Saturday, September 19, 2020

California wildfire smoke blankets parts of Canada

Smoke from California and Oregon wildfires has cloaked Canada's third-largest city of Vancouver—known for its majestic mountain views and fresh ocean breezes—in the dirtiest air in the world this week.

Trump touts swift vaccine as Europe battles virus second wave

US President Donald Trump said Friday he expects enough COVID-19 vaccines "for every American" will be produced by next April, as a host of European countries imposed new local restrictions to reduce their spiralling case loads.

Storms Alpha and Beta named for Greek alphabet, second time ever

Meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet Friday to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred.

Polio vaccine in the crossfire of misinformation

As scientists around the world rush to find a vaccine to stem the spread of COVID-19, another deadly disease, polio, has become the latest target of misinformation campaigns online.

US TikTok users prepare for a possible exit from platform

American TikTok users reacted with a collective shrug Friday to the US move to ban new downloads of the video-sharing app—but many are already planning an exit to other platforms should the clampdown lead to an outright ban.

'Power of positive': Michigan conjoined twins separated

Doctors at the University of Michigan have separated 1-year-old conjoined twin sisters.

In California, Wi-fi minivans help disadvantaged students

A minivan with a Wi-fi router attached to the dashboard and a satellite antenna on the roof is helping 200 disadvantaged students in Santa Ana, close to Los Angeles, cope with the rigors of distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

WeChat, TikTok ban is test for open internet, free expression

The US ban on Chinese-owned apps WeChat and TikTok sets up a pivotal legal challenge on digital free expression with important ramifications for the global internet ecosystem.

Evidence-based vocational rehab practices raise employment rates after spinal cord injury

Researchers at Kessler Foundation authored a new article, "Employment after spinal cord injury," published by Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports on May 24, 2020. Authored by John O'Neill, Ph.D., and Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, the article highlights evidence-based practices in vocational rehabilitation.

Pointed tips on aluminum 'octopods' increase catalytic reactivity

Points matter when designing nanoparticles that drive important chemical reactions using the power of light.