In this edition, the Dutch-founded Offline Club offers spaces for young people to connect without smartphones, a new brain tumor test which takes just 90 minutes, and a new study shows that poop from penguins helps cloud formation for a potential cooling effect in the Antarctic.
Network of clubs in Europe to help young adults spend time together offline
With more young people wishing to spend less time online and research showing smartphone use associated with mental health problems, the Dutch founders of The Offline Club is offering digital detox meetups and retreats to help people reconnect in phone-free spaces. The idea has spread from Amsterdam to seven other cities across Europe.
New test to diagnose brain tumours 100% effective in as little as 90 minutes
Scientists at the University of Nottingham, where the new test has been used in 50 operations so far, are calling it a “gamechanger”. The genetic test reduces the time for a critical diagnosis from weeks to hours.
Slovakian teen invents process to make antiviral drug from corn husks
High school senior Adam Kovalčík has won a $100,000, top science and engineering prize for developing a new way to make galidesivir, an antiviral drug currently in human trial for FDA approval. Ordinarily expensive to produce at $75 a gram, the 19-year-old’s method using alcohol from corn husks costs just $12.50 per gram.
India’s Asiatic lion population triples in 5 years and expands footprint
Only 20 Asiatic lions were left in 1913 due to hunting and human encroachment, but the population has been increasing steadily in the last 2 decades and this month’s 5-yearly census counted 891 lions. Formerly just in a wildlife sanctuary in western India, the lions have spread over 11 districts of the state including coastal and non-forested areas.
Alabama study shows homes retrofitted against hurricanes saved millions
Alabama is the first state to mandate insurance reductions for homeowners that retrofit their homes for wind and flood protection according to standards developed by an insurance non-profit. A new study shows the mitigation efforts saved insurance companies 75% in premiums and homeowners 65% in deductibles.
Legal recognition for Lesbian mothers in Italy granted in IVF court ruling
The Italian Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that when same-sex female couples go abroad for IVF treatment, both will be recognised as legal mothers in Italy, citing constitutional principles of equality and identity as well the rights of children to continuity of care.
New method for converting steel waste into sustainable, stronger concrete
Cocoon, a British climate tech start-up, has developed a method using a byproduct from greener electric steel furnaces to reduce the amount of cement needed in concrete by 30-50%. The process reduces CO2 in steel production while creating a more sustainable form of concrete.
Penguin poo helps mitigate climate change, research finds
In a study out last week, scientists report that the ammonia in penguin and seabird poop increases condensation and cloud formation that can then help to insulate the atmosphere. Downwind from penguin colonies, they found ammonia was 1000 times higher. The research highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in Antarctica.
Retired firefighter invents huge hydrant for helicopters to better fight wildfires
Developed with the help of technology from municipal water departments, the Heli-hydrant is remote control operated, filling in half an hour at the signal of a helicopter in the event of wildfire. In areas that have them, helicopters can be far more effective because they don’t have to travel far to tank up.
A decade in, popular marriage equality vote still a win for Irish wedding industry
Ten years ago Ireland was the first country to pass marriage equality by referendum. The consensus is that it is all for the good: more inclusive, more diverse, a boon to local economies, and still growing when marriage numbers in Ireland overall are down.
