Pollution makes quarter of China water unusable
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Almost a quarter of China’s surface water remains so polluted that it is unfit even for industrial use, while less than half of total supplies are drinkable, data from the environment watchdog showed on Monday.
Inspectors from China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection tested water samples from the country’s major rivers and lakes in the first half of the year and declared just 49.3 percent to be safe for drinking, up from 48 percent last year, the ministry said in a notice posted on its website (www.mep.gov.cn).
New Health Risk Found in Public Pools
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Public swimming pools are more dangerous than you might think, a new study suggests. When sweat and urine, among other organics, mix with the disinfectants in pool water, the result can be hazardous to health. The findings, announced this week, link the application of disinfectants in recreational pools to genetic cell damage that has been shown to be linked with adverse health outcomes such as asthma and bladder cancer.
Holding Off Dementia
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
A new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge has discovered that people who have received more education are less likely to develop dementia. Previous studies have looked at this issue but have been unable to determine if it was education, and not its effects such as higher economic status or healthier living, that impacted the chances of dementia. This new study has found that dementia is in fact a direct consequence of the amount of education received earlier in life.
First-of-Its-Kind Map Details the Height of the Globe’s Forests
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
ScienceDaily (July 21, 2010) — Using NASA satellite data, scientists have produced a first-of-its kind map that details the height of the world’s forests. Although there are other local- and regional-scale forest canopy maps, the new map is the first that spans the entire globe based on one uniform method.
Stellar Heavyweight Breaks the Scales
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Using the world’s most powerful ground-based telescope, astronomers have identified the seven heaviest stars ever found. One of these behemoths is so big, it’s forcing researchers to rethink just how bulky stars can become.
EPA to Study Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water; Seeks Public Input
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
This July and August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) is holding a series of public meetings seeking input on the design for an upcoming study to assess the effect of hydraulic fracturing on public drinking water supplies. Hydraulic fracturing uses high-pressured water, combined with chemicals, to release natural gas present underground in shale formations. Use of this process has raised concerns across the country that this process will contaminate, or has contaminated, drinking water supplies.
What to do with the CO2
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Burning fuel releases a lot of carbon dioxide. For more is emitted than any other air emission. What can we do with it all? A basic reuse of carbon dioxide or CO2 is to have plants and trees use it to make new plants and trees. Recently, the U.S. government has been funding more than $100 million to six research projects that will turn carbon dioxide into fuel, plastics, cement and more. Though the US is spending some money even more comes from private investors.
GM sets $41,000 price for electric Chevy Volt
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
General Motors Co. said Tuesday its Chevrolet Volt electric car will start at $41,000 when it goes on sale in November.
Pro sports’, environmentalism’s uneasy bond
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Chris Dickerson remembered cringing as he looked at the excess of empty, discarded plastic bottles by his Triple-A teammates in Louisville.
Latest Lead and Cadmium Toy Recalls:<br />Brine Lacrosse Gloves
July 27, 2010 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Brine lacrosse gloves have excessive lead, and can be traded in for a replacement or refund.
Also check product safety recalls, food recalls and pet-related recalls.