Monthly Archives: June 2019

Undocumented biodiversity of marine Oomycota is found in the Arctic

iceberg-415212_1280

Oomycota are fungal-like organisms and notorious parasites of fish, crops, and algae. A new study published in IMA Fungus analyzed samples across the Arctic and found Oomycota sequences that comprised completely unknown branches of life. As the Arctic continues to warm, Oomycota might migrate into the Arctic Ocean and parasitize non-coevolved hosts, leading to incalculable consequences.

Biology Health

The USA lags behind other large agricultural economies in banning harmful pesticides

Pesticides

50 years ago the USA led the way in regulating pesticides, but research published today in Environmental Health finds that the country is still using many pesticides that are either banned or being phased out in the EU, China and Brazil. In this blog Nathan Donley, author of the research, tells us about his study and how an unofficial policy of relying on voluntary pesticide cancellations has led to this situation.

Biology Health

World Environment Day 2019 quiz

Shanghai Financial Center and modern skyscraper city in misty go

Set up by the United Nations, World Environment Day aims to raise international awareness of environmental issues and encourage action to protect our world and environment. The theme for this year’s day is ‘Air Pollution’ with China acting as the host country for the official celebrations. Air pollution is the cause of 7 million premature deaths each year and according to the UN, 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air. Understanding the effects and taking relevant action are steps which will help to #BeatAirPollution. Test your knowledge of air pollution and its effects with our quiz!

Biology Health