2024 science news
Trust in science has fallen, not across the globe but in the US among conservative people This began during the pandemic when people decided to trust their conservative politicians instead of infectious disease experts. Project 2025, the sweeping right-wing blueprint for a new kind of U.S. presidency, will 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. Now, scientific research is on the chopping block.
The US isn’t the only country giving science funding an ill-advised overhaul. New Zeeland is cutting research into social sciences, favoring research into the economy. This raises concerns because this fundamental discipline is an important tool for understanding social cohesion.
Bad news for Boomers and Gen X—the lead from leaded gas probably has made you a little psychotic.
Gun violence is declared a public health crisis.
Fructose promotes tumor growth by helping the cancer cells make their outer membranes. Fructose is a simple sugar found in fruits. Its use in the form of high fructose corn syrup, developed in 1964, has been criticized for causing pollution as well as detrimental health effects such as high cholesterol and obesity. Now we know that it helps promote tumor lipid growth. Lipids are fatty compounds like cholesterol and triglycerides. Lipids make up the membranes around all cells, including cancer cells. Shouldn’t some forms of fructose carry a warning label?
There’s mounting evidence that pesticides, plastics, and other pollutants harm our bones & butterflies & cause heart problems. Are we going to demand more regulations or will we accept our fate?
Getting some new pavement, as I did? It causes 8% of the world carbon emissions. Good news ahead! 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.
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. Hurricane Helene, which washed out a highway I take when I visit my daughter, was an example of heat fueled rain and winds.
Bird flu marches on, with new testing done on milk to ensure safety and track the disease. Pasteurization keeps milk safe. Yet here in Iowa, one of the dirtiest states ever, the bird flu is concentrating and progressing due to lack of any regulations.
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.
Plenty of unhealthy synthetic chemicals have been banned this year, including those used in the airline and dry cleaning industries.
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.
Humans have predicted eclipses for thousands of years and yet, it’s a pretty tricky calculation. On April 8, many in the US came together to view an Eclipse. Thanks Mother Nature!
Catherine Haustein 