A recent study by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has revealed a startling public health threat: About 17 million people are at risk of gastrointestinal problems due to excessive sulfate levels in groundwater. This alarming finding emerged from the world’s first high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map, launched by the university’s School of Engineering.

Researchers from Japan find that certain antioxidant enzymes, called selenoproteins, significantly contribute to fighting cell aging. The team used a gene knockout mouse model to help them study the effects of disrupting selenoprotein synthesis. This knockout negatively impacted hematopoietic stem cells and B cell-lineage immune cells, which was driven by the lack of selenoprotein-mediated fighting of lipid peroxides. These phenotypes mimic what is observed in age-related diseases, emphasizing the importance of selenoproteins in these disorders.

Batteries power the clean energy transition, but their production comes at a cost — environmental and human health impacts from critical mineral extraction and processing. A new study, by the Yannay Institute for Energy Security at Reichman University, highlights the risks and offers sustainable solutions including circular economy strategies and pollution mitigation measures to ensure energy storage technologies truly benefit the planet and its people.