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The Growing Global Threat of Pesticides: Understanding Their Harmful Impact

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Farmers Spraying Pesticides on Cotton Fields

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Over 60 years have passed since Rachel Carson’s influential book, Silent Spring, highlighted the dangers of pesticides. The negative impact on wildlife has escalated, potentially more than ever before.

“Across nearly every nation, there is a trend of increased pesticide toxicity,” explains Ralph Schulz from RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany.

The risks associated with pesticides depend on both the volume used and their toxicity levels, which can vary significantly among species. To quantify the overall pesticide burden, Schulz and his team formulated a metric called “applied toxicity.”

The team investigated the use of 625 pesticides across 201 countries from 2013 to 2019, incorporating both organic and conventional pesticide data.

They averaged toxicity data from regulatory bodies in various nations, assessing the toxicity levels to eight major organism groups: aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, fish, terrestrial arthropods, pollinators, soil organisms, terrestrial vertebrates, and terrestrial plants. This enabled them to calculate the total toxicity per country or organism group.

Globally, applied toxicity rose from 2013 to 2019 in six out of eight organism groups. Notably, pollinators saw a 13% increase, fish a 27% rise, and terrestrial arthropods—including insects, crustaceans, and spiders—experienced a 43% increase.

“This increase does not automatically translate to direct toxic effects on these organisms,” Schulz clarifies. “However, it serves as an important indicator of the toxicity levels of the pesticides currently in use.”

Numerous studies indicate that pesticide concentrations in various ecosystems, such as rivers, often exceed regulators’ assessments during approval processes.

“While this particular index does not account for it, significant evidence exists,” Schulz remarks, emphasizing that risk evaluations tend to underestimate real-world exposures.

The rise in the combined applied toxicity stems from two key factors: the increased use of pesticides and the replacement of older varieties with more toxic alternatives, spurred primarily by the emergence of pest resistance. Schulz notes, “In my view, resistance will only exacerbate with more chemical pesticide use.”

Pesticides like pyrethroids pose notable risks to fish and aquatic invertebrates, even when applied in minimal amounts. Neonicotinoids also significantly threaten pollinators.

Calls to eliminate glyphosate, known as Roundup, are growing. Although glyphosate’s overall toxicity is relatively low, its widespread use contributes to cumulative toxicity, according to Schulz. A ban could backfire if more toxic herbicides are adopted following the ban.

Reducing pesticide usage could lead to unintended consequences; declining farm productivity may necessitate more land clearance, resulting in biodiversity loss.

During the 2022 UN Biodiversity Summit, nations pledged to reduce biodiversity loss. Schulz states, “Overall risk from pesticides” has yet to be precisely defined, but he believes that the aggregate of applied toxicities could serve as a metric.

While this method has its limitations, he insists that no perfect measure of overall pesticide use exists. Roel Vermeulen of Utrecht University in the Netherlands adds, “Despite the uncertainties, the alarming trends it reveals are undeniable.” He warns, “The world is drifting away from UN objectives, which spells bad news for ecosystems and ultimately for human health.”

“Crucially, this study illustrates that a small number of highly toxic pesticides are responsible for the majority of overall risk, highlighting clear and actionable targets for significant benefits,” Vermeulen asserts.

Transforming agricultural practices will require broader societal shifts. “Consumers must adopt dietary modifications, minimize food waste, and pay fair prices that truly reflect the environmental costs of production,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Common Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Linked to Harmful Bacteria

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Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the colon and rectum lining.

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Toxins from bacteria in contaminated water can destroy immune cells in the colon’s lining. This implies that individuals whose intestines host these bacteria are significantly more likely to develop ulcerative colitis.

This conclusion is derived from a series of studies undertaken with both humans and animals by Shwena Chan and colleagues at Nanjing University, China. If validated, these findings could pave the way for new treatment options.

Ulcerative colitis is one of the primary types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), marked by inflammation of the colon and rectum lining. Symptoms typically fluctuate between periods of remission and flare-ups, sometimes necessitating the removal of the colon in severe cases.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unclear, although it is often regarded as an autoimmune disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Chan’s team theorized that immune cells called macrophages might be integral to the condition.

Macrophages are found throughout various body tissues, performing the dual roles of clearing debris and bacteria while regulating local immune responses. They can signal additional immune cell recruitment and initiate inflammation but are equally important in mitigating it.

