Surfing scientists, electricity-free oxygen dispensers, schools where children are in charge

Photo: tatonomusic/Unsplash

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a US non-profit enlisting the help of surfers to gather data on warming oceans, a clever invention helping provide oxygen to hospitals with sporadic electricity supplies, and schools in Philadelphia which allow children to decide their own curriculum.

Surfing scientists are collecting crucial data on warming seas

The smart fins attached to surfboards are able to gather information such as temperature, location and wave motion in order to help fight climate change.

Source: Inhabitat

An invention is enabling hospitals with frequent power cuts to provide oxygen to pneumonia patients

By using concentrated oxygen supplies, the manual dispenser is able to ensure hospitals with sporadic electricity supplies have access to this crucial gas.

Source: BBC News

Free bilingual group therapy sessions offer support to those affected by the California wildfires

By helping those without access to traditional therapy share their experiences, affected communities are offering emotional support to individuals in need.

Source: Yes Magazine

Seaweed forests are helping in the fight against climate change

Kelp species suck excess carbon from the atmosphere and stores it safely under the seabed, where it will eventually turn into sediment or oil.

Source: Fast Company

Liberia has declared rape a national emergency in order to highlight violence against women

The move signals a change in perspective around sexual assault and promotes solutions-oriented conversation.

Source: Posibl

IKEA is opening a second-hand store in Sweden

Located in the world’s first second-hand shopping centre, the company hopes to give another life to used pieces of furniture.

Source: House Beautiful

For the first time in history, a woman is the head of a Wall Street bank

Jane Fraser’s new position as chief executive of Citibank is a breakthrough in a male-dominated environment.

Source: BBC News

A Senegalese scientist has launched a website to highlight Africans working in STEM

Adji Bousso Dieng hopes to provide young Africans with inspiring examples of career role models.

Source: Global Citizen

Online bars in St. Petersburg are helping self-isolating revellers stay safe

The four bars can host up to twelve participants, and is allowing communities to stay social during lockdown.

Source: Tea After Twelve

Two student-led schools in Philadelphia are challenging norms concerning traditional education

The pupils govern every aspect of their school environment, with the idea of being a responsible member of the community the main goal of the school process.

Source: The Philadelphia Citizen

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