Venomous Snake found in child's lunch box
March 1, 2018
https://www.sfgate.com/science/article/deadly-snake-venom-lunchbox-australia-kid-12713899.php
A hatchling eastern brown snake was found in a children's lunchbox and it is considered one of the world's most venomous snakes. According to Australia's Billabong Sanctuary, the venom of the eastern brown snake is considered the second most toxic in the world. The snake most likely got in because the pantry and lunchbox is dark. Once the snake was found it was removed from the lunch box. The article states that the snake has caused about twenty-three deaths since 2000. These snakes are typically found throughout eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea. This a danger to children because if they have never found the snake it could have bit the child and killed them. It is weird how the snake got in the house and especially how it got in the lunchbox.
Penguins celebrate Valentine's day
Feb. 14, 2018
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Love-on-the-rocks-Penguins-celebrating-12611463.php
The penguins at the San Francisco California Science Academy celebrate Valentine's Day. The staff there gave them big red heart shaped felts to help as a nesting material. By doing the male penguin tries to impress any female with their nest and then in way helps them mate. The staff there has been doing it every year and has become a Valentine's Day tradition. They currently have fourteen African penguins at the academy. Their goal of doing this activity is to hope create better bonds with their mates and increase mating because in the wild they are endangered.
This is a very smart, yet also very heart warming to see them trying to impress others with their little red felt hearts in their nest. Hopefully it does hep increase their population since they have become endangered in the wild.
This is a very smart, yet also very heart warming to see them trying to impress others with their little red felt hearts in their nest. Hopefully it does hep increase their population since they have become endangered in the wild.
a 5 foot tapeworm is found in a sushi lover’s intestine
Jan. 18, 2018
A daily sushi eater had a 5 foot tapeworm in his intestines. He had habit of eating raw salmon sashimi on the daily and never had traveled out of the United States. He noticed when in the bathroom that something was hanging out of his body and starting moving. He pulled it out and it continued to keeping coming out then wrapped it around a roll of tiolet paper. That’s when he went to the hospital complaining of bloody diarrhea and quickly wanted to get treated for tapeworms. In the hospital the man measured himself the tapeworm turning out to be 5 feet, 6 inches. This man was from Fresno and it is located 150 miles away from the coastline. Which makes Fresno not an ideal place to get sushi. In the article, it states that the Disease Control and Prevention warned that there was a rise in popularity of sushi consumption where tapeworm infections have also become popular. This just shows that it is not a good idea to have food from places that don’t have the freshest way of getting.
a population of sea turtles is mostly female Jan. 12, 2018
Green sea turtles born along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Reef are mostly females. Based on a new study only 1% of the sea turtles are male. This is due to global warming the article states. The article states that warmer temperatures produce more female hatchings and cooler temperatures produce male hatchings. Therefore, with temperatures rising due to global warming more and more female sea turtles are being produced dominating the male sea turtles. This becomes a problem because the females will dominate and there will be barely any male sea turtles. This is truly demonstrates how human activity effects the environment especially in species. It raises an alarm for others species and if in the future there could be potentially deadly effects. Other species’ sex that are affected by temperature are reptiles because if the temperatures are too high more females are produced. All of this just shows that this is an urgent issue because if it continues it will only get worse. Sea turtles are pretty important they are keystone species.
The United kingdom plans on fixing plastic waste threat
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/science-environment-42397399
The United Kingdom is having a big problem with plastic waste. The Environmental secretary Michael Gove outlined a four point plan to tackle the problem. His points include Cut the total amount of plastic in circulation. Reduce the number of different plastics in use, because that will help recycling firms Improve the rate of recycling, which has been slipping recently. And make it easier for individuals to know what goes into the recycling bin and what goes into general rubbish. One of his goals it to expand on the UK's capacity to recycle and fix the problems that they currently have with recycling in the UK.
Dolphins found off coast of England
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-42423617
A group of 28 dolphins were found living year round off the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. They want them to be protected so that they can thrive and not have to struggle to survive. A scientist says that if something happens to their habitat in that area then it will affect the population. Other resident bottlenose dolphins populations are protected in both Cardigan,Wales and Moray Firth, Scotland. This could be another step in protecting species, so that they are not threatened or extinct.
