Wed.May 22, 2024

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Ancient viruses in the human genome linked to mental health conditions

New Scientist

People with higher genetic risk for depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are more likely to have unusual activity levels of "fossil viruses" in their genomes

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The Ontario Government’s Anti-Density Bill 185 is so Extreme and Corrupt that even Density Opponents are Concerned

Enviromental Defense

Statement from Phil Pothen, Land Use and Land Development program manager Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – The Ontario government’s latest attempt to kneecap efforts to build more homes in neighbourhoods – and supercharge suburban sprawl – is so extreme that even some long-time opponents of density are joining the opposition.

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Mysterious element promethium finally reveals its chemical properties

New Scientist

The highly unstable radioactive element promethium is hard to study in the lab, but chemists have now coaxed it into forming a compound in water so they can observe its bonding behaviour

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The Great Solar Storm of 2024 May Have Made the Strongest Auroras in Centuries

Scientific American

Northern and southern lights produced by a recent bout of severe space weather may rival the most intense auroras of the past 500 years

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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X-ray laser fires most powerful pulse ever recorded

New Scientist

The Linac Coherent Light Source in California fired an X-ray pulse that lasted only a few hundred billionths of a billionth of a second but carried nearly a terawatt of power

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The ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change: An introduction into the joint blog symposium

Law Columbia

On May 21, 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) delivered a long-awaited Advisory Opinion on climate change and international law. This marks the first time that an international tribunal has issued an advisory opinion on State obligations regarding climate change mitigation. The Advisory Opinion addresses several key questions regarding application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the context of climate change, including the interact

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Could Putting Neosporin in Your Nose Fend Off COVID?

Scientific American

People may someday have a surprisingly familiar tool to prevent viral infections: one of the antibiotics found in a common ointment

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Modern soldiers test ancient Greek armour to show it worked for war

New Scientist

An experiment inspired by Homer’s description of combat in The Iliad tested the capabilities of the Dendra armour suit from Greece’s Bronze Age

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Duquesne Light Releases 2023 ESG Report - Playing A Central Role In SW PA Clean Energy Transition

PA Environment Daily

On May 22, Duquesne Light Company released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report , which discloses the company’s performance in three core areas of its ESG strategy: climate conscious, powering people and responsible performance. This is DLC’s second annual ESG report and, for the first time, discloses year-over-year performance metrics from a 2022 baseline.

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Quantum to cosmos: Why scale is vital to our understanding of reality

New Scientist

From the vastness of the universe to the infinitesimal particles that comprise it, extremes of scale defy comprehension – and present a problem for physicists seeking a unified theory of everything

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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Countries Must Cut Climate Pollution, Ocean Court Rules

Scientific American

In its first climate change case, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea determined that a global ocean convention extends to greenhouse gases, meaning countries have an obligation to reduce them

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Early humans took northern route to Australia, cave find suggests

New Scientist

An excavation on Timor reveals humans first settled on the island 44,000 years ago, long after the earliest occupation of Australia – suggesting migration to the latter took another route

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PA Parks & Forests Foundation Recognizes 2024 Award Recipients

PA Environment Daily

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation held its 15th Annual Awards Banquet and celebrated 13 award recipients for their outstanding stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state park and state forest system at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County on May 14, 2024. The annual event brought together individuals, businesses, and organizations from across the state, including Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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Why viewing cancer as an ecosystem could lead to better treatments

New Scientist

Researchers have come to see cancers as akin to organisms, existing in complex ecosystems and subject to evolutionary pressures.

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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PA Wilds Center Announces 2024 PA Wilds Champion Award Winners; Recognition Dinner July 25

PA Environment Daily

On May 22, the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. announced the recipients of the 2024 Champions of the PA Wilds Awards. The 2024 Champions are – -- Artisan of the Year: Lynn Kibbe , Lycoming County -- Best Brand Ambassador: Starr Hill Vineyard and Winery , Clearfield County -- Business of the Year : Mountain Top and Provisions , Clinton County -- Conservation Stewardship: Watershed Conservation Program of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy , Elk & Indiana Counties -- Event of the Year

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Cattle used for cuddling therapy may prefer women over men

New Scientist

Cattle seem to be more willing to lick and accept food from women, and are more likely to act aggressively around men

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DEP Announces Award Of $980,256 To Support 56 Local Environmental Education Projects; New Grant Round Opens In August

PA Environment Daily

On May 22, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of $980,256 in Environmental Education Grants to 56 projects that will promote environmental education and stewardship across Pennsylvania. Nearly all of the projects will support people in environmental justice communities, communities composed of Pennsylvanians that are more threatened by climate change, air pollution, and water pollution.