Researchers discovered that the density of resident macrophage cells was notably reduced in colon tissue from patients with ulcerative colitis compared to those without the condition. Further experimentation demonstrated that depleting macrophages in mice increased their susceptibility to colitis, suggesting that losing macrophage protection leads to colon damage and inflammation.

But what accounts for the lower macrophage levels in ulcerative colitis patients? By analyzing fecal samples, the research team identified a toxin named aerolysin, which significantly harms macrophages while sparing other intestinal cells.

Aerolysin is secreted by several strains of bacteria belonging to the genus Aeromonas, frequently found in freshwater and brackish environments. The strains responsible for producing aerolysin are referred to as MTB (macrophage-toxic bacteria).

In experiments where mice were deliberately infected with MTB, they exhibited greater vulnerability to colitis. Conversely, even after removing the aerolysin gene from the bacteria or neutralizing the toxin with antibodies, the mice did not show increased susceptibilities to the condition.

Ultimately, the research team tested for Aeromonas in stool samples, discovering its presence in 72% of the 79 patients with ulcerative colitis, versus only 12% among 480 individuals without the condition. This test, however, could not confirm if these bacteria were indeed MTB or if they produced aerolysin.

The findings offer a nuanced perspective. Not every case of ulcerative colitis is linked to MTB, and some individuals can carry MTB without developing the disease.

“We cannot assert that MTB is the exclusive cause of ulcerative colitis,” Zhang states. “Ongoing MTB infection can create a hypersensitive environment in the colon, yet not everyone infected will develop colitis.”

“Environmental and genetic factors certainly influence the emergence of colitis,” she adds.

According to Zhang, there are at least three potential approaches for new treatment development. One involves creating drugs to neutralize the toxin; another would focus on vaccines targeting the toxin or the bacteria producing it; while a third approach seeks to eradicate toxin-producing bacteria via phage therapy, which utilizes viruses that selectively kill specific bacteria.

“The leading theory posits that MTB toxin depletes specialized macrophages in the intestinal lining, undermining intestinal immunity,” explains Dr. Martin Kriegel from the University Hospital of Münster, Germany.

He has observed that when the team eradicated all intestinal bacteria in mice and subsequently infected them with MTB, their susceptibility to colitis diminished. This observation indicates that other yet-to-be-identified bacterial species could also play a role.

“Nonetheless, this may represent a crucial, overlooked factor in the multi-step development of ulcerative colitis, especially in China,” Kriegel suggests.

Zhang and her research group intend to conduct more extensive epidemiological studies to substantiate the association between MTB and ulcerative colitis. If MTB infection is confirmed and becomes increasingly prevalent, it may elucidate the rising incidence of IBD.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Moon Missions May Introduce Harmful Earth Microbes to the Lunar Surface

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Satellite images of the moon’s Antarctic region and Schrödinger Basin

NASA/Science Photo Library

The moon might endure far longer than previously thought, raising the concern of contaminating its surface before future lunar missions take place.

Space missions are required to follow the “Planetary Protection” policy, ensuring that microorganisms from Earth do not contaminate other celestial bodies.

Unlike Earth, where protective measures such as the atmosphere and magnetic fields exist, the moon’s surface faces intense high-energy particles from space, extreme temperatures, and harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, making it a harsh habitat for surviving organisms.

As a result, many astronomers classify the moon’s surface as inherently barren. The Space Research Committee ranks it in the second lowest category of planetary protection, alongside Venus and comets, indicating that “spacecraft-mediated contamination could compromise investigations.”

Nonetheless, new findings from Stefano Bertone of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and colleagues indicate that in certain areas near the moon’s poles, which are set to be visited by NASA’s upcoming Artemis Mission, life might survive for several days, possibly over a week. This heightens the risk of contaminating these zones and generating misleading results in the search for extraterrestrial life.

“We’re returning to the moon, leaving traces behind. We need to study what kinds of traces we’re leaving and how to minimize them,” Bertone remarked at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) in Helsinki, Finland, on September 12th.

Bertone and his team discovered five microbial species that show resilience to harsh environments, including black mold (Aspergillus niger) and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. They assessed how much ultraviolet radiation these organisms could withstand in their laboratory. They compiled data concerning UV levels on the moon’s surface, sunlight exposure, and temperature fluctuations, which allowed them to create a map indicating where these five organisms could survive for at least one day.

