1.Many men wish to control their fertility, and a few new products might be on the market soon. Some work by changing hormone balance, including a cream, and a newly developed pill might block the gene that directs sperm production. The later has just passed human safety standards in clinical trials.

2. July was one of the worst flooding seasons in global history. At last 134 pople were killed in Texas, 34 in China,69 in the Himalayas, and in early August, hundreds were missing in Pakistan and India.  The chemistry of why flash flooding is getting worse is outlined here. “Though floods naturally occur, increased moisture and rising temperatures from climate change are in some cases supercharging storms. According to a study in Nature, between 2020 and 2100, the size of the global population exposed to flood hazards is estimated to increase by 15.8%.”

3. Uncontrolled rage has sweeping societal consequences. A new study confirms that childhood aggression that persists into adulthood can be caused by early trauma. “Trauma during childhood can alter brain circuits that regulate attention and impulse control, increasing the risk of pathological aggression and cognitive decline in adulthood.”

5. The mysterious Shroud of Turin has captivated Christians for a long time. Is it really the burial garment laid over Jesus following his crucifixion? Radiocarbon dating has been inconclusive.  Now, the art world steps forward to suggest that the image was made from a statue and not a body.

6. Trump is dismantling science in the US . Why do we have a government that no longer serves the people and our futures? Because this is the will of at least one political party. This story dominates much of the science news so far this year.

7. mRNA vaccines are being badmouthed for no good reason. A detailed analysis of their promises and mild perils is presented here.

8. As the saying goes, we are done with COVID but COVID is not done with us. Since the government no longer approves COVID vaccines for many of us despite CDC warnings, the pharmaceutical industry is coming up with a new anti-viral drug, ibuzatrelvir. (Perhaps not in time. The COVID Vaccine even faces a ban.)