Today on Squirrel News, a new Danish supermarket system uses excess heat from its cooling systems to heat shops; CAR T-cell therapy could cure the chronic disease lupus; and New Zealand makes stalking a criminal offense.
100% self-sufficient Danish supermarket system can also work in other climates
Designed to save operating costs and reduce food waste, the supermarket has a closed loop heating/cooling system and is 50% more energy efficient than a typical supermarket. It is also a real life testing centre allowing engineers to practice energy efficiency technology.
“Groundbreaking” new lupus treatment could end need for lifelong medication
CAR T-cell therapy that modifies cells and enables immune systems to function as they should, could free lupus patients from lifelong dependence on medication and even constitute a cure for this autoimmune disorder.
Law in New Zealand makes stalking a criminal offense
With punishment of up to five years in prison after three events within a year, the new law spells out what constitutes a stalking offense including tracking, reputation damaging, recording, and other uses of technology that stalk and harass victims.
New ban on drive-through traffic in Paris city centre
Paris continues its effort to reduce traffic congestion and noise with a ban on cars passing through the busy zone at the heart of the city. Only cars of residents and drivers with proof of a reason to be there can enter. Over the last 10 years, different areas of the city have gradually been designated for just cyclists and pedestrians.
Majority of seats in New Mexico legislature now held by women
New Mexico voters elected 11 new female legislators this week, bringing the total to 60 for the largest female legislative majority in the US thus far. Female legislative representation nationally has tripled since 1980, from 11 to 33%.
Voters in Washington State elect to uphold landmark climate legislation
A ballot initiative to repeal Washington’s Climate Commitment act was soundly defeated by 62% of the electorate. The law puts a price on pollution and has already raised $20 billion to assist the shift to clean energy and mitigate the effects of climate change. With funding for firefighting, transportation and schools, residents are already feeling the benefits.
Danish retirees’ mussel farming improves water quality of a fjord
Mussels were almost extinct in the Baltic Sea fjord of Vejle. A group of retirees started a mussel farm and now the population is thriving. Just one mussel can filter 100 liters of water a day so even this small farm is making a difference.
A different kind of community group is emerging in the UK. These groups offer togetherness centred on physical activity, where all types of people, all abilities, and all ages are welcome.
Introducing gophers for one day on Mount Helen had a huge and lasting effect on recovery
When scientists introduced gophers to Mount Helen for just 24 hours after the 1980 eruption, they thought the resulting soil movement would help plant life recover. In fact, research shows it had a profound effect that has lasted decades.
About 200 rescued turtles are being cared for at a conservancy in New Jersey. Advances in science have made it possible for to pinpoint the turtles’ origin location using their DNA. Now for the first time, 38 of them have been released into the wild.
