Posts filed under 'Health and Environment'
Did you know America already has an amazing train system?
One of the hardest things about living in the age of information is that there’s way too much of it. It’s nearly impossible to sift out what is interesting, relevant and trustworthy.
So I hadn’t even heard about the new Rail Runner passenger line between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. They called it the Rail Runner to play on Road Runner, which is the New Mexico state bird. Evidently the 90 minute ride is faster than driving on New Mexico’s most congested stretch of highway. It’s said to be affordable, and so far it’s a hit with the riders.
But what struck me in the BBC article covering the new train were some really intriguing factoids about trains in America.
For example, I had absolutely no idea that the United States moves almost 10 times as much freight by rail as Europe does. Given the size of Europe and the fact that they’ve always moved people with trains, I would have guessed the exact opposite.
Besides, the only time we talk or think about trains in America is when we are arguing about building passenger trains that rarely every come to fruition. I should correct that – people who live between Boston and DC deal with trains. And now the folks from Albuquerque and Santa Fe do too. But the rest of us? Fuggedaboudit.
But what’s really amazing is how GREEN the trains in America are.
Would you believe me if I told you that an American diesel train can move a ton of freight 436 miles on one gallon of fuel?
Unbelievable!
Of course, we’re still looking forward to the day when we get our MagLev superfast train from Vegas to LA. But in the meantime, it’s great to know how efficiently we are moving freight. And kudos to New Mexico for getting the job done.
Add comment November 18, 2009
Your pets can catch H1N1 flu from you, or pass it to you
Reuters reports that a pet cat had been infected with the pandemic swine flu virus, apparently by its owners, who had reported flu-like illness in the days before.
“This is just another illustration of why influenza viruses are so tricky and frustrating and interesting at the same time, is this ability to occasionally jump species,” said Dr. Carolyn Bridges of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Bridges said it is impossible to know how many pets may have been infected — this particular cat lived near a sophisticated animal laboratory in Iowa where vets ran an influenza test out of curiosity. The good news is that the cat survived.
So here’s another reason to use commonsense: wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and consider whether the vaccination is right for you.
1 comment November 6, 2009
How cool is this? Sidewalks that generate electricity
Think about this: every time you take a step, you generate kinetic energy. What if the kinetic energy from thousands of pedestrians could be harnessed, stored and redirected for other uses?
A new product designed by Laurence Kemball-Cook, the director of Pavegen Systems Ltd., flexes beneath each step, absorbs the kinetic energy produced by every footstep, and creates 2.1 watts of electricity per hour. The energy is either stored within lithium polymer batteries or distributed to nearby lights, information displays, and much more.
Constructed from marine grade stainless steel and recycled materials, the surface of each slab features the rubber from old tires, and the internal components are made from recycled aluminum.
It is estimated that busy sidewalks receive up to 50,000 steps a day, so the potential energy is enormous.
The first prototypes have rolled out in East London. If all goes well, Pavegen has plans to go worldwide, to some of the busiest spots on earth. Fantastic idea!
Add comment October 29, 2009
We did not know that all bears hum (except pandas)
Here’s a great story about the Bearwalker of the Northwoods.
For 43 years, Professor Lynn Rogers has studied wild bears, walking and playing with them, gaining amazing insights into their behavior.
Professor Rogers has made a special study of the American Black Bear.
His studies reveal the bears as peaceful, playful creatures, which even hum when they are content.
Interestingly, in all of his years working, walking and living with bears, Professor Rogers has never been attacked. According to the article, there have been only 3 recorded black bear attacks on humans in the past 100 years.
Add comment October 27, 2009
Massive pod of killer whales sighted off Scotland
Finally, some GOOD news about the environment.
The BBC reports that, for the first time, a massive pod of up to 50 killer whales has been filmed off the coast of Scotland.
Evidently, the beautiful creatures dropped by to feed off of mackerel escaping fishing nets. They also eat scraps thrown back into the water by the fishing crews.
