1. Michael J. Fox on Raising $1 Billion to Help Find Parkinson’s Cure: ‘I Won’t Stop Until It Happens’
On Oct. 23, Fox will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the foundation with his annual fundraising gala A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s. The milestone event was originally slated for last year, but was postponed due to the pandemic.
Fox is hopeful that biomarkers will be the next big step in treating and possibly preventing the disease. “If we can find ways to identify the condition before it’s evident, if we could take a piece of hair and find it, then we could treat it prophylactically and then maybe you don’t get it,” he says. “What I am most proud of his the way we have galvanized this community. We can get stuff done.
2. Scientists shocked to discover how much lightning may clean the atmosphere
Electrical storms produce a critical chemical that helps break down atmospheric pollution.
New research published in in the journal Science suggests that electrical storms produce large amounts of molecules called oxidating radicals that break down gases like carbon monoxide and methane in the atmosphere. These atmospheric pollutants can contribute to global warming and damage the ozone layer.
3. Students Complete Eurotrip in Solar-Powered Van They Built and Designed
"Stella Vita generates energy through its solar panels on the roof and uses this energy for both driving and living," the student inventors explained. "Stella Vita generates enough solar energy to drive, shower, watch TV, charge your laptop and make coffee. You are completely self-sustaining and independent. Hereby, you are free to go wherever you want, without harming the environment."
I have such hope for future generations to do the right thing… I only hope more run for government office and start enterprises like this.
4. Record 21 humpback calves spotted in Salish Sea over feeding season as whale numbers rebound
A humpback calf photographed this month in the Salish Sea off the B.C. coast. The Pacific Whale Watch Association says 21 calves have been spotted in the area this feeding season.
It marks a significant rebound for a species that was endangered just a couple of decades ago. Nobody is sure exactly why there's been such a humpback baby boom.
The results, published in the journal Joule, show that batteries with recycled cathodes can be as good as, or even better than those using new state-of-the-art materials.
6. Scientists used a tiny brain implant to help a blind teacher see letters again
A former science teacher who's been blind for 16 years became able to see letters, discern objects' edges — and even play a Maggie Simpson video game — thanks to a visual prosthesis that includes a camera and a brain implant, according to American and Spanish researchers who collaborated on the project.
7. A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan in New Orleans is having twins
The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans will be welcoming two additions to its family this winter in a species that wildlife groups consider critically endangered. Menari, the zoo's 12-year-old female Sumatran orangutan, is expecting twins whose father is Jambi, the zoo's male orangutan, the zoo announced Thursday.
That's it for this week. Until next week, stay safe and don’t forget to share this newsletter with your friends :)