When it comes to testing for cancer, environmental pollution and food contaminants, traditional sensors can help.
Diesel Pollution Increases Risk of Heart Damage and Premature Death
Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 is linked to negative changes in the heart structure and function that are associated with heart failure and death.
Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 is linked to negative changes in the heart structure and function that are associated with heart failure and death.
‘Our environment is very necessary for our healthy existence on the earth. A healthy environment depends on the good habits of human beings and the circumstances we create.’
Current disease and contamination sensors require expensive readout equipment or trained personnel. Yuehe Lin, Yong Tang and colleagues propose a new detection system based on pressure changes. For example, when a disease biomarker is present, it causes a chain reaction in the device that results in oxygen being released and pressure building. The pressure changes are measured by a portable barometer, and smartphone software provides an easy readout of the results. To show the versatility of the pressure sensor, the team tested a variety of applications. Prototypes could detect carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein present in high levels in patients with colon or rectal cancer; ractopamine, which is an animal-feed additive banned in many countries; and thrombin, a cardiovascular disease marker.
In addition, a mercury-ion sensor was developed for environmental pollution monitoring. The researchers say that because the results are immediately available with a smartphone, the method could enable real-time monitoring of environmental pollution, disease outbreaks and food safety.
Could Air Pollution Cause DNA Damages in Children and Teenagers?
Children and teenagers face a type of DNA damage called telomere shortening in children and teenagers, due to increased traffic related air pollution.
Children and teenagers face a type of DNA damage called telomere shortening in children and teenagers, due to increased traffic related air pollution.
Beans Instead Of Beef in the Diet Would Reduce Air Pollution
Beef production is an inefficient use of agricultural land and so reducing it would free up 42 percent of U.S. cropland, giving room for agriculture.
Beef production is an inefficient use of agricultural land and so reducing it would free up 42 percent of U.S. cropland, giving room for agriculture.
Sleep Deprivation May Be Due To Traffic-Related Air Pollution
Being exposed to high levels of air pollutant particles could be the reason for the lack of sleep and is due to the presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Being exposed to high levels of air pollutant particles could be the reason for the lack of sleep and is due to the presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
