Tokyo track designer reveals boost from new surface as records fall at Olympics
By Sean Ingle, The Guardian
In the Tokyo games, the victors of both the women's and men's 400-meter hurdles races won with world record performances. Those are not the only impressive times that have been posted at the track. This story notes that the remarkable results could be due to an innovative twist in how the track itself was constructed. The track designer, Andrea Vallauri, said there may be a small rebound effect due to tiny air pockets in the lower layers of the track. It's also worth mentioning that there's also been a lot of effort in recent years to improve the spring in track shoes, which could contribute to the better times.
The Delta Variant in Schools: What to Know
By Emily Anthes, New York Times
As the Delta variant continues to spread, schools across the country – particularly elementary schools with students who are not yet eligible for a vaccine – are weighing safety measures and the risks of opening to in-person instruction in the fall. A leaked CDC document recommended universal masking for unvaccinated students, but some states and communities balk at the idea. This story also highlights how vaccinating as many people as possible can help protect those in the community who cannot yet obtain the vaccine.
The deadliest flower in the insect world is a lifeline to farmers—and the planet
By Jacob Kushner, National Geographic
A chemical known as pyrethrin, found in a white flower, is a natural insect killer. Herders use it to protect their animals; it's used to protect people from malaria. This story explains the history of cultivation of the flower in Kenya, and its prospects for the future.
