SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " alga " 231 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
The humble one-celled alga that helped scientists win the Nobel prize
Chlamydomonas and its light-sensing protein help show how memories, feelings and behaviour form in our brains
Scientists discover a promising blood sugar–regulating compound in red alga
It is a dietary staple found in sushi, rice wraps and ramen toppings. Commonly known as nori in Japan and gim in Korea, red seaweed is especially popular across Asia. Yet, despite its widespread consumption, ...
Toxic Algae Health Advisory in Effect for Pattison Lake
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services is reporting a toxic algae bloom in Pattison Lake.
Newcastle’s fundamental problems and how to fix them
Newcastle United have not started the season well and the boos that rang out after their home defeat by Aston Villa were an amalgamation of frustration and concern that has been building for weeks.
Flames end the Hurricanes' 7-game winning streak
Yegor Sharangovich scored the go-ahead goal with 4:28 left and the Calgary Flames ended Carolina’s seven-game winning streak, beating the defending champion Hurricanes 3-2 on Saturday night for their second victory of the season.
Microalgae could make a common antibiotic more effective
Scientists have turned microalgae into an unlikely drug-delivery vehicle, using it to boost the effectiveness of a common antibiotic.
Calgary Flames Make Intriguing Lineup Decisions Ahead Of Hurricanes Clash
The Calgary Flames will face off with the mighty Carolina Hurricanes, and they have made their decision on a starting goaltender.Per Daily Faceoff and Pat Steinberg, Devin Cooley will get the nod when the puck drops between the Flames and Hurricanes. So far, Cooley has struggled alongside most of the Flames. He lost both of […] The post Calgary Flames Make Intriguing Lineup Decisions Ahead Of Hurricanes Clash appeared first on HEAVY.
Regional Science Consortium Researching Harmful Algal Blooms
If you've noticed large buoys or boats out on the bayfront and wondered what they were, you're not alone. The Regional Science Consortium is collaborating with Princeton Hydro on a research project funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study ways to control harmful algal blooms. Dr. Jeanette Schnars, the Executive Director of the Regional Science Consortium, explained the goal of the research."We are researching different ways to control blue-green algae, which creates harmful algal blooms and releases toxins," Dr. Schnars said.The project aims to identify potential techniques for controlling harmful algal blooms in Presque Isle Bay.Schnars explained that people may notice circular floats in the water near Perry's Landing and Liberty Park. Those floats are part of the testing process."You might see a circular float, almost like a hula hoop, that is out in the bay, near Perry's Landing and Liberty Park area, and those limn corrals go all the way to the bottom. And what we will do are some treatments within the limn corral in the bottom," Schnars said.After samples are collected, they are brought back to the laboratory at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center for analysis."A lot of those samples are coming back here. We are going to test them for the harmful algal bloom toxins before, during, and after, and see how effective the testing was," Schnars said.Sarah Magyan, an aquatic biologist with the Regional Science Consortium, explained that the team also collects samples from locations throughout the region."We pull samples every week from 30 different sites, and then we bring those back here, we preserve them and run them through the ELISA test," Magyan said.Schnars said researchers hope the results will help them develop effective ways to reduce harmful algal blooms in the future."If we can do some treatments over space and time in upcoming seasons, we may be able to reduce the number of harmful algal blooms we have in this area," Schnars said.The research is also important for public and animal safety. Magyan explained that toxins produced by certain algae can affect the skin, nervous system or liver.While toxin levels may be low for people, she emphasized the importance of protecting pets that swim in local waterways."Toxins can either be skin toxins, nerve toxins, or liver toxins. While we have low levels for people, it is important that we are keeping our pets safe because we recreate with our animals in the water, and we see hundreds and hundreds of dogs on Presque Isle and the rest of the shoreline," Magyan said.Testing began in September, and Schnars said researchers expect to conduct at least another six to eight weeks of testing to better understand the effectiveness of the treatments.
Trump touts his power at Kentucky rally to energize voters
President Donald Trump is emphasizing his influence during his second term at a rally in Kentucky.