All living organisms can endure well-lit areas outside the permanently shadowed regions where sunlight and ultraviolet rays are absent, making these bright zones prime candidates for lunar exploration. The black mold exhibited the highest resilience, surviving in extensive areas for up to seven days.

“This is a significant study that clearly shows if there’s a risk of contamination, then certain actions need to be taken. However, we must also recognize that these actions have economic implications,” stated Stas Barabash from the Swedish Institute of Astrophysics. For instance, space agencies might decide that equipment requires more thorough sterilization, which could increase mission costs.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Recycling: A Key Strategy to Reduce Harmful Styrofoam Packaging

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As legislators tackle hard-to-recycle plastics and foams, packaging firms in California are unveiling innovative transport coolers crafted from woven fibers, revolutionizing the way temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and laboratory reagents are shipped globally.

The launch of new “recycled” containers made from recyclable paper and fibers aligns with the “Expanded Producer Responsibility” (EPR) Act, pushing the U.S. towards a more sustainable product landscape.

At least 33 states have enacted EPR laws aimed at reducing the use of plastics, styrofoam, and other contaminating materials by holding businesses accountable for their lifecycle and transferring disposal costs to producers.

Over 80 million tons of packaging waste are discarded annually in the U.S., with only around half being recycled, and a mere 9% of plastic packaging finding its way back into the recycling stream, according to Product Stewardship Research Institute.

The EPR Act seeks to minimize landfill waste, boost recycling rates, and mitigate the environmental harm caused by non-recyclable materials, prompting businesses to navigate increasingly stringent packaging regulations.

Recently, seven states have adopted the EPR Act, specifically targeting packaging materials in California, Washington, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine.

“As temperatures rise globally, the need for safe delivery options becomes crucial,” stated Catherine Telloch, CEO of the nonprofit Chicago Environmentalist. “Transitioning to fully recyclable items is fantastic, as it allows for continuous cleaning and reuse, positively impacting the environment.”

Recycling staff

Last month, Container Consulting Services from Gilroy, California, announced the launch of recyclable personnel made from paper and textiles. These containers are validated by a third party to comply with ISTA Thermal and ISTA Transit Standards, meeting essential qualifications for shipping medicines.

Other companies are manufacturing comparable eco-friendly transport coolers, but according to CCS, their product utilizes unique technology that maintains the necessary cold, matching the performance of plastic options. Their patented design features open-cell woven or nonwoven fibers that range from 1.5 to 3 inches thick, sandwiched between two interconnected fiber walls, offering insulation that effectively resists heat, akin to expanding polyethylene.

CCS claims recyclers can maintain contents at cool temperatures for over 100 hours, making them suitable for long-haul and international shipments. Upon arrival, these containers can be converted into other paper products through curbside recycling.

Telloch expressed that recyclers present a viable alternative to polystyrene. A few months prior, she received a shipment of temperature-sensitive medicine that was packed in styrofoam.

“I didn’t want that; it wasn’t good,” Telloch remarked. “If they could utilize a recyclable option instead, that would be fantastic.”

The potential impact of reusable transport coolers is significant, studies indicate. Materials such as polystyrene and polyethylene commonly used in coolers are non-biodegradable and pose threats to both human and animal health. Styrene carcinogens are released during production and usage. These lightweight materials tend to break apart and contaminate the environment as wildlife ingest microplastics. Plastic foam made with these compounds can persist in nature for thousands of years, as noted by the United Nations Environment Programme.

“Polystyrene foam is particularly harmful,” said Janet Domenitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Student Public Interest Research Group, a student advocacy organization focused on public health and environmental protection. “It’s much lighter than other plastics, making it easy for wind to carry it into landfills and the environment.”

Proponents of polystyrene argue that the material is cost-effective since its lightweight nature requires less energy and water compared to paper or fiber alternatives. The plastics industry organization did not respond to requests for comment.

Nevertheless, numerous lawmakers across the U.S. are contemplating bans on polystyrene products. In March, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Lloyd Doggett introduced the Bubble Farewell Act, which aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of polystyrene products by 2028. Additionally, California enacted a law in 2022 mandating plastics and packaging companies to minimize single-use plastics, although its implementation remains pending amid uncertain circumstances.

Globally, there is a push to eliminate plastic foam packaging, with numerous countries like Canada, Germany, and Zimbabwe having banned or restricted styrofoam, particularly in food services and packaging.

