Mon.May 20, 2024

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Four Steps Federal Agencies Need to Take for Better Public Engagement

Union of Concerned Scientists

For years at the Center for Science and Democracy (CSD), we have championed the need for federal agencies to adopt clear and equitable practices for engaging with the public. The public’s ability to weigh in on new rules and regulations proposed by agencies lies at the heart of a strong democracy. It offers a critical mechanism through which members of the public can have a direct say in the decisions our government is making.

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In Two New Studies, Scientists See Signs of Fundamental Climate Shifts in Antarctica

Inside Climate News

A steep decline of Antarctic sea ice may mark a long-term transformation in the Southern Ocean, and seawater intrusions beneath the Thwaites Glacier could explain its melting outpacing projections. By Bob Berwyn Antarctica’s vast ice fields and the floating sea ice surrounding the continent are Earth’s biggest heat shields, bouncing solar radiation away from the planet, but two studies released today show how global warming is encroaching even on the sunlight reflector in the coldest region on t

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Incredible maths proof is so complex that almost no one can explain it

New Scientist

Mathematicians are celebrating a 1000-page proof of the geometric Langlands conjecture, a problem so complicated that even other mathematicians struggle to understand it.

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The Midwest Could Be in for Another Smoke-Filled Summer. Here’s How States Are Preparing

Inside Climate News

Fires fueled by drought are sending smoke south from Canada into the U.S., leaving folks exposed to dangerous particulate matter in the air. By Kristoffer Tigue Nick Witcraft knew he’d have a busy morning when his phone notified him that Canadian wildfire smoke was drifting across the U.S.-Canadian border eight days ago.

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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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How indefinite causality could lead us to a theory of quantum gravity

New Scientist

Experiments show that effect doesn’t always follow cause in the weird world of subatomic particles, offering fresh clues about the quantum origins of space-time

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Is CBD Safe for Cats and Dogs?

Scientific American

Although studies are still mixed and products are often inconsistent, many scientists have hope that cannabidiol can help furry patients with arthritis, allergies and anxiety

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Help Wanted: Interfaith Partners For The Chesapeake Bay - Executive Director

PA Environment Daily

The Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake is seeking qualified candidates for executive director who is responsible for managing the organization, including all financial oversight, implementation of IPC’s programs, securing significant unrestricted funds, and collaboration with the Board of Directors to advance the mission of the organization. The ideal candidate would be able to navigate interfaith dynamics effectively, develop relationships with a diverse range of partners, and cultivate a p

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Quantum diamond sensor measured heart signals from a living rat

New Scientist

For the first time, a quantum sensor has been used to record magnetic signals from the heart of a living animal, opening the door for future uses of quantum technology in medical settings

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Release: House Farm Bill Misses Opportunity to Move Agriculture Forward

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

For Immediate Release Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press@sustainableagriculture.net Tel. 347.563.6408 Release: House Farm Bill Misses Opportunity to Move Agriculture Forward Washington, DC, May 20, 2024 – On Friday, May 17, the House Agriculture Committee released the long-awaited Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (FFNSA ).

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Acne-causing bacteria can treat dandruff by resetting scalp microbiome

New Scientist

An acid produced by an acne-causing bacteria reduced the severity of people's dandruff by adjusting their scalp's microbiome

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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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May 20 Weekly PA Environment Digest Now Available

PA Environment Daily

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.” -- Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion] Click Here To View Or Print The Entire May

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World’s only lungless frog species actually does have lungs after all

New Scientist

The rare Bornean flat-headed frog was thought to be the only frog with no lungs, but we now know it has very, very tiny ones

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Damascus Citizens: Do You Live In An Oil & Gas Wastewater Disposal Facility? Public Roads In 84 Municipalities In PA, One County In NY Are Being Used As Disposal Areas For Wastewater

PA Environment Daily

On May 20, the Damascus Citizens for Sustainability alerted the public the PA Department of Environmental Protection has designated 84 municipalities in Pennsylvania and one county in New York as “disposal facilities” for wastewater from conventional oil and gas drilling because well owners indiscriminately dump their waste on public roads. Although road dumping oil and gas wastewater is illegal-- but not banned-- conventional well owners continue to do it wherever they want to.

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Zapping spinal cord injuries helps restore hand strength and movement

New Scientist

Electrical stimulation on the back during rehabilitation exercises causes lasting improvements in people’s ability to use their hands.

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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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Growing Up as an Irish Pine Marten

PBS Nature

Born inside a hollow tree in mid-April, two pine martens were born vulnerable and dependent on their mother. By the end of the summer, these kits were venturing out on their own.

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Why are there so many rogue planets and what do they look like?

New Scientist

Estimates suggest there are trillions of free-floating worlds in our galaxy alone.

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North Branch Land Trust Awarded American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water And Environment Grant

PA Environment Daily

On May 20, the North Branch Land Trust announced it was awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment grant , focusing on water quality and quantity, as well as the health of the vital wetland ecosystem at Hanover Crossings Marsh Sanctuary , in Hanover Township, Luzerne County. Ellen Ferretti, Executive Director of North Branch Land Trust, says, “North Branch Land Trust is honored and grateful for the support given to this project by the American Water Charitable Fou

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A Widely Used Criminal Justice Algorithm For Assessing Child Pornography Recidivism Is Flawed

Scientific American

The CPORT algorithm, commonly used to estimate the risk that a child pornography offender will offend again, hasn’t been validated for use in the U.S.

