Benzene poisons household gas in Europe
A team of researchers from PSE Healthy Energy and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability has found high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in household gas supplies across Europe.
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How war comes for your brain
Many naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that affect the central nervous system (CNS) can cross from the bloodstream into the brain, influencing human behavior and bodily functions, sometimes beneficially, sometimes harmfully. As brain weapons, for instance.
EU banned pesticides return through the front door
The reappearance of banned pesticides through imported fruits and vegetables exposes the fragility of Europe’s food safety system. What was meant to protect people and the planet is being undermined by global trade loopholes. As long as the EU doesn’t apply identical standards to imported goods and domestic production, its promise of safe and fair food remains only partially fulfilled.
Call for restrictions on patents on seeds
In a joint position paper, the German organic producer, Bioland, together with a score of organizations, is calling for significant restrictions regarding patents on seeds.
As stated in the position paper, the signatories are calling for patents on plants obtained from conventional breeding (random mutagenesis) to be prohibited, as well as on plants obtained from new genetic engineering (NGTs) if their characteristics also occur in nature. In addition, they propose a general exclusion from patent law for breeding (breeders’ exemption), which would also apply if further patents are granted.
Disease X and the next virus threat: when will a new pandemic hit?
The threat of a new pandemic, caused by a novel virus or disease X, is real. A combination of global factors creates an environment conducive to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. These factors include ecological, societal, and geopolitical drivers, which are increasingly interconnected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is not a question of if but when it strikes.
Black plastic that takes e-waste to your kitchen and your food
Black plastic is a common material in most kitchens and is used in utensils like spoons, spatulas, and containers. However, a growing body of research suggests that it poses health risks because it can be made from recycled electronic waste. This process may introduce toxic flame retardants, such as brominated and organophosphate compounds, into the material and into your food when exposed to heat. These chemicals are associated with serious health issues, including cancer and hormone disruption.
From the Ukrainian battlefield, dangerous resistant bacteria klebsiella emerges
The bacterium ‘Klebsiella pneumoniae’, which is resistant to all antibiotics, is also particularly aggressive and dangerous.
This new COVID medicine is coming soon
Vaccines to contain COVID are a first step towards control of the pandemic. But eventually, we need to have a cure. Covid medicine is coming.