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The ongoing destruction of forests for agricultural purposes and human occupancy can increase the likelihood of transmission of infectious disease from animals to humans.

A single plastic teabag can release billions of small pieces of plastic (microplastics and nanoplastics) into your beverage.

Environment

Loss of smell and taste are possible symptoms of COVID-19 that can be used to help diagnose the disease at an early stage and distinguish it from the flu.

Health

Over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction globally due primarily to habitat loss and pollutants including fertilizer and pesticides.

Environment

Online health interventions involving mindfulness exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy are likely to be effective in helping people cope with psychological trauma related to COVID-19.

Smoking increases levels of a protein called ACE2 in the lungs, which makes cells more prone to infection by the virus that causes COVID-19. Quitting smoking reduces ACE2 levels.

Health

The death rate among symptomatic COVID-19 cases is estimated to be 1.3% in the United States, which is 13 times higher than the death rate associated with the seasonal flu.

Health

Ocean bottom currents transport microplastics to the seafloor, which can accumulate in concentrations reaching 1.9 million pieces per square meter.

Environment

Low-income expectant mothers in the U.S. who receive Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits have a lower risk of preterm birth and first-year infant mortality.

Parenting

Adults living in urban neighborhoods with more vegetation and birds visible in the afternoon reported lower scores for depression, anxiety, and stress levels.