Julie Etter Simpson, co-owner of CCS, emphasized that Recycoolers are developed to align with these evolving laws.

“Product versatility is key to our commitment to environmental responsibility,” she stated.

Yaniv Abitan, managing director of Insulpack Group, an international cold package distribution company, remarked that his company has evaluated the recycling personnel and believes it will drive significant environmental initiatives as the industry shifts away from single-use plastics and EPS forms.

“We recognize the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives that do not compromise on performance,” Avitan concluded. “Recyclers symbolize the direction the industry is headed towards for domestic and international cold chain transportation.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Your Washing Machine Might Not Eliminate Harmful Bacteria from Your Clothes

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Is your washing machine providing a thorough clean?

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Washing clothes in warm water at 60°C (140°F) might not effectively eliminate harmful bacteria.

Studies indicate that contaminated fabrics can remain infectious for weeks. Moreover, washing with detergent at 60°C can remove bacteria and tackle stubborn stains.

For example, NHS England advises healthcare workers to wash uniforms at 60°C for a minimum of 10 minutes to eliminate nearly all microorganisms, according to Katie Laird from De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. “However, it’s unclear what the machine is truly accomplishing.”

Laird and her team examined six models of home washing machines to evaluate how effectively they cleaned contaminated fabric samples, specifically testing for Enterococcal feces, known to cause various infections, including urinary tract infections.

Their findings revealed that half of the washing machines tested failed to adequately disinfect clothing, reducing bacteria levels by at least 90% in only the rapid cycles; one-third of machines did not achieve sufficient breakdown even in standard cycles.

“This is primarily because most machines either don’t maintain or reach the expected temperature, particularly in shorter cycles,” notes Laird. “In one instance, we found a machine operating at just 20°C (68°F), which the user was unaware of.”

After analyzing bacteria across multiple washes, Laird’s team discovered that microorganisms began developing resistance to detergents. DNA sampling indicated that these microorganisms were acquiring genes that enabled their survival.

The findings suggest that utilizing home washing machines to launder medical uniforms could inadvertently facilitate the spread of infections and antibiotic resistance within hospital settings, Laird pointed out.

To reduce bacteria and viruses in household washing machines, Laird recommends regularly using a machine sanitizer, conducting 90°C (194°F) cleaning cycles, and employing descaling solutions to prevent the build-up of scale that may impair the heating elements’ function.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Potential harmful effects of banning teenagers’ smartphone use for academic purposes

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According to a major academic mission by the UK government to review the impact of smartphones on teenagers, a blanket ban is considered “unrealistic and potentially harmful.” Amy Oben, a former member of Cambridge University, leads the research on children and smartphone use commissioned by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), along with other academics from various UK universities.

Despite resistance from the Minister to impose new legal restrictions on social media and smartphones for children, beyond existing online safety laws that protect against harmful content, some lawmakers are advocating for further restrictions such as limiting access to social media for individuals under 16, a complete ban on smartphones in schools, or regulating social media algorithms that expose young teens to addictive content.


A recent paper by four co-authors of the British Journal of Medicine (BMJ) argued that bans and restrictions are ineffective, although they acknowledged the importance of providing children and teens with phone-free spaces.

The paper highlighted the challenges of protecting youth from potential harms of technology while also recognizing the benefits of information access and social support provided by smartphones and social media.

Researchers emphasized the need for a nuanced approach, acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that banning devices could hinder children’s rights to access beneficial technologies that support their development.

The Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, appointed Orben to lead further research on the impact of smartphones on child health and welfare. Orben emphasized the complexity of understanding the digital impact on youth and the importance of generating quality evidence for informed decision-making.

Ministers face pressure to address the use of smartphones by teenagers, especially concerning harmful online content. Discussions about restrictions on social media algorithms for teens and bans on smartphones in schools are ongoing.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reviewing guidelines on smartphone bans in schools to assess their effectiveness, while Prime Minister Kiel Starmer is engaging in discussions with stakeholders to address potential harm associated with smartphone and social media use.

DSIT has been approached for comment on this matter.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Could Makeup Contain Harmful Microplastics? A Scientist’s Perspective

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The cosmetics industry is a thriving sector. The European market is projected to reach 96 billion euros in 2023, with the UK being the fourth largest consumer at 11 billion euros after Italy, France, and Germany.

Both men and women are increasingly using cosmetics on a daily basis, and this trend looks set to continue. However, there are concerns about the safety of the ingredients used in these products.

