Tag

Arsenic

All articles tagged with #arsenic

science20 days ago•40 min saved

Andean Arsenic Adaptation: A Genetic Shield Against Toxic Groundwater

DNA analysis of 124 women from the high-arsenic town San Antonio de los Cobres shows variants near the AS3MT gene that help metabolize arsenic more safely, producing excretable forms and fewer toxic intermediates. The pattern suggests long-term arsenic exposure has driven genetic adaptation in Andean populations, with similar signals in other Andean groups and implications for how humans adapt to environmental toxins (published in Molecular Biology and Evolution).

via Yahoo|

#andes #arsenic #as3mt

science22 days ago•6 min saved

Andean Arsenic Adaptation: A Genetic Edge Against Toxic Groundwater

Researchers studying San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina, found a cluster of genetic variants near the AS3MT gene that are more common in residents exposed to high arsenic levels in drinking water; these variants likely increase the body's ability to convert arsenic into excretable forms, reducing toxic intermediates and providing a genetic adaptation to a long-term toxic environment.

via ScienceAlert|

#andes #arsenic #arsenic-metabolism

health1 month ago•42 min saved

49 Infant Formulas: Mixed Safety Findings on Lead and Arsenic

Consumer Reports tested 49 ready-to-feed, concentrated, and powdered infant formulas and found that about half had low or undetected contaminants, while 26 formulas contained inorganic arsenic or lead at concerning levels. The results show a mix of safer, affordable options (especially among ready-to-feed liquids) and products with notable contamination, plus some hypoallergenic formulas performing poorly. The report underscores the need for more transparent, frequent testing and regulatory action in the U.S., notes EU limits for context, and advises parents to consult pediatricians and be cautious with imported formulas not under FDA oversight.

via Consumer Reports|

#arsenic #consumer-reports #contaminants

science6 months ago•2 min saved

Paralvinella hessleri: The acid-dwelling yellow worm that uses poison for defense

Paralvinella hessleri is a yellow worm living in the toxic, high-temperature hydrothermal vents of the Pacific Ocean that survives by storing arsenic in its skin, where it reacts with sulfide to form a less harmful mineral, effectively fighting poison with poison.

via Live Science|

#arsenic #extreme-environment #hydrothermal-vents

science7 months ago•1 min saved

Deep-Sea Worm Uses Poison to Combat Toxicity

A deep-sea polychaete worm, Paralvinella hessleri, survives high arsenic levels by converting it into a less toxic mineral through a process that combines arsenic with sulfide, revealing a novel biological adaptation to extreme environments.

via The New York Times|

#arsenic #biochemistry #deep-sea-worm

environment7 months ago•4 min saved

Global Rice Fields Accumulate 'King of Poisons'

A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that climate change and rising CO₂ levels are increasing arsenic accumulation in rice fields worldwide, which could elevate health risks such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, especially in regions where rice is a staple food. The research emphasizes the need for smarter farming practices, breeding, and water management to mitigate these risks as global temperatures rise.

via Earth.com|

#arsenic #climate-change #environment

science8 months ago•2 min saved

Science Retracts 'Arsenic Life' Study After 15 Years of Controversy

A 2010 study claiming that GFAJ-1 bacteria incorporated arsenic into DNA has been retracted in 2025 by Science, citing flawed data, reigniting debate over the original findings and the criteria for retraction, with mixed reactions from scientists and the original authors.

via Ars Technica|

#arsenic #controversy #dna

science8 months ago•2 min saved

Science Journal Retracts Controversial Study on Bizarre Life Form

A controversial study claiming the discovery of arsenic-based bacteria in a California lake was retracted by the journal Science due to the experiments not supporting the key conclusions, despite the researchers' disagreement and NASA's opposition to the retraction.

via Yahoo Home|

#arsenic #bacteria #controversy

science8 months ago•3 min saved

Science Magazine Retracts NASA Astrobiology Paper After 15 Years

Science Magazine is retracting a NASA-funded 2010 paper claiming a bacterium can grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus, after 15 years, citing a new standard for retractions. NASA criticizes the move as unprecedented and unfairly targeted, emphasizing transparency and scientific integrity.

via NASA Watch|

#arsenic #astrobiology #nasa

science8 months ago•3 min saved

Science Retracts 'Arsenic Life' Paper After 15 Years

A 2010 study claiming the discovery of an arsenic-eating microbe, GFAJ-1, has been retracted by Science due to contaminated data, despite the original authors' disagreement, highlighting ongoing debates and issues in scientific research.

via Live Science|

#arsenic #gfaj-1 #microbe

health9 months ago•4 min saved

Arsenic in Tap Water Threatens Children's Health and Birth Outcomes

A study warns that up to 280 million Americans are at risk of lifelong health issues due to arsenic in tap water, which can cause premature births, low birth weight, and developmental delays, with disparities observed across racial groups. Even levels below current EPA limits may pose risks, highlighting the need for stricter water safety measures.

via Daily Mail|

#arsenic #birth-outcomes #health

health1 year ago•3 min saved

Tap Water Contaminant Linked to Rising Cancer Cases in 40 Million Americans

A study by Texas A&M University suggests that arsenic in tap water, consumed by up to 40 million Americans, may increase the risk of kidney cancer. The research found that even low arsenic levels, considered safe by the FDA, were linked to a higher cancer risk. Arsenic, a toxic mineral found in groundwater, can damage DNA and increase cancer risk. The study highlights the vulnerability of those using private wells, particularly in states like Nevada, Washington, and California, where arsenic levels are higher. Kidney cancer rates in the U.S. have been rising, with arsenic exposure being a potential contributing factor.

via Daily Mail|

#arsenic #cancer #health

science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Novel Quantum State Discovered in Arsenic Surface Could Revolutionize Quantum Electronics"

Physicists have discovered a never-before-seen hybrid quantum state on the surface of an arsenic crystal, combining two different means of current. This unexpected finding has the potential to advance quantum physics research and technologies such as quantum computing, as it opens up a new frontier in material science and novel physics. The discovery, published in Nature, could lead to the development of new topological materials and quantum devices not currently accessible through existing platforms.

via ScienceAlert|

#arsenic #physics-research #quantum-materials

natural-disasters2 years ago•2 min saved

Lahaina's Recovery: Reopening and Uplifting Kokua after Wildfires

The heart of Lahaina, Hawaii, has partially reopened to residents and business owners after a deadly wildfire, but ongoing challenges persist due to toxic ash and dust. Test results from the Department of Health confirmed high levels of arsenic and lead in the ash samples collected from properties. Protective gear is recommended when entering scorched lots. The cleanup is still in its early stages, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removing hazards from destroyed buildings. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will haul away remaining debris. Air monitors have been installed, and people are advised to avoid outdoor activity during elevated air pollution levels.

via Fox News|

#arsenic #hawaii #lahaina

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Toxic Heavy Metals Detected in Popular Baby Food Brands: What You Need to Know

Consumer Reports (CR) retested 14 popular baby food products for heavy metals and found that some still contain concerning amounts of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. CR identified seven products as safe for infants to consume, including Earth's Best Organic Sunny Days Snack Bars and Gerber Natural for Baby. However, six products, such as Gerber Natural for Baby Veggiepower and Beech-Nut Naturals, were deemed the most concerning due to high levels of heavy metals. CR advises limiting consumption of these products and rotating them with low heavy metal foods like infant cereals made from oats, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

via EatingWell|

#arsenic #baby-food #cadmium