Scientists Trained Cows Where To Pee. It Could Help The Environment
The Associated Press
Potty training a child can be challenging and at times a bit, well, let's say it's exciting. New research, though, shows that potty training cows is not only possible, but has the potential to offer large benefits. Basically, 11 out of 16 cows learned to pee in a special pen. It only took 15 days! This means that farms may be able to divert that waste away from fields, and therefore avoid spreading pollutants like nitrous oxide or ammonia. It could also be a way to manage waste products and even greenhouse gas emissions. It sounds like round 2 of the experiment might involve an attempt to train cows to make solid deposits in a pen or other designated location.
The Godmother of the Digital Image
By Siobhan Roberts, New York Times
Ingrid Daubechies is a mathematician at Duke University whose research has been an instrumental part of the development of digital compression algorithms and much more. Her efforts to support women in the field are extensive and colleagues call her the "Meryl Streep of mathematics," but she still feels like an outsider. A fascinating picture of a one-of-a-kind researcher comes through in this lively profile.
One of the worst public health dangers of the past century has finally been eradicated
By Kelsey Piper, Vox
This week, Algeria exhausted its stockpile of leaded gasoline, which means that this dangerous liquid is no longer in use in the world. It's a huge milestone for public health. Driving cars that ran on leaded gasoline (called "regular" when I was a kid) led to its presence in soil, dust and the bloodstream, and numerous associated health problems. The EPA banned leaded gasoline in the U.S. in 1996, and an international effort helped bring an end to its production and use. A study mentioned in the article found that eliminating the use of leaded gas increased global gross domestic product by 4%, and saved 1.2 million lives each year. Stunning, yes, but more work remains. Lead is in soil, old paint, some aviation applications, and other uses, but the elimination of leaded gas in cars is certainly worth celebrating.
