Americans flocked to beaches, parks and stadiums over Memorial Day weekend, as new coronavirus cases dropped to levels not seen since March 2020. With more than 40% of the country fully vaccinated and the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases falling to about 12,000 per day, Americans showed they were eager to embrace post-pandemic life.… read on > read on >
All Travel:
Boaters and Drivers, Stay Alcohol-Free This Memorial Day Weekend
It’s the first holiday since the pandemic began where Americans can mingle without masks if they are fully vaccinated, so celebrations are in order. But folks still need to avoid alcohol if they’re driving or boating over the Memorial Day weekend. “This Memorial Day weekend, as we honor our nation’s heroes who sacrificed their lives… read on > read on >
Global Warming Could Bring More Stillbirths, Study Warns
Rising temperatures caused by climate change could trigger a worldwide increase in stillbirths, researchers warn. The team at the University of Queensland in Australia analyzed 12 studies on the subject. They found that exposure to extremely high temperatures throughout pregnancy appeared to increase risk of stillbirth, particularly late in pregnancy. “Overall, risk of stillbirth appears… read on > read on >
U.S. Issues Tough Travel Warnings for Japan Ahead of Olympics
U.S. officials on Monday warned all Americans not to visit Japan because of a spike in coronavirus cases there just two months before the Tokyo Olympics are set to start. The travel advisories, one issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and one that came from the U.S. State Department, don’t ban… read on > read on >
Biggest Reason Teens Injure Their Spines: Not Wearing Seat Belts
Two-thirds of spinal fractures suffered by American children and teens occur in car crashes when they aren’t wearing seat belts, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data on more than 34,500 U.S. patients younger than 18 who suffered spinal fractures between 2009 and 2014. Teens aged 15 to 17 accounted for about 63% of the… read on > read on >
Is Your Family ‘CO Safe’ When Big Storms Hit?
If you live in the path of hurricanes , the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging you to be prepared. Deaths from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires and electric shock are common during severe weather events, according to the CPSC. Hurricane season in North America runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The… read on > read on >
What Was Antarctic Explorer Ernest Shackleton’s Mystery Illness?
Famed Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton may have suffered from a deficiency of the nutrient thiamine, a condition known as beriberi, say researchers who claim they have cracked this nearly 120-year-old mystery. Shackleton is known for his daring expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century. He experienced prolonged bouts of extreme shortness of breath and… read on > read on >
Wildfires Are Changing the Seasonal Air Quality of the U.S. West
Increasing numbers of wildfires are making poor air quality more common throughout the Western United States, according to a new study. The findings suggest that many cities may soon have trouble meeting air quality standards, said lead author Kai Wilmot, a doctoral student in atmospheric sciences at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.… read on > read on >
Heat Waves Topping 132 Degrees F Likely in Middle East Without Action on Climate Change
The Middle East and North Africa are already among the hottest spots on the planet, but new research warns that if nothing is done to slow climate change there will be life-threatening heat waves with temperatures of 132 Fahrenheit or higher in those regions. “Our results for a business-as-usual pathway indicate that, especially in the… read on > read on >
One Reason It’s Hotter in Poorer Neighborhoods: Fewer Trees
Poor neighborhoods in the United States have fewer trees and are hotter than richer neighborhoods, new research shows. In the study, the researchers assessed tree cover in the 100 largest urban areas of the country. In nine out of 10 communities, there was less tree cover in low-income areas than in high-income areas. On average,… read on > read on >