Unless you fancy gulping down a medley of potentially toxic chemicals, we suggest you keep your water bottle out of the Sun. New research has shown that plastic water bottles exposed to sunlight degrade and emit a wide variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and can be found in many products, including fuels, solvents, paints, and cleaning products. They can also be found in plastics like the ones used to make water bottles and food packaging. Many are harmless, but some may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.In the latest study, scientists in China exposed six types of plastic water bottles to ultraviolet-A and sunlight. They found that this process released a complex mixture of VOCs, including alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and acids. There was also some evidence of "highly toxic" VOCs, including carcinogens like n-hexadecane. While the danger of a one-off sip of tainted water is minimal, the researchers found that prolonged exposure is potentially associated with a cumulative health risk."Our findings provide compelling evidence that plastic bottles, when exposed to sunlight, can release toxic compounds that pose health risks. Consumers need to be aware of these risks, especially in environments where bottled water is exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods," Dr Huase Ou, lead researcher from the Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health at Jinan University in China, said in a statement. That said, the researchers were keen to point out that the risk appears to be relatively low because the amount of chemicals released from the bottle is relatively small. “Considering the average weight of a container (approximately 20 g), the amount of VOCs volatilized from a single container was only a few nanograms. Consequently, even after long-term exposure, opening and consuming water from a bottled container poses minimal health risks to humans,” the study authors write in the conclusion. All of the bottles in the study were made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – one of the most commonly used plastics – but there were significant variations in VOC composition and concentration between the different bottles. This appears to be related to the varying production processes and differing additives.The release of the chemicals from the bottle is likely to be caused by a process known as photodegradation, in which the structure of the plastic breaks down in response to light.Sunlight isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to the “health” of your plastic bottle. Previous studies have found how leaving water in a plastic bottle for just one day may allow hundreds of chemicals to seep into your drink. Some of these substances are thought to have potentially harmful effects on health, including carcinogens or endocrine disruptors that meddle with the hormonal system.Likewise, there’s some evidence that suggests heating plastic bottles may have problematic consequences. A study in 2020 found that between 1.3 to 16.2 million microplastic particles per liter were released into babies’ bottles during the World Health Organization-recommended sterilization process. Plastic is everywhere in the 21st century, from human penises to Antarctic ice. Once assumed to be relatively harmless, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that it’s having an unwelcome impact on us and the planet – the extent of which we are only just starting to understand.The study is published in the journal Eco-Environment & Health.

Remarkable white-tailed eagle specimens star in the Natural History Museum, London’s exhibition Birds: Brilliant And Bizarre, created in affiliation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These rare birds are the fourth largest eagles in the world, but almost went extinct in Europe in the 19th century. Now, thanks to a conservation effort that nearing its 50th birthday, they’re making a comeback.Award-winning taxidermist Elle Kaye was tasked with transforming the carcasses of several white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) for the exhibition. As a bird taxidermist, Kaye only works with birds that have died of natural causes. Wwe spoke to her about the process, what it takes to turn an animal that’s died into a lasting specimen, and the tricks employed by taxidermists when working with animals that have died naturally and don’t always come complete.The decomposition ecosystem tells us how quick nature is to turn carcasses into mountains of food for raising baby bugs – and yet in museum collections, we find seemingly intact animal specimens that can date back hundreds of years. So, how does taxidermy defeat decay?Dave Sexton is the RSPB Scotland officer on the Isle Of Mull and has been monitoring the island’s white-tailed eagles since 2003, but he was also employed to protect the island’s first nest back in 1984. At that time, egg collectors remained a significant threat to these animals, but they celebrated their first fledged chicks in 100 years in 1985.“We witnessed that the first chick hatching, growing up and fledging, and that's where it all began,” Sexton told IFLScience. “There's now 23 pairs of white-tailed eagles here, and about 150+ pairs across Scotland.”The conservation project to protect white-tailed eagles turns 50 next year, and is a collaboration between Police Scotland, Nature Scot (who started the project back in 1975), RSPB Scotland, Mull & Iona Community Trust, and Forestry And Land Scotland. They are the five partners who run Mull Island Eagle Watch, and it’s been very successful for the island and its birds in more ways than one.