In the European Union and other regions, ingredients in cosmetics are subject to strict regulations. Only approved ingredients are allowed, and this list is regularly updated based on new scientific findings.

The process of banning certain ingredients from cosmetics in Europe is overseen by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The agency first notifies about its intention to restrict certain chemicals, followed by a call for evidence where stakeholders provide data on the safety of the chemicals in question.

After thorough evaluation by scientific committees, recommendations are made, and a final decision is reached by the European Commission, a process that can take several years.

Companies are informed about upcoming regulatory changes so they can voluntarily replace substances that will be restricted in the future. An example is the ban on plastic microbeads, which were promptly removed from products ahead of the ban.

However, plastic remains a common ingredient in cosmetics, especially in leave-in products. Although not included in the microbead ban, these products will be phased out over the next seven years as part of the EU’s restrictions on the use of microplastics.

Microplastics are a concern due to their potential harm to humans, mainly because of their small size and persistence in the environment. There are also worries about the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, which have raised health concerns.

The use of PFAS in cosmetics is limited, but there are potential ways for them to enter products unintentionally. Regulations are in place to phase out PFAS in cosmetics, and efforts are being made to ensure consumer safety.

What Does the Future Hold for Cosmetics?

Considering the small percentage of products containing PFAS and the ongoing efforts to phase them out, restrictions on the use of PFAS in cosmetics are not expected to greatly impact the industry.

Regulatory bodies are actively working to phase out harmful chemicals from cosmetics and ensure product safety. Consumers can stay informed by checking ingredient labels, utilizing databases like cosmile, and using apps to identify potential health risks in cosmetics.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The harmful effects of certain kitchen utensils on health

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Some kitchen appliances have become popular in our kitchens due to their cost-effectiveness, durability, and easy cleaning. However, recent studies indicate that certain food staples like black plastic utensils, plastic cutting boards, and nonstick pots may release harmful substances into our food. This is not the kind of seasoning we want in our healthy, nutritious meals.

So, what are the risks associated with these kitchen tools, and what are the safer alternatives available?

Issues with Plastic Utensils

Many of us may have a set of black plastic spatulas, spoons, and ladles tucked away in our kitchen drawers. New research reveals that these items can potentially leach toxic flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) into our food.

These chemicals were originally used in electronics to reduce fire risks but are now present in black plastic kitchen utensils made from recycled electronic waste.

Another study found that 85 percent of black plastic household items examined, including fast food trays, children’s toys, and kitchen utensils, contained toxic flame retardants, with the highest levels found in kitchen utensils.

DecaBDE is particularly harmful, linked to cancer, hormonal disorders, thyroid issues, developmental problems in children, neurobehavioral effects, and toxicity in the reproductive and immune systems. Due to these concerns, it was banned in the UK in 2018 and in the US in 2021.

Researchers estimate that people may be exposed to an average of 34.7 ppm of deca-BDE daily through recycled black plastic kitchen utensils, posing a significant health risk as the chemicals can accumulate in the body over time.

Instead of using black plastic utensils, consider switching to safer alternatives like stainless steel or food-grade silicone options.

Cutting Board and Microplastics

Plastic cutting boards, although seemingly harmless, can release microplastics into our food. These small particles, known as microplastics, can be ingested unintentionally and pose health risks.

Recent research suggests that cutting boards made of polypropylene and polyethylene can release up to 1,114 microplastic particles with just one cut, leading to potential health issues related to microplastic ingestion.

Replacing plastic cutting boards with bamboo or wood alternatives can help reduce these health risks, as these materials are naturally resistant to bacteria and environmentally friendly.

The Truth about Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick pans are favored by many home cooks for their convenience, but the chemicals used in these coatings, such as PFAS, raise health concerns. While modern nonstick pans are considered safe, there are uncertainties about their long-term impacts, especially when exposed to high temperatures or damage.

Be cautious with nonstick pans to prevent overheating, which can release toxic fumes and particles. Scratches or damage to the coating can also release harmful substances into food.

Consider using alternative cookware options like stainless steel or cast iron to avoid potential health risks associated with nonstick pans.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study finds newly discovered chemicals in drinking water could be harmful

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overview

  • A recent study has identified a new chemical byproduct that may be present in the tap water of approximately one-third of U.S. households. The potential dangers of this byproduct are still unknown.
  • Researchers are currently investigating the toxicity of this newly discovered chemical due to its similarities to other concerning chemicals.

