A ‘ring of blossom’ around Birmingham, boost in 988 Lifeline use, “smart” tampons to screen for cervical cancer

Jonathan Widder | Posted on January 18, 2023 |

Photo: Jörg Bauer / Unsplash (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, Birmingham improves city life with hundreds of trees, the new US crisis line 988 sees a boost in usage, and innovative tampon technology detects cervical cancer.

British city aims to boost biodiversity through a ‘ring of blossom’

Birmingham has planted hundreds of fruit trees around the city to improve food sources, biodiversity and health.

Source: Positive News

988 Lifeline sees increase in usage and funding in first months

More people are using the crisis support service, which has received funding increases in order to meet demand.

Source: NPR

Free emergency mental health support for military veterans

Mental health crisis support is now offered free-of-charge to the veteran community in the United States.

Source: CNN

Technological developments create seaweed alternatives to food packaging

Using seaweed, an abundant natural resource, this alternative to plastic packaging is bringing innovation to the food industry.

Source: Mongabay

Graduates develope AI-powered app that can identify cervical cancer

Dubbed “Smart Tampon,” it can be used to screen for the disease, providing potentially lifesaving insight to the public.

Source: CBS

Investment fund striving to eliminate racial wealth gap

The Mission Driven Bank Fund is a funding model for community banks where people of colour are at their helm.

Source: Next City

National scheme protecting unwanted babies reaches Florida

Following national success, a programme to anonymously surrender infants to the authorities has made its way to Florida.

Source: NPR

These public housing residents became models for tenant rights activism

The Tenants Rights Activism group finds inspiration in Cooper Park Houses community, who have advocated their way to success as a predominantly Black, low-income community.

Source: Capital B

Spreading climate awareness through the gaming communities

With millions of people playing games across platforms like phones, consoles, and computers, these communities present a large opportunity to spread environmental awareness.