CREW EXPERIENCES UNEXPECTED PHYSICAL SENSATIONS DURING POLARIS DAWN
During SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, the crew experienced various physical sensations while reaching a higher orbit than humans have in decades. Scott “Kidd” Poteet noted a deterioration in his vision, while Anna Menon reported symptoms of space adaptation syndrome, which affects 60% to 80% of orbital travelers, causing lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting. This mission aimed to advance research on the effects of spaceflight, conducting 36 experiments, including a “cyborg experiment” with contact lenses that measured eye pressure. The mission’s findings are vital for preparing for future space tourism, as many astronauts suffer from similar issues. Despite some vision lapses, Poteet did not experience typical nausea, while Menon struggled with symptoms affecting her work. The crew underwent MRI scans and blood tests to study bodily changes and drug processing in space, emphasizing the importance of understanding human health in microgravity environments. Overall, the mission contributed valuable data for future space exploration. (CNN)
MCDONALD’S QUARTER POUNDER RETURNS AFTER E. COLI TESTS
On Sunday, McDonald’s announced that tests conducted in Colorado had cleared its Quarter Pounder beef patties of E. coli contamination, allowing the popular burger to return to menus at thousands of locations across a dozen states. However, at 900 of these sites, Quarter Pounders will not include raw slivered onions, identified by federal regulators as the likely source of an outbreak that sickened 75 people and resulted in one death in Colorado. The Colorado Agriculture Department confirmed that tests on various beef samples from suppliers were negative for E. coli. Following a recall of several yellow onion products due to potential contamination from its supplier, Taylor Farms, McDonald’s will cease purchasing onions from its Colorado Springs site. Other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and KFC, have also removed onions from their menus. The CDC noted that among the ill, at least 25 were hospitalized, with the number of cases potentially rising. McDonald’s shares dropped about 7% since the outbreak announcement. (New York Times)
RESEARCHERS FIND ACADEMIC LANGUAGE INFLUENCED BY AI TOOLS
Researcher Ezequiel López recently noted a surge in the use of specific words, like “delve,” during academic presentations, raising the question of whether humans are unconsciously adopting language popularized by AI tools like ChatGPT. To investigate this, López and his team analyzed 300,000 conference videos and found that previously rare words became more common, particularly among non-native English speakers. While this phenomenon democratizes communication, it also leads to the emergence of “taboo” words that, once recognized as AI-derived, are often mocked. The researchers warn that AI could influence language in more significant ways, potentially shaping narratives around sensitive topics, including conflicts and social issues. Furthermore, the rise of generative AI poses risks to collective intelligence, as reliance on AI for tasks traditionally handled collaboratively may diminish engagement in platforms like GitHub or Stack Overflow. This shift could necessitate a reevaluation of educational roles and practices to ensure effective coexistence with AI technologies.(El Pais)
MUSICIAN SURVIVES MONTH LOST IN NORTH CASCADES PARK
Robert Schock, a musician from Blaine, Washington, survived over a month lost in North Cascades National Park by consuming mushrooms, berries, and water. In a recent interview, he described feeling “close to death” during his ordeal, which aged him “several years.” Schock began his journey on July 31, intending to run 20 miles with his dog, Freddy, but became lost due to outdated maps and wildfires that destroyed trails. After losing his phone’s battery, he sent Freddy home, but authorities only found the dog near the Chilliwack River. Living off abandoned bear nests, Schock shouted for help after seeing a helicopter, but it didn’t notice him. Finally, on August 30, he screamed for help one last time, catching the attention of members of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, who rescued him. Schock was hospitalized but has since regained health, expressing immense gratitude for his rescuers. (The Guardian)
TRADITIONAL ROOIBOS HARVESTING REVITALIZES SOUTH AFRICAN TEA
In South Africa’s Cederberg mountains, Boltwin Tamboer harvests rooibos tea using traditional methods passed down from his ancestors. Working in extreme heat, he gathers between 300-600 kg of wet tea daily. Rooibos, native to the region, has been cultivated since the 18th century and is a staple in South African homes. Seeking to revitalize the beverage’s image, Pete and Monique Ethelston transformed rooibos into a trendy drink, creating “Red Espresso,” an espresso substitute that retains the tea’s health benefits. Their journey began during a transformative honeymoon in Nepal, leading them to experiment with rooibos in espresso machines. The couple’s business model emphasizes quality ingredients and fair trade practices with local farmers. Over the years, Red Espresso has expanded significantly, now boasting 100 products and operations in 12 countries, while maintaining family ownership and investing in employee development. Their commitment to sustainable practices and community upliftment highlights their belief that business can benefit both people and the planet. (Al-Jazeera)
ARTIST ILLUMINATES BIODIVERSITY LOSS THROUGH JENGA INSTALLATION
Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong uses the metaphor of Jenga to illustrate the fragility of biodiversity. His installation, *Biodiversity Jenga*, stands six meters tall at the COP16 United Nations biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia. Made of hollow wooden blocks resembling a Jenga tower, each block contains dioramas showcasing various ecosystems, populated by tiny animal sculptures created by 200 students from local schools. At the top sit sculptures of three children without mouths, symbolizing future generations lacking a voice in environmental issues. Von Wong emphasizes that unlike a traditional Jenga game, where removing blocks leads to collapse, biodiversity allows for restoration—“putting blocks back in.” His message is especially poignant given that up to one million species face extinction due to habitat loss, particularly migratory species. With over 250 collaborators contributing to the installation, Von Wong hopes his art fosters new discussions about biodiversity loss and inspires delegates to take actionable steps toward reversing environmental degradation. (CBC)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Pacheco.