Puerto rico does not usually spend christmas like this
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/11/23/us/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-holidays/index.html
Due to the hurricane that hit Puerto Rico they are celebrating Christmas way different. Most of them have no electricity, shelter or food, so this year it has become a struggle for the holidays. A lot of people are just trying to survive and most are not celebrating it this year. The majority of them have lost everything they had and have very few things. Many are just worried if they have enough food or shelter for the next days. They are dreading the holidays knowing they have nothing to give, but have each other and are safe. Most people don't have clean water or a warm and dry place to stay. This year will be very difficult for them because it is going to take awhile to recover from all the things they lost.
Glitter is bad for the environment
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/11/29/health/glitter-environment-hazard-microbead-ban-trnd/index.html
Not only is glitter annoying in crafts and makeup, but also really difficult to get rid of. The majority of glitter is made up of teeny tiny bits of shiny plastic called microplastics. They are very hazardous for the ocean. These little bits of plastic are becoming a popular topic in the United Kingdom. The UK is planning on putting a ban on microbeads, which are a type of plastic found in face washes, body scrubs and other products. The United States already has a partial ban on microbeads in place. Some scientists are saying that glitter found in makeup and body products should be considered a hazard because they do down the drain and harm the environment. These small plastics can pollute marine environments, leech chemicals into the water and pose a harm to marine life if they are ingested. Some companies are actually making environmental friendly alternatives that are biodegradable and don't clog up waterways.
Black sewage pours out of epa's drinking fountains
http://m.sfgate.com/news/article/epa-sewage-water-fountain-scott-pruitt-drinking-12434929.php#photo-14710610
One of the fountains at EPA pours out black sewage and several pictures go out to the internet. The pictures soon become into several memes on twitter. Many of them which discuss the irony of how they protect the environment, but in their office this event occurs. This sort of thing isn't uncommon, E&E News writes, as the EPA's Depression-era building is prone to plumbing problems. Someone on twitter tweeted, "KARMA DEFINED: There's 'sewage covering the floors' at the Trump Administration's #EPA." This is important because ever since Trump got into office a lot of environmental protections and goals were eliminated which has angered several people.
Boston bans plastic bags
http://amp.fox25boston.com/news/walsh-signs-city-wide-ordinance-banning-plastic-bags-in-boston/665328172?utm_content=news&utm_campaign=Socialflow+Twitter&utm_source=socialflow&utm_medium=twitter
Boston has finally decided to ban plastic bags and start charging for them. The mayor believes in the damage plastic bags have on the environment. The ban encourages shoppers to use reusable bags or pay five cents each bag for compostable plastic bags or paper bags. Paper bags without handles would still be free and businesses would keep all bag fee proceeds. The ban will go into effect next fall. Hopefully, all these bans on plastic bags will greatly help the environment. This is one way the world is moving forward to help the environment and especially the Earth.
San francisco aquatic park closed
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Second-swimmer-attacked-by-sea-lion-at-SF-s-12433775.php
The San Francisco Aquatic Park is closed to swimmers due to a third sea lion attack in a week. Sea lions bit three swimmers within the same week making the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park close it down. One of the swimmers was bit on his inner thigh. Another swimmer who has been going there for years says that he has never seen this occur and that there must be something going on. A medicine veterinarian believes that it must have been the same sea lion, but that it could have been either a sea lion or harbor sea. She reports that it is not pupping season, so they couldn't be protecting their pups. She believes that they must be sick or are fighting to get food from the visitors or are trying to get food from them. These bites have been very infrequent in the past years, so it definitely is a mystery.
Veterinarians and others are trying to find out the problem, since this incident has rarely occurred in past years. Theses bites are very serious because not only are they painful, but a person can get an infection due to bacteria sea lions have in their mouths. It is unknown when the park will be open for swimmers, but they are warning others to stay away and be careful when around them.
Veterinarians and others are trying to find out the problem, since this incident has rarely occurred in past years. Theses bites are very serious because not only are they painful, but a person can get an infection due to bacteria sea lions have in their mouths. It is unknown when the park will be open for swimmers, but they are warning others to stay away and be careful when around them.