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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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Penn State Extension Hosts June 19 Webinar On Testing Emerging Contaminant Mixtures In PA Private Wells

PA Environment Daily

On June 19, Penn State Extension will hold a webinar on Testing Emerging Contaminant Mixtures In PA Private Wells from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The prevalence of emerging contaminants like PFAS, PPCPs, and pesticides in drinking water is a growing concern. Despite serving millions, private wells receive limited attention. This webinar will discuss findings from recent monitoring of 70 wells in Pennsylvania.

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To rescue biodiversity, we need a better way to measure it

New Scientist

There are all kinds of different ways to measure biodiversity.

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Lancaster County Master Watershed Stewards Host June 27 Swarr Run Stream Restoration Workshop

PA Environment Daily

The Lancaster County Master Watershed Stewards will host a June 27 Workshop On Swarr Run Stream Restoration at the Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center , 2160 State Road in Lancaster from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Justin Spangler, Water Resources Engineer with Landstudies, Inc. and the Master Watershed Stewards, will be discussing impaired streams in Lancaster County from a historical perspective and the benefits of the stream restoration techniques used at Swarr Run.

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No, the Bees Are Not Okay

NRDC

On World Bee Day, bees need our help as much as ever.

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Bird Flu Makes Raw Milk Riskier and Geomagnetic Storms Cause Colorful Skies

Scientific American

A rare geomagnetic storm lit up skies, eerie AI demonstrations and a cautionary word about raw milk.

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DEP Now Accepting Applications For Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants

PA Environment Daily

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for about $5 million in funding for Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants available to school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania that want to transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The deadlines for applications are June 28 and December 20.

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Quantum Internet Demonstrations Debut in Three Cities

Scientific American

It’s a “big deal” to demonstrate entangled quantum networks outside a lab

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Decarbonization: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Department of Energy’s Management of Risks to Carbon Capture Projects

Environmental News Bits

Download the report. What GAO Found The Department of Energy (DOE) obligated almost $1.4 billion across 654 research and development projects to support carbon capture, utilization, and storage and direct air capture technologies from fiscal years 2018 through 2023.

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Dunes Sagebrush Lizard Earns Spot on Endangered Species List

Endangered Species Law

On May 20, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) published a final rule listing the dunes sagebrush lizard ( Scleroperus arenicolus ) (DSL) as endangered (Final Rule) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In the Final Rule, the Service identifies habitat loss and fragmentation of dunelands associated with oil and natural gas production and frac sand mining as the primary threat to the species, with climate change causing additional impacts.

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10th Annual PA Renewables Summit Set For June 3-4 In Harrisburg

PA Environment Daily

Join the Renewables Work for PA Coalition , the PA Solar & Storage Industries Association , and the PA Solar Center for the 10th Annual Renewables Summit on June 3-4 at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, across the river from Harrisburg. The summit brings together industry professionals, NGOs, and decision-makers to discuss important issues to the Pennsylvania renewables market.

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As climate change and pollution imperil coral reefs, scientists are deep-freezing corals to repopulate future oceans

Environmental News Bits

by Mary Hagedorn, Smithsonian Institution Coral reefs are some of the oldest, most diverse ecosystems on Earth, and among the most valuable. They nurture 25% of all ocean life, protect coasts from storms and add billions of dollars yearly to the global economy through their influences on fisheries, new pharmaceuticals, tourism and recreation.

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Sustainability Certifications: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Credentials

Earthava

The post Sustainability Certifications: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Credentials appeared first on Earthava. Sustainability certifications are tangible validations for professionals, businesses, and products that meet specific environmental and social standards. These credentials are designed to provide standards for best practices, improve industry credibility, and foster a common language of sustainability terms and measures.

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Does the Rubber Meet the Road? Assessing the Potential of Devulcanization Technologies for the Innovation of Tire Rubber Recycling

Environmental News Bits

Roetman, Eric, Jelle Joustra, Geert Heideman, and Ruud Balkenende. 2024. “Does the Rubber Meet the Road? Assessing the Potential of Devulcanization Technologies for the Innovation of Tire Rubber Recycling.” Sustainability 16(7), 2900. [link] Abstract Innovation is crucial to meet the circular economy goals for tire recycling. Devulcanization, an innovative recycling method of reprocessing tire rubber, … Continue reading Does the Rubber Meet the Road?

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House and Senate Hold Hearings on EPA’s FY 2025 Budget Request

Nanotech

On April 30, 2024, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget request for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a separate hearing on EPA’s FY 2025 budget request on May 1, 2024, and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held its own hearing on May 8, 2024.

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Kroger’s Home Chef launches food waste program

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Grocery Dive. Home Chef announced Tuesday the launch of a new sustainability-focused program that will redirect surplus food and reduce waste in its manufacturing and production process. The meal kit company partnered with local nonprofit organizations across its four facilities to streamline the food donation process.

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