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Small boost of electricity aids natural clean-up of PCB contaminants

Applying a low voltage to polluted river sediment can boost microbes’ natural ability to degrade harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminants, according to a new study. The approach could be a cost-effective, sustainable strategy to bioremediate polluted sites.




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Potential long-term health impacts for oil spill clean-up workers

A new study of clean-up workers seven years after the 2002 Prestige oil tanker spillage has found potential evidence for long-term impacts on their hormonal and immune systems as a result of exposure to the oil. The results suggest new health surveillance measures may be appropriate for workers involved in future oil clean-up operations.




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Supplier and end user collaboration could reduce chemicals’ environmental impacts reduced

A model for chemical use that involves collaboration between suppliers and end-users could benefit both parties as well as the environment, according to recent research. In a Serbian case study, a bottled water manufacturer reduced its costs, water and chemicals consumption, and production of hazardous wastewater when it collaborated with its supplier of lubricant for factory conveyor belts using the ‘Chemical Leasing’ model.




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Hormones in wastewater disrupt fish reproduction over generations

Farmers could help to maintain populations of bees and other pollinators by sowing inexpensive seed mixes on their land, a new study suggests. Researchers surveyed pollinators visiting study plots in Berkshire, UK, and explored how sowing different seed mixes and using different management techniques affected the flowers produced and the pollinators visiting them.




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New incineration-waste clean-up method brings resource and carbon benefits

Ash from waste incineration can be made safer simply by mixing it with rice husks, water and other forms of waste ash at temperatures under 100 °C, according to new research. Once dried, the end product not only locks away toxic metals lead and zinc, but also stores carbon. Furthermore, it can be used in the polymer industry to lower costs, improve polymer properties and reduce the use of natural resources.




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Neonicotinoid and fipronil insecticides harm birds and fish and reduce their food supply

Neonicotinoid and fipronil insecticides have a range of impacts on birds, mammals and fish, a new review of scientific literature has found. A house sparrow would need to eat just one and a half beet seeds treated with a common neonicotinoid to receive a lethal dose, for instance. The insecticides may also have equally important effects on vertebrate wildlife, such as reducing insect prey and hence food supply.




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Are endocrine disrupting chemicals responsible for downward trends in male fertility?

A growing body of evidence suggests that endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are contributing to declines in fertility. This case-control study found that EDCs were associated with changes to sex hormones and risk of subfertility in men. The researchers say environmental levels of these chemicals should be reduced to protect male fertility.




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High levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in sediments and fish from the Italian River Po and its Lambro tributary

Researchers have recommended that fish from some sections of the River Po and the River Lambro, one of the Italian River Po tributaries, should not be eaten due to high levels of some endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the river sediments and fish. This recommendation is based on an extensive update regarding pollution levels of such substances in the rivers.




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Exposure to BPA derivatives: newer analogues may also have endocrine-disrupting effects

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is widespread in the environment. Researchers reviewed and critically discussed the sources and routes of human exposure to chlorinated derivatives (ClxBPA) and alternatives to BPA (BPF, BPS), as well as their metabolism, toxicity and concentrations in human tissues. The researchers suggest BPA alternatives and derivatives may have similar effects, and provide directions for future research.




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Micro-organism communities disrupted near world's largest ship recycling yard

Pollutants have been shown to alter the structure of bacterial communities in the coastal waters around the Alang-Sosiya shipbreaking yard in north-west India. The research analysed seawater from two sites near Alang-Sosiya and from pristine sea water taken 10 km from the coast. The results provide a clearer idea of changes to the microbial ecology near a large ship recycling yard.




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How to increase the uptake of environmentally friendly fertilisers in Germany

Fertilisers have boosted crop yields but at the same time can have negative effects on the environment. This study investigates fertiliser ‘ecoinnovations’, with reduced environmental impact, in Germany. By gathering the views of experts, producers, traders and farmers, the researchers make recommendations for increasing uptake of environmentally friendly fertilisers, including increasing knowledge and awareness among traders and farmers.




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Waste-water analysis highlights exposure to endocrine-disrupting phthalate plasticisers

Researchers in Spain have analysed waste water to calculate levels of exposure to phthalates in individuals. The calculations showed that levels of four types of phthalate exceeded safe daily limits in some of the sites studied, with levels of exposure in children being of particular concern. Using the results of waste-water analysis in this way can identify areas where action may need to be taken to lower exposure.




