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.

What if we could curb global warming by reflecting more sunlight back into space? A new study explores the impact of solar geoengineering on malaria transmission, revealing complex trade-offs and difficult questions about who should make decisions about altering the climate system. Learn about the Degrees Initiative's efforts to give a voice to people in low-income nations and launch of a new nonprofit to help climate-vulnerable regions participate in the dialogue over such technologies.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Dive into the mysteries of the natural world with How To Read Water by Tristan Gooley. This must-have book is perfect for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, from walkers and sailors to anglers and swimmers. With over 700 clues, signs, and patterns, Gooley shares his tips and observations to help you discover the magic of the outdoors and learn how to navigate your surroundings. Join him on his pioneering journeys from Sussex to Oman and the Arctic as he reveals the secrets of ponds, puddles, rivers, oceans, and more. Recommended for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone interested in exploring the outdoors, How To Read Water by Tristan Gooley is an essential guide to understanding the natural world around us. From walkers to sailors, swimmers to anglers, this book provides valuable knowledge, skills, and tips for anyone who loves spending time outside. It's also a great resource for those interested in fields such as geography, environmental science, and biology. Whether you're exploring the icy mysteries of the Arctic or wild swimming in Sussex, Gooley's insights will help you read and navigate the water around you.

Are you interested in exploring the impact of human activity on our planet? Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky has captured the effects of human consumption and lifestyles on Earth for over 40 years, and his latest project, African Studies, is now on display at Flowers Gallery, Hong Kong until May 20, 2023. In an interview with BBC Culture, Burtynsky discusses his decade-long project researching and photographing in 10 African countries, including the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, one of the hottest places on Earth. Read on to discover Burtynsky's insights on the African industrial revolution and the environmental consequences of globalization.

Plastic is a synthetic polymer that has completely changed our world. It is lightweight, durable, and can be molded into almost any shape. Unfortunately, plastic has saturated our environment, invaded the animals we eat, and is finding its way into our bodies. Plastic takes between 500 and 1,000 years to break down, yet we use it for things meant to be thrown away. 40% of plastics are used for packaging, and since its invention, we have produced about 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic. 79% of it is still sticking around, and a lot ends up in the ocean, where it outweighs all the fish. Microplastics, pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, have been found in honey, sea salt, beer, tap water, and in the household dust around us. While there is little science about the health risks associated with microplastics, it is safe to say that we have lost control over plastic to a certain extent, which is kind of scary. By learning more about plastic, we can take steps to reduce its impact on our environment and our health.

Have you ever wondered about the rocks and minerals that make up the earth's crust, or how mountains are formed? If so, a career in geology might be the perfect fit for you! Geology is the study of the Earth, its processes, and its materials. Geologists explore, analyze, and interpret the Earth's physical and chemical properties, from its deep interior to its surface, including the oceans and the atmosphere. A geologist's work can take them to some of the most exciting and remote places on the planet, such as volcanic islands, deserts, and mountain ranges. They study the Earth's natural resources and hazards, help locate and extract valuable minerals and energy resources, and investigate the effects of human activities on the environment. Geologists have many opportunities for specialization, including mineralogy, volcanology, paleontology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and environmental geology, to name a few. They can work in a wide range of industries and organizations, such as mining, oil and gas exploration, environmental consulting, government agencies, academia, and research institutions. To become a geologist, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field, such as earth science, geophysics, or environmental science. Some popular undergraduate programs in geology include those offered by the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Michigan. Helpful personal attributes for success in this field include a strong curiosity about the natural world, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well as part of a team. The job prospects for geologists are good, with a projected annual job growth rate of 5% between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Geologists can find employment in a wide range of public and private sector organizations, including the US Geological Survey, ExxonMobil, the National Park Service, the United Nations, and many more.

Did you know that wetlands are vital sources of water purification, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage? A new Stanford-led study published in Nature finds that global losses of wetlands have likely been overestimated, enabling more informed plans to protect or restore ecosystems crucial for human health and livelihoods. While wetlands remain threatened in many parts of the world, the researchers combed through thousands of records of wetland drainage and land-use changes in 154 countries, mapping the distribution of drained and converted wetlands onto maps of present-day wetlands to get a picture of what the original wetland area might have looked like in 1700.

Have you ever wondered how diseases spread and how they can be controlled? Are you passionate about improving public health and saving lives? If so, a career in epidemiology might be just what you're looking for! Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. It involves investigating patterns and causes of diseases, developing and implementing interventions to prevent and control them, and evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions. Epidemiologists work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, hospitals, universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. As an epidemiologist, you could work on a range of public health issues, from infectious diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. You could investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness, design and evaluate vaccination programs, or study the effects of environmental exposures on health. Your work could help to inform public policy, improve health outcomes, and save lives. Typical duties of an epidemiologist include designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and communicating findings to stakeholders. Epidemiologists may specialize in specific areas such as infectious disease epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, or social epidemiology. Other related fields include biostatistics, health policy, and global health. To become an epidemiologist, you typically need a graduate degree in epidemiology or a related field such as public health or biostatistics. Popular undergraduate majors include biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics. Helpful personal attributes for epidemiologists include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. Job prospects for epidemiologists are strong, with employment projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. There are a variety of potential employers for epidemiologists, including government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), hospitals and healthcare systems, universities and research institutions, and non-profit organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. Some notable epidemiologists include Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, and Dr. Michael Osterholm. If you're interested in a career in epidemiology, there are many exciting opportunities to explore. With your skills and knowledge, you could make a real difference in improving public health and saving lives.

Over 171 trillion pieces of plastic now pollute our oceans, killing marine life and posing a threat to human health. Without action, this number could triple by 2040. Learn about the causes and solutions to this crisis, and how you can make a difference.

Are you interested in learning about the age of microplastics found in the ocean and how they affect the environment? Researchers from Kyushu University and Asahi Kasei Corporation have developed a new method to estimate the age of microplastics found in the upper oceans. By analyzing plastic oxidation levels with environmental factors such as UV exposure and ambient temperature, they found that microplastics in nearshore regions ranged from 0 to 5 years old, whereas microplastics from offshore regions ranged from 1 to 3 years old. Their findings were published in the journal, Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Brazil's national conservation forest policy aimed to restore natural vegetation in the Amazon, but an amnesty for small property owners has prevented the restoration of 14.6 million hectares of agricultural land. This amounts to 2.4 gigatonnes of potential carbon stock that could have been held in natural vegetation. The study also found that more than half of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has taken place within rural private properties. Learn how this policy has failed to protect the Amazon's biodiversity hotspots and how it affects global climate change.