Midyear 2024 science news

The US delayed acting on the Covid -19 virus, setting the vaccine development back. Are you one of those people who think the virus came from a lab? Scientists don’t agree with that.

Mounting evidence that pesticides, plastics, and other pollutants harm our bones & butterflies & cause heart problems.

Eclipse awes, unites. Thanks Mother Nature!

 Getting some new pavement, as I did? It causes 8% of the world carbon emissions. Climate friendly concrete will soon become available.

Unwashed men pose danger. You may have heard of VOCs, volatile organic compounds, which are released into the air from synthetic products such as carpet, gasoline engines, and paint. These compounds can cause health issues ranging from irritation, headaches, organ damage, and cancer. And, when men don’t wash, they emit them.

 Gun violence is declared a public health crisis.

Climate change caused 150 billion dollars in damage in 2023, yet few people in the US think they will be affected. Is weather becoming more severe? Yes, it appears so.

Bird flu marches on, with new testing done on milk to ensure safety and track the disease.

Speaking of tests, a blood test to supplement the more invasive colonoscopy has been approved. With colorectal rates skyrocketing, this test should make getting screened easier, although it will not entirely replace colonoscopies.

Project 2025, the sweeping right-wing blueprint for a new kind of U.S. presidency, would sabotage science-based policies that address climate change, the environment, abortion, health care access, technology and education...and even cancer research. The government funds 40% of basic science, science done to advance knowledge and improve health, and the research is shared with the public and other scientists.