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Seven UV filters with potential endocrine-disrupting properties found at low levels in eggs of seven wild bird species, national park, Spain

Personal Care Products (PCPs) are of increasing global concern, as thousands of tonnes enter the environment every year. Similar to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), some substances used in PCPs are toxic, persist in the environment and accumulate in the bodies of organisms that take them in. This study focused on the presence of ultraviolet filters (UV-Fs) (used in PCPs such as sunscreens and cosmetics) in the unhatched eggs of wild birds.




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Grazing cows may pick up persistent organic pollutants from soil or surroundings

Soil is an overlooked source of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for grazing cows, finds a new study of contaminated farms in Switzerland. The researchers tested a new modelling tool to track two specific environmental POPs — known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins (PCDD/Fs) — as they moved from the farm environment into a cow’s body over time. The tool could be used to assess measures designed to decontaminate animals or to prevent contamination, such as grazing regimes that aim to reduce the risk of cows eating soil accidentally.




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Innovative batteries struggle to move from research to application, finds study into start-up companies

Innovatively designed batteries offer a way for vehicles to move away from their dependence on fossil fuels. There has been little mass-market uptake of new battery design, however. In the last century, only four types of battery have been used: manganese oxide; lead acid; nickel; and lithium ion, which is a relative newcomer, introduced in 1991. To understand how innovation moves from research and development (R&D) to application and the mass market, scientists perform technology lifecycle (TLC) analyses, often focusing on R&D and basic research. This study adds an additional indicator — start-up companies — to explore the early phases of how batteries transition from science into industry.




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Curling Game Update: App Designer and Stateflow

Someone recently challenged me to convert the curling simulator we published a few years ago (See this post and this post) to take advantage of new features not available at that time: App Designer and Stateflow for MATLAB.... read more >>




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Four fast-action strategies to tackle abrupt climate change

A new study has assessed the potential of several “fast-action” climate change mitigation strategies. Key options are reducing use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), reducing emissions of black carbon and ozone-forming pollutants, and sequestering carbon through afforestation and biochar production.




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Extending ozone treaty would support GHG reduction goals

Extending the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances to include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) could have important benefits for climate change action, say scientists in a recent analysis. HFCs are currently part of the Kyoto Protocol as greenhouse gases, but this protection will end with the expiry of Kyoto commitments this year.




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Overview of nanomaterials for cleaning up the environment

Researchers have presented an extensive analysis of the role of nanomaterials in environmental remediation and monitoring. Nanomaterials can be used to clean up toxins and bacteria from natural waters, wastewaters and the air.




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Up-to-date knowledge must be used to assess policy objectives

The most up-to-date knowledge and data must be used to assess policy objectives, new research confirms. Studying air pollution environmental quality targets set by the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive1, a new study has shown that if 2001 data are used to assess progress, most such targets appear to have been met. However, more recent and accurate current data show that this may not be the case.




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Ammonia emissions detected upwind from an intensive poultry farm

High levels of ammonia were observed at a Natura 2000 site nearly three kilometres upwind from an intensive poultry farm in a recent study. While downwind effects of ammonia emissions are to be expected, this study suggests that ammonia emissions could be a significant source of nitrogen pollution even upwind from the source.




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Shore side electricity: key policy recommendations for uptake

A new study quantifies the economic and environmental potential of powering docked ships in European ports using local electricity networks. The authors give key recommendations on policy actions to enable implementation in European harbours.




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Rhodococcus bacteria can help clean up fuel-contaminated sites

Fuel spillages and leaks from petroleum storage facilities can lead to serious pollution of soils and underground water. In a recent study, two strains of Rhodococcus bacteria were found to be effective at degrading a number of petroleum hydrocarbons and thus helping clean up contaminated sites.




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Small boost of electricity aids natural clean-up of PCB contaminants

Applying a low voltage to polluted river sediment can boost microbes’ natural ability to degrade harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminants, according to a new study. The approach could be a cost-effective, sustainable strategy to bioremediate polluted sites.




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Oil spills could be cleaned up by bacteria from underground petroleum reserves

Bacteria taken from underground petroleum reserves could be used to effectively break down crude oil from spills at sea, new research has found. The study measured the breakdown of crude oil components in simulated seawater by four bacterial strains that had been isolated from petroleum reservoirs, as well as by four genetically modified stains. The findings raise the possibility of tailor-making organisms to clean up specific types of contamination.




