Fri.Apr 26, 2024

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How the US is preparing for a potential bird flu pandemic

New Scientist

As the US grapples with an ongoing bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle, the country’s health agencies are ramping up surveillance efforts and working to develop a vaccine if needed

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Nixon Advisers’ Climate Research Plan: Another Lost Chance on the Road to Crisis

Inside Climate News

A 1971 plan for a global carbon dioxide monitoring network never came to fruition. The proposal is detailed in a document newly unearthed by the National Security Archive. By Marianne Lavelle In 1971, President Richard Nixon’s science advisers proposed a multimillion dollar climate change research project with benefits they said were too “immense” to be quantified, since they involved “ensuring man’s survival,” according to a White House document newly obtained by the nonprofit National Security

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5 extraordinary ideas about the mind and what it means to be conscious

New Scientist

To celebrate the launch of our new event series in the US, kicking off with a masterclass on the brain and consciousness, we have unlocked five incredible long reads

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Why is This Sea Cucumber Called a Headless Chicken Monster?

Ocean Conservancy

My favorite creatures in the ocean are the weird ones. Those blobby, slippery, bizarre, alien-looking things that make you wonder “How does that live on our planet with us?” They remind me that the slice of nature I get to see is just a small fraction of the life out there. The Earth is a weird place, and that’s what makes it wonderful. And that’s why it gives me such great pleasure to introduce you to one of these strange and glorious creatures: the swimming sea cucumber, also known as the head

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How to Drive Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and Sustainability Wins with MES

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

Is your manufacturing operation reaching its efficiency potential? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) could be the game-changer, helping you reduce waste, cut costs, and lower your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions, in this value-packed webinar as he breaks down how MES can drive operational excellence and sustainability.

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Deepfake politicians may have a big influence on India’s elections

New Scientist

Political campaigns are deploying AI-generated deepfake versions of politicians to reach hundreds of millions of eligible voters in India’s 2024 election – the world’s largest ever

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People Keep Secrets Because They Overestimate Harsh Judgments

Scientific American

Research suggests that people tend to exaggerate how critically they will be viewed if they reveal negative information about themselves to others

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PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - April 27

PA Environment Daily

The following DEP notices were published in the April 27 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities. Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments. Land Recycling/Brownfield Cleanups So far in 2024, DEP received or acted on 111 Act 2 Land Recycling notices related to oil and gas facility site cleanups. Air Quality Permits -- Mountain Gathering LLC - Pipeline Compressor Station: DEP invites comments on proposed modifications of an Air Quality Plan Approval for the faci

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Global warming could make tides higher as well as raising sea levels

New Scientist

In addition to the overall rise in sea level, the heights of tides are also changing as the oceans warm and separate into more distinct layers

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The Threat of a Solar Superstorm Is Growing—And We’re Not Ready

Scientific American

Someday an unlucky outburst from our sun could strike Earth and fry most of our electronics—and we’ve already had some too-close-for-comfort near misses

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Rare mutation that causes short stature may shed light on ageing

New Scientist

The genetic variant, which causes people to be insensitive to growth hormone, may also protect people from heart disease

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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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Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center Hosts April 29 Webinar On Challenges For Drinking Water Systems: PFAS 'Forever Chemicals,' Lead Service Lines

PA Environment Daily

On April 29, the Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center will host a webinar on How To Address Challenges For Drinking Water Systems - PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' and Lead Service Lines starting at 10:00 a.m. Join Ellen Kohler , Director of Applied Research at the University of Pennsylvania Water Center , as she discusses sustainable solutions for water quality challenges faced by communities.

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Alpacas are the only mammals known to directly inseminate the uterus

New Scientist

When alpacas mate, males deposit sperm directly into the uterus, a reproductive strategy not confirmed in any other mammals

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DEP Releases Final Land Application Of Manure Supplement To Manure Management For Environmental Protection Manual

PA Environment Daily

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 27 PA Bulletin announcing the availability of the Land Application of Manure Supplement to the Manure Management for Environmental Protection Manual. [ DEP ID: 361-0300-002 ] The supplement and Manual provide guidelines that comply with Department regulations concerning animal manures and agricultural process wastewaters.

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Asteroid that broke up over Berlin was fastest-spinning one ever seen

New Scientist

Before it shattered over Germany, the asteroid 2024 BX1 was clocked rotating once every 2.

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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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As Bird Flu Spreads through Cows, Is Pasteurized Milk Safe to Drink?

Scientific American

H5N1 influenza virus particles have been detected in commercially sold milk, but it’s not clear how the virus is spreading in cattle or whether their milk could infect humans

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Agriculture Highlights Stroud Water Research Center Ag Conservation Research

PA Environment Daily

On April 26, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, Chester County, for a first-hand look at research measuring the effects of farming practices that are improving water quality and soil health. Redding and local farmer Jamie Hicks and the Stroud Center’s Executive Director Dr. Dave Arscott and Director of Watershed Restoration Matthew Ehrhart toured a field managed by Hicks.

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A Solar Panel Standoff Threatens U.S. Climate Plans

Scientific American

Inexpensive Chinese solar panels are pitting Americans who want cheap equipment against those who want to make it

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DEP Reports ZERO Shale Gas Well Permits Under Review; DEP May Have Only 20% Of The Revenue Needed To Fund Its Oil & Gas Regulation Program

PA Environment Daily

For the third time in the last eight weeks, DEP reported ZERO or only 1 shale gas well permit under review in its Oil and Gas Workload Report , which has huge implications for the funding needed to run its entire Oil and Gas Regulatory Program. DEP’s program that regulates conventional oil and gas and shale gas wells and their infrastructure is funded almost entirely by permit application fees.