“We raise quite a lot of money during the [tourist] season and that money goes back into the local community as small grants,” continued Sexton. “The eagles are putting money back into the island in a way that’s quite unique[…] It’s an interesting mix of community, island life, and living with the eagles.”The return of white-tailed eagles to the Isle Of Mull has benefited the wildlife and the people.Image credit: Stuedal / Shutterstock.comHuman persecution remains one of the biggest threats to white-tailed eagles that are legally protected, but outside of Mull, unfortunately getting shot or poisoned remain quite high on their list of threats. The spread of highly pathogenic bird flu is another, and Sexton’s team has already noticed some fledgling chicks dying as a result of being brought infected food by their parent.Death is a fact of life for wild animals. On the rare occasion that wildlife institutions or scientists come across their carcasses before decomposition has heavily set in, taxidermy is a useful method for enabling others to learn from dead animals. This is what happened in the case of several white-tailed eagles that had been found dead and frozen in Sweden that were then shared with Tring Natural History Museum and Natural History Museum, London, so that Kaye could taxidermy their remains for display.As for how that magic happens, it seems creating a likeness of a living animal that can endure for hundreds of years is a delicate and lengthy process.One of the white-tailed eagles prepared by Elle Kaye for the Natural History Museum, London, exhibition.Image courtesy of Elle Kaye.“Once we have the skin removed from the carcass, we use the carcass to take our anatomically accurate measurements that inform our model,” Kaye told IFLScience. “We then process the skin, make sure it’s clean of any fascia, sinew, any organic material that might rot or decompose and then we preserve the skins.”“We use a whole assortment of various chemicals to make sure that skin changes from an organic thing to something that is stable like a material. Once we have the preserved skin, we have our model made, we can harmoniously combine the two, dress the preserved skin over the model, and have a piece of taxidermy.”Such specimens can then contribute to research as well as go on display, and can be a way to showcase the ingenuity of wild species without having to disturb living animals.“They’re such rare and unusual specimens, so it’s been a real pleasure,” said Kaye. “We are so lucky to have such a beautiful array of specimens in the exhibition so people can really connect to the wildlife that we have on our coasts here in the UK.”You can see them at Birds: Brilliant And Bizarre open until January 5, 2025.

A heartwarming moment between a new dad, his newborn baby, and the family dog has captivated viewers online. The touching interaction highlights the special bond between pets and their human families. This story showcases the deep emotional connection that animals can have with new family members, leaving not a dry eye in the room. The... The post Dad can’t contain emotions when dog does ‘sweetest’ thing while meeting new baby sister appeared first on Animal Channel.

The ladies of the Naval Academy's lacrosse team are being celebrated for their patriotism showcased in a viral locker room video.The women's college team is shown in the dressing room singing along with the patriotic song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" by legendary country music artist Toby Keith.The video showed the girls getting pumped up to the lyrics before a semifinal game in the Patriot League, with freshman midfielder Sydney Beitler, a Darnestown, Maryland, native, leading the song. The team is circled around Beitler and senior goalie Anne Culicerto (Charlotte, North Carolina) as they sing the lyrics to the hit song.'Everyone should watch this and listen to real women.'Some of the patriotic lyrics include:"American girls and American guysWe'll always stand up and salute, we'll always recognizeWhen we see Old Glory flyin' there's a lot of men deadSo we can sleep in peace at night when we lay down our headMy daddy served in the Army where he lost his right eyeBut he flew a flag out in our yard 'til the day that he diedHe wanted my mother, my brother, my sister, and meTo grow up and live happy in the land of the freeNow this nation that I love has fallen under attackA mighty sucker punch came flying in from somewhere in the backSoon as we could see it clearly through our big black eyeMan, we lit up your world like the Fourth of July."The inspirational pregame ritual clearly worked, as the Navy team went on to beat Holy Cross 19-5.Many of the viewers were ecstatic with the amount of love the girls were showing for their country, given how often sporting events have been chosen as a political battleground in recent history."The U.S.A. will be guided by a great group of young officers when these women graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. We're not in as bad a shape as we sometimes think we are," a viewer wrote on X."Everyone should watch this and listen to real women. God bless the USA and the Navy women's lacrosse team," another viewer wrote, seemingly in reference to the issue of men playing in women's sports.Everyone should watch this and listen to real women.God bless the USAand the Navy women's lacrosse teamand Toby Keithmay he RIP.— curtis a (@curtis_a) June 23, 2024 "Great girls, with great parents, and great taste in music. What could be better than this?" an elated fan said.The Navy team finished the prior season ranked No. 22 in the country and even higher, at No. 20, in a media poll.Players Alyssa Daley and Emily Messinese were rewarded by being named to the Inside Lacrosse All-American team, the same organization that provides the college rankings.Great girls, with great parents, and great taste in music. What could be better than this?