HKUST researchers introduce world’s first high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map uncovering public health risks
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 24-Jun-2025 01:10 ET (24-Jun-2025 05:10 GMT/UTC)
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.
National targets for solar and wind power will see reliance on natural gas plummet, reducing electricity price volatility across Europe, with major beneficiaries including the UK and Ireland, the Nordics, and the Netherlands.
Researchers have proposed using polymer membranes modified with copper, zinc, and chromium metal ions for water purification. These polymers were used for the first time in water purification via electrodialysis. Copper-based membranes demonstrated record selectivity for monovalent ions, opening new possibilities for sustainable water recycling. The study has been published in the Journal of Membrane Science. Researchers have proposed using polymer membranes modified with copper, zinc, and chromium metal ions for water purification. These polymers were used for the first time in water purification via electrodialysis. Copper-based membranes demonstrated record selectivity for monovalent ions, opening new possibilities for sustainable water recycling. The study has been published in the Journal of Membrane Science.
New research results now published from Lund University’s MASAI trial are even better than the initial findings from last year: AI-supported breast screening detected 29 per cent more cases of cancer compared with traditional screening. More invasive cancers were also clearly detected at an early stage using AI. Now the final part of the research study will focus on breast cancer missed by screening.
Space belongs to no-one, yet many nations and private entities now plan to lay their claim on its resources. The use of space is poorly regulated by laws or enforceable regulations, which makes sustainable long-term use a risky endeavor. In a recent Frontiers in Space Technologies article, Nishith Mishra, Martina Elia Vitoloni – both researchers at McGill University – and Dr Joseph Pelton, dean emeritus at the International Space University and chairman at ACES Worldwide, shared their thoughts about how plans to exploit the ocean floors could impact the way resources from space are used and managed.
A new study led by University of Tennessee, Knoxville Professor Paul Armsworth offers a comprehensive analysis of how multi-hazard environmental risks impact US communities. Extreme events like the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee and North Carolina layer disproportionate burdens onto communities that already face social and economic hardship.