Fri.Aug 09, 2024

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A black hole devouring a giant star gives clues to a cosmic mystery

New Scientist

In the centre of a distant galaxy, a supermassive black hole has swallowed up a star 9 times the sun’s mass in the biggest and brightest such cosmic meal we’ve ever seen

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DEP Posted 62 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In August 10 PA Bulletin

PA Environment Daily

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the August 10 PA Bulletin -- NOTE: DEP Permit Efficiency: 18,387 Permits Since 11/2023; 8 Failed To Be Reviewed Within Deadlines, Eligible For PAyback; No Application Fees Refunded [8.8.24] -- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - August 10 [PaEN] -- The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 10 PA Bulletin announcing the availability of a revised General Air Quality

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How Einstein was both right and wrong about gravitational waves

New Scientist

A century ago, Albert Einstein suggested that the universe might contain ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves – but then he changed his mind

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New U.N. Cybercrime Treaty Could Threaten Human Rights

Scientific American

A recently adopted United Nations treaty could lead to invasive digital surveillance, human rights experts warn

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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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The Antarctic’s polar vortex could be about to split in two

New Scientist

A split in the southern vortex – not seen since 2002 – could lead to sudden warming of the Antarctic stratosphere and hotter weather in Australia and South America

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Perseid Meteor Shower Joins Stunning Mars and Jupiter Conjunction

Scientific American

Early risers get a double sky treat: a Mars and Jupiter conjunction and the Perseid meteor shower at once

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More Trending

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No, You Can’t See the Great Wall of China from Space

Scientific American

Reports of Earth-orbiting astronauts glimpsing the Great Wall of China and many other artificial structures are wildly exaggerated, but humanity’s planetary influence isn’t entirely invisible from afar

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The surprising wall pattern that could keep buildings cooler

New Scientist

A zigzag design can maximise how much heat walls radiate into space, while minimising heat absorption from the ground

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Into the Clear Blue Sky Offers Hope for Our Climate Future

Scientific American

An interview with Rob Jackson about ending climate colonialism, inspiring polluter-pay policies and taking a path to a cleaner climate

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Covid variant JN.1 may have become dominant due to just one mutation

New Scientist

The covid-19 variant JN.

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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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Colds Bring Lots of Snot, But Just How Much?

Scientific American

Snot is one of the immune system’s efforts to ditch a virus, but how much we produce when sick is a slippery subject

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US DOT Now Accepting Grant Applications For Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program

PA Environment Daily

The US Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Grant Program. The deadline is September 4. The goal of the program is to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. The WCPP provides funding for construction and non-construction projects.

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Archaeologists Confront Extreme Conditions and Ethical Dilemmas while Investigating Ancient Human Sacrifice

Scientific American

A mountaintop burial site offers a glimpse into Inka life—but raises ethical questions about unearthing ancient human remains.

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Penn State Extension Hosts Sept. 10 Webinar On Proper Native Tree Planting For Long-Term Success

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension will host a September 10 webinar on Proper Native Tree Planting For Long-Term Success from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The success of newly planted trees in the landscape depends not only on proper planting techniques but also on site selection and follow-up care. Join the Master Watershed Steward program and extension educators to learn how to choose the best planting locations for your trees and shrubs.

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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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United Nations: The fossil fuel industry is engaging in disinformation campaigns to slow the transition to clean energy

A Greener Life

By Anders Lorenzen The United Nations (UN) has warned that dis- and misinformation campaigns by primarily fossil fuel companies, slowing down the clean energy transition. Selwin Hart, a special climate advisor to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as well as the Assistant Secretary-General of UN Climate said that with regards to the debate about a ‘backlash’ against climate action, was a narrative created by the fossil fuel industry in a purely delay tactic so that countries delay their e

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Highlighting the DOE’s $2.2 Billion Investment to Bolster the U.S. Grid

Cresforum

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a massive $2.2 billion investment in the nation’s electric grid, targeting eight projects across 18 states. This investment will bolster the grid against extreme weather events, reduce energy costs for consumers and increase grid capacity. Funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, these projects are estimated to yield nearly $10 billion in public and private

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We used 1,000 historical photos to reconstruct Antarctic glaciers before a dramatic collapse

Environmental News Bits

by Ryan North, University of Wollongong and Tim Barrows, UNSW Sydney In March 2002, the Larsen B Ice Shelf collapsed catastrophically, breaking up an area about one-sixth the size of Tasmania.

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How States are Leading the Charge in Combating Ocean Plastic Pollution

Ocean Conservancy

Although Plastic Free July is over, we can take action all year to reduce ocean plastic pollution. But individual actions alone can’t solve this crisis—and that’s where our elected officials come in. To tackle a problem this big and complex, we need policies to change how the United States makes, uses and thinks about plastics in the first place. While we need action across every level of government, states have important roles in addressing the ocean plastic crisis.