A study revealed that around one-third of U.S. residents are consuming tap water containing a previously unidentified chemical byproduct. Concerns about the potential toxicity of this chemical have led scientists to closely examine it.

The newly identified substance, known as ‘chloronitramid anion’, is created during the water treatment process involving chloramine, which is produced by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramines are commonly used in municipal water treatment to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

Although the existence of this byproduct was discovered four decades ago, recent advancements in analytical techniques have now enabled scientists to determine its structure. It has only recently been identified.

While it may take several years to ascertain the potential dangers of the chlornitramide anion, researchers from the study published their findings in the journal Science to prompt further research on its safety.

Researchers noted that there is currently no conclusive evidence indicating that the compound is harmful, but its widespread detection and structural similarities to other concerning chemicals warrant thorough investigation.

Research showed that the chlornitramide anion is a byproduct formed as chloramine deteriorates over time, indicating that it is likely present in all water treated using this method.

The discovery of potentially hazardous byproducts in tap water underscores the importance of understanding the health implications of water treatment chemicals. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the safety of these substances.

Regulations requiring the monitoring and control of disinfectant byproducts are prompting water utilities to shift towards using chloramines over chlorine, as some chlorine byproducts have been linked to health risks.

While conclusive findings on the toxicity of the newly identified chemical may take years, ongoing research aims to minimize public exposure to potential health risks associated with water treatment chemicals.

Many water utilities in the U.S. disclose information on their treatment processes and potential byproducts, suggesting the use of activated carbon filters in household purifiers to remove disinfectant byproducts.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Experts Explain the Harmful Effects of Nicotine Pouches

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It has been common knowledge for many years that smoking is highly detrimental to health. Quitting smoking or avoiding starting in the first place are among the most effective measures individuals can take to safeguard their well-being.

Nations worldwide are implementing comprehensive strategies to eradicate smoking from the realm of normal and socially acceptable behaviors, shedding light on the reality that smoking is a lethal addiction.

The reduction in smoking rates is attributed to initiatives such as increased tobacco taxes, graphic warnings on packaging, workplace smoking bans, and the cessation of alluring tobacco advertising campaigns.

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Recent data from the UK Office for National Statistics indicates that 12.9% of adults in the UK are current smokers. This marks a substantial decline compared to the 30% prevalence in the early 1990s. The success in tobacco control efforts is evident in this statistic.

Nevertheless, nicotine addiction continues to thrive as a lucrative industry. Rather than fading away quietly, the tobacco sector has introduced a new array of products appealing primarily to the youth demographic: flavored disposable e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, and their latest novelty item—nicotine pouches.

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Nicotine pouches are typically packaged in small, pocket-sized containers resembling tea bags. They consist of a blend of vegetable fiber, sugar, flavorings, and, of course, nicotine.

Nicotine can either be synthesized in a laboratory or extracted from the tobacco plant. These pouches come in various flavors ranging from fruity to sweet and in different nicotine strengths, some containing more nicotine than regular cigarettes.

The user places the small pouch between their lips and gums, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed. Once the nicotine is fully absorbed, the pouch is discarded and replaced. These pouches are discreet, emit a pleasant aroma, and unlike chewing tobacco, do not require spitting post-use.

Although nicotine pouches are relatively new, they bear similarities to Scandinavian “snus,” the key distinction being the absence of tobacco in pouches. This regulatory loophole allows pouches to dodge tobacco product rules and regulations that apply to cigarettes.

Unlike cigarettes, pouches can legally be sold to individuals under 18 in the UK due to this lack of regulation. Other countries, such as the US, have taken steps to ban or restrict pouch sales to adults only.

What do we know about the health risks of pouches?

While nicotine pouches are gaining popularity globally, limited data exists to assess their health risks as they are relatively new in the market. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization advocates for a cautious approach emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health outcomes while permitting the sale and promotion of nicotine pouches, especially concerning the health of young individuals.

Usage of pouches exposes individuals to toxic nicotine, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction and potentially leading to the use of other products like e-cigarettes or cigarettes.

Aside from the addictive nature of nicotine, its consumption in pouch form can impact adolescent brain development and overall health, including cognitive functions. High doses of nicotine may induce symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and abdominal cramps, particularly in individuals inexperienced with nicotine exposure.

