All articles tagged with #arsenic
Paralvinella hessleri is a yellow worm living in the toxic, high-temperature hydrothermal vents of the Pacific Ocean that survives by storing arsenic in its skin, where it reacts with sulfide to form a less harmful mineral, effectively fighting poison with poison.
A deep-sea polychaete worm, Paralvinella hessleri, survives high arsenic levels by converting it into a less toxic mineral through a process that combines arsenic with sulfide, revealing a novel biological adaptation to extreme environments.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that climate change and rising CO₂ levels are increasing arsenic accumulation in rice fields worldwide, which could elevate health risks such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, especially in regions where rice is a staple food. The research emphasizes the need for smarter farming practices, breeding, and water management to mitigate these risks as global temperatures rise.
A 2010 study claiming that GFAJ-1 bacteria incorporated arsenic into DNA has been retracted in 2025 by Science, citing flawed data, reigniting debate over the original findings and the criteria for retraction, with mixed reactions from scientists and the original authors.
A controversial study claiming the discovery of arsenic-based bacteria in a California lake was retracted by the journal Science due to the experiments not supporting the key conclusions, despite the researchers' disagreement and NASA's opposition to the retraction.
Science Magazine is retracting a NASA-funded 2010 paper claiming a bacterium can grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus, after 15 years, citing a new standard for retractions. NASA criticizes the move as unprecedented and unfairly targeted, emphasizing transparency and scientific integrity.
A 2010 study claiming the discovery of an arsenic-eating microbe, GFAJ-1, has been retracted by Science due to contaminated data, despite the original authors' disagreement, highlighting ongoing debates and issues in scientific research.
A study warns that up to 280 million Americans are at risk of lifelong health issues due to arsenic in tap water, which can cause premature births, low birth weight, and developmental delays, with disparities observed across racial groups. Even levels below current EPA limits may pose risks, highlighting the need for stricter water safety measures.
A study by Texas A&M University suggests that arsenic in tap water, consumed by up to 40 million Americans, may increase the risk of kidney cancer. The research found that even low arsenic levels, considered safe by the FDA, were linked to a higher cancer risk. Arsenic, a toxic mineral found in groundwater, can damage DNA and increase cancer risk. The study highlights the vulnerability of those using private wells, particularly in states like Nevada, Washington, and California, where arsenic levels are higher. Kidney cancer rates in the U.S. have been rising, with arsenic exposure being a potential contributing factor.
Physicists have discovered a never-before-seen hybrid quantum state on the surface of an arsenic crystal, combining two different means of current. This unexpected finding has the potential to advance quantum physics research and technologies such as quantum computing, as it opens up a new frontier in material science and novel physics. The discovery, published in Nature, could lead to the development of new topological materials and quantum devices not currently accessible through existing platforms.
The heart of Lahaina, Hawaii, has partially reopened to residents and business owners after a deadly wildfire, but ongoing challenges persist due to toxic ash and dust. Test results from the Department of Health confirmed high levels of arsenic and lead in the ash samples collected from properties. Protective gear is recommended when entering scorched lots. The cleanup is still in its early stages, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removing hazards from destroyed buildings. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will haul away remaining debris. Air monitors have been installed, and people are advised to avoid outdoor activity during elevated air pollution levels.
Consumer Reports (CR) retested 14 popular baby food products for heavy metals and found that some still contain concerning amounts of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. CR identified seven products as safe for infants to consume, including Earth's Best Organic Sunny Days Snack Bars and Gerber Natural for Baby. However, six products, such as Gerber Natural for Baby Veggiepower and Beech-Nut Naturals, were deemed the most concerning due to high levels of heavy metals. CR advises limiting consumption of these products and rotating them with low heavy metal foods like infant cereals made from oats, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Researchers have isolated and characterised an elusive nitrene-like arsenic intermediate for the first time, revealing that heavier main group elements may have more unique chemistry than previously thought. The team used matrix isolation to extend the lifetime of the arsinidene and thoroughly characterise the individual molecules trapped within the matrix. Spectroscopic analysis revealed a C–As bond length of 1.932Å and confirmed the suspected lack of stabilising delocalisation over the phenyl substituent. The team probed the reactivity of the matrix-bound phenylarsinidene with molecular oxygen, revealing some unexpected mechanistic differences.
The US FDA has finalized guidance on the maximum amount of inorganic arsenic that can be in apple juice, reconfirming the level at 10 parts per billion that the agency first proposed in 2013. The goal of the guidance is to reduce the exposure of babies and young children to environmental contaminants through food. The limit is not a requirement for manufacturers, but the FDA hopes to encourage manufacturers to continue lowering arsenic amounts. Consumer Reports contends that the announcement will have little actual impact on public health, especially as many manufacturers already meet the level of 10 ppb or less.
Rice is a versatile and affordable carbohydrate that can be part of a healthy diet. It provides energy, is easy to digest, and contains essential vitamins and minerals. However, eating rice every day can cause blood sugar spikes and increase arsenic consumption. To mitigate these risks, it's important to choose rice grown in areas with lower arsenic levels, mix up your grains, and pair rice with protein and fat. Varying your grains and rounding out your meals with nonstarchy veggies, lean protein, and heart-healthy fats is also recommended.