Short Takes – 10-31-24

New guidance published for hydrogen pipelines. HazardExOnTheNet.net article. Pull quote: ““This change will result in a more efficient application of clear, consensus-based hydrogen rules for piping systems by consolidating these rules into the standards that are most often used by our industry partners,” said Chris Cantrell, ASME’s senior managing director of standards and engineering services. “ASME would like to thank our volunteers, our staff, and PRCI staff and volunteers for working with us to meet pipeline industry needs and to advance the use of hydrogen to promote a clean energy future.”” Final report here.

Three-person crew enters China's Tiangong space station. Phys.org article. Pull quote: “The new Tiangong team will carry out experiments with an eye to the space program's goal of placing astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and eventually constructing a lunar base.” Includes diagram of Tiangong station.

Bird flu has been found in a pig for the first time in the U.S. NPR.org article. Pull quote: “The USDA has conducted genetic tests on the farm's poultry and has not seen any mutations that suggest the virus is gaining an increased ability to spread to people. That indicates the current risk to the public remains low, officials said.”

Bird flu could become deadlier if it mixes with seasonal flu viruses, experts warn. LiveScience.com article. Pull quote: “These mutations may change the shape of the hemagglutinin and, thus, the antibodies that bind to it. This difference might render the CDC's standard tests unsuitable, so the agency spent three weeks developing new antibody tests based on the mutant protein.”

Voyager 1 loses contact with NASA, turns on retro transmitter not used since 1981. LiveScience.com article. Pull quote: “On Oct. 22, engineers sent a command to confirm that the spacecraft was indeed using its backup S-band transmitter. The team successfully reestablished contact with Voyager 1 two days later. NASA engineers are now working to diagnose the issue that triggered Voyager 1's fault protection system and to restore it to normal operations.”

China wants to make its Tiangong space station bigger and better. Space.com article. Pull quote: “Also named Xuntian, the CSST is a Hubble-class space telescope that will share an orbit with Tiangong. It will be able to dock with the space station for maintenance, repairs and even upgrades.”

Empowering Chemical Technical Professionals. CEN.ACS.org discovery report. Pull quote: “These obstacles are particularly concerning for diversity in chemistry. If the only way to join the chemical workforce is to go directly to university and graduate school, the scientific community of tomorrow will not be inclusive. Skilled technical positions allow people to start their careers in science earlier and with less student debt. Some may become motivated to pursue advanced degrees later in life, while others will be successful in technical roles. Supporting these pathways means that careers in chemistry will be more accessible to more people.”