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<blockquote>In July, Peru’s then foreign minister Elmer Schialer said the illegal gold economy in Peru was seven times bigger than the cocaine trade.</blockquote>The Trump administration’s drone strikes against boats allegedly bringing illicit drugs to the US come amid an explosion in the amount of cocaine being produced in Colombia and Peru.But there is a new – and lethal – factor that is turbo-charging production – especially in Peru: the relationship between coca cultivation and illicit gold mining.<blockquote>Narco-mineria</blockquote>The nexus of coca cultivation and illicit gold mining is offering a swifter route to riches for criminal enterprises across the Amazon region – from Peru and Ecuador to Colombia and Venezuela. It’s known as narco-mineria, according to Collins.“Criminal organizations have found that illegal gold mining is a safer and more lucrative asset in which they can invest money from drug trafficking, and, in turn, launder the assets more easily,” according to Collyns, author of the forthcoming “Blood Gold: The Shocking True Story of the Amazon Gold Rush.”Click: <a data-mce-href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/22/americas/gold-mining-cocaine-traffickers-intl-latam" href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/22/americas/gold-mining-cocaine-traffickers-intl-latam">Continue Reading</a>#SustainableMining #MercuryFreeGold #Amazon #ResponsibleGold #ESGLeadership #Biodiversitydestruction #IllicitGoldMining&nbsp;

Why illegal gold mining is overtaking cocaine as the drug of choice for traffickers in Latin America

<h3>High-strength, multi-mode processable bamboo molecular bioplastic enabled by solvent-shaping regulation.</h3>Created by scientists at Northeast Forestry University, the material derives its durability from bamboo cellulose while remaining completely non-toxic as it breaks down naturally in soil.The research represents a major leap in sustainable materials science. With large-scale production, this bamboo plastic could soon replace conventional plastics in packaging, furniture, and electronics – offering a practical path toward a cleaner, plastic-free future. Click: <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/3LMdfFg" href="https://bit.ly/3LMdfFg">Continue Reading</a>&nbsp;#InnovationForImpact #BambooPlastic #ClimateAction #Sustainability&nbsp;

China has introduced a groundbreaking bamboo-based plastic that matches the strength and heat resistance of traditional petroleum plastics but fully biodegrades within just 50 days.

Humans have been processing food for millenniums. Neanderthals sizzled meat over open flames; hunter-gatherers ground wild wheat to make bread; and factory workers canned fruit for soldiers during the Civil War.But in the late 1800s, food companies began concocting products that were wildly different from anything people could make themselve.Coca-Cola was introduced in 1886.Jell-O in 1897. Crisco in 1911.Spam, Velveeta, Kraft Mac &amp; Cheese and Oreos arrived in the following decades.<figure id="figure-ornauqa0ttmhzigdrt"><img id="ornauqa0ttmhzigdrt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24vQ1SEPxt9nib2KoXJOZjLUQLIrdGdB8vDHtwePu87hcjmROUlqWAYNjgoiX6Aq.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24vQ1SEPxt9nib2KoXJOZjLUQLIrdGdB8vDHtwePu87hcjmROUlqWAYNjgoiX6Aq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>In the 1950s and ’60s, more women began working outside of the home, but were still expected to feed their families.Wonder Bread commercials from the 1950s claimed the product’s added vitamins and minerals would help children “grow bigger and stronger.”Home refrigerators offered modern freezer compartments, ready to fill with fish sticks, frozen waffles and TV dinners.The earliest processed foods promised ease and convenience.<figure id="figure-yu95bwwjcmhzi9e9g"><img id="yu95bwwjcmhzi9e9g" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9hg3R7FH5aXLhPgmWgo6NKewk89iP6cw6dPlSINMX8tpYvMB9f6YTdfK2yrrJ3OM.jpg" alt="How did we get here? Let’s take a tour through history." title="How did we get here? Let’s take a tour through history." class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="The earliest processed foods promised ease and convenience." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9hg3R7FH5aXLhPgmWgo6NKewk89iP6cw6dPlSINMX8tpYvMB9f6YTdfK2yrrJ3OM.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">The earliest processed foods promised ease and convenience.</figcaption></figure>1970s-1990s - An Ultraprocessed Food ExplosionClick: <a data-mce-href="https://nyti.ms/4i1M6db" href="https://nyti.ms/4i1M6db">Continue Reading</a>.

How America Got Hooked on Ultraprocessed Foods

The study’s findings track with recent research on the alarming rise of the cancer in younger adults.<a data-mce-href="https://nyti.ms/49RJJHR" href="https://nyti.ms/49RJJHR">Colorectal cancer rates</a> have been mysteriously climbing among people under 50. In a <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/3LGNINw" href="https://bit.ly/3LGNINw">study published today in JAMA Oncology</a>, Dr. Chan and his colleagues suggest that ultraprocessed foods — which <a data-mce-href="https://nyti.ms/49hc1vn" href="https://nyti.ms/49hc1vn">have increased in our diets over the decades</a> — may be playing a role.He and his team looked at women in their 20s, 30s and 40s.....Click: <a data-mce-href="https://nyti.ms/4oG9XBJ" href="https://nyti.ms/4oG9XBJ">Continue Reading</a>&nbsp;

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk in Women Under 50

A row of glass vials filled with a yellow liquid, a solution of gold. Chemical Mining Laboratory with glass flasks.