Killer whales are actually members of the dolphin family, and are known for their intelligence.
Scientists first documented this behavior in the 1980s and fishermen in Scotland have seen the behavior develop since.
“They are pretty quick to cotton on, and it’s something they are doing all around the world where there is a big fishery,” says Mr Andy Foote of the University of Aberdeen, a marine scientist advising the BBC Autumnwatch team.
“But what’s great about this one, is they aren’t viewed as a pest, they are just going after mackerel that are stuck in the nets or escaping and they don’t take any of the fishermen’s catch,” he says.
“They don’t damage the nets or get stuck in the nets, there is a benefit for both parties and the fishermen are really fond of the killer whales.”
So maybe, just maybe, the orcas and the fishermen can work as a team? And some human behavior can actually work out for the benefit of the creatures of the sea?
Add comment October 16, 2009
The healing power of animals
We’ve all heard that scientific studies prove that animals are good for our health. Everything from unconditional love through reducing blood pressure.
This is a cool story about a woman who got sick and the role animals played in her healing.
But what’s even better is all of the comments from the readers.
I suppose most animal lovers have stories of hard times we’ve gotten with the help of our pets. I sure do. And I know that when friends and loved ones are going through hard times alone, I often recommend that they consider bringing a pet into their lives.
Check out the comments – they’re very cool.
Add comment October 3, 2009
Battle to save America’s wild mustangs
Why don’t I ever hear about this stuff in the American news? I live in the American west.
But the Times of London reports that at the beginning of September, the US of Bureau of Land Management began to round up wild horses using a helicopter in an effort to reduce their numbers.
It is part of a scheme that has resulted in 33,000 mustangs being caught, with only about 26,000 left to roam.
Land officials say that if the herd is not managed its population would double or triple within a few years, resulting in many of the horses starving to death.
Planning documents obtained by a request under the Freedom of Information Act suggest that a mass cull has been considered, including a proposal to offer vets counseling to cope with the number of animals that would have to be put down.
But of course there’s another side of the story:
Wild mustangs were protected by a 1971 Act of Congress which declared that wild horses be “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West”.
“Since wild horses were protected by Congress in 1971, the Land Bureau has taken away 19.4 million acres of their land,” according to Ginger Kathrens, a wildlife film-maker.
So it’s not surprising that the horses have quickly outrun the resources that have been left to them.
Here’s a bit of Ginger Kathrens’ work from the PBS Show “Nature”.
Add comment September 28, 2009
Europe backs 2-year ban on bluefin tuna
Sushi lovers may have to find another favorite fish dish after plans for a worldwide ban on bluefin tuna fishing were backed by the European Commission yesterday.
The bluefin is a highly prized delicacy, particularly in Japan, where one specimen can fetch £60,000, but spiralling demand has led to the near exhaustion of stocks, resulting in moves to place it on a list of the world’s most endangered species.
European ministers will make a decision on the issue this year, but are expected to back calls for the fish to be fully protected for two years to allow stocks to recover.
Read more about this story from the Times of London.
Fun fact: Atlantic bluefin tuna are warm blooded.
Read more information about bluefin tuna.
Add comment September 28, 2009
“National Parks: America’s Best Idea’ documentary starts tonight
If you’ve seen ‘The Civil War,’ ‘Jazz’ or ‘Baseball,’ then you’re already familiar with the work of documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
His latest work, ‘The National Parks: America’s Best Idea’ premiers tonight at 8 p.m. on most PBS stations.
All of Burns’ movies are thoroughly researched, beautifully narrated and filled with interesting tid-bits.
We’re really looking forward to it.
Check out this trailer. The introductory footage is a bit long, although it’s undoubtedly beautiful. Narration starts at around one minute in.
Add comment September 27, 2009
BFF – the orangutan and the hound
This is a must see.
How AWESOME are animals?
And of course when you see bonding like this between species, you always wonder why humans can’t all just get along, like the man said.
Add comment September 26, 2009
