Fruit flies develop specific defences against common bacteria; may explain human susceptibility to infections
Bacteria in their food and environment mould the immune systems of fruit flies, notes study
Draft Bill faces criticism for making farm workers, dealers responsible for spurious pesticides
Shifting liability from manufacturers to pesticide dealers and farmers in case of any incident was opposed by farmer groups
Indian scientists find how arsenic reduces immunity
This may help explain why people exposed to arsenic become susceptible to infections like tuberculosis
Skeletons in the closet
South Africa's racist regime was developing high-tech gizmos to eliminate unsuspecting black activists
Kabwe lead poisoning: Fresh evidence filed against mining company on behalf of over 100,000 victims
Two law firms are pursuing a class action lawsuit against mining giant Anglo American South Africa
The reality of water security in Asia and Pacific regions
A recent report says that water security has improved, but long-term access to freshwater is still a concern
Study sheds light on how salmonella bacteria infect plants
Researchers found that unlike other disease-causing bacteria, salmonella sneaks in through a tiny gap created when a lateral root …
Kashmir: High organic load in Jhelum causes fish to come ashore
As fish wash ashore, experts point to environmental degradation of rivers and lakes in the valley
Scientists find energy source of bacteria responsible for arsenic contamination
Till now, it was known that some bacteria were breaking down compounds in the soil, causing arsenic to be released in the process. But no one …
‘The regulator should monitor mercury in the air in Kodaikanal’
We still do not know how far the atmospheric mercury levels have come down in the last two decades, Ameer Shahul tells Down To Earth as he …
Video of hundreds of birds dying of poisoning in Assam goes viral; suspects identified
The birds, identified as spotted doves, are found abundantly in the region and are native to Asia
World freed from toxic leaded petrol: A global win
While global eradication of toxic lead in petrol needs to be celebrated, this also reminds us how tough it is to undo wrong if the evidence of …
Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 11, 2019)
Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
Scientists in Bihar identify bacteria that can naturally treat arsenic in groundwater
The two types of bacteria identified break down a toxic form of arsenic to a less hazardous form
Pesticides Management Bill, 2020 will hurt farmers’ livelihood, say experts
Experts call for wider consultations on the bill and for it to be placed before a select committee
SC directs Centre to submit status report on ban of pesticides
These pesticides have been banned in other countries; but in India, they are being allowed to use & could pose serious health hazards to farmers
Element of mystery: Lead poisoning is a huge public health concern for India; here’s why
Lack of screening systems; inability to determine source of exposure and lax implementation of safety norms compound the problem
Arsenic-affected habitations in India up 145% in last 5 yrs
The country had 1,800 arsenic-affected habitations in 2015. This increased to 4,421 as on September 17
Oder river ecological disaster that killed hundreds of tonnes of fish in 2022 was human-made: Report
It is almost certain that a substantial toxic algal bloom, supported by human activity, caused the ecological destruction
Steep rise in food poisoning cases after eating mid-day meals this year: Data
Food poisoning cases in Bihar, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been highest in the last 6 years
Arsenic now in wheat, potato — and more than that in drinking water — in rural Bihar
Groundwater contaminated with arsenic is extensively used for irrigation and finds its way into the food chain
Arsenic: Lurking in the shadows across Ganga, Brahmaputra basins
As the geography of arsenic contamination spreads, there is an urgent need for governments to reorient mitigation measures. That’s because …
Record number of chemicals reviewed by UN committee
The review is to list chemicals into the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions' annexes to push for a pollution-free planet
Maharashtra consumed the most chemical pesticides in 5 years: Report
Pesticide consumption in India grew by 13.07 per cent in India between 2014-15 and 2017-18
World Health Day to focus on food safety this year
About 306 outbreaks of food poisoning and 344 outbreaks of diarrhoea were reported between 2011 and 2014