Human activities account for 20% to more than 60% of toxic thallium entering the Baltic Sea over the past eight decades, according to new research. Currently, the amount of thallium, which is considered the most toxic metal for mammals, remains low in Baltic seawater. Much of the thallium in the Baltic, which is the largest …

Human activity is causing toxic thallium to enter the Baltic sea, according to new study Read More »

A new study provides compelling evidence that genome-matched treatments can provide significant patient benefit. ​A new study provides compelling evidence that genome-matched treatments can provide significant patient benefit. A new study provides compelling evidence that genome-matched treatments can provide significant patient benefit. 

The global demand for palm oil — the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet, in everything from instant noodles to lipstick — is driving worldwide tropical deforestation. While many studies have shown the loss of biodiversity when rainforests are converted to oil palm plantations, researchers have now shown the far-reaching and wide-ranging disturbances …

Oil palm plantations are driving massive downstream impact to watershed Read More »

Working with teens, researchers designed RESeT: a snowy virtual world with six activities intended to improve mood. In a 3-week study of 44 teens, researchers found that most of the teens used the technology about twice a week without being prompted and reported lower stress levels after using the environment. ​Working with teens, researchers designed …

Virtual reality environment for teens may offer an accessible, affordable way to reduce stress Read More »

Genetics can be associated with one’s behavior and health — from the willingness to take risks, and how long one stays in school, to chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. Although our fate is surely not written in our genes, corporations may still find genetic data valuable for risk assessment and business profits, …

Companies may buy consumer genetic information despite its modest predictive power Read More »

The length of telomeres in white blood cells, known as leukocytes, varies significantly among sub-Saharan African populations, researchers report. Moreover, leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is negatively associated with malaria endemicity and only partly explained by genetic factors. ​The length of telomeres in white blood cells, known as leukocytes, varies significantly among sub-Saharan African populations, researchers …

Malaria may shorten leukocyte telomeres among sub-Saharan Africans Read More »