Short Takes – 8-19-24

Seaweed success. ChemistryWorld.com article. Pull quote: “Oceanium’s approach goes some way towards realising the concept of a ‘seaweed biorefinery’ – a term used in Europe’s emerging seaweed industry to describe the transformation of seaweeds into a cascade of different products and chemicals. It is essentially macroalgae’s answer to an oil refinery. Products range from expensive supplement powders and biodegradable packaging to environmentally friendly animal feeds. The idea has captured the imaginations of scientists and entrepreneurs alike – as well as funding bodies – for the potential benefits that farmed seaweed could offer the environment and coastal communities. But can companies like Oceanium make the most of what seaweed has to offer and do it sustainably, at scale?”

Bird Flu Is Infecting Pet Cats. Here’s What You Need to Know. ScientificAmerican.com article. Pull quote: “In Colorado the disease appears particularly pervasive: more than eight million commercial chickens to date have died because of the outbreak, more than 60 dairy herds have confirmed cases of avian influenza, and 10 human infections have also been confirmed. But epidemiologists say that doesn’t necessarily mean Colorado is more of a hotspot for the virus than other states. “They have really been taking it seriously, and I think they are highlighting to everyone else how much we may be missing,” says Seema Lakdawala, a molecular virologist at Emory University. “It’s not like, oh, everyone’s looking, and we’re only finding it here. It’s like, when you look, you find it.”.”

Here Are the Five Health and Wellness Tools Everyone Needs Now. ScientificAmerican.com article. Pull quote: “Prevention is a key component to health and wellness These five items contribute to that goal. Remember to keep available, with the appropriate supply, any prescribed medicines. Check the expiration dates on over-the-counter products as well. I have made it a habit to do this twice a year, using the day we change our clocks as my reminder. This includes antihistamines, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and even topical solutions for cuts and bruises. Patients who have specific medical conditions should be sure to have products tailored for their health care; glucometers for diabetics, inhalers for asthmatics, EpiPen for those with a risk of serious allergic reactions, and it never hurts to have a rapid COVID test and a mask or two sitting in the medicine cabinet. Don’t let a broken glass, or other mishap, serve as your reminder to restock the medicine chest. Stay well, stay healthy!”

SpaceX's Polaris crew set for first private spacewalking mission next week. Reuters.com article. Pull quote: “The launch is scheduled for 3:38 a.m. ET (0738 GMT) on Aug. 26 from SpaceX's launchpad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission is expected to last six days, with the spacewalk - formally called Extravehicular Activity (EVA) - planned for the third day.”

Union Pacific train derailed after Klamath Falls man tampered with track switch, police say. OregonLive.com article. Pull quote: “A Klamath Falls man is accused of trespassing at a local Union Pacific Railroad yard and changing track settings that caused four railroad cars to derail and more than $1 million in damage Monday, according to federal court documents.”