Photo: Gang Hao/Unsplash (CC0)
In today’s edition, Baltimore sees its lowest monthly homicide total in more than 50 years, Indiana Women’s Prison lets eligible mothers stay with their newborns in a nursery unit instead of being separated, and new research suggests that engaging with the arts may help slow biological aging and support healthier longevity.
Baltimore recorded just four homicides in April – the city’s lowest monthly total since at least 1970. The milestone points to a broader decline in violent crime, with both homicides and non-fatal shootings down compared to the same period last year. As of May 1st, the city had reported 33 homicides and 89 non-fatal shootings – decreases of 10.8% and 11.9%, respectively.
Source: CBS News
Instead of separating infants from their mothers shortly after birth, the Breann Leath Maternal Child Health Unit is part of a small group of prison nursery programmes nationwide where mothers and babies can live together for up to 30 months. Participants must meet strict eligibility and behavioral requirements while receiving parenting support, substance use treatment and mental health care.
Source: The Marshall Project
Iceland, Portugal and Norway have hit the goal of 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, according to a new report. The ECDC also said cervical cancer rates have declined among vaccinated women across Europe since 2020.
Source: CIDRAP
Community health workers in the Philippines are celebrating a major labour victory after securing their first official union registration with the Department of Labour and Employment. The newly registered Maka-BHW Pilipinas union concentrates on building worker power and improving health services across the country.
Source: Public Services International
A Pennsylvania greenhouse is using a “climate battery” system to grow crops through winter without fossil fuels. The setup stores heat underground on sunny days and releases it back into the greenhouse when temperatures drop.
Source: Yale Climate Connections
A London startup is developing moss-covered wall panels designed to help clean urban air, reduce noise and add greenery to dense city spaces. The company Alive Labs says moss can serve as both a functional and natural form of urban infrastructure.
Source: Reuters
Adam Root’s invention is the basis of his Bristol-based company, Matter Industries, which claims it can capture 97% of microfibres before they escape a washing machine. The filter slots into the space above standard washing machines, and is designed to trap microfibres both at home and on industrial scales.
Source: The Guardian
Arya Satheesh, a student from Co Donegal, has won a major environmental award for creating a biodegradable plastic designed to break down safely while helping remove microplastics from the environment. The project uses embedded enzymes to accelerate plastic degradation and reduce long-term pollution.
Source: Irish Times
Conservation groups, traditional owners and landholders in Queensland are restoring salt water flows to long-blocked coastal wetlands. The effort is already bringing signs of ecological recovery after decades of environmental decline.
Source: ABC
A new study suggests taking part in creative and artistic activities could help slow the body’s biological aging process. Researchers say arts engagement may support healthier aging and improve long-term wellbeing alongside diet and exercise.
Source: NPR
