers and lakes, as its plastic variant. The report, published in … Continue reading “Eco-friendly” glitter just as damaging to the environment as conventional glitter, study finds
Long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in sunscreen is lethal to freshwater organisms, warn scientists
For a lot of people, beach trips and lake excursions are never complete without a tall bottle of sunscreen to smother their skin with before going off for a swim. However, a recent report found that chemical ingredients in sunscreen that leach off of the skin while swimming might be detrimental to freshwater organisms. In a … Continue reading Long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in sunscreen is lethal to freshwater organisms, warn scientists
Arsenic is toxic to humans, but these microbes live and breathe it
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
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
Study reveals that toxic algae is causing dolphins to suffer from Alzheimer’s-like brain disease
The excessive blooming of blue-green algae might be responsible for the recent spate of deaths among dolphins. A pathological study found toxic compounds in the harmful algae that might cause a neurodegenerative problem similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the University of Miami autopsied the brains and bodies of 14 dead dolphins. For the first time, they found … Continue reading Study reveals that toxic algae is causing dolphins to suffer from Alzheimer’s-like brain disease
Experts call for the protection of mangrove patches, no matter how big or small, to preserve “incredibly important ecosystems”
Scientists fear that the continued decline in mangrove forests could significantly impact the world’s biodiversity. In a statement, which they made during the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and published in the journal Science, they called the attention of governments from all over the globe to provide stronger protection for small but crucial swathes of mangroves. The case for protecting mangroves … Continue reading Experts call for the protection of mangrove patches, no matter how big or small, to preserve “incredibly important ecosystems”
Scientists have found ANOTHER major problem with the plastic pollution in the oceans: It harbors bacteria that can be transferred up the food chain
Experts predict that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish within the next century — a serious problem, considering there’s still a lot to be explored in their depths. The adverse effects of plastic pollution have been the subject of many studies, but according to marine scientists from the National University of Singapore, their … Continue reading Scientists have found ANOTHER major problem with the plastic pollution in the oceans: It harbors bacteria that can be transferred up the food chain
Follow these tips to reduce plastic pollution
It’s official: We’re heading toward a “plastic world” – and we’re not talking about credit cards. Plastic – the ubiquitous polymer found in nearly all consumer products – is part of just about every aspect of our lives. For the most part, it’s a versatile material that has been part of many significant innovations, such as in … Continue reading Follow these tips to reduce plastic pollution
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 