2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine Honors Breakthrough That Lets Scientists Control the Brain With Light
An algal protein helped scientists reactivate a fear memory in mice, turning light into a tool for testing what specific brain cells do. Scientists who worked out how to control brain cells with light have won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel were honored for their
Alberta early-voter surge suggests edge for Canadian side
CALGARY, Canada — More than 1 million people have already cast their ballots in Alberta’s referendum on separation from Canada, signaling strong voter turnout that pollsters say may favor the
Mark Stone hat trick powers Golden Knights to win over Flames
LAS VEGAS — It felt like one of those nights where the Vegas Golden Knights would have to do everything wrong in order to lose on Thursday. The Calgary Flames
Hobnobben Film Festival again brings unique storytelling to Fort Wayne
Hobnobben Film Festival opens Thursday with a celebration of unique storytelling, including an opening night dedicated to Hoosier filmmakers.
Stanford Scientists Find New Way to Revive Bleached Coral
Bleached corals have a remarkable ability to recover, when put in contact with a healthy clone and beneficial algae, Bay Area researchers announced in a study published Monday.
13-Year-old Raji Doshi named America's Top Young Scientist for inventing an algae-aragonite alkalinity system to reduce CO2-driven ocean acidification
3M and Discovery Education today named 8th grader Raji Doshi as the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation's premier middle school science competition. Raji lives in...
Calgary Flames set wrong kind of franchise history
What terrible franchise record did the Calgary Flames set?
Interra Credit Union completes acquisition of Ohio bank
Interra Credit Union said Saturday it has completed its acquisition of The Hicksville Bank in Ohio, a deal that raised controversy when announced in April.
Health advisory issued for CJ Strike Reservoir due to algal bloom
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is issuing a health advisory for CJ Strike Reservoir.
Brad Williams brings comedy tour to Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne
Comedian Brad Williams brings his Tall Tales tour to Embassy Theatre on Thursday.
The Science Behind the Nobel-Winning Technology That Controls Neurons With Light
Optogenetics revolutionized neuroscience, but its origins come from an entirely brainless organism—an alga.
FCC considers allowing more political robocalls before midterms, including those created with AI
The Federal Communications Commission is considering a request to loosen rules on political robocalls, including those with AI-generated voices. Current federal law bans most robocalls to cellphones without prior consent.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Public Officials, Business and Community Leaders Join SoCalGas to Celebrate New Downtown Headquarters
/PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today joined Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), public officials and...
Will Washington’s ‘millionaire tax’ drive people away? Business owners and lawmakers disagree
Supporters say the tax is needed to help fund education, tax credits for businesses and families, and other public programs. Opponents argue it could drive entrepreneurs, investors, and employers out of Washington.
How the shooting death of a Houston father is igniting Latino politics in Texas
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed on his way to work by ICE agents, who said he used his vehicle as a weapon. An outraged community is demanding justice — and change.
50 children in our area hit by cars every year; toxic pond water in Centennial Park; ‘gas station heroin’; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
In a news report following a Murfreesboro child who was killed by an automobile, reporter Amber Jayanth from WSMV Channel 4 News cited statistics gathered at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt about pediatric pedestrian injuries. Trauma registry data from Monroe Carell indicates that about 50 children per year on average are treated after being hit by a car. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted by several news outlets about public health issues, including: CNN (mRNA flu vaccine); ABC News and the American Journal of Managed Care (Pennsylvania measles outbreak); News Channel 5 (blue-green algae in the pond at Centennial Park, which can release toxins that make people and pets sick). WSMV Channel 4 News interviewed Saumya Aujla, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, about the health risks of kratom, sometimes called “gas station heroin,” and why Tennessee banned the drug. WTVF News Channel 5 interviewed Brianna Smith, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for a piece on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Prevention interviewed Mitchell Gigandet, MD, Assistant Professor in the Neuro-Sleep Division, for a story about MDPI research on caffeine that used EEG imaging to see how the drug impacts sleep. It was found that caffeine may make sleep less restorative even when you fall asleep normally and stay in bed for eight hours. The Wall Street Journal reporter Laura Landro interviewed Joseph Schlesinger, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, for a story about ICU alarms keeping patients from getting sleep and creating alarm fatigue for nurses. Billboard reporter Melinda Newman interviewed country star Dasha about her upcoming vocal surgery at Vanderbilt Health. The story was picked up by numerous print and radio outlets including People.
New polls show Graham holding slim lead over Andrews in SC Senate race
The Trafalgar Group and InsiderAdvantage have released polling in the U.S. Senate race showing one percentage point separates Graham and Andrews.
In 1969, scientists began fertilising Ontario's Lake 227 with nitrogen and phosphorus; they stopped adding nitrogen in 1990, but annual algal blooms continued for decades as phosphorus additions remained
controlling phosphorus is central to controlling freshwater eutrophication.
Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump spoke to reporters Saturday outside the White House before leaving for a college football game. His
Former Sabres First-Round Pick Lands Another Opportunity
Alex Nylander flamed out after just 19 games with the Buffalo Sabres. He has since bounced around the NHL, failing to establish himself as a full-time player at hockey’s highest level. Still, that hasn’t stopped the Calgary Flames from adding Nylander to a one-year, two-way contract off of his PTO, which they made official on […] The post Former Sabres First-Round Pick Lands Another Opportunity appeared first on HEAVY.
Allen County health officials urge unvaccinated public to protect against measles
Allen County needs more of its residents to get measles vaccines, health department officials said Friday.
1st confirmed measles case reported in Allen County
Health department officials confirmed Allen County's first measles case on Thursday.
Jamie Chadwick tests F1 car for first time with Williams run in Portugal in 'best day of my life so far'
Three-time W Series champion and Sky Sports F1 pundit completed 32 laps in Williams 2025 car in the Algarve this week; watch the full story of Jamie Chadwicks Williams test across Sky Sports F1s coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Science Central taking public survey as it develops 5-year strategic plan
A roundup of news for Fort Wayne, Allen County and surrounding areas.
Measles cases confirmed again in northeast Indiana
Two of state's 17 confirmed measles cases were in northeast Indiana as of Wednesday.
Headley's 'Sweet Magnolias' canceled at Netflix
Northrop High School graduate Heather Headley’s Netflix series has "poured it out" for the last time.
KDHE issued a public health advisory for blue-green algae
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.
Trump announces all 50 states joining Medicaid drug pricing model
President Donald Trump announced that all 50 states will join a program to provide Most Favored Nation pricing for some Medicaid drugs.
Nebraska DHHS extends health alert for toxic algae at lakes in Gage and Jefferson counties
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has extended a health alert for toxic blue-green algae at Big Indian Lake in Gage County and Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County.
Kremlin orders Russia businesses of Nestle, Auchan seized
The Kremlin ordered the Russian businesses of Swiss-based food and beverage company Nestle and French retailer Auchan placed in temporary administration.
Martin County health officials warn of harmful algae near Lake Okeechobee
Health officials issued a blue-green algae alert for part of Lake Okeechobee after Sept. 15 samples found harmful toxins. Avoid visible blooms.
Health advisory issued for toxins in Oregon Coast lake near Seaside
A health advisory was issued for swimming, fishing, and drinking water in Cullaby Lake near Seaside because of toxins from an algae bloom.
Communication, parking are common concerns for Annapolis businesses
“Bar none, the biggest issue out there is the parking,” an Annapolis business owner said at a roundtable with Mayor Jared Littmann.
Curiosity Blog, Sols 5002-5009: Tough Planning To Learn More About Wind-Blown Sediments
Written by Benjamin Tutolo, Professor, University of Calgary
Toxic red tide detected along Texas coastline — here’s how it can affect your health
A red tide bloom along the Texas coast is prompting warnings from officials as the toxic algae could cause respiratory problems for beachgoers.
Tiny krill are turning up in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Scientists want to know why
Antarctic krill serve as a crucial food source for penguins, seals, and whales. They recycle nutrients used by algae. Now researchers say they've found krill in a surprising place: hydrothermal vents.
From Lake Erie’s Algae to Florida’s Coral Reefs, UToledo Senior Chases a Career in Marine Science
Environmental science major Emily Wagner turned a rejection into a return offer and a childhood aquarium visit into a summer researching coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys.
Girls Volleyball results: Cedar Grove vs. Science Park, 9/14/2026
See the box score from this game on NJ.com - plus the latest news and stats for your favorite teams and players.
Department of Health: Avoid Lower Melville Pond due to algae blooms
The Rhode Island Department of Health has recommended the public avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth due to the presence of an algae bloom.
Health Alert: Big Indian Lake (11A) and Cub Creek Lake
Lincoln, NE – Nebraska has issued a health alert Friday for harmful algal blooms (HABs), also called toxic blue-green algae, at Big Indian Lake (11A) in Gage County. The alert for Cub Creek Lake in…
Business calendar
FIRESIDE AT STADIUM: On Thursday, OWN Indiana is hosting a fireside at Ruoff Mortgage Stadium with Matt Truty, co-founder of BT Pro Solutions and board president of Fort Wayne Tech.
