Tag

Toxins

All articles tagged with #toxins

science1 month ago•4 min saved

Nine Weird Crabs: Toxic Killers, Giant Shellade Barbarians, and Other Ocean Oddities

Nine ocean crustaceans nicknamed crabs—many aren’t true crabs—showcase toxic defenses, colossal sizes, and unusual adaptations: from the toxic xanthid crabs and the car-sized Japanese spider crab to porcelain and hermit crabs, boxer crabs that wield anemone “gloves,” spiny spider crabs’ debris camouflage, devil crabs’ neurotoxins, spanner crabs’ tool-like claws, and zebra crabs that parasitize venomous urchins; the piece also explains what defines a true crab and how evolution can reshape crustaceans.

via BBC Wildlife Magazine|

#camouflage #crabs #marine-life

health4 months ago•1 min saved

Preconception Health May Shape Autism Risk, Researchers Say

Some researchers argue that health and environmental factors during a 1,300-day window—from before conception through a child’s second year—could influence autism risk by subtly shaping eggs or sperm, prompting efforts to reduce toxins, stress, and infections and educate prospective parents.

via The Boston Globe|

#autism #health #maternal-health

science6 months ago•5 min saved

Tire Rubber Breaks Down into Hazardous Chemicals

New research from Northeastern University reveals that crumb rubber, used in artificial turf and made from recycled tires, decays into hundreds of potentially hazardous chemicals when exposed to sunlight and natural conditions, raising concerns about human health and environmental safety.

via Northeastern Global News|

#artificial-turf #chemical-decay #crumb-rubber

environment6 months ago•6 min saved

LA Homes Still Contain Toxic Hazards a Year After Wildfires

A year after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, residents continue to face hazardous indoor conditions due to lingering toxins like lead and asbestos, with many struggling to get proper cleanup and insurance coverage, leading to ongoing health risks and emotional distress.

via ABC News|

#environment #indoor-air-quality #insurance-challenges

home8 months ago•4 min saved

Why You Should Always Leave Shoes Outside the House

Wearing shoes inside the house can introduce harmful germs, toxins, and allergens, cause messes, damage flooring, and may be culturally inappropriate, while going shoeless can be more comfortable and healthier for your home environment.

via KSL.com|

#flooring #germs #home

science8 months ago•6 min saved

Snakes Remove Poison from Frogs in Nature's Toxic Battle

Scientists observed snakes dragging toxin-containing frogs across the ground before eating them, revealing how some animals have evolved mechanisms like toxin degradation or resistance to survive and even co-opt deadly chemicals, highlighting the complex chemical arms race in nature.

via ScienceAlert|

#animal-defense #evolution #frogs

environment8 months ago•4 min saved

Scientists Discover Hidden Threats in Swamps

Scientists have found dangerously high levels of mercury in swamp alligators in Georgia and South Carolina, especially in the Okefenokee Swamp, raising concerns about environmental contamination and health risks for wildlife and humans, with mercury entering food webs and accumulating in top predators like alligators.

via Earth.com|

#alligators #bioaccumulation #environment

health9 months ago•2 min saved

Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in E-Cigarette Liquids That May Harm Lungs

A study by UC Riverside found that heating e-cigarette fluids produces toxic chemicals, methylglyoxal and acetaldehyde, which can damage human lung cells, with methylglyoxal being potentially more harmful even at lower levels, raising concerns about long-term health risks of vaping.

via University of California, Riverside|

#acetaldehyde #e-cigarettes #health

health10 months ago•5 min saved

Common Kitchen Tool May Be Contaminating Your Food

A mouse study reveals that microplastics released from plastic cutting boards can cause inflammation and gut microbiota changes, raising concerns about human exposure to microplastics through food preparation, and emphasizing the importance of replacing old boards and maintaining good hygiene practices.

via Earth.com|

#gut-health #health #kitchen

science1 year ago•2 min saved

Gut Microbes May Help Remove Persistent PFAS Chemicals from the Body

Scientists have discovered that specific gut microbes can naturally absorb and eliminate up to 74% of PFAS chemicals from the human body, especially long-chain variants, through a mechanism that involves pumping toxins out of cells. This finding could lead to probiotic treatments for PFAS removal, offering a less invasive alternative to current methods, though the broader issue of PFAS contamination remains critical.

via Boing Boing|

#bioremediation #gut-bacteria #microbes

health1 year ago•3 min saved

Gut Microbes May Help Remove 'Forever Chemicals' from the Body

Research from the University of Cambridge shows that certain gut microbes can absorb and help expel 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) from the body, potentially leading to probiotic treatments to reduce these toxic compounds, which are linked to serious health issues. The microbes removed up to 75% of some PFAS in mice, offering a promising, side-effect-free approach to detoxification, though broader environmental and health strategies are still necessary.

via The Guardian|

#environmental-health #gut-microbes #health

health1 year ago•4 min saved

Gut bacteria may help detoxify harmful 'forever chemicals'

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered that certain gut bacteria can absorb and help remove harmful PFAS chemicals from the body, potentially leading to probiotic treatments to mitigate their health effects, although this has not yet been tested in humans.

via University of Cambridge|

#environmental-health #gut-microbiome #health

health1 year ago•7 min saved

Debunking Myths About Sunscreen and Sun Safety

The article clarifies misconceptions about sunscreen, emphasizing that it is safe and essential for skin cancer prevention, with mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide being the safest options. It advises using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreens, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding DIY alternatives, while highlighting that fear-mongering about 'toxins' is unfounded and that sunscreen use is supported by extensive research. The article also stresses the importance of consistent sun protection for all skin tones.

via HuffPost|

#health #mineral-sunscreen #skin-cancer

health1 year ago•5 min saved

Risks of Herbal Supplements: Hidden Dangers to Liver and Kidney Health

Herbal supplements, often perceived as safe and natural, can pose serious health risks including liver and kidney damage due to contamination, toxins, and unpredictable reactions, especially when used without proper knowledge or medical oversight. It is crucial to research, consult healthcare professionals, and monitor health when using these products to avoid irreversible harm.

via Times of India|

#health #herbal-supplements #kidney-damage

science1 year ago•2 min saved

Feather-legged lace weaver spider uses toxic silk to subdue prey

A study reveals that feather-legged lace weaver spiders kill prey not by injecting venom, but by covering them with silk infused with regurgitated toxins, using a unique method that lacks venom glands but is equally effective.

via Phys.org|

#prey #science #silk