IRON

Nov 01 2024ENVIRONMENT

California's Push to Protect Nature: A Global Example

California is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more species than any other U. S. state. That's why the Golden State sent a big delegation to the United Nations biodiversity summit in Colombia. The goal? To protect 30% of the world's land and water by 2030. Even though the U. S. hasn't ratified the bi

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Oct 30 2024ENVIRONMENT

Bat-Killing Fungus Spotted in Northern California

An unusual fungus that's been devastating bats across North America has now been discovered in the Sacramento region. This fungus, known for causing white-nose syndrome, can lead to the death of millions of bats. Recently, a western red bat in Sutter County tested positive for the fungus. This is su

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Oct 30 2024ENVIRONMENT

AI Boom: A Silicon Valley Mess with Global Impact

Imagine throwing away 13 billion iPhones every year. That's the scary prediction for electronic waste by 2030, thanks to the AI boom. Silicon Valley companies are pouring money into data centers for generative AI. But all this progress comes at a cost. The chips and equipment used today will soon be

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Oct 30 2024HEALTH

Iron Levels: A Clue to Young Adults' Colon Cancer Risks

Did you know that changes in your iron levels could be a warning sign of colon cancer, even in young adults? For years, colon cancer was mainly linked to people over 65. But since the '90s, rates have been rising in adults under 50. Dr. Joel Mason from Tufts University shared that symptoms like rect

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Oct 29 2024TECHNOLOGY

Satellites in Space: What's the Environmental Impact?

Imagine having internet access anywhere in the world. That's what SpaceX promises with its Starlink project. But is it worth the risk to our environment? Over 100 researchers think it's time to find out. They've asked the U. S. government to review the environmental impact of launching thousands of

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Oct 29 2024HEALTH

Kids Teach Us How to Stay Safe from Lead

In the Panhandle Health District, kids are becoming little health heroes! Each spring, the district's Lead Health Intervention Program visits schools to teach third to fifth graders about lead exposure. This year, students from Harrison Elementary, Pinehurst Elementary, and Silver Valley Christian A

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Oct 29 2024ENVIRONMENT

Brazil Cracks Down on Meat Companies for Buying Cattle from Illegal Deforested Land

In a surprising move, Brazil's environmental agency has slapped fines totaling $64 million on 23 meatpacking companies. The fines are for buying and selling cattle that were raised on deforested land in the Amazon, an area where raising cattle is a major cause of deforestation. Over 18, 000 cattle w

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Oct 29 2024ENVIRONMENT

Birdhouses Built by Midlands Students Aim to Protect Screech Owls, Wood Ducks, and Eastern Bluebirds

In Columbia, South Carolina, students at Heyward Career and Technology Center in Richland School District One are working on a project that's more than just a school assignment. Led by construction teacher Frank Gilbert, the students are building birdhouses for screech owls, wood ducks, and eastern

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Oct 28 2024ENVIRONMENT

Reps Take on Invasive Species: A New Plan to Save Hawaii's Nature

In the United States, invasive species are causing big problems. U. S. Rep. Ed Case and U. S. Rep. James Moylan are doing something about it. They've introduced a new law called the Invasive Species Response Act. This law aims to help the government fight invasive species better. Hawaii is facing a

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Oct 28 2024ENVIRONMENT

Deer Disease Alert: CWD Found in New York Facility

Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a facility located in the state's Region 6 area. This disease affects the brains and nervous systems of deer, elk, and moose. The infected sample was discovered during routine t

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