The University of Stirling

New research could lead to major improvements in marine oil spill cleanup processes. The innovative study assessed the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on microscopic seawater bacteria that perform a significant role in ecosystem functioning. New research by the University of Stirling could lead to major improvements in marine oil spill cleanup processes. The innovative study led by researcher Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget and Dr Wade Jeffrey of the University of West Florida assessed the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on microscopic seawater bacteria that perform a significant role in ecosystem functioning. Dr Matallana-Surget, of the University of Stirling's Faculty of Natural Sciences, used a pioneering technique more commonly employed in medical science during field work in the Gulf of Mexico. The findings show chemical oil dispersants used to mitigate the impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 worsened the stress response in bacteria and those harmful effects were then intensified by exposure to sunlight. The Deepwater Horizon marine oil spill -- the largest in history with 4.9 million barrels of crude oil released into the Gulf of Mexico -- happened in the spring, a season characterised by extreme sunlight in the region. Dr Matallana-Surget said: "We have demonstrated that dispersants exert a more profound impact on the regulation of microbial communities than the oil spill itself. In just 24 hours, these chemicals induce acute stress responses. "Additionally, sunlight played a crucial role in intensifying dispersant toxicity. In the presence of sunlight and oil, the diversity of essential hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria significantly decreased. "This suggests that sunlight can modify the chemical structure of oil, making it more toxic to specific bacterial species. "Our study also revealed the impact of oil and dispersant on cyanobacterial photosynthesis, further emphasising the intricate interactions between contaminants, sunlight, and microbial communities in the Gulf of Mexico." The research has international significance for society and industry because it deepens understanding of the impact of oil spill responses. Dr Matallana-Surget added: "By understanding how dispersants impact microbial communities in the presence of natural hydrocarbon degraders, we contribute to more effective oil spill cleanup strategies. The benefits extend globally, as marine ecosystems worldwide face similar challenges. "The findings have the potential to influence environmental policies and cleanup procedures on an international scale. "The study's implications extend to environmental conservation, influencing future strategies for mitigating the impact of such incidents and safeguarding marine ecosystems." Among the countries that could benefit from the findings is the United Kingdom. Dr Matallana-Surget said: "The study primarily focuses on the impact of oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, but its outcomes hold broader relevance for policymakers in regions facing similar challenges, such as Scotland, with crude oil seepages. "The insights gained from our research could provide valuable guidance for crafting effective policies and response strategies in these comparable environments." The study saw researchers simulate oil spills in waters collected off Pensacola Beach in Florida. Crude oil was added with and without dispersant under sunlight and dark conditions, with larger organisms filtered out. The study's use of state-of-the-art molecular tools typically employed in medical science places it at the forefront of environmental science research. Dr Matallana-Surget, who has pioneered the technique, said: "This enables a more precise and comprehensive analysis of microbial communities' reactions to oil spills. "These findings not only enhance our comprehension of environmental impacts but also underscore the capacity of employing state-of-the-art molecular tools to address crucial concerns in marine conservation. "This innovative approach marks a transformative shift, elevating the precision and depth of oil spill investigations and guiding future endeavours to preserve the health of our oceans." The research led by the University of Stirling was an international collaboration with scientists from the University of West Florida (USA), Sorbonne University (France), the University of Mons (Belgium) and the University of Tübingen (Germany). "This project would have never been possible without the truly concerted effort of a team of long-term colleagues who have played a pivotal role in bringing together the outcomes of this ambitious study," added Dr Matallana-Surget. The paper Clarifying the murk: unveiling bacterial dynamics in response to crude oil pollution, Corexit-dispersant, and natural sunlight in the Gulf of Mexico was published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, in the special issue Omics Insights Into Coastal Pelagic Microbiome Under the Changing Environments.