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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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A Long-Awaited Climate Experiment Is Poised to Launch in the Amazon. What Will It Find?

Scientific American

Ahead of a project to spray carbon dioxide into jungle plots, researchers contemplate what its results might signal about the forest’s future.

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Educators Invited To April 30 Online Meeting Of Southwest PA Environmental Literacy Coalition

PA Environment Daily

Educators in Southwest PA counties are invited to the April 30 online meeting of the Southwest PA Environmental Literacy Coalition starting at 4:00 p.m. Click Here for the agenda. Click Here to join via Zoom : Meeting ID: 695 900 0805 The Coalition is seeking local professionals, educators, students, and those with an interest in environmental literacy.

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Cicadas Are Basically Safe for You—And Your Dog—to Eat. Here’s What to Know

Scientific American

Here’s what a chef, a vet and two anthropologists have to say about eating periodical cicadas

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Dept. Of Agriculture Now Accepting Applications For Ag Conservation Research Grants; Ag Research Grants

PA Environment Daily

The Department of Agriculture published notices in the April 27 PA Bulletin announcing it is now accepting applications for Agricultural Conservation Research Grants ( formal notice ) and Agricultural Research Grants ( formal notice ). The deadline for applications is June 7. Ag Conservation Research The Department intends to make up to $1.5 million available for grants under the program.

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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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Heat Pumps Are Coming to New CA Homes - What About Existing Homes?

NRDC

The proposed CA building code is a big step forward - but the opportunity to replace ACs with two-way heat pumps upon burnout is a massive missed opportunity.

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Comments Invited By DEP On Stronghold Digital Mining Panther Creek Power Plant Title V Air Quality Permit Renewal

PA Environment Daily

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 27 PA Bulletin inviting comments on the renewal of the Title V Air Quality Permit for the Stronghold Digital Mining Panther Creek coal waste-fired power plant in Nesquehoning Borough, Carbon County. ( PA Bulletin, page 2282 ) The proposed Title V operating permit contains applicable requirements for emission limitations, work practice standards, testing, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting standards used to verify faci

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How Unhealthy Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Scientific American

Processed foods have been blamed for many health problems, but dietary research is tricky and nuanced

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DEP Sets May 16 Public Conference To Accept Comments On Rosebud Mining Permit For Cherry Tree Mine In Clearfield, Indiana Counties

PA Environment Daily

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 27 PA Bulletin it will hold a May 16 Public Conference on the Rosebud Mining Company application to review the Cherry Tree Mine Bituminous Coal Mining Permit for the facility located in Burnside Township, Clearfield County and Cherry Tree Borough and Montgomery Township, Indiana County. ( PA Bulletin, page 2324 ) The public conference will be held at the Burnside Township Municipal Building, 2447 Ridge Road in Westover from

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OECA Issues Strategic Civil-Criminal Enforcement Policy

Nanotech

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) has posted an April 17, 2024, memorandum regarding “Strategic Civil-Criminal Enforcement Policy” from David M. Uhlmann, OECA Assistant Administrator. The Strategic Civil-Criminal Enforcement Policy sets forth requirements to ensure that EPA’s enforcement program maintains and strengthens the strategic partnership between civil and criminal enforcement.

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New Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Podcast Features Pollinator Habitat Certification Program

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners latest Pollinator Confidential Podcaster features Lisa Schneider and Pam Ford on how you can qualify for the Penn State Pollinator Habitat Certification Program. The hosts outline the steps to establishing diverse landscapes that sustain pollinators in all stages of their life cycle. They also offer advice for gardeners of all levels, suggesting ways to transform even the smallest corner of your yard into a flourishing habitat using native plants.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Make Final Listing Decision for Texas Mussel Species

Endangered Species Law

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Center for Biological Diversity entered into a settlement agreement wherein the Service agreed to submit to the Federal Register final listing decisions on the following six mussel species no later than May 23, 2024: Texas fatmucket ( Lampsilis bracteate ); Guadalupe fatmucket ( Lampsilis bergmanni ); Texas fawnsfoot ( Truncilla macrodon ); Texas pimpleback ( Cyclonaias (= Quadrula ) petrina ); Guadalupe orb ( Cyclonaias necki ); and False

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US Geological Survey Hosts May 9 Webinar On New USGS Base Streamflow Forecasting Web Tool

PA Environment Daily

The US Geological Survey will host a May 9 webinar on the new USGS Baseflow Stream Forecasting Web Tool starting at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This webinar will demonstrate how to access forecasts generated for active USGS streamgaging locations across the Nation. The webinar will also discuss the need for baseflow (low flow) information and possible applications of the tool.

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Julianne M. Ogden Joins B&C Consortia Management

Nanotech

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C) and B&C® Consortia Management, L.L.C. (BCCM) are pleased to announce that Julianne M. Ogden has joined our firms as a Consortium Manager. Prior to joining BCCM, Ms. Ogden was Associate Director, Chemical Products & Technology, at the American Chemistry Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Maryland, College Park.

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April 2024 WOTUS Legislation Update

Vorys Law

The revision of the rule defining “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”; the “Post-Sackett Rule”) has not resolved the litigation surrounding the WOTUS definition. In fact, it seems that litigation is heating up, with various new developments on multiple fronts. This post will give a short summary of the status of the three main cases on the topic, as well as highlight a new case that could further impact the implementation of the Clean Water Act.