Sea turtles threatened by virus oct. 26, 2017
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Volunteers-Researchers-Making-Progress-Fighting-Herpes-Like-Virus-Threatening-Sea-Turtles-454789003.html
Many sea turtles mostly along the Texas Golf Coast are facing a possibly deadly virus called fibropapillomatosis or FB. It is a cancer associated with the herpes virus that causes tumors. Researchers are trying to learn more about the virus like where it came from and how it spreads. This virus creates tumors around the turtles' body that can even cover their eyes. When the tumor covers their eyes they are unable to see and can not see food therefore end up dying. The tumors can be removed surgically, but it takes turtles time to heal.
This could be caused by pollution because the turtles could have been in a polluted area. If it is caused by pollution it is upsetting to know another thing human activities has affected. Hopefully the caused is found because it could kill several more turtles and who knows maybe they become endangered or even extinct.
This could be caused by pollution because the turtles could have been in a polluted area. If it is caused by pollution it is upsetting to know another thing human activities has affected. Hopefully the caused is found because it could kill several more turtles and who knows maybe they become endangered or even extinct.
Climate change could affect the Quality of coffee Oct. 19, 2017
http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/21/world/coffee-climate-change-trnd/index.html
Based on a new study climate change could affect the quality of coffee because of high temperatures and low rainfall. Areas with low temperatures tend to have better quality coffee. The low temperatures allow the coffee beans to ripe slowly to develop more flavor. But, due to high temperatures the coffee beans ripe faster producing less flavor. The price will not rise because of the quality it will remain the same, but it could change the economy in Ethiopia since most of their earnings come from coffee. Ethiopia is the fifth largest coffee producer and is going to be greatly affected by climate change.
This is important for coffee lovers because the quality of it will be less due to climate change. It is also important to everyone else because it demonstrates the one of many ways climate change affects. Some may not believe in climate change, but if they take a look around they can see the small and big effects it has made. Who knows maybe in a few years coffee will not have a great quality and there could be an increase on the price.
This is important for coffee lovers because the quality of it will be less due to climate change. It is also important to everyone else because it demonstrates the one of many ways climate change affects. Some may not believe in climate change, but if they take a look around they can see the small and big effects it has made. Who knows maybe in a few years coffee will not have a great quality and there could be an increase on the price.
California wildfires Oct. 13, 2017
https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/western-wildfires/fight-against-california-wildfires-enters-new-phase-search-bodies-n810281
Wildfires have been occurring in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. Some have even issued evacuations and schools have been closed due to bad air quality. For example, San Francisco schools cancelled school on Friday because the air quality was terrible. Currently, about 31 people have been killed by the fires and 400 people are missing. Officials and even local people are working hard to find and help survivors. One problem they have is trying to identify the bodies that sadly are just ash and bones. Reportedly, 3,500 homes and structures have been destroyed or affected by the fires. California Fire Officials reported that the fires at least have burned 191,400 acres of land. They compared the burning land's size to New York City.
These fires have not only affected those countries but surrounding areas because of the thick smoke. Even, Turlock on Wednesday had really bad air quality that football games were delayed. Once these fires are contained the damage will be greatly impacting and will be difficult to recover from.
These fires have not only affected those countries but surrounding areas because of the thick smoke. Even, Turlock on Wednesday had really bad air quality that football games were delayed. Once these fires are contained the damage will be greatly impacting and will be difficult to recover from.
Cleaning up plastic in indonesia Oct.5,2017
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/plant-makes-boba-startup-wants-use-it-clean-plastic-n805766
Kevin Kumala likes to go to Indonesia for vacation to surf and enjoy the beaches. But, this year the once white sand beaches were covered with plastic waste. He was so devastated he decided he wanted to do something to change the problem. He left UCLA and started to focus more on helping and protecting the environment. He created Avani Eco that produces biodegradable products that replace plastic. The company created several products like bag made from starch and bowls from sugar cane waste. Most products are eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable. The company has successfully replaced around 200 tons of plastic in Indonesia. Their goal by the end of the year is to have about 1,000 tons.
Plastic is very harmful to our environment because it could kill habitats and animals. Its good to see that someone is helping the plastic problem decrease because in most places its a huge problem.
Plastic is very harmful to our environment because it could kill habitats and animals. Its good to see that someone is helping the plastic problem decrease because in most places its a huge problem.
