What’s Going On Here? A recent study revealed high levels of PFASs (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in the livers of otters. PFASs are known as ‘forever chemicals’ as they don’t break down easily. Instead they accumulate in humans and animals and persist in ecosystems. PFASs are powerful chemicals responsible for the grease and water-resistant properties of a variety of products, from non-stick…
Having a smartphone in the 21st century is a necessity and keeps us connected with friends, family and work. Smartphones aren’t inherently bad, but our culturally ingrained attitude towards switching up our handsets is problematic. We’ve probably all experienced the joy of unboxing a brand new phone. That satisfying moment of peeling off the protective screen cover and unveiling our new device…
What’s Going On Here? The English Environment Agency has revealed that water companies discharged raw sewage into rivers and coastal waters more than 400,000 times last year. Untreated human effluent poured into rivers and seas for a total of 3.1 million hours via storm overflow pipes that are only supposed to be used in extreme weather when the pressure is too high…
What’s Going On Here? Global Action Plan, the Philips Foundation and the University of Manchester (UoM) reveal results from new modelling which suggests that maintaining lower air pollution levels by 20% could improve the development of a child’s working memory by 6%, the equivalent of four weeks extra learning time per year. The announcement has been made today, 8th October on National Clean Air…
What’s Going On Here? New research, commissioned by the Clean Air Fund, has found that improving air quality in the UK could boost the economy by £1.6 billion each year. What Does This Mean? This new study, conducted by CBI Economics, has found that by reducing premature deaths, sickness absence and lower productivity at work, there’s the potential to save the UK…
What’s Going On Here? As lockdown eases and the weather gets warmer, thousands of Brits have been enjoying the great outdoors (hilarious tan-lines ahoy!) – but at what cost to nature? What Does This Mean? Crowds of people have been gathering in public spaces since lockdown measures were eased across the UK. But the loosening of restrictions has meant that large parts…
More than 100 scientists released a statement reassuring the public that reusable containers are safe to use…
What’s Going On Here? Scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory used fine mesh nets to collect samples of coastal waters from the US and UK and found 2.5 times more microplastics than previous samples. What Does This Mean? Measuring less than 5 millimeters, microplastics gather in our oceans as they break away from bigger plastics such as packaging, bottles and old car tyres. The research…
What’s Going On Here? Scientists have recently discovered a bacterium that not only feeds off toxic unrecyclable plastic, but uses it as food to fuel the process! What Does This Mean? The bacterium ‘Pseudomonas sp. TDA1’ was discovered at a waste dump site where it was found to be breaking down polyurethane, a very common yet difficult to recycle plastic used in the production…
