Latest news with #TheNewLede
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make disturbing discovery about invisible particles invading our bodies: 'These things get into your body ... without your knowledge'
Tiny plastic particles are a big problem. Experts and scientists gathered for a conference that was hosted by Moms Clean Air Force to discuss plastics. We've known about microplastics and their impact on our health for a while, but several studies are showing it's worse than we thought. Global plastic production is increasing with no signs of slowing down. According to Our World in Data, "Plastic production has more than doubled in the last two decades." Unfortunately, very little of this plastic is recycled, due to cost and inadequate recycling systems. Instead, millions of tons of plastic enter landfills and waterways and eventually break down into harmful microplastics. Microplastics are inside us — a participant in this medical study found about half a teaspoon of plastic in her blood. While the full effect of microplastics on the body is still being researched, findings so far have suggested DNA damage, infertility, organ system disruption, and even neurological disorders. Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist, emphasized how increasingly difficult microplastics are to avoid. Whether they're ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through your skin, "these things get into your body, every day, 24-7, without your knowledge," Swan said, per The New Lede. Scientists, politicians, and others gathered in April for an annual summit to address the growing plastic problem. In attendance was Pennsylvania representative Summer Lee, who "announced the launch of an environmental justice caucus in Congress that will aim to address harms caused by plastics manufacturing and pursue solutions," per The New Lede. Do you worry about the longevity of EV batteries? For sure Not really Not at all I've never thought about it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Researchers are working tirelessly to find ways to recycle plastic and create new, sustainable alternatives. From wax worms that eat plastic to hydrothermal liquefaction, there's still time to change the way we deal with plastic waste. As they work to fix plastic pollution at the government level, there's an easy way you can avoid extra exposure to microplastics — use less plastic. Opt for a reusable, stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic bottles. Use reusable fabric or paper grocery bags, rather than store-provided plastic ones. Ditch single-use health and beauty products in favor of sustainable packaging and eco-friendly ingredients. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Company halts secret tracking campaign following wave of backlash: 'They were unable to win'
A U.S. firm spent years secretly tracking scientists and activists who challenge the pesticide industry — using taxpayer money to do it. Now, after public backlash, the company says it's shutting down. But is the damage already done? For years, v-Fluence, a Missouri-based firm with ties to agrochemical giants, ran a private online portal where it stored detailed profiles of over 500 critics of pesticides and genetically modified crops, reported The Guardian. This included personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, and even information about family members. The portal's audience included over 1,000 industry executives, lobbyists, regulatory staffers, and academics, all with a vested interest in silencing the opposition. The operation was partially funded by U.S. taxpayer money, with contracts funneled through organizations promoting industrial agriculture abroad. After an investigation led by The Guardian, The New Lede, Le Monde, and other international media partners, the exposure triggered widespread condemnation and legal threats. v-Fluence has since said it has eliminated the profiling and laid off staff, though critics say the harm cannot be undone. "Those of us who were profiled still do not know who accessed the information and how it was used," said London research professor Michael Antoniou, who was profiled on the portal. "The fact that v-Fluence and the industries it serves resorted to these underhand methods shows that they were unable to win on the level of the science." Beyond the obvious privacy violations, v-Fluence's actions highlight how corporations attempt to manipulate public discourse around pesticides and GMOs. By tracking and discrediting critics, they aim to suppress legitimate concerns over chemical safety, environmental impact, and public health. This is especially alarming given that v-Fluence worked with Syngenta, a pesticide company facing thousands of lawsuits over its herbicide paraquat, which has been linked to Parkinson's disease. Wendy Wagner, a University of Texas law professor and expert on toxic substance regulation, noted, "I'm quite familiar with corporate harassment of scientists who produce unwelcome research. ... But I have not encountered the use of larger databases that track personal details of numerous critics of a corporation [including independent scientists and journalists]. It is hard to see the relevance of personal details short of use as harassment." If industry-backed operations like this continue, scientists and activists could be discouraged from speaking out, leading to weaker regulations and more unchecked corporate influence over food and environmental policies. After The Guardian and its media partners exposed the operation, v-Fluence hired a law firm to see if it violated EU data privacy laws. The review found the company wasn't legally bound by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but advised it to follow the rules anyway, just in case. As a result, v-Fluence removed the profiles but plans to continue its "stakeholder research" with updated guidelines. Do you think we should deal with air pollution by burying things underground? Sounds great No way Only for certain waste I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The revelations have sparked growing calls for stricter oversight of corporate lobbying and surveillance, with advocates pushing for the U.S. government to stop funding organizations that undermine scientific integrity. Groups like Greenpeace, Food & Water Watch, and the Center for Food Safety are working to expose industry misconduct and push for stronger regulations. Staying informed and speaking out, especially on social media, can help keep these tactics in check. Holding corporations accountable isn't just about privacy; it's about protecting public health and the environment. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