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Case Study – FIAT Group IMV: Virtual solution helps motor trader integrate its operations

An infrastructure offering high levels of quality and flexibility was required as a platform for a new system. Buying or renting new servers – and connecting and configuring them in short timescales – would be an expensive and challenging task. The IMV technical team turned to BT and asked whether it would be possible to set up the system in a virtual environment .




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Cortex 45: Cortex Working Group

Grey talks about the past few months, Myke is thinking about graphs, and they both provide more thoughts on time tracking.




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Cortex 47: Picking Up the Breadcrumbs

Grey is a leaf on the wind, Myke shares his thoughts on Todoist, and they both share their experiences on hiring and applying.




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2019: Cadillac, ATS, 2.0T Luxury, 2.0T Luxury 2dr Coupe




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YMCA of Greater Houston Reopening Update from President and CEO Stephen Ives




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Governor Abbott, TDEM Apply For FEMA Assistance Funds To Support Texas Food Banks




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Superb Sandy Bay stunner

WHETHER it be from the bedrooms, living zones, the kitchen or the terrace, this home is perfectly positioned to take in views of the River Derwent.




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Little Tikes Cozy Coupe




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Buckle Up, We're Open: Take 44% Off a 5-Race Package and Get Back in the Driver's Seat Today




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Super mums: Athletes on returning to elite sport after having kids

Super mums: Aussie athletes Eloise Wellings, Sam Bremner, Lea Yanitsas and Tamsyn Manou reveal how they returned to work in their elite sports after having children.




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Jordan’s $153k sneakers up for auction

Netflix docu-series The Last Dance has kept basketball fans occupied while the sporting world goes into lockdown, with more than six million Americans tuning in to ESPN every week.




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Bouncing back after baby just don’t call them Super Mums

For some it was the realisation of the impossible dream, for others it was the sheer determination to return to the top. Meet 10 mums who are combining parenthood with a career as an elite athlete. Just don’t call them Super Mums.




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The Redbud Group to Represent Zillow as it Buys and Sells Homes in Charlotte

Zillow will also be partnering with RE/MAX Executive, Century 21 Vanguard, Stephen Cooley Real Estate Group - Keller Williams and IDEAL Realty when Zillow Offers launches in Charlotte this year




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Zillow Group Pauses Home Buying in Zillow Offers in Response to COVID-19 and Market Uncertainty




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Radlett theatre group to perform popular musical Fiddler on the Roof

Russia comes to Radlett for Radlett Musical Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.







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UPDATE: NORRIS BRIDGE PIN REPLACEMENT CONTINUES - Route 3 over the Rappahannock River will be reduced to a single lane overnight

FREDERICKSBURG , Va. – An additional evening of work is required this week for an ongoing pin replacement on the Robert O. Norris Bridge, and...




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UPDATE: ALL LANES ARE NOW OPEN ON ROUTE 1 AT AUSTIN PARK DRIVE IN STAFFORD COUNTY - Expect residual delays in the area

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – All lanes are now open on Route 1 at Austin Park Drive in Stafford. An early morning crash closed Route 1 southbound and...




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OVERNIGHT LANE CLOSURES ON NORRIS BRIDGE - Route 3 over the Rappahannock River will be reduced to a single lane overnight on Monday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 16, with up to 30-minute full traffic stops

NOV. 12, 2018 UPDATE: All lanes of Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties will remain open this evening, Nov....




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‘I get choked up’: Jess Mauboy’s emotional letter to her mum

Jessica Mauboy needs connection with her family likes she needs oxygen. She usually travels from Sydney to Darwin every couple of weeks to spend time with her parents Therese and Ferdi, sisters Sandra, Jenny, Catherine and Sophia and her nieces and nephews.





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Ghost guru's new book explores the supernatural

Former professional ghost hunter Darren Lee Willbourne now turns ‘ghost guru’ in his newly published book, The Ghost Guru Volume 1: Steampunking the Supernatural.




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Why you could be fined up to £5,000 for picking wildflowers on a daily walk

Those taking their government-approved daily walk have been warned not to pick wildflowers - or risk facing an eye-watering £5,000 fine.