What is causing the national blood shortage?
Dr. Raymond Comenzo, Director of Transfusion Services at Tufts Medical Center, says Covid-19 played a part by causing staff shortages and scaring off potential donors. However, that’s not the major cause. Comenzo says small centers had trouble staying afloat as the demand for blood went down – reducing the number of places to donate. The donor pool is also a concern. According to Comenzo, a large percentage of donors are aging, and young people aren’t filling the gap quickly enough.
Research says wind, solar could replace coal-fired power in Texas
New research suggests wind and solar power could effectively replace Texas’ coal-fired power. The paper published in the journal, Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar, maps out a quick transition away from coal. Texas burns more of the resource than any other state, so halting that power would improve air quality and community health (Rice University).
Dandelion seed-mimicking wireless sensors monitor environmental conditions
Scientists have created a wireless sensor that mimics dandelion seeds. Just like how the seeds are carried off by wind, these tiny sensors can travel up to 100 meters just by way of a moderate breeze. They track temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions across wide expanses of land. Researchers are now looking at how to make these devices biodegradable and operational on a larger scale (Nature).
Genetically modified lettuce to fight astronaut bone density loss
And finally… astronauts have to eat their vegetables too. Researchers have genetically modified lettuce to help fight off bone density loss in space. The loss can already be treated with regular injections, but this new lettuce produces the same drug, and can potentially be grown in space. This would ensure fresh medication during long space flights, eliminating any risk of the drug expiring during the trip (UC Davis).
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