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

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.

Waste management is an essential aspect of public health, and it has a long and fascinating history. From ancient Roman public latrines to modern wastewater treatment plants, the evolution of toilets and sewage systems has been pivotal in preventing the spread of dangerous microorganisms that cause cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Learning about the history of waste management is not only intellectually stimulating but also practically important for understanding the importance of proper sanitation. While modern toilets have a wide range of features, billions of people around the world still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, putting them at risk of disease. By studying the history of waste management and developing new sanitation technologies, we can address the behavioral, financial, and political issues that produce inequity throughout the sanitation pipeline and improve public health for all.

Millions in North Asia face a seasonal ordeal as sandstorms from the Gobi desert blanket the region in yellow dust, aggravating air pollution and putting people at risk of respiratory disease. With no realistic way to avoid it, people are forced to carry on with their daily lives despite the health risks. While China and South Korea face yellow dust, Thailand deals with its own pollution problem as wildfires and sugarcane field burning blanket the country's northern region in smog. Is this the new normal?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are you aware of the "forever chemicals" present in your drinking water? A recent study by Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) reveals that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) draft standards for maximum allowable levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water are not enough to account for half of the PFAS present at contaminated sites across the US. PFAS are linked to several health risks, including cancer, immune suppression, and low infant birth weight. The study emphasizes the urgent need for advances in remediation technology to effectively clean up both terminal and precursor compounds. Read more about this alarming issue in the Environmental Science & Technology journal.

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.

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.

From "swill milk" to pasteurization, milk has been a source of controversy throughout history, leading to dramatic public health crises and intense debates over nutrition, safety, and taste. Author Mark Kurlansky explores the many cultural, social, and economic factors that have shaped our relationship with milk, and the ongoing challenges facing the dairy industry today.

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.

Did you know that air pollution can impair our sense of smell and cause anosmia? Studies have shown that exposure to small airborne pollution particles, largely from the combustion of fuels in vehicles, power stations and our homes, can lead to olfactory dysfunction, causing a gradual erosion of our sense of smell over time. This can have significant effects on our overall wellbeing, from reducing our ability to taste and enjoy food, to potentially being an early warning sign of dementia. Researchers from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Karolinska Institute have found a strong correlation between higher pollution levels and poorer smelling ability, suggesting that we need to take air pollution more seriously to protect our health.

New research has identified gold-based compounds that could treat multidrug-resistant "superbugs", with some effectiveness against several bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat, and the development of new antibiotics has stalled. Gold metalloantibiotics, compounds with a gold ion at their core, could be a promising new approach. Dr. Sara M. Soto Gonzalez and colleagues studied the activity of 19 gold complexes against a range of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from patients. The gold compounds were effective against at least one bacterial species studied, with some displaying potent activity against several multidrug-resistant bacteria.

In "Storms of My Grandchildren," Dr. James Hansen, the preeminent climate scientist, delivers a powerful and urgent message about the looming threat of global warming. With a stark warning that the planet is hurtling towards a climatic point of no return, Hansen calls for immediate and decisive action to phase out coal and achieve a goal of 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet and the fate of future generations. Recommended for students of environmental science, policy makers, and anyone interested in the urgent issue of climate change, "Storms of My Grandchildren" provides a comprehensive and compelling overview of the science behind global warming and the political obstacles to addressing it. The book is an important resource for those seeking to understand the dire consequences of inaction, and the urgent need for a groundswell of public support to create a tipping point for change. Hansen's message is clear: we must act now to save our planet and our grandchildren from a catastrophic fate.

When you think of emergency services, you might picture firefighters, police officers, and paramedics rushing to the scene of a crisis. But did you know that emergency services also include dispatchers, emergency management specialists, and search and rescue professionals? If you're looking for a career that's challenging, meaningful, and rewarding, then a career in emergency services might be right for you. Emergency services professionals are the first responders who provide life-saving assistance during emergencies. They work in a variety of settings, from urban cities to rural communities, and their duties can include responding to fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and criminal activity. They are often the first on the scene, and their quick thinking and decisive actions can make all the difference in saving lives. If you're interested in a career in emergency services, there are a variety of paths you can take. Many emergency services professionals start out as firefighters, police officers, or paramedics, but there are also opportunities to specialize in areas like emergency management, disaster response, or search and rescue. Some emergency services professionals also work in related fields like public health or environmental safety. To get started in emergency services, you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training and certification. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include criminal justice, fire science, emergency management, and nursing. In addition to formal education, emergency services professionals need to have a variety of personal attributes, including physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. Job prospects in emergency services are generally good, with a variety of public and private sector employers around the world. Some notable employers include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). With the growing need for emergency services professionals around the world, this is a career that offers both stability and opportunity for growth. In conclusion, a career in emergency services is a challenging and rewarding path that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether you're interested in fighting fires, responding to medical emergencies, or managing disaster response efforts, there's a place for you in emergency services. So if you're looking for a career that's both meaningful and exciting, consider exploring the world of emergency services today.

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!

The world is still facing daily COVID-19 infections and the threat of virus mutation, but it's not too late to change the game. A pandemic vaccine alliance, similar to NATO, could be the solution to overcome the "free-rider problem" in global health efforts and ensure the world's biological security.