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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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Voices of Black Talent in Chemistry: Retention Strategies and Personal Success Stories

Environmental News Bits

Scott, T., Adderley, D., Ali, Y., Amanuel, M., Blake, A., Callender, M., Carter, C., Fokwa, H. D., Gooden, R. O., Granger, A., Gunn, K., Henderson, A., Kitimet, M., Modeste, E., Stewart, Z., Teah, J., Wairegi, S., Ward, L. W., & Parish, C. A. (2023).

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Recording Available for “Determining PFAS Content in Your Supply Chain and Expanding Data Collection Practice”

Nanotech

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to present the on-demand recording for “Determining PFAS Content in Your Supply Chain and Expanding Data Collection Practice,” a complimentary webinar covering the basics of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) reporting rule for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). With Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) wrapping up this fall, companies still have time to gather the necessary information regarding PFAS to begin reporting as early

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Juneteenth in STEMM and the barriers to equitable science

Environmental News Bits

Mays, A., Byars-Winston, A., Hinton, A., Marshall, A. G., Kirabo, A., August, A., Marlin, B. J., Riggs, B., Tolbert, B., Wanjalla, C., Womack, C., Evans, C. S., Barnes, C., Starbird, C., Williams, C., Reynolds, C., Taabazuing, C., Cameron, C. E., Murray, D. D., … Clemons, W. M. (2023).

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APHIS Announces New Flexibility for BRS Importation Permits in APHIS eFile

Nanotech

On August 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) announced a new flexibility for BRS importation permits in APHIS eFile. APHIS states that it has implemented a new flexibility allowing permit holders to reuse import labels. According to APHIS, permit holders no longer need to request additional labels if they have used all the import labels received with their permit.

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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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Skype a Scientist

Environmental News Bits

Skype a Scientist helps scientists connect with classrooms, families, libraries, scout troops, and more all over the globe to discuss their work. They’re currently seeking scientists to match with schools, libraries, scouting troops, and other groups.

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EPA Seeks Applications for Research on Nanosensor Technology to Detect, Monitor, and Degrade PFAS in Drinking Water Sources

Nanotech

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for research to develop and demonstrate nanosensor technology with the potential to detect, monitor, and degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater or surface water that may be used as drinking water sources. EPA states that advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have the potential to address the challenges of detection and treatment of PFAS-contaminated waters.

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We ranked all 34 Olympic sports by sustainability – here’s the leaderboard

Environmental News Bits

by Thomas Cuckston, University of Birmingham Ahead of the 2024 games in Paris, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) asked all Olympic sports to prepare sustainability strategies. Sustainability, it said, was central to the Olympic movement. But some sports didn’t respond at all, and there is a wide gap between the best and worst performers.

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PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - August 10

PA Environment Daily

The following DEP notices were published in the August 10 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities. Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments. Land Recycling/Brownfield Cleanups -- Denali Oilfield Services - Diesel Fuel & Production Fuel Release: DEP received a Final Report on remediation of soil contaminated with diesel fuel and MTBE to meet Statewide Health Standards for the facility located in Delmar Twp., Tioga County. ( PA Bulletin, page 5177 ) -- Black

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By burning down buildings, insurers want to change how they’re built

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story in the New York Times. The insurance industry is setting homes on fire — just to make a point. The fires are controlled, kindled in a research lab or staged at training facilities used by fire departments.

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FracTracker Alliance, Halt The Harm Network Invite Nominations For 2024 Community Sentinel Awards

PA Environment Daily

The FracTracker Alliance and the Halt The Harm Network are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship that honors environmental activism and advocacy. Nominations are due October 6. The Sentinel Award recognizes the pivotal role of individuals championing change on the front lines of the environmental movement, particularly those working to mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuels on their communities and environment.

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New solutions to keep drinking water safe as pesticide use skyrockets worldwide

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from the University of South Australia. Water scientists have proposed a more effective method of removing organic pesticides from drinking water, reducing the risk of contamination and potential health problems.

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Environmental Health Project Contributes To New Book On Sustainable Development & Rural Public Health - From Fossil Fuels To Greener Futures

PA Environment Daily

On August 9, the Environmental Health Project announced it has contributed a chapter on Shale Gas Extraction in Pennsylvania to a new book by pioneering research investigator Michael Hendryx-- Sustainable Development and Rural Public Health: From Fossil Fuels to Greener Futures. The book offers strategies and solutions for rural communities dependent on fossil fuel economies to enable them to transition to sustainable development.

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Hydrogen flight looks ready for take-off with new advances

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from Chalmers University of Technology. The possibility of hydrogen-powered flight means greater opportunities for fossil-free travel, and the technological advances to make this happen are moving fast.

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Registration Now Open For Stewardship Projects To Be Held During PA Healthy Lands Week Sept. 28 To Oct. 6

PA Environment Daily

Registration is now open for community and organization events to be held during Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week from September 28 through October 6. Organizers of events that showcase the history, beauty, and wonder of Pennsylvania and provide opportunities for citizens to learn or exercise good stewardship are encouraged to apply. Click Here to register your event.