Silt from Lake Powell in the US tells a story of pond spills and mining pollution from decades past. Because it piles up at a rate of 45 million cubic metres annually, the silt forms even layers that provide a relatively accurate timeline of upstream water chemistry. Sometimes, radical changes like large-scale spills can be seen with the naked eye. Researchers can determine when mining pollution wrecked the lake by analysing the silt layers (which are collected in cylindrical sections called cores); a spike in metals indicates pollution events. Read full article here
Health
Electrical Muscle Stimulation Takes The Work Out Of Your Workouts
Growing stronger and losing weight without putting in the effort seems like a fairytale, right? Electrical muscle stimulation might make the dream come true. During EMS, a full-body suit sends out electric charges that stimulate your muscles as if you’ve actually worked out. Older people, in particular, are reaping the benefits. Since they can’t do traditional strength training anymore, EMS is a viable alternative that keeps them healthy and strong. Some evidence suggests that the benefits go beyond strength training; EMS seems to promote cell growth and slow down the ageing process! Read full article here