Environment

Public Health Alerts: Detection of a single measles infection using untargeted ultra-deep metagenomic sequencing of wastewater in Cook County, Illinois

The authors conclude, “The detection of measles RNA through ultra‐deep MGS of municipal wastewater appeared to capture a single case within the population of more than 1 million people and wastewater flow exceeding 300 million gallons per day.”

Valero refinery blast released 157K pounds of chemicals over 10 days, state report reveals

“They have been left in a dangerous situation." . . . The report also identified additional chemicals released during the event, including benzene, ethylene, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides — all substances that can pose health risks.

Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers

They found surface temperatures increased by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit after a data center started operations. In extreme cases, nearby temperatures reached up to 16.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Detailed Harris County cancer prevalence maps released

Houston, Texas - Harris County Public Health has released comprehensive cancer prevalence data, including interactive maps accessible online. Brain cancer occurrence is abnormally high in much of Harris County. Environmental advocates praised county leaders for the new level of transparency.

Newer Groundwater Linked to Increased Parkinson’s Disease Risk

PD risk was 24% higher among individuals whose drinking water came from municipal groundwater systems or private wells on carbonate aquifers — the most common aquifer type in the US — compared with those whose drinking water came from all other aquifer types.

US navy accused of cover-up over dangerous plutonium in San Francisco

Collapse of critical Atlantic current is no longer low-likelihood, study finds