Consider This: Microplastics (Part 2) - The Environmental Cost of Microplastics
A recent study, published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal, found that Malaysia has the highest per capita microplastic consumption amongst 109 countries. Malaysia is also among the top ten countries that inhales the most microplastic particles each day. How are these invisible pollutants entering our lives, and what can be done to stop it from continuing to happen? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to hydro-ecologist Professor Dr Christopher Gibbins, Professor at the School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences at University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Tue Jun 18 2024
Consider This: Microplastics (Part 1) - Malaysia Leads in Microplastic Consumption
A recent study, published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal, found that Malaysia has the highest per capita microplastic consumption amongst 109 countries. Malaysia is also among the top ten countries that inhales the most microplastic particles each day. How are these invisible pollutants entering our lives, and what can be done to stop it from continuing to happen? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Professor Dr K. Sudesh Kumar, Professor of Applied Microbiology at USM’s School of Biological Sciences.
Tue Jun 18 2024
![Legionnaires' disease alert issued for Sydney CBD Legionnaires' disease alert issued for Sydney CBD](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-03/51647164060_TBpneumonia.jpg)
Legionnaires' disease alert issued for Sydney CBD
People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in.
Wed Jan 03 2024
![Huge ancient solar storm revealed by tree rings in French Alps Huge ancient solar storm revealed by tree rings in French Alps](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-10/51697176558_Subfossil.jpg)
Huge ancient solar storm revealed by tree rings in French Alps
Researchers said the solar storm - the sun sending a large burst of energetic particles into space - occurred 14,300 years ago.
Sat Oct 14 2023
![Why we should not reuse plastic water bottles Why we should not reuse plastic water bottles](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-06/71624043907_botolairmineral.jpg)
Why we should not reuse plastic water bottles
Whether microplastic particles cause long-term damage is uncertain but reducing our exposure to them will be wise.
Sat Jun 17 2023
![Pollution choking Thailand's north hits tourism, worries public Pollution choking Thailand's north hits tourism, worries public](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-04/81681169986_ChiangMaicity.jpg)
Pollution choking Thailand's north hits tourism, worries public
Thailand's health ministry urged the public to avoid outdoor activities and wear masks that can filter particles.
Tue Apr 11 2023
![Amazon Indigenous lands prevent disease, save billions: Study Amazon Indigenous lands prevent disease, save billions: Study](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-04/71680861193_amazon.jpg)
Amazon Indigenous lands prevent disease, save billions: Study
The decade-long study analyzed the health impacts of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon, which release huge amounts of particles into the atmosphere.
Fri Apr 07 2023
![Lahore is most polluted city, Chad worst among countries - Survey Lahore is most polluted city, Chad worst among countries - Survey](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-03/41678784942_LAHORE.jpg)
Lahore is most polluted city, Chad worst among countries - Survey
IQAir survey measures air quality levels based on the concentration of lung-damaging airborne particles known as PM2.5.
Tue Mar 14 2023
![Smog blankets Bangkok and 42 provinces as air pollution hit unhealthy level Smog blankets Bangkok and 42 provinces as air pollution hit unhealthy level](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-02/81675437638_airpollution.jpg)
Smog blankets Bangkok and 42 provinces as air pollution hit unhealthy level
Smog blankets Bangkok and 42 provinces in Thailand as PM2.5 particles had exceeded the safe level of 50 microgrammes per cubic metre (ug/m3) on Friday.
Sat Feb 04 2023
![Experimental chewing gum reduces Omicron in saliva; sexual dysfunction, hair loss among long COVID symptoms Experimental chewing gum reduces Omicron in saliva; sexual dysfunction, hair loss among long COVID symptoms](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-07/51658888203_COVID.jpg)
Experimental chewing gum reduces Omicron in saliva; sexual dysfunction, hair loss among long COVID symptoms
An experimental chewing gum that "traps" SARS-CoV-2 particles in saliva holds promise for curbing transmission of new variants of the virus.
Wed Jul 27 2022
![Plastic threatens migratory species in Asia-Pacific: UN Plastic threatens migratory species in Asia-Pacific: UN](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-09/81630720120_ELEPHANTS.jpg)
Plastic threatens migratory species in Asia-Pacific: UN
Plastic particles have infiltrated even the most remote and seemingly-pristine regions of the planet.
Sat Sep 04 2021
![Japan finds another Moderna vial suspected to contain foreign substance Japan finds another Moderna vial suspected to contain foreign substance](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-05/81620252572_TBmodernavaccine.jpg)
Japan finds another Moderna vial suspected to contain foreign substance
Authorities said a pharmacist found several black particles in one vial upon checking for foreign substances before the vaccine's use.
Wed Sep 01 2021
![Could your face mask detect COVID? Could your face mask detect COVID?](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-07/71625109235_MASK.jpg)
Could your face mask detect COVID?
It's a prototype of COVID-19 testing face mask with a patch of sensors attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles.
Thu Jul 01 2021
![Double-masking helps filter more particles - Dr Noor Hisham Double-masking helps filter more particles - Dr Noor Hisham](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-05/71621684552_Noorhishamsidang.jpg)
Double-masking helps filter more particles - Dr Noor Hisham
Double-masking or wearing a cloth mask on top of a medical-grade mask helps filter more particles than wearing a single cloth mask alone, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Fri May 28 2021
![The air we breathe could (among other things) be polluted by cigarette smoke The air we breathe could (among other things) be polluted by cigarette smoke](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-02/51613812969_SMOKING.jpg)
The air we breathe could (among other things) be polluted by cigarette smoke
According to research, these data open a new avenue of research on tobacco-specific carcinogenic factors present in fine particles.
Sat Feb 20 2021