The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of an Idaho couple in a landmark case that weakens the Clean Water Act. The Sacketts had challenged the EPA's compliance order claiming their land was subject to the law, arguing that their land did not contain wetlands subject to federal oversight. The decision is a major victory for property rights advocates and a setback for environmental groups, and will likely have far-reaching implications for the scope of the law and the ability of the EPA to regulate water pollution.
Posts published in “Science”
On Monday, Mexico City was affected by the Popocatépetl volcano after the National Center for Disaster Prevention raised the alert level to "yellow phase 3". This activity has caused flight cancellations and delays, and the Mexican government is monitoring the situation closely and preparing to take action if necessary. Residents in the area are advised to take precautions and stay informed of any updates.
This report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals that there is a two-out-of-three chance that the world will temporarily reach the internationally accepted global temperature threshold for limiting the worst effects of climate change within the next five years. This threshold was set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and is likely to be surpassed due to a combination of human-caused warming and a natural El Nino climate pattern. The WMO has urged countries to take action to reduce their emissions and to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
On Monday, a mysterious object crashed through the roof of a ranch-style home in Hopewell, New Jersey. After investigation, experts from The College of New Jersey confirmed it was a rare 4.56 billion year old stony chondrite meteorite weighing 2.2 pounds and 6 inches by 4 inches in size. Nate Magee, a physics professor, said it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study a meteorite that has made landfall in a home.
A clinical trial has found that a wearable patch may help prevent severe allergic reactions in toddlers with peanut allergies. The patch, named Viaskin, works by exposing the body to small doses of peanut protein over time, allowing the body to build up a tolerance. If successful, it could provide a much-needed solution for parents of children with peanut allergies and potentially be available in the near future.
The United Kingdom has seen the birth of its first babies created using an experimental technique known as mitochondrial donation, which combines DNA from three people to prevent the children from inheriting rare genetic diseases. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has confirmed that fewer than five babies have been born this way and that the technique has been rigorously tested and regulated to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The technique is only used in cases where the mother is at risk of passing on serious genetic diseases to her children and is not used to create designer babies or to alter the characteristics of the baby.
Five environmental and cultural heritage groups have filed a lawsuit against the FAA for allowing the launch of SpaceX's Starship Super Heavy rocket from its Boca Chica, Texas facility without a comprehensive environmental review. The launch resulted in destruction of the launch pad, spread of particulate matter, and a 3.5-acre fire on state park lands. The lawsuit is being brought by The Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Wild Whoopers, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, and the National Audubon Society. The FAA has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
On April 20th, 2023, SpaceX conducted a test flight of its next-generation rocket, the Starship, in Boca Chica, Texas. The rocket lifted off and flew for four minutes, but the separation of the booster from the spacecraft failed, causing the rocket to tumble and explode. Despite the explosion, SpaceX considered the test flight a success and is now looking ahead to the next test flight, confident that the Starship will eventually reach its intended destinations.