Wildfire technology is saving lives Experts advise those with cardiovascular health conditions to stay inside when a wildfire is close, while Pano AI develops firefighting technology In the summer months, wildfires are never far from the news. While holidays are cancelled, emergency workers rush to support areas impacted and communities unite to care for each other. In labs across the world, scientists are working to develop new technologies to help identify wildfires before they get out of control and how to stop them. Wildfire smoke impacts physical wellbeing In an unusual departure from regular healthcare advice, health professionals are urging those living close to bushfire smoke to stay indoors and not exercise outside. Members of the public should stay in cool areas, drink lots of water and take care of those who are vulnerable, especially the elderly and people living with chronic conditions. Those who work outdoors and close to a wildfire, should follow these rules very carefully. “Exposure to smoke from wildfires is a significant and growing public health concern,’ said Dr Heather Price , a lecturer in Geography at the University of Stirling . “Wildfire smoke has been linked with increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions for lung-related health conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “The evidence for impacts on cardiovascular health conditions and overall mortality is more mixed. Some people are more at risk from wildfire smoke than others, including children, older adults, people who are pregnant and those with pre-existing conditions (such as asthma).” According to Doctor Vijay Limaye , a climate and health scientist at the National Resources Defense Council , the fine particles produced in a wildfire can end up circulating the bloodstream. "The top offender here is these fine particles, that size is really important because these can penetrate really deeply and wreak havoc on the body." While the impact of smoke on human health is well known - new developments in AI technology are bringing firefighters and environmentalists new solutions to stopping wildfires. ​​​​​​​ Saving lives in a wildfire with new AI technology Pano AI is on a mission to provide firefighters with the technology they need to save lives and protect their environment. The company uses AI, satellite feeds and 360-degree cameras stationed on vantage points to offer immediate intelligence for firefighters to use when called to action. Its early wildfire detection is available for governments, utilities, insurers and private landowners. “It’s the most advanced product in the marketplace,” said Andrew Prolov , Pano’s Head of Australia. “Our network of cameras constantly survey the landscape, we combine that imagery with satellite and other data feeds, which is all analysed by our AI algorithms. When Pano detects a fire threat, our 24/7 intelligence centre confirms the fire and alerts our customers within minutes. Pano helps authorities quickly share real-time intelligence to their extended and remote team, enabling a fast and coordinated response.” The company recently raised US$17m in a growth round, to develop additional technology. For more insights into Healthcare - check out the latest edition of Healthcare Digital and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter . Other magazines that may be of interest - Manufacturing Magazine . ********************************************* BizClik is a global provider of B2B digital media platforms that cover 'Executive Communities' for CEO's, CFO's, CMO's, Sustainability Leaders, Procurement & Supply Chain Leaders, Technology & AI Leaders, Cyber Leaders, FinTech & InsurTech Leaders as well as covering industries such as Manufacturing, Mining, Energy, EV, Construction, Healthcare + Food & Drink. BizClik, based in London, Dubai & New York offers services such as Content Creation, Advertising & Sponsorship Solutions, Webinars & Events.

A group of world leading health and scientific experts are calling on the aviation industry to take action to protect passengers and aircrew from dangerous cabin fumes which they say have led to a new emerging disease. Led by former pilot and aviation health researcher, the specialists have released the first medical protocol of its kind to help treat those effected by contamination of the aircraft cabin breathing air supply and collect data on contamination events. A group of world leading health and scientific experts are calling on the aviation industry to take action to protect passengers and aircrew from dangerous cabin fumes which they say have led to a new emerging disease. Led by former pilot and leading global aviation health researcher Dr Susan Michaelis, the specialists have released the first medical protocol of its kind to help treat those effected by contamination of the aircraft cabin breathing air supply and collect data on contamination events. The International Fume Events Task Force, made up of 17 doctors, occupational health specialists, toxicologists, epidemiologists and aviation experts, have spent six years researching and preparing the evidence and guidance. The result is a unique protocol for medical staff and non-medically trained airline staff which outlines the actions and investigations they should carry out when a person has been exposed to fumes or fume events. Aircrew and passengers are exposed to chronic background low-levels of engine oils and hydraulic fluids leaking into the aircraft air supply during every flight. They can also experience adverse effects from more irregular 'fume' events, which mark incidents when there's a noticeable level of contaminants in the cabin. Dr Michaelis, who is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Stirling, said: "This has been happening for the last 70 years and reports of air crew becoming unwell continue to rise. "Currently, when aircrew or passengers become unwell, whether they are still on the plane, suffer symptoms in the days or weeks to come, or report illness in the years that follow, there's nothing in the medical books, there's no guidance material for the aviation industry or medical professionals and very often they get turned away or are given minimal testing. "This new medical protocol has been written by internationally recognised experts and presents a consensus approach to the recognition, investigation and management of people suffering from the toxic effects of inhaling thermally degraded engine oil and other fluids contaminating the air conditioning systems in aircraft, and includes actions and investigations for in-flight, immediately post-flight and late subsequent follow up. "All of the data and evidence collected strongly suggests a causal connection between the contaminants from the oils and hydraulic fluids and people becoming unwell. This is the first comprehensive and systematic approach for documenting and gathering further epidemiological data in what is a discreet and emerging occupational health syndrome." The medical protocol and an accompanying narrative review have been published in the open access peer reviewed journal, Environmental Health. The narrative review illustrates the diffuse and consistent pattern of adverse effects, as documented by aircrew and some passengers, after breathing these fumes onboard and incorporates the findings from fume event reports and documented ill health effects that were collected over decades in multiple countries and regions. Professor Andrew Watterson of the University of Stirling said "This is a globally important and ground-breaking study using a narrative review of a significant and complex problem for those exposed to aircraft cabin air supply fumes that result in a range of often serious adverse effects. "It has generated a very useful tool in the process, based on recent research, in the form of a protocol for identifying, assessing and better documenting those effects in the future." Exposure to aircraft contaminated air and fume events is associated with documented aircrew impairment and incapacitation, jeopardizing the safety of the flight. These exposures are known to cause foggy thinking, dizziness, fatigue and impaired short-term memory and cognitive thinking. It can also cause neurological, respiratory and cardiac complaints, while other studies have drawn links with various cancers.