Global warming accelerates glacier melting, which releases antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into downstream ecosystems, poses a threat to ecological security and human health. Revealing the distribution and potential risks of ARGs in glaciers is crucial for assessing the impact of glacier melting caused by climate change on downstream ecosystems. Based on the above background, a research team of the Center for Pan-third Pole Environment of Lanzhou University published “Profiles and risk assessment of antibiotic resistome between Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and Polar Regions”.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) refer to a group of man-made chemicals that are widely used due to their water- and stain-resistant properties and exceptional chemical stability. However, they often accumulate in the environment, causing environmental and health hazards. A team of researchers has recently shown how zinc oxide nanocrystals capped with specific ligands can efficiently defluorinate perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, a well-known perfluoroalkyl substance. This approach could solve PFAS recycling challenges.