Synthetic Biology: Friend or Foe?
Researchers believe “SynBio” may eventually help address hunger, pollution, and other modern problems. Yet in the wrong hands, synthetic biology could unleash terrible biological weapons. Experts discuss.
Pollution Sub-categories:
- Air Pollution (32)
- Water Pollution (4)
Medical Notes: August 15, 2021
Scientists have finally found something good about having a cold—it makes you less likely to be infected by Covid-19. Then, childhood exposure to lead may affect your personality later. And finally, scientists have developed clothing that can prevent 100 percent of mosquito bites.
Medical Notes: July 18, 2021
Everybody loves a home-cooked meal, but what if your stove was slowly poisoning you? Then, if you were born 200 years ago, you’d be lucky to celebrate your 40th birthday. Plus, researchers have cured diabetes in mice by putting insulin-producing cells into a tiny device. Then, older people who have trouble falling asleep are more likely to have cognitive …
How To Speed Up Your Drive: Don’t Turn Left
Traffic engineers are learning that they can increase road efficiency and safety by eliminating left turns at many busy intersections, even those that have left turn arrows. This increases distance traveled for some people--some may have to make three right turns instead--but virtually everyone benefits in travel time, as package carrier UPS has learned. A …
Medical Notes: July 11, 2021
Officials are worried we may start seeing a spike in Covid cases soon and it could become serious by fall. Then, Have you lost your sense of smell? Covid may not be to blame--it could be air pollution. Then, doctors can now use smartphone cameras to detect bacteria on the skin and in the mouth. And finally, for people suffering from hard-to-treat …
Medical Notes: Week of June 27, 2021
Many of us have the picture of a Covid pandemic winding down, but for cancer patients treatment can still be hard to get. Then, evidence of adverse health effects is mounting, but there’s been little research on prenatal exposure to Glyphosate. And finally… the home of the future may include a smart toilet to gauge your bowel health.
Medical Notes: Week of June 20, 2021
A new study finds that organic meats are much less likely to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens. Then, fracking has been linked to higher heart attack rates in nearby communities. Then, more people are working the graveyard shift… and that means more people suffering from what’s called “shift work sleep disorder.” Then, here’s another way to cut your …
Refineries and Their Neighbors: How Safe is the Air?
A recent report shows that more than a dozen refineries around the US are emitting benzene pollution into the air at higher levels than allowed by the EPA. An activist discusses this newly labeled problem and what the agency can do to curb it.
Medical Notes: Week of June 6, 2021
Scientists have come up with a test that can tell in less than an hour whether you’re sick with a virus or bacteria. Then a study finds that there are changes in the blood that can predict a pregnant woman's due date more accurately than today's obstetricians. Then, more evidence that Covid symptoms can drag on and on for months. And finally, the impact of …
Medical Notes: Week of May 30, 2021
A large new study shows people are in more pain than ever before. Then, One of the hallmarks of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS is a misfolding of proteins. now researchers say those folded proteins may be linked to gut bacteria. Then, here’s another way to cut your cancer risk—eat more mushrooms. And finally, a study showing that air …
Medical Notes: Week of April 25, 2021
New research shows that reopening schools can be safe. Then, The brain cancer glioblastoma has no cure… but that may be changing. And finally, as air pollution from cars declines, scientists in Los Angeles say another polluter is becoming more important—palm trees.
Ending Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease has become one of the fastest growing diseases and causes of disability in the world. Evidence shows that environmental toxins such as pesticides play a role. Experts discuss what we know about Parkinson’s and how we could curtail its rise, saving lives and restoring quality of life.
