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

  • Using Fungi to Clean up Contaminated Soil
    Native fungal communities point to a new way of cleaning up contaminated soil. After conducting a study to characterize fungi found in soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), researchers at the NIEHS-funded Superfund Research Program at Duke University discovered a group of fungi that may be promising for remediation.
    5 min
  • Clay Layers May Worsen Arsenic Contamination
    Layers of clay are widely thought to protect groundwater aquifers from above-ground contaminants. But according to a new NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) study, these clay layers may play a role in increasing groundwater arsenic contamination.
    5 min
  • Three-Dimensional Cell Model Enhances DNA Damage Testing
    Superfund Research Program Center scientists developed a new platform, known as the SpheroidChip analysis method, to rapidly test for DNA damage in three-dimensional cell models. Development was led by Bevin Engelward, Sc.D., at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
    5 min
  • Arsenic Complicates Groundwater Bioremediation
    A common groundwater contaminant known as trichloroethene can be broken down by certain bacteria, a process known as bioremediation. But, according to a new NIEHS Superfund Research Program study, this process may stall when arsenic is present.
    5 min
  • Electrochemical System Degrades PCE in Groundwater
    An electrochemical system can effectively break down tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in groundwater, according to a new study from the NIEHS-funded Northeastern University Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center. After testing different design parameters to determine the best conditions for degrading PCE, the researchers achieved 86% removal of the contaminant from groundwater sources.
    4 min
  • High-Fiber Diet May Protect Against Harmful Health Effects of PCBs
    Two new NIEHS-funded Superfund Research Program (SRP) studies showed how a type of dietary fiber, inulin, may protect against heart disease, including heart disease resulting from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Inulin is found in vegetables such as asparagus and onions. According to University of Kentucky SRP Center researchers, a diet high in inulin may reduce or modify certain lipids associated with an increased chance of developing cardiovascular problems and may protect against adverse cardiovascular effects caused by environmental toxicants, such as PCBs.
    5 min
  • PAH and Hypoxia Exposure Result in Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fish
    Zebrafish exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water with inadequate oxygen, or hypoxia, can experience a broad range of effects on the mitochondria, according to an NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded study. Changes to the function and integrity of mitochondria, which are organelles that make energy for the cell, can disrupt metabolism and reduce organism fitness and performance.
    5 min
  • Cadmium Exposure Impairs Production of Neurons Responsible for Learning and Memory
    A new study funded by the Superfund Research Program (SRP) shows cadmium exposure can impair new neurons from forming and maturing in the hippocampus region of the brain. Led by Zhengui Xia, Ph.D., the researchers at the University of Washington (UW) SRP Center also found that cadmium can lead to the death of stem cells that produce these neurons. In people, learning and memory formation depends on the production of new neurons in this region of the brain.
    4 min
  • Modeling Approaches Estimate Exposure and Simulate Impacts on Health
    Researchers from the Boston University (BU) Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center developed and applied novel statistical models to cost-effectively predict chemical exposures and their associated harm to human health in large populations. These statistically powerful approaches can address the challenges of measuring exposures for large populations and quantifying the health benefits of exposure reduction.
    7 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…