It might be tempting to compare the health effects of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products to deem one product “safer” than another. However, 85% of the UK population never smoke; hence, young non-smokers would not derive health benefits from initiating pouch use.

Moreover, there’s no current evidence supporting the efficacy of pouches in smoking or vaping cessation. Rather than aiding cessation efforts, individuals who smoke or vape may resort to pouches when restricted from smoking or vaping easily, potentially increasing nicotine intake.

A handful of multinational corporations dominate the global tobacco industry, with British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International being the two largest manufacturers and sellers of nicotine pouches. Resembling vintage cigarette advertisements, pouch promotions employ motorsport, celebrity endorsements, and various lifestyle marketing techniques.

Tobacco industry practices have been alarmingly proficient in harmful marketing strategies. The widespread availability of addictive nicotine products and the absence of stringent regulations on pouch advertising and sales pose a genuine risk of escalating pouch use and nicotine addiction among the youth.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Potential Harmful Effects of Spiral Scratches on Contact Lenses

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Contact lenses with a spiral design

Laurent Galinier

Lenses featuring a trippy spiral design could be an alternative to traditional multifocal lenses. It seems to produce clearer images than standard multifocal lenses, even in dimly lit areas.

The lens was created by the inventor Laurent Galinier.when bertrand simon He met Galinier through a scientific collaboration at the Institute of Optics Graduate School in France, and he immediately wanted to test lenses in the lab.

They are round lenses like traditional contact lenses, but the surface is carefully turned into a spiral using a lathe. This spiral shape changes the path that light rays take through the lens. That is, the lens does not have a single focal point, but several focal points, some closer to the lens and some farther from it.

It's unclear exactly how the spiral shape does this, but Simon said it appears to twist the light rays and create vortexes of light (like small tornadoes of light) that somehow influence each other. ing.

In the lab, Simon and his colleagues analyzed laser light passed through a spiral lens and simulated the process on a computer. In direct comparison with traditional multifocal lenses, the spiral lenses provided more clarity and detail when more light passed through them, and performed better in dim light conditions.

Therefore, spiral lenses may be suitable under various lighting conditions. For example, it could be useful for people who use multifocal lenses while driving at night, Simon said. He tried the spiral contact lenses himself and said that while the hard material was uncomfortable in contact with his eyes, it saved him the hassle of removing his glasses to look at his cell phone. With the spiral lens, I could see the screen clearly.

james wolfthorn According to researchers at Aston University in the UK, many people experience problems focusing on nearby objects, even if their distance vision is corrected. Innovations like spiral lenses are promising, but only clinical trials can prove how much of a difference new technology will actually make for people, he says.

Simon says it's possible to create a more compact camera by replacing part of the lens with a spiral lens version, but the team will first investigate the science behind spiral light. We would like to do further testing.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Harmful Effects of Extreme Drought on Plants may be Underestimated

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One of the shelters used to simulate extreme drought. It is located at the Central Plains Experiment Station in Colorado.

melinda smith

An experiment conducted at 100 sites around the world shows that during extreme droughts, grassland productivity declines much more than we thought. This finding suggests that plants may be struggling to cope with more frequent and severe droughts that are expected to result from climate change.

melinda smith Researchers at Colorado State University have designed a shelter that can be placed on top of land and topped with a piece of plastic to deflect some of the rain away from the vegetation below.

Working with other researchers around the world, Smith and her team were able to install such shelters in 100 grassland or shrubland locations across six continents.

For each site, Smith said, the team aimed to recreate conditions that would be considered extreme drought in the area, the type of conditions that occur once every 100 years. For example, in areas of Europe with high rainfall, more plastic strips are placed on roofs compared to drier areas to better simulate drought.

A year later, the researchers discovered that while some experiments were successful in reproducing drought conditions, others were unsuccessful because certain areas had higher than average rainfall.

In the 44 sites that experienced extreme drought, plant growth decreased by 38% in grasslands and 21% in shrublands. “That was huge,” Smith said, adding that the reduction in plant growth was much more severe than the researchers had observed in previous studies.

They also found that arid regions with low biodiversity are particularly vulnerable to drought. “Dry places are already at their limit,” Smith said. “Their systems don't have a lot of buffers to deal with it.”

Smith hopes these insights can improve global climate models that have previously underestimated the role of drought in the carbon cycle.

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Source: www.newscientist.com