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How quantum entanglement really works and why we accept its weirdness

New Scientist

Subatomic particles can appear to instantly influence one another, no matter how far apart they are.

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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A “Zombie Expert” Shares Advice on How to Survive the Apocalypse

Scientific American

Cooperation theorist Athena Aktipis talks about zombies, game theory, go bags and more in her new book, A Field Guide to the Apocalypse.

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Could mental health conditions be 'transmitted' among teen classmates?

New Scientist

The largest study yet looking at whether conditions such as depression and anxiety could spread between teenagers finds that one person in a class being diagnosed is linked with a higher risk for their classmates

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EPA Invites Comments On Draft Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Permit Renewal For Seneca Resources Company, LLC In Elk County

PA Environment Daily

On May 22, the US Environmental Protection Agency published notice it is accepting comments on a draft permit renewal for the oil and gas wastewater injection well operated by Seneca Resources Company, LLC in Highland Township, Elk County. EPA will hold the virtual public hearing only if EPA receives requests from the public to do so. EPA said an in-person hearing will not take place.

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Source of the sun’s magnetic field may hide right under its surface

New Scientist

Scientists have long thought the source of the sun's magnetic field sat deep within the star, but it may exist in a far more convenient spot for us to observe it

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Are the Microplastics Found in Testicles a Health Danger?

Scientific American

Evidence shows microplastics can end up in many different organs and may harm reproductive health

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Could we live in tree cities grown from giant sequoia in the future?

New Scientist

This week our new Future Chronicles column, which explores an imagined history of inventions of the future, visits carbon negative cities: forest homes grown from giant sequoia, genetically engineered for rapid growth.

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This Start-Up Wants You to Put Custom Bacteria on Your Teeth

Scientific American

Lumina Probiotic has said a genetically modified microbe could prevent cavities.

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Fungus lost to science for 42 years found again in Chilean mountains

New Scientist

The big puma fungus hasn't been seen since it was discovered in 1982 in Chile’s Nahuelbuta mountains – now an expedition has finally rediscovered these tiny, elusive mushrooms

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Call For Presentation Proposals: PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Oct. 22-24 In State College

PA Environment Daily

The Planning Committee for the PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference has issued an invitation for presentation proposals. The deadline for submissions is June 28. The theme of this year's conference is-- Partnerships Leading The Way In Reclamation. A wide range of topics are being considered-- -- New abandoned mine drainage (AMD) treatment system technologies, tools, and products -- Construction case studies and lessons learned -- Land remediation, reforestation, and reuse -- Water quality mo

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New psychology book reckons with separating solitude from loneliness

New Scientist

In a social world, being alone (by choice or not) is complex. Solitude: The science and power of being alone by Netta Weinstein, Heather Hansen and Thuy-vy T.

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Innovative Thinking Could Make New Sickle Cell Treatments More Accessible

Scientific American

The cost of new gene-based sickle cell treatments isn’t the only barrier to access.

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Cows used for cuddling therapy may prefer women over men

New Scientist

Cattle seem to be more willing to lick and accept food from women, and are more likely to act aggressively around men

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Seven Months After the DOE Hydrogen Hub Announcement: Where Are We Now on Community Engagement?

NRDC

This blog is a brief overview of what we've seen on community engagement around the DOE's proposed Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs since the announcement last October, and it provides recommendations for what we'd like to see moving forward.

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Some metals actually grow more resilient when hot

New Scientist

Pelting metals under high temperatures has revealed that some get even stronger when heated, which could help us choose better materials for making helicopters and planes

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‘Greenwashing by omission? Comparing Repsol Cases in Spain and the UK’

Law Columbia

Introduction There has been a common question emerging in recent greenwashing cases across Europe: to what extent must companies provide a holistic impression of their business in their advertisements? Companies that highlight only the sustainable or ‘green’ parts of their businesses have come under fire from consumers, NGOs and rival companies, accused of creating a misleading picture of their operations.