The Guardian · 2 Jul, 05:00
Researchers at Stockholm University have re-examined a 2005 study on the neurotoxic effects of the EU-approved pesticide fluazinam and found significant impacts on brain development in rats, contrary to the original study's findings. Campaigners are calling for the immediate withdrawal of fluazinam from the market due to potential lifelong consequences for brain development.
A 2005 study on the neurotoxic effects of fluazinam in pregnant rats, conducted by Huntingdon Life Sciences on behalf of ISK, the manufacturer, concluded there were no statistically significant effects on brain development in the rats' offspring. However, a new study by Stockholm University researchers using the same statistical methods found six instances of statistically significant impacts on brain development, including decreases in brain weight and width in the rats' offspring. The new study's findings have raised concerns about the safety of fluazinam, which is used to control fungal pathogens in potatoes and apples. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been informed of the new study and is reviewing the statistical analysis and underlying data for fluazinam's approval.
Why it matters: The new study's findings are significant because they suggest that fluazinam may have lifelong consequences for brain development, and campaigners argue that it should be withdrawn from the market. The study's results also raise questions about the EU's pesticide approval process and the potential for conflicts of interest. If fluazinam is found to be unsafe for use in the EU, it could have implications for its continued use in other countries, including the UK, where it is approved for use until 2029.
340 tonnes: the amount of fluazinam sold in Germany in 2024; 2005: the year the original study on fluazinam's neurotoxic effects was conducted; 2008: the year fluazinam was granted approval in the EU; 2024: the year the new study was conducted; 2027: the expected year for the EFSA to publish its conclusions on the safety of fluazinam; 2029: the year fluazinam is approved for use in the UK
In our opinion, considering the potentially lifelong consequences of brain development deficits, an effect of a chemical on brain weight, width and morphometrics qualifies as severe. - Stockholm University researchers
The Guardian · 2 Jul, 05:00
A consortium led by billionaire Michał Sołowow plans to invest £35bn in building 14 small modular nuclear reactors across the UK, with the goal of powering 8m homes for over 60 years. The project, expected to start generating electricity in 2034, aims to secure a government support contract to guarantee a competitive price for its electricity.
A consortium led by Michał Sołowow, a Polish billionaire industrialist, has announced plans to build 14 small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) on three sites across the UK. The project, led by Sołowow's nuclear development company SGE, will involve a significant investment of £35bn, with each 300 megawatt reactor expected to cost between £2.2bn to £2.5bn. The consortium, which includes industrial partners such as GE Vernova and Hitachi, hopes to secure three sites for the reactors by next year and a government support contract to guarantee a competitive price for its electricity. The project is expected to start generating electricity in 2034.
Why it matters: This investment is significant as it marks a major step towards the UK's expansion of nuclear power, with the goal of powering 8m homes for over 60 years. The project also highlights the government's efforts to fast-track the rollout of nuclear technologies, creating a clear path to market for private investors. Additionally, the project is expected to create a distinct competitive advantage for the UK economy and support the development of the UK supply chain.
£35bn: total investment in the project; 14: number of small modular nuclear reactors to be built; 8m: number of UK homes to be powered by the reactors; 60 years: expected lifespan of the reactors; 2034: expected start date for electricity generation; £2.2bn-£2.5bn: cost of each 300 megawatt reactor; 300 megawatt: capacity of each reactor
Because of this, I am confident we will set a new standard for nuclear development by combining our disruptive business model with the BWRX-300's 10th-generation proven technology. We will rely strongly on the UK supply chain; it is a critical element for our project. Our project will create a distinct competitive advantage for the UK economy. - Michał Sołowow
The Guardian · 2 Jul, 05:00
The European Union's new digital entry and exit system (EES) has caused significant delays for travelers at EU borders, with queues of up to five hours reported during peak periods. Airlines and airports are calling for the system to be suspended during the summer holiday period to alleviate the congestion.
The EES was launched last October and fully rolled out in April, requiring non-EU citizens to register their biometric information, including fingerprints and facial photographs, at the border. The system aims to make border crossing more efficient and track who is entering and exiting the EU. However, its rollout has faced difficulties, resulting in long delays and missed flights for travelers. Airlines and airports are now calling for the system to be suspended during the peak summer period to mitigate the impact on travelers.
