Mexico to legalise marijuana, poaching detection technology, India’s first female surfer

Photo: Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash (CCO)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Mexico’s Senate approving a landmark cannabis legalisation bill which will take power away from cartels, an innovative new gunshot detection technology able to identify poaching hotspots, and how India’s first female surfer is changing her country’s perception of the sport.

Mexico’s Senate approves a landmark cannabis legalisation bill

The move paves the way for the creation of the world’s largest legal marijuana market, something of particular importance in a country dominated by powerful drug cartels.

Source: Thomson Reuters News Foundation

New gunshot detection technology can identify poaching hotspots

Acoustic sensors placed in nature reserves or safaris can record events up to 1km away, with conservationists hoping their use will help to protect endangered species.

Source: BBC

India’s first female surfer is changing her country’s perception of the ocean

Ishita Malaviya also founded the Shaka Surf Club – located in the fishing village of Kodi Bengre on India’s west coast – which provides free surfing and skateboarding lessons for local children.

Source: CNN

A Philippine community’s mangrove restoration scheme provides lifesaving payoffs

The transformation of a once-barren mudflat into a thriving mangrove forest has resulted in increased protection from typhoons, secure employment, and a healthier local environment.

Source: Mongabay

A new protein-coated bandage is able to quickly heal broken bones

The bandage is biodegradable and will be absorbed safely by the body after the healing process is complete.

Source: Posibl

Artificial larynxes can now mimic the wearer’s former voice

Syrinx can be worn by the user like a neck brace, enabling people who have lost their larynx to cancer to produce non-robotic speech.

Source: Dezeen

Malaysian teachers are helping refugee women learn to read and write

The initiative is helping older and illiterate refugee women better integrate into local communities, whilst also empowering them to be more than passive wives.

Source: AP News

Louisiana’s recovering addicts are using telehealth to safely continue their treatment

As a result of emergency changes to federal and state health regulations, patients are now able to remotely access group counselling sessions, medication management services and check in with their support workers.

Source: The Current LA

A non-profit organisation is providing healthcare to undocumented children at the US-Mexico border

Cecilia Garcia’s initiative ensures that young refugees receive essential vaccinations, in addition to providing health checkups and access to basic hygiene and nutrition.

Source: Global Citizen

A Philadelphia-based animal advocate is finding lost pets through innovative methods

Cathy Herman-Harsch’s solutions seem counterintuitive to traditional approaches, but tap into animal instincts and come as a result of decades of observations.

Source: Inquirer

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