<h2>Introduction to Solution Chemistry in Gold Processing</h2>Solution chemistry plays a pivotal role in the world of advanced gold processing techniques. It involves the study of solutes, solvents, and their interactions, which are essential for extracting and refining gold. Understanding these interactions allows for more efficient and environmentally friendly processing methods.<h2>The Basics of Gold Extraction</h2>Gold extraction often relies on hydrometallurgical processes, which involve leaching gold from ores using chemical solutions. The choice of solvent and its chemical properties are crucial for maximizing gold recovery. Cyanide leaching is a traditional technique, but new methods are emerging to minimize environmental impact.<h3>Cyanide Leaching</h3>Cyanide leaching has been the industry standard for decades due to its effectiveness in dissolving gold. However, due to its toxicity, there is a growing interest in alternative solutions. Researchers are exploring non-toxic leaching agents like thiosulfate and chloride solutions as safer alternatives.<figure id="figure-jkpn3vcc6mhwoawtw"><img id="jkpn3vcc6mhwoawtw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2f9rj1Hdfsrwb7EBHLGVT8fHenI62cwJ2etGhrYm0drAB86903oWmABKuiwgLHXl.jpeg" alt="cyanide leaching process" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2f9rj1Hdfsrwb7EBHLGVT8fHenI62cwJ2etGhrYm0drAB86903oWmABKuiwgLHXl.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Innovations in Solution Chemistry</h2>Recent advancements in solution chemistry have led to innovative gold processing techniques. These include the development of more selective leaching agents that target gold with minimal interaction with other metals. This selectivity reduces waste and improves overall efficiency.<h3>Eco-Friendly Leaching Agents</h3>Eco-friendly leaching agents are gaining traction in the industry. Thiosulfate and glycine-based solutions offer a promising future for gold extraction. These agents are not only less harmful to the environment but also enhance the extraction process by improving gold recovery rates.<figure id="figure-xxcmj3qgbjmhwob03c"><img id="xxcmj3qgbjmhwob03c" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/33SkIl7WB1WjKGKabYrNBAvcjpfXjm24cpQF7Cb0r9scWesYOncPU3ydtJzdnR5I.jpeg" alt="eco-friendly leaching" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/33SkIl7WB1WjKGKabYrNBAvcjpfXjm24cpQF7Cb0r9scWesYOncPU3ydtJzdnR5I.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>The Role of pH and Redox Potential</h2>The pH and redox potential of a solution are critical parameters in gold processing. These factors influence the solubility of gold and the efficiency of the leaching process. Maintaining optimal pH and redox conditions ensures that gold is effectively dissolved and recovered.<h3>Optimizing Conditions</h3>By carefully controlling the pH and redox potential, operators can optimize the conditions for gold extraction. This involves adjusting the chemical composition of the solution to achieve the desired balance, leading to enhanced gold recovery and reduced environmental impact.<figure id="figure-kcb9aiqa1rmhwob3jc"><img id="kcb9aiqa1rmhwob3jc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37f1FIB5Xo2rDP1wjLv2qG2K9dhKy2APg8iXjgf5O0d0V0RllNZtkxtuxOlxNLxT.jpeg" alt="solution optimization" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37f1FIB5Xo2rDP1wjLv2qG2K9dhKy2APg8iXjgf5O0d0V0RllNZtkxtuxOlxNLxT.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2>As the demand for gold continues to rise, the role of solution chemistry in advanced processing techniques becomes increasingly important. By harnessing the power of chemistry, the industry can develop more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly methods for gold extraction. This progress not only benefits the industry but also contributes to a more sustainable future.

The Role of Solution Chemistry in Advanced Gold Processing Techniques

<h3>Research Update: Okra, fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water.</h3>PressPacs May 6, 2025 ACS OmegaThe substances behind the slimy strings from okra and the gel from fenugreek seeds could trap microplastics better than a commonly used synthetic polymer. Previously, researchers proposed using these sticky natural polymers to clean up water. Now, they report in ACS Omega that okra and/or fenugreek extracts attracted and removed up to 90% of microplastics in ocean water, freshwater and groundwater.“Utilizing these plant-based extracts in water treatment will remove microplastics and other pollutants without introducing additional toxic substances to the treated water,” says Srinivasan, “thus reducing long-term health risks to the population.”&nbsp;Click: <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/4oDSDNS" href="https://bit.ly/4oDSDNS" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Continue Reading</a>

Research Update: Okra, fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water.

BACosgrove Scientific Researcher, Inc.

The Company is a science-driven research and innovation incorporated Company advancing sustainable chemistry, environmental health solutions, and clean-technology applications. Founded by chemist and entrepreneur Bruce A. Cosgrove, the company develops and validates evidence-based alternatives that reduce toxic exposures while supporting circular-economy and ESG-aligned outcomes across industrial and wellness sectors.

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Why illegal gold mining is overtaking cocaine as the drug...

China has introduced a groundbreaking bamboo-based plasti...

How America Got Hooked on Ultraprocessed Foods

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk in ...

The Role of Solution Chemistry in Advanced Gold Processin...

Research Update: Okra, fenugreek extracts remove most mic...