Why it matters: The delays caused by the EES are significant because they are affecting a large number of travelers during the peak summer holiday period. The system was introduced to make border crossing more efficient, but its current implementation is causing frustration and financial losses for travelers, airlines, and airports. The calls for suspension highlight the need for a more effective and efficient solution.
Up to 5 hours: the length of queues at border control during peak periods; 25: the number of EU member states that are part of the Schengen area; 29: the number of Schengen countries, Ireland, and Cyprus whose citizens are exempt from EES checks; 100: the number of people stranded in Milan after missing their flight due to EES delays.
It is not. Politicians should stop pretending … that EES is working just fine. It is not.” - Stefan Schulte, president of ACI Europe.
Ars Technica · 1 Jul, 18:59
Researchers have found that superworms, the larvae of Zophobas morio, can efficiently clean skeletal remains, potentially replacing dermestid beetles in museums and forensic studies.
A study published in PLoS One suggests that superworms can be used to clean skeletal specimens, offering a practical alternative to existing methods. The larvae of Zophobas morio can efficiently remove soft tissue without damaging bones, and they have several advantages over dermestid beetles, including easier colony management and a lower risk of infestation. Superworm cleaning only requires the larval stage, which lasts 10-12 weeks. Existing methods for cleaning skeletal remains include burial, digestive enzymes, chemical treatments, and using dermestid beetles.
Why it matters: The use of superworms for cleaning skeletal remains is significant because it provides a safer and more efficient method for museums and forensic studies. The current preferred method using dermestid beetles carries a risk of infestation, which can threaten museum collections. Superworms offer a more manageable and environmentally friendly alternative.
10-12 weeks (duration of superworm larval stage), 5-7 weeks (duration of dermestid beetle life cycle)
Ars Technica · 1 Jul, 19:57
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Blue Origin's progress in cleaning up its launch pad after a New Glenn rocket explosion in late May. Blue Origin is working to return to flight, which is crucial for NASA's lunar mission plans.
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket experienced an explosion during a static fire test on May 28, damaging its only operational launch pad. Since then, the company has been working to clean up the site and return to flight. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman commended Blue Origin's response to the situation, stating that it has been 'almost beyond impressive.' Officials from the US Space Force have also been involved in Blue Origin's planning and work.
Why it matters: NASA is counting on Blue Origin to carry out dozens of cargo missions to the Moon and eventually ferry people to the lunar surface using its Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 landers. The New Glenn rocket is expected to play a critical role in launching these landers, making Blue Origin's return to flight crucial for NASA's lunar mission plans.
May 28 (date of the explosion), dozens (number of cargo missions to the Moon)
"Blue Origin's response to the situation is almost beyond impressive, and that's not just a NASA assessment,"
Ars Technica · 1 Jul, 18:24
The Volvo EX30, a compact and efficient electric crossover, will not be available for purchase in the US due to Volvo's decision to stop importing the car. The vehicle, priced at $34,950, was expected to be one of the cheaper EVs available in the US market.
Volvo has decided to stop importing the EX30 electric crossover to the US. The car, which was unveiled in 2023, was priced at $34,950 for the rear-wheel drive version and was expected to have a tiny carbon footprint. The order books for the EX30 are now closed, and once the approximately 1,200 cars left in inventory are sold, they will no longer be available in the US. This decision comes despite the car's potential to be a perfect antidote to the trend of increasingly larger and less efficient vehicles.
Why it matters: The Volvo EX30's discontinuation in the US is significant because it represents a missed opportunity for consumers to purchase a compact, efficient, and affordable electric vehicle. The trend of larger vehicles has negative implications for energy consumption and safety, making the EX30's compact size and efficient design desirable. However, due to geopolitical factors, the car will not be available to US consumers.
$34,950, 1,200, 2013, 2023
NPR News · 2 Jul, 05:57
Summary not available.
NPR News · 2 Jul, 05:47
Summary not available.
NPR News · 1 Jul, 17:54
Summary not available.