NIEHS Superfund Research Program - Research Brief Podcasts

NIEHS Superfund Research Program - Research Brief Podcasts

By NIEHS Superfund Research ProgramScienceNatural Sciences
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NIEHS Superfund Research Program - Research Brief Podcasts episodes

  • Demonstrating a Pilot System to Electrochemically Remediate Groundwater
    Researchers partially funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) designed a scaled-up electrochemical system that combines electricity with the mineral pyrite, a mineral commonly found in the environment, to continuously remove organic and heavy metal contaminants from groundwater for a year. The study was led by Akram Alshawabkeh, Ph.D., from the Northeastern University SRP Center, and Kitae Baek, Ph.D., from Jeonbuk National University in Korea.
    5 min
  • Mechanism Linking Preconception Arsenic Exposure and Diabetes in Offspring Revealed
    Exposure to inorganic arsenic before conception can trigger changes in gene activity that are passed down to offspring and increase their risk of developing diabetes, according to a study in mice funded by an NIEHS individual research grant and by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program. These changes, known as epigenetic changes, alter how genes work without changing the genes themselves. In this study, the researchers looked at a type of change called CpG methylation.
    7 min
  • Machine Learning Creates More Complete Picture of Groundwater Contamination
    Machine learning algorithms can fill gaps in sparse or incomplete groundwater datasets, according to researchers partially funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program. The study tested the ability of two algorithms to help scientists analyze co-occurring pollutants in groundwater by filling in missing field data points and was led by researchers from Arizona State University, Harvard University, and North Carolina State University.
    6 min
  • Using a New Model to Identify Health-Impacting Metal Mixtures
    Researchers funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program, or SRP, developed the linear mixed-effects model – abbreviated as LMM – a framework for statistical analysis, to quickly and effectively estimate the effects of individual metals and metal mixtures on zebrafish larvae behaviors.
    6 min
  • Machine Learning Predicts Efficiency of Micropollutant Removal
    Scientists at the NIEHS-funded North Carolina State University Superfund Research Program Center created machine learning models that can help predict how well granular activated carbon can clean up contaminated water. With his student Yoko Koyama, Detlef Knappe, Ph.D., developed models that consider properties of the micropollutants — such as PFAS and volatile organic compounds — specific characteristics of the water being treated, and features of different GAC types.
    6 min
  • Model Predicts PFAS Buildup in Wild Animals
    Researchers funded by the NIEHS SRP developed a model that predicts how PFAS move and build up within food webs. The model lays the groundwork for screening the thousands of PFAS compounds that could potentially pose a risk for ecological or human health. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in consumer products that are ubiquitous on the planet and in some cases harmful to humans and wildlife.
    5 min
  • Combining Plants and Sunlight to Break Down Hazardous Compounds
    Researchers funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research Program designed a new material that effectively degrades harmful compounds, like PFAS, and bacteria. By combining the power of sunlight and a component of plants, called lignin, this approach harnesses sustainable and renewable resources to reduce exposures and protect health.
    5 min
  • User-friendly Technology Detects NDMA in Water
    A new technology, developed by researchers at the NIEHS-funded Massachusetts Institute of Technology Superfund Research Program Center, can detect the contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in water. This breakthrough tool offers a quick way to monitor NDMA by triggering a visible color change when light interacts with the contaminated solution.
    5 min

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["The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Research Program (SRP) produces a monthly Research Brief Podcast that highlights the research of SRP grantees. The SRP is a…