Rock fall in Yosemite National Park
Sept. 28,2017
http://m.sfgate.com/news/article/The-Latest-Yosemite-Valley-open-after-rock-fall-12238050.php
On Wednesday, September 27, 2017 a rock fall occurred at Yosemite National Park and killed a British climber. A huge rock from National's Park El Capitan monolith fell on the man and instantly killed him. A British women was also with him and was seriously injured. Park Rangers say they were about to climb El Capitan when the rock fell on them. This rock was about 130 feet tall and 65 feet wide that fell on them. This rock was not the only one, but seven more fell throughout the day. Rangers weighed all the rocks that fell and combined their weight, which totaled to about 1,300 tons. A tour guide saw the accident happen and said it was the largest slide ever seen. So far these have been the only victims found that were injured. The photograph shows the injured British women getting into the helicopter.
It's sad to hear that two people were injured by a rock fall. This is something hikers should be aware and careful of because it could lead to death.
It's sad to hear that two people were injured by a rock fall. This is something hikers should be aware and careful of because it could lead to death.
Earthquake hits mexico Sept. 21, 2017
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/21/552574762/mexico-city-earthquake-update-desperate-attempts-to-reach-girl-trapped-by-rubble
On September 19, 2017 Mexico City had an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1. Currently, 273 people have been killed by the earthquake. But, search teams are working hard to find people trapped by collapsed buildings and help them. Search teams have been really focusing on collapsed schools to help and find trapped children. Many are believing that hopefully every student is safe and not trapped. So far about 19 children have and 6 adults have been killed while 11 children have been rescued. A rumor has spread that a girl named Frida Sofia is trapped in a school and is trying to get help. No one at that school knows of a girl by that name.
This is truly a horrible disaster because it was on an anniversary of one of Mexico's terrible earthquake in 1985.
The response to it has been overall very great because so many people are so willing to help out. A lot of people in Mexico are joining together and trying to help rescue teams find trapped people. This disaster will greatly negatively impact Mexico city and the places around. Even places around Mexico city are helping out and also having days of silence in honor of the fallen. Hopefully, Mexico has been aware that huge preparations should have been made and that in the future they can learn from their mistakes.
This is truly a horrible disaster because it was on an anniversary of one of Mexico's terrible earthquake in 1985.
The response to it has been overall very great because so many people are so willing to help out. A lot of people in Mexico are joining together and trying to help rescue teams find trapped people. This disaster will greatly negatively impact Mexico city and the places around. Even places around Mexico city are helping out and also having days of silence in honor of the fallen. Hopefully, Mexico has been aware that huge preparations should have been made and that in the future they can learn from their mistakes.
Hurricane max sept. 14, 2017
http://m.sfgate.com/news/world/article/The-Latest-Tropical-Storm-Norma-forms-in-Pacific-12197543.php
Hurricane Max landed in Mexico's Southern Pacific Coast today around 4pm. It is expected to move to the city of Acapulco. Hurricane warnings have been given for the coastline. Experts believe the once the hurricane moves more along the land that it could weaken because of the mountains near by. Before, it reached Mexico's Southern Pacific Coast it had wind speeds of 80mph. The hurricane will bring "life threatening flooding (and) rainfall".
Mexico just had about a week ago a strong earthquake, but a hurricane is headed their way. Mexico is also still concerned over Tropical Storm Norma because it is expected to get stronger and go to Baja California Peninsula. This is another hurricane that has been made along with Harvey, Irma and the one in Asia. Natural disasters are very present right now and it could be due to our actions as humans polluting the Earth.
Mexico just had about a week ago a strong earthquake, but a hurricane is headed their way. Mexico is also still concerned over Tropical Storm Norma because it is expected to get stronger and go to Baja California Peninsula. This is another hurricane that has been made along with Harvey, Irma and the one in Asia. Natural disasters are very present right now and it could be due to our actions as humans polluting the Earth.
