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Can heavy metals cause chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) has emerged as a serious health issue in rural farming communities across Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, damaging the health of both the farmers and their fragile economy. The reason for the disease...
Investigating antibiotics in the environment
Antibiotics are incredibly useful for treating humans and animals but once they’ve done their good work, they end up reaching the environment through excretion or improper disposal of waste. Out in the environment, they contaminate soil, water and plants, creating...
Australian scientist to head bid to clean up the world’s soils
A distinguished Australian scientist has been chosen to lead a global effort to end pollution of the world’s food-growing soils. Ravi Naidu, a Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle and Managing Director and CEO of...
Climate change is our second-largest environmental problem – we need to get serious about the largest
Just over a week from now, on the 5th of June, we once again celebrate World Environment Day. Despite a notable lack of progress since it was first held almost 50 years ago, the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect upon a self-inflicted problem that is larger...
Australians to help solve global methane threat
A collaboration between science and industry will put Australia at the forefront of global research to help curb the potent greenhouse gas, methane. Although Australia was not among the 100+ nations to sign the Global Methane Pledge at the World Climate...
Reducing plastic in gardens – packaging, weed control raise soil contamination
With plastic waste a worldwide problem, consumers are taking steps to reduce use and recycle more household packaging – including in their own backyard. A new study, studying microplastic contamination in backyard soil samples, suggests plastic landscape garden bed...