To the editor: Farm families improving lake health
We appreciate your Sept. 2 editorial, “Lake Erie has looming issue,” recognizing H2Ohio and progress being made to improve Ohio’s water quality. The story, ...
Science Central members get preview
Click here to view this article from journalgazette.net.
Scientists are tracking a massive algae bloom moving through the Chesapeake Bay
The bloom has “caused quite a stir” among officials who research the issue.
Studies link New Mexico drilling to radiation, air pollution, health risks
A new paper ties oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin to radioactive airborne plumes near the small New Mexico town of Loving.
Alabama Shakes returns with a new album after 11 years
Alabama Shakes has returned with its first album in 11 years.
In 2015, University of Florida scientists poured 5 gallons of red Rhodamine dye into Silver River’s main spring vent to track how water moved as the clear spring run turned more algae-green
A tiny dye release into Florida's Silver River revealed how groundwater moves through one of America's most productive spring systems—with urgent implications for its ecological future.
In 2024, scientists dyed Peter Lake blue with Aquashade to starve algae of light, but the water still turned green, and the team suspects repeated rain kept flushing the pigment out.
In summer 2024, Cascade Project researchers dyed Michigan's Peter Lake blue with Aquashade to limit light for algae, then added fertiliser; the lake still greened, and the team suspects rain flushed the pigment.
Parents of San Diego mosque gunman say a mental health facility failed to heed FBI warning
Federal law enforcement warned the parents of Caleb Vazquez, one of two teenagers involved in a San Diego mosque shooting, about his concerning online comments days before the attack.
From Life’s Origin to Cyanobacteria in a Billion Years
That’s now just 1 billion years for all the apparatus to hit on the lucky combination randomly, unless we start with design principles.
In 2024, scientists dyed Michigan’s Peter Lake blue to block sunlight, then added fertilizer; despite the dye, rain washed pigment out and algae turned it green
In the summer of 2024, researchers dyed the water of Peter Lake, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, USA, with a non-toxic blue dye called Aquashade, then deliberately added fertilizer to the same lake. The experiment wasn't done for beautification.
Business calendar
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING: The Literacy Alliance has opened enrollment for the next cohort of its Integrated Education and Training Entrepreneurship program. The free program is designed for community members who are
Health officials issue strong warning to stay out of river water in Tri-Cities
Signs are being posted.
Sony's PlayStation disc plant is losing 10 percent of its volume in 2028, not 90
Sony’s PlayStation disc plant is losing 10 percent of its volume in 2028, not 90 Sony won’t license disc pressing to anyone else, Microsoft does, and a former PlayStation boss thinks that’s the whole problem. When Sony DADC chief Dietmar Tanzer spoke with an Austrian broadcaster in July about PlayStation disc production at the Thalgau plant, a number of press outlets misunderstood the report, writing that production would fall to a tenth of current levels. It won’t. Sony DADC confirmed to Game this week that the figure is a 10 percent decline, not a decline to 10 percent. “To clarify and avoid any misleading information: in that statement Dietmar anticipated an overall product volume decline by 10 percent, not a decline down to 10 percent,” a spokesperson with Sony DADC told Game. That figure covers 2028. Tanzer didn’t put a number on the years after, and the spokesperson declined to comment further. What we do know is that on July 1, PlayStation announced that physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028 and that the transition has no impact on games that have already released in disc format or will be releasing in disc format prior to that month. “So, there will be reorders going to the market after January 2028,” the Sony DADC spokesperson said. “For details around that I would ask you to liaise with the PR team from PlayStation, as we can’t speak or comment on their behalf.” PlayStation officials did not respond to questions about reorders or other disc-related matters. But I did recently speak with Shawn Layden, Game Industry Strategic Advisor and former chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios, who called a future without physical PlayStation discs “depressing, but solvable.” then added, “I think.” The chief hurdle to third-party manufacturing of collector’s editions or any other version of a PlayStation game disc is that Sony owns the proprietary process to press those discs, Layden said. “And unless they decide or determine a way to license that to some of these bespoke disc manufacturers, there’s no way to make it happen,” he said. Layden was careful to add that he understands the concept but doesn’t have “line of sight on the particulars.” “Depressing but solvable, I think.” — Shawn Layden Microsoft already licenses replication to outside plants. Xbox discs are pressed by manufacturers Microsoft certifies as Authorized Replicators, a term defined in its publisher agreements, with the approved list set at the company’s sole discretion and Microsoft retaining the right to halt manufacture. The structure is still in place today: publishers select an Authorized Replicator in Partner Center and submit a bill of materials created with a Microsoft representative. Sony, by contrast, presses PlayStation discs through Sony DADC, its own manufacturing subsidiary. No one I spoke with said they were in discussions with Sony about doing that, and PlayStation hasn’t responded to questions about whether it would be open to a licensing deal. There is an obvious reason Sony might not want to. Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad pointed it out on the day of the announcement: it’s a platform-led decision, he wrote, designed to cut costs, eliminate the resale market, and drive all revenue through the PlayStation Store. The math is not subtle. On a $70 third-party game sold through the PlayStation Store, Sony keeps $21. Sold at retail, Ahmad says, it earns about half that. Licensing disc replication to an outside manufacturer might not be worth it. And even if it were, it seems unlikely that such a deal would come from boutique companies like iam8bit, which sells collector’s editions of video games. “We would absolutely love to find a way forward to continue making physical PlayStation games,” said Jon Gibson, co-owner and co-creative director of the company. “We are big believers in giving humans the option to truly own media. If we can play a role in helping make that a reality for the future of PlayStation games, count iam8bit in!” If it were to happen, it would most likely be with a company like Conectiv Supply Chain Solutions, a Memphis-based manufacturer of optical discs and vinyl records that also runs third-party logistics, fulfillment and distribution for packaged media. The company, which was formed in 2025 when Los Angeles private equity firm Variant Equity Advisors purchased Vantiva’s Supply Chain Solutions division, traces its lineage back to Technicolor. When it sold the division, Vantiva described the business as having served video game creators for more than 25 years. Conectiv is also buying, not shrinking. Last month it acquired SDS, the distributor for Universal and Warner Bros. home entertainment, consolidating those studios’ packaged-media pipeline from pressing plant to retail shelf. I reached out to Conectiv and its CEO, but haven’t heard back. Layden pointed to music and books in our discussion about the ongoing value of physical media. “No one ever saw the comeback of cassette tape,” he said. “And vinyl didn’t so much come back. The flame went down, the fire’s dying, but the ember was always there, and it just kind of came back. Much like the book business. We thought we’d all be on Kindles right now. “I believe that physical media is crucial and important. One of the things that makes us gamers, one of the core game mechanics, going back to the beginning of time, is collecting stuff. “Did you get all the diamonds in Crash Bandicoot? Did you get all the stars in Mario? And we like to collect our games. And we have a game shelf. And we put all our boxes up there. And if you’re super hardcore, when you buy a game, you buy two copies, right? One stays in the shrink wrap, and you play the other one. What happens to that important cultural part of the gaming world? You know, we buy the steelbook and the three-disc Final Fantasy set and the figurine and, you know, you can’t download any of that. “What happens to that?” And Layden believes it shouldn’t have been a revenue question for PlayStation. “This was a core thing to the experience of our most devoted fans,” he said. “Yeah, it’s fan service. Why would we take that away? Well, we can’t afford to. It’s already 120 bucks, you know, limited edition special purchase onyx box version of whatever, and those sell at a higher rate than the box selling at $69.99 does. So yeah, the market has said they will continue to buy them. You’re just saying you just don’t want to make them anymore.” Layden said he was recently talking with someone about these sorts of business decisions and how they’re made. Too often, he said, it’s all about the financials and nothing else. “OK, we can do this and save this much money, or we can invest this to look at that outcome, or we can do this and have this happen over there, or move this team to Sri Lanka,” he said. “But each one of those, someone also has to have a ledger there saying, ‘OK, what is the brand impact from that move?’ “Iif you can’t resell it, do you really own it?” — Shawn Layden “If we do that, dollars and cents work out. I get it. That’s just math. But what’s the brand impact? Are people going to say, ‘Good move, you guys?’ Or are they going to say, ‘We hate you guys. Quit doing that.’ And sometimes they say, ‘We hate you.’ Then you take a note and say, OK, how much of that can we live with? How much ‘we hate you’ is OK. And when does it go over the line? “I see a lot of companies making decisions which, objectively speaking, I don’t know what the dollar end of that was for you, Mr. Company, but your brand value just dropped 30 percent. So I hope it was worth it.” Of course, shifting to a digital-only model for games raises other issues beyond simply wanting to collect. The biggest is ownership. Layden pointed out that once you go to a streaming-only or download-only model, it’s just a digital footprint on a hard drive. “What does ownership mean anymore?” he said. “It’s a genuine question. Well, in fact, it’s not even a question anymore. It’s like you are shifting the model from ownership to accessibility. “And what’s always been true, which people forget, is you’ve never been able to sell your iTunes library. And you can’t sell your PlayStation download library. So if you can’t resell it, do you really own it?” The touching tribute found in the credits for Star Wars Zero Company. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Interview and Hands-On with a Minoan Masterpiece Star Wars Zero Company hands-on: Attack Astromechs, permadeath, and delightfully fatal Rube Goldberg tactics Control Resonant opens up as you get stronger — and as characters start trusting you