— Michael Long (@Michael95228479) June 22, 2024 Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Jerry Seinfeld torched a group of anti-Israel hecklers at his show Saturday night in Melbourne, Australia — the second time the iconic comedian has done so in the space of a week.Toward the end of Seinfeld's set, the pro-Palestinian protesters began shouting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” Variety reported. The well-known chant is an endorsement of the destruction of Israel.'We’re in the same business. Our business is to get people to see things the way we see it. The problem is, you’re in the wrong place!'Unfortunately for the hecklers, they didn't seem to know that Seinfeld has a knack for putting such individuals in their place. “Oh, you’re back! They’re back! The protesters are back! I missed you!” the comedian retorted, as the audience began booing the hecklers."Oh, you're not doing well. It's so hard for you," he continued before trying to talk some sense into them. "Listen, you and I are in the same business. We’re in the same business. Our business is to get people to see things the way we see it. The problem is, you’re in the wrong place! Do you hear how well I’m doing? This is what you want! You want to do well like I am. Look at the people here to hear me ... look at what happened to you."Police escorted the protesters out of Rod Laver Arena, the Daily Mail said.Seinfeld went on to explain that if he were to try to perform his "little comedy show" at a rugby game, "I would get that same reaction. I would get kicked out on my ass because that's not where I belong."He added, "I think you need to go back and tell whoever's running your organization: 'We just gave more money to a Jew.' That cannot be a good plan for you. That's not what you want ... you gotta come up with a better plan."You can view Seinfeld's takedown here.The scene was much the same in Sydney last Sunday when a heckler dialed up the same "from the river to the sea" chant while Seinfeld was on stage — and of course, he demolished the pro-Palestinian protester."Yes! We have a genius, ladies and gentlemen. He's solved the Middle East! He's solved it!" Seinfeld mocked."It's the Jewish comedians, that's who we have to get. They're the ones who are doing everything!" he continued. "Yeah, go ahead, keep going! They're going to start punching you in about three seconds, so I would try and get all of your genius out so we can all learn from you."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A number of environmental activists were arrested following a disruptive protest at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut.Protesters waved smoke bombs and left white and red residue on the putting green before golfers such as Scottie Sheffler and Tom Kim finished their rounds. Protesters from climate alarmist group Extinction Rebellion took credit for the incident, boasting on social media and claiming, "No golf on a dead planet.""We just disrupted the #TravelersChampionship to remind everyone that there is #NoGolfOnADeadPlanet. Act now!" the group wrote. The activists at the golf tournament also wore white T-shirts with the same messaging in black letters. Protesters were apprehended and taken away by police officers with each of the suspects charged. Charges were laid for first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass, and breach of peace, according to ESPN. The alleged criminals were released after posting $5,000 bonds and will reportedly appear in court on July 1, 2024.''I was scared for my life ... I didn't even really know what was happening.'The protest group reportedly provided a statement to the Associated Press and cited a lightning strike that hit a tree the previous day as a reason for urgent climate-related policy change."This was of course due to increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather conditions. Golf, more than other events, is heavily reliant on good weather. Golf fans should therefore understand better than most the need for strong, immediate climate action," the group said.Confusingly, while encouraging golf enthusiasts to share their viewpoint in order to create better weather conditions for golf, the group simultaneously condemned the existence of the sport."Golf is an environmental disaster–reckless water use, carbon-intensive fertilizers, woodland destruction–but before we can delve into that issue, we must agree on the fundamental reality of climate catastrophe that's taking place every moment of every day, all around us," the activists wrote the same day on X. — (@) World no. 1 golfer Scheffler said that he felt the police and course officials "got it taken care of pretty dang fast.""When something like that happens, you don't really know what's happening, so it can kind of rattle you a little bit. That can be a stressful situation, and you would hate for the tournament to end on something weird happening because of a situation like that. I felt like Tom [Kim] and I both tried to calm each other down so we could give it our best shot there on 18," Scheffler added.Fellow golfer Askhay Bhatia said he felt scared and confused during the incident."I was scared for my life ... I didn't even really know what was happening ... but thankfully, the cops were there and kept us safe, because that's, you know, that's just weird stuff," Bhatia added, after finishing tied for fifth.In a press release, Extinction Rebellion cited golfer Rory McIlroy for saying that he "takes climate change seriously."McIlroy said in 2021 that he had a "massive sense of guilt" after flying home on a private jet from China.The PGA Tour thanked the Cromwell Police Department for their "quick and decisive action" at the tournament and noted that there was no damage to the green on the 18th hole.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Too Many White People': Things Just Got a WHOLE Lot Worse for New Biden Official, Tyler Cherry (Thread)

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