A new government study has revealed that nearly half of the United States' tap water contains one or more "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which have been linked to a range of health problems. The study is the first nationwide effort to test for PFAS in tap water from private sources, and is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the water sources in your area. The EPA has established a health advisory level for two types of PFAS, but individuals should take steps to protect their health, such as using a water filter or drinking bottled water.
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Key takeaways: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that global temperatures are set to reach record highs over the next five years. The WMO…
On June 28th, 2023, the Canadian Coast Guard welcomed the Horizon Arctic, a ship carrying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that had been searching for the Titan submersible near the wreck of the Titanic. The ROV had discovered debris from the sub about 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic, consistent with a catastrophic implosion of the vessel. The Canadian Coast Guard is continuing to investigate the cause of the implosion and the fate of the five people on board the Titan submersible.
On Saturday morning, a bridge collapse in Montana caused freight train cars to crash into the Yellowstone River, raising concerns about contamination. Montana Rail Link has since released a statement saying that two cars known to be carrying hazardous materials had not entered the river, and that there was "no expected hazmat impact" to towns in the county. Andy Garland, spokesperson for Montana Rail Link, said that the substances in the railcars solidify when exposed to air and water, so there is no risk of contamination.
The British military has reported that Russia is training combat dolphins in the annexed Crimean peninsula to counter Ukrainian forces, investing heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet's main base at Sevastopol. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbor which likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins, and the animals are "highly likely intended to counter enemy divers." It is unclear how effective the dolphins will be, but it is clear that Russia is investing heavily in its defences.
The search for the missing Titan submersible, a five-person submersible used by OceanGate to view the wreckage of the Titanic, ended on Thursday with the Coast Guard announcing that debris from the vessel had been found, leading to the belief that the pilot and passengers are now dead. The investigation into the cause of the tragedy is ongoing, with a focus on safety protocols and procedures, and is a reminder of the dangers of deep-sea exploration.
The U.S. Coast Guard has found a debris field in the search area for the missing Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate, which was carrying five people including its CEO when it went missing on Sunday. The news has been met with a mixture of hope and despair, with the families of those aboard the craft waiting for news. The co-founder and former CEO of OceanGate has urged people to remain hopeful about the chances of a successful rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its search and rescue operations.
The US Department of Agriculture has approved the sale of chicken made from animal cells, allowing two California companies to offer lab-grown meat to restaurant tables and eventually, supermarket shelves. This marks the first time that U.S. regulators have approved the sale of such products, and could have a major impact on the food industry by reducing the environmental impact of raising animals for food and providing an alternative for those who wish to avoid animal products. The approval is a major milestone in the development of lab-grown meats, and more companies are expected to follow suit in the near future.