Israel's water crisis eases, but algae bloom still threatens desalination
Israel's Water Authority said supplies to households and agriculture have stabilized through controlled desalination, increased flows from the Sea of Galilee and hundreds of groundwater wells, but it gave no estimate for when the algae bloom will subside
Israel's water crisis eases, but algae bloom still threatens desalination
The Water Authority said supplies to households and agriculture have stabilized through controlled desalination, increased flows from the Sea of Galilee and hundreds of groundwater wells, but it gave no estimate for when the algae bloom will subside
Fall Events Preview: A look at what's happening in northeast Indiana
With Labor Day weekend comes the transition from summer to the fall events season. But just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of fun to
Health officials warn of harmful algae in Hampton Lake in Portage
As health officials warn people to stay out of one Portage lake due to concerns about a harmful algal bloom, they are giving the all-clear for another.
Reflecting Pool saga continues with another contractor hired to clean the algae
The Trump administration has hired yet another new company to help clean and maintain the Lincoln Reflecting Pool — adding to a months-long saga around the renovation project.
NHL, Prime Video strike local streaming deal for 6 teams
The multiyear agreement makes Prime Video the exclusive local streamer for the Ducks, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Stars, Wild and Blues.
Advocacy in action: Chamber can offer new business more solid foundation
Small-business advocacy matters — and local Chambers of Commerce have an important role to play.
Public health advisory issued for Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield
The Pittsfield Health Department issued a public health advisory Monday for Pontoosuc Lake following the discovery of a blue-green algae bloom. The advisory applies to the lake in both Pittsfield a…
David M. Shribman: Politics fuels a push for separatism in Canada
CALGARY — A wildfire is sweeping the western Canadian province of Alberta. It’s not the one you are thinking of. And a Canadian province...
The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science
“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Helcim Raises $38 Million to Fill Small Business Banking Void
Helcim, a payments company focused on Canadian small and medium-sized businesses, has raised $38 million in new funding. The Calgary startup’s Series C
In 2011, scientists injected yellow-green fluorescein dye into Maui’s wastewater wells; 84 days later, it appeared near the Pacific, supporting an underground wastewater connection
For years, environmental groups and residents near Lahaina, Maui, suspected that treated wastewater pumped underground was somehow finding its way into the Pacific Ocean, a concern later confirmed by a University of Hawaii tracer study that Earthjustice and other groups cited in their legal campaign against Maui County’s disposal practices. Divers had documented unusual submarine springs bubbling up off Kahekili Beach Park as early as 2007, and elevated nitrogen isotope readings in nearby macroalgae hinted that these springs carried something other than ordinary groundwater, according to USGS-led research on nearshore groundwater discharge at the site.
Can microplastic-loving algae clean up water pollution?
An unexpected discovery laid the path for using genetically engineered algae to remove microplastics from water.
Blue-green algae confirmed in Lake DuBay; health officials urge caution
WAUSAU, Wis. — Health officials are urging residents to use caution at Lake DuBay after blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, was confirmed in
Scientists Made Protein-Packed Ketchup With Algae. Here’s Why They Did It.
Researchers added microalgae protein to ketchup, boosting its nutrition while discovering exactly how much algae flavor people will tolerate.
How Iowans feel about Trump's tariffs, Canada's treatment as Republicans vie for support
Much like the Calgary Stampede in Canada, the Iowa State Fair is a crucial stop for politicians to meet voters, making it a hotbed for political debates — especially when U.S. midterms are coming up. And this year, one of the topics on Iowans' minds is U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war.
When we bring back forests and wetlands, some tinier species may be missing
A regrown forest can look tall, lush and green. Restored wetlands can buzz with insects and flutter with birds. But scientists looking more closely are finding that some of their smallest inhabitants — mosses, lichens and algae — are still missing.
