How can urban planning decisions impact health? A new tool evaluates factors like green spaces and air pollution to assess potential health effects.

Electricity is a fundamental part of modern life, but could too much of it be harmful? Understanding the movement of electric charges and resulting electromagnetic radiation is key to answering this question. While some radiation, like UV light and X-rays, can be dangerous, most of the radiation emitted by human technology, such as mobile phones and household appliances, is harmless. However, some studies have suggested possible long-term harm from constant exposure to weak electromagnetic radiation. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the importance of reliable scientific studies and responsible communication of findings. Learning about the effects of electromagnetic radiation can help students make informed decisions about their technology use and contribute to ongoing scientific research.

Think cold weather is only dangerous in extreme conditions? Think again. Research from the University of South Wales shows that even mild temperatures like 10°C can have a profound impact on the heart, lungs, and brain. Explore the science behind cold environments and their effects on the body in this eye-opening experiment.

Did you know that even electric vehicles produce harmful pollution from tyre wear? According to a new briefing paper by Imperial College London’s Transition to Zero Pollution initiative, six million tonnes of tyre wear particles are released globally each year, with potentially negative effects on biodiversity and human health. While research and innovations dedicated to tackling fuel emissions have been increasing, the environmental and health impacts of tyre wear have been neglected. The researchers call for more investment in tyre wear research to fully understand and reduce their impacts, including particle capture technologies, new advanced materials, and efforts to reduce vehicle weight.

Are you aware that over 2 billion people globally drink water contaminated with disease-causing microbes? Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a low-cost, recyclable powder that can kill thousands of waterborne bacteria per second when exposed to ordinary sunlight. This discovery could be a significant breakthrough for the nearly 30 percent of the world's population without access to safe drinking water. The results of their study are published in Nature Water.

Scotland has become the first country to ban desflurane, an anaesthetic gas with a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide, from its hospitals due to its environmental threat. The move would cut emissions equivalent to powering 1,700 homes a year. UK hospitals have already cut down, with over 40 hospital trusts in England and some in Wales having stopped using it. NHS England will introduce a similar ban from 2024. Anaesthetists have switched to safer alternatives, but more needs to be done to reduce the NHS's carbon footprint.

From the dizzying heights of tightrope walking, we can learn the secrets of balancing and defying gravity. Sonja Harpstead, a tightrope instructor in New York, explains that posture is the key to success, and lowering your center of gravity towards the wire is crucial. By understanding the physics of the human body, tightrope walkers use rotational inertia to keep their balance and carry a long balancing pole to lower their center of gravity even further. Beyond entertainment, research in this area could have healthcare implications, including detecting early muscle degradation in elderly patients and building strength and balance with physical therapy exercises. Take a step into the physics of tightrope walking today!

From toxic leaks to microplastic pollution, scientists are exploring how pollutants affect human health. Exposomics is a new field that aims to understand our exposure to chemicals and their impact. Carmen Marsit, a molecular epidemiologist, is leading the charge to measure our exposure to chemicals and their breakdown products in blood. Learn how scientists are using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry to identify the chemicals we are exposed to and the potential health risks associated with chronic exposure.

Decades after nuclear testing, downwinders are still experiencing the devastating effects of radioactive fallout. As the possibility of a return to testing looms, National Geographic explores the impact of the U.S.'s atomic age and the risks of a new nuclear arms race.

Are you tired of feeling hot and sticky during the summer months? Look no further than Japan, where a dizzying array of personal cooling products are being sold to combat the country's hot and humid summers. From menthol and eucalyptus-based face masks to wearable fans and cooling vests, the Japanese market has something for everyone. But with rising temperatures and energy concerns, the need for more energy-efficient air conditioning and renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly pressing. Learn more about the innovative ways Japan is tackling its heatwave problem in this fascinating article from BBC.

As demand for materials like copper and lithium skyrockets with the push for clean energy, companies are eyeing the ocean floor for a new source. But what are the potential consequences for marine life and ecosystems? Learn about the growing controversy and the UN's efforts to regulate deep-sea mining in this thought-provoking article.

Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the human body and want to play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating illnesses? Look no further than the field of radiography! Radiography is the study of medical imaging, using X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other techniques to create images of the body's internal structures. It's a vital field that helps doctors detect and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, from broken bones to cancer. In recent years, radiography has seen some exciting innovations and breakthroughs. For example, researchers are exploring the use of AI and machine learning to improve the accuracy and speed of medical imaging. And new techniques like 3D printing are allowing doctors to create custom implants and prosthetics for their patients. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and of course, radiographic imaging techniques. Many programs also offer clinical rotations, giving students hands-on experience working with patients and medical professionals. After graduation, there are a wide range of career paths available to radiography majors. Some graduates go on to become radiologic technologists, performing diagnostic imaging procedures like X-rays and CT scans. Others become radiation therapists, using radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. And still others go on to become medical physicists, working to develop and improve medical imaging technology. There are many potential employers for radiography graduates, including hospitals, clinics, and private imaging centers. Some notable examples include the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To succeed in radiography, students should have a strong background in science and math, as well as excellent communication skills and attention to detail. If you're passionate about healthcare and interested in a challenging and rewarding career, radiography may be the perfect field for you.

Scientists have developed a simple and low-cost method to break down almost a dozen types of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which have contaminated virtually every drop of water on the planet and are associated with certain cancers and thyroid diseases. By using a chemical guillotine and common solvents and reagents, they severed the molecular bonds in PFAS, gradually nibbling away at the molecule until it was gone, leaving behind only safe byproducts. This breakthrough could eventually make it easier for water treatment plants to remove PFAS from drinking water.

From colonial Maryland to modern-day America, sugar has played a significant role in shaping our diets and economy. Discover how the sugar industry grew and how sugar consumption became a class issue. Learn about wartime rationing and the rise of high-fructose corn syrup.

Space debris tells a story of humanity's evolving relationship with space. With over 100 million objects orbiting Earth, Lisa Ruth Rand, a Caltech professor, studies the impact of space debris on human culture and the environment. Learn how gender politics intersect with space exploration and how space is a global environment that poses unique challenges. Discover the fascinating history of space junk and its potential hazards to spacecraft and satellites.

Stanford researchers have developed a smart bandage that painlessly falls away from the skin and tracks signs of recovery and infection. It even responds with electrical stimulation to hasten healing. The bandage resulted in 25% faster healing, greater blood flow to injured tissue, and less scarring in animal studies. The bandage is just one example of how Stanford researchers combine organic chemistry and novel materials to reimagine medical devices in more powerful, personal, and unobtrusive ways.

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but few of us know the history behind this versatile material. The first plastic was created in 1863 by an American named John Wesley Hyatt, who invented celluloid, made from cellulose found in wood and straw. This discovery led to a cascade of new plastics, including bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylics, and nylon. Plastics have replaced other materials like wood, glass, and fabric in furniture, clothing, and packaging. While plastics have brought convenience and cost-effectiveness, they have also created staggering environmental problems. Many plastics are made of nonrenewable resources, and plastic packaging was designed to be single-use, but some plastics take centuries to decompose, creating a huge buildup of waste. By learning about plastics, students can understand how science and innovation have shaped our world, and they can explore ways to address the environmental problems associated with plastic use.

Experience Africa from a whole new perspective with Edward Burtynsky's latest collection of photographs, African Studies. From the geometric patterns of agriculture to the devastating impact of corporate greed, Burtynsky's aerial images capture the intricate relationship between humans and the planet. Discover the beauty and horror of Africa's vast resources, extracted with both modern technology and centuries-old techniques. Explore the impact of China's shifting economy on the African continent, and ponder the abstract beauty of Namibia's Tsaus Mountains. The African continent is a final frontier worth exploring.

Electronic waste is not just trash, it's a treasure trove of precious metals like gold! Researchers at the University of Cagliari and Imperial College London have found a way to extract gold from electronic waste and use it as a catalyst in making medicines. This not only prevents gold from being lost in landfills but also reduces our dependence on environmentally harmful mining practices.

The story of Rudolf Diesel, the man behind the diesel engine, is a fascinating tale of innovation and environmentalism. Diesel's revolutionary compression ignition engine was more eco-friendly and power efficient than alternatives at the time, and it could run on a variety of fuels including coal dust and vegetable oils. Diesel became an evangelist for the use of vegetable oils as fuel, and his invention made him a millionaire by the time he reached his 40s. The benefits of exploring this academic concept are clear: understanding the history of innovation and environmentalism can inspire us to think creatively about how we can make our world a better place. Additionally, learning about the diesel engine can help us think critically about current debates around diesel fuel and its environmental impact. By exploring this academic concept, we can become more informed citizens and better equipped to make decisions that positively impact our world.