Mysterious chemical haze Sept. 7, 2017
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/chemical-haze-drifts-ashore-near-birling-gap-england-n796536
On England's southern coast a mysterious chemical haze was drifting. Several people like to walk around on top of the coastline to see the ocean. This chemical cloud caused people to be sent to the hospital by buses. Many of them were complaining of eye irritation, breathing problems and throat irritation. Police officials believe to have seen the mist, "sweep in from the sea". They also believe that it could have came from an onshore source in Northern France. France has been blamed for similar situations of a mist. Professor, Alastair Hay implies that if the mist is close enough to the ground it is heavier than air component. Authorities are trying to investigate more about it and where it came from.
This mysterious mist should be more thoroughly investigated because if it's causing harm to humans it could harm the surrounding environment. A huge concern should be what exactly is in this mist that it affects humans. The mist could possible be from a factory or something involved with ships because it's near the coast. Something like this shouldn't happen because it's not fair someone can just create something then throw it out into the environment. There should be regulations on what things can be produce, so they don't effect the environment.
This mysterious mist should be more thoroughly investigated because if it's causing harm to humans it could harm the surrounding environment. A huge concern should be what exactly is in this mist that it affects humans. The mist could possible be from a factory or something involved with ships because it's near the coast. Something like this shouldn't happen because it's not fair someone can just create something then throw it out into the environment. There should be regulations on what things can be produce, so they don't effect the environment.
Flood water in texas brings infections Aug.31,2017
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/4919355/can-flood-water-make-you-sick/%3fsource=dam
Hurricane Harvey has flooded most areas of Houston, Texas and the standing water has developed bacteria. Since, the rain is flooding everything it mixes with anything below it, like animal and sewage waste. There can be potential high levels of contamination present and cause infections. Therefore, health experts are advising people not to get in contact with the water. But, the problem is that since everything is flooded the only way to get around is to walk through it. People can develop skin infections, intestinal problems and flu symptoms. Not only does standing water bring infections, but also mosquitoes with diseases and mold.
This standing water can cause several infections and diseases to spread. It could also potentially kill many people after the hurricane is over. But, also the flood water could contaminate other waters near by or water for household purposes. Hurricane Harvey not only caused deaths, but will cause even more after it is finished. Hurricane Harvey caused so much destruction throughout Texas that it will take much time and money to fully recover.
This standing water can cause several infections and diseases to spread. It could also potentially kill many people after the hurricane is over. But, also the flood water could contaminate other waters near by or water for household purposes. Hurricane Harvey not only caused deaths, but will cause even more after it is finished. Hurricane Harvey caused so much destruction throughout Texas that it will take much time and money to fully recover.
university of San Francisco buys an organic farm aug. 24, 2017
http://m.sfgate.com/food/article/Growing-concern-Organic-farms-need-a-new-11946099.php?t=5fc7c1db29&utm_content=sfgate_sf_food_recco_v1&ipid=sfgatesffood#photo-13858141
Back in 2013, farmer, Warren Weber put his 100 acre farm for sale at $12.5 million. Recently, the University of San Francisco bought the farm for $10.4 million. The farm was the state's first certified organic farm. Therefore, the University plans on keeping the farm working,but also use it for educational purposes. San Francisco residents believe the farm can really encourage more organic agriculture throughput the Bay Area. Many were excited that the 100 acre land was preserved and not have gone to waste. California Certified Organic Farmers states that 200 out out of 2,500 farms they have had been certified organic for 20+ years. It took Weber four years to sell the farm because it's difficult to find an organic farmer. Especially, one who will keep the farm and its business in good conditions.
Passing on a farm to another farmer is a problem many farmers face when its time to retire. Especially, organic farmers to take on a farmer's legacy and life time work. Weber faced this problem when it was his time to retire and had no one to pass his farm on to. But also for many others this problem leaves their farms not being sold and left unused. Thankfully, Weber's 100 acre organic farm was purchased and will be used in a great way. Organic farms should continue to expand throughout the Bay Area because they don't involve pesticides, GMOs and growth hormones.
Passing on a farm to another farmer is a problem many farmers face when its time to retire. Especially, organic farmers to take on a farmer's legacy and life time work. Weber faced this problem when it was his time to retire and had no one to pass his farm on to. But also for many others this problem leaves their farms not being sold and left unused. Thankfully, Weber's 100 acre organic farm was purchased and will be used in a great way. Organic farms should continue to expand throughout the Bay Area because they don't involve pesticides, GMOs and growth hormones.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Travels with Kathleen, - Jainny -