Democrats disagree over abolishing or reforming ICE at DNC meeting
Democrats have approved dueling messages on immigration enforcement, disagreeing on whether ICE should be abolished or reformed.
DOH-Orange Issues Blue-Green Algae Health Alert for Lake Formosa (Pedestrian Bridge) - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
The alert is in response to water samples taken on August 11.
Blues 'enthusiast' Morgan Freeman's album covers 100 years of the genre
Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman emphasizes the importance of keeping the blues alive, calling it “America’s music.”
Health alert issued for Lake Howell after toxic algae discovery
Urgent health alert for Lake Howell: Blue-green algae toxins detected. Avoid contact and protect pets.
Music Review: ‘Lost Weekend’ is Phoebe Bridgers' evocative sonic collage
On her third studio album, “Lost Weekend,” Phoebe Bridgers pairs unique sonic arrangements with her signature complex lyrical verses to create a collage of the years since we last heard
Gerald Winegrad: The Trump administration’s unprecedented attacks on science
Opinion: Donald Trump’s second term has been the worst period in our nation’s history for the advancement of science and its use in governance, writes Gerald Winegrad.
Scientists studied animal bones in South Australia’s underwater caves; those near light carried algae marks while bones in total darkness remained remarkably pristine
Animal bones resting on the floors of South Australia's underwater caves are revealing far more than the identity of the creatures they once belonged to. According to a new study published in PLOS One, the cave environment itself leaves distinct "fingerprints" on bones, helping scientists reconstruct how they were deposited, the environmental conditions they experienced after deposition, and the processes that affected their preservation over time.
Top Links 1184 Science for development. Bessent's intervention. Fish in the wrong place & Charlemagne's canal.
Thank you for your support of Chartbook. Your generosity keeps this show on the road. A View of the Sky from a Prison Window Carl Gustav Carus (1789 - 1869), 1823 How important is science for development?
My Business Hit 7-Figure Revenue Within a Year. I Use a Bespoke Strategy — No Traditional Marketing
Ali Galgano saw a serious gap in the jewelry market.
Blinded to science: Funding shift puts politics over knowledge
A change to how scientific grants should be reviewed likely reflects an aversion to scientific work that is inconvenient.
Blinded to science: Funding shift puts politics over knowledge
A change to how scientific grants should be reviewed likely reflects an aversion to scientific work that is inconvenient.
4 Anne Arundel beaches placed under no-swim advisories for high bacteria levels
Water-contact activities, including swimming and waterskiing, are prohibited.
Panama: Haemophilus influenzae meningitis case reported in Veraguas Health Region
The Veraguas Health Region, located in the central-western region of Panama, confirmed a case of meningitis caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria in a 12-year-old student from La Primavera School, diagnosed on July 29. The patient remains hospitalized, is receiving appropriate treatment, and is in stable clinical condition. The regional health director of Veraguas, Xavier A. Torres Domínguez, reported that, once the diagnosis was confirmed, the Ministry of Health (Minsa), in coordination with the Social Security Fund (CSS), immediately activated the epidemiological investigation and health response protocols established for this type of event. Canada: Haemophilus influenzae type B outbreak in Calgary As part of the actions implemented, the Epidemiology teams carried out the identification and monitoring of the patient’s close contacts, applying the corresponding preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission and safeguard the health of the educational community. Health authorities explained that meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterial disease that requires timely medical attention. In that regard, they urged the population to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, or altered mental status. They also reiterated that vaccination is the main preventive measure against this disease, and therefore called on parents and guardians to verify that their children’s immunization schedules are complete, in accordance with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
How scientists finally confirmed rare pink seaweed as new species
An ancient algae first spotted four decades ago will now join the collection of the Natural History Museum.
Nebraska issues health alert for Stanton County reservoir for Harmful Algal Blooms
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms at Maskenthine Reservoir in Stanton County.
Killing slime: an AI-first biotech solution | Investors Lab
We love public science lessons, like the algae debacle that turned Washington, D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool a vibrant green this summer after a renovation. It's not exactly a new development. Algal blooms have intermittently plagued the site for generations, including during the last big overhaul in 2012. But the latest episode lingers despite treatments with hydrogen peroxide and an ozone nanobubble system. As Bethany Brookshire makes clear for Science News, there's another option that might have managed the crisis far more effectively, had it been used from the start.