AllYouCanTech

Federal Government Suggests New Guidelines to Improve Pedestrian Head Safety in Vehicle Engineering

### America’s Pedestrian Safety Emergency: The Role of Vehicle Design in Escalating Deaths

The United States is increasingly grappling with a serious issue surrounding pedestrian safety. In the last ten years, pedestrian deaths have dramatically risen, experiencing a staggering 57% increase from 4,779 fatalities in 2013 to 7,522 in 2022. This troubling pattern can be attributed to multiple factors, such as urban development favoring vehicle flow, insufficient traffic law enforcement in numerous cities, and the growing dimensions and aesthetics of vehicles, particularly large trucks and SUVs.

A recent report published in January 2024 underscored one of the most troubling design developments: the elevating height of vehicle hoods. The research indicated that a mere four-inch (100 mm) rise in hood height resulted in a 28% increase in pedestrian fatalities. This occurs because elevated hoods limit the driver’s visibility of pedestrians, especially children, and exacerbate collision severity by amplifying the impact force on a person’s body.

In light of this escalating crisis, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed new initiatives aimed at tackling the problem through alterations in vehicle design.

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### NHTSA’s Proposed Regulation: Progress Toward Safer Roadways

On September 2024, the NHTSA announced a notice of proposed rulemaking designed to decrease pedestrian deaths and injuries by revising vehicle design standards. The proposition is available for public feedback for 60 days and strives to align U.S. vehicle safety standards with existing global regulations utilized by numerous other nations.

Sophie Shulman, NHTSA’s deputy administrator, stressed the critical nature of the situation:

> “We are facing a surge in roadway fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. This proposed regulation aims to ensure that vehicles are created to safeguard those both inside and outside from severe injuries or fatalities.”

The proposed rule is focused on vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg), which encompasses the majority of passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. This weight category also includes vehicles like the Hummer EV, which can be operated without a commercial driver’s license but present considerable risks to pedestrians.

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### International Standards: Lessons for the U.S.

The NHTSA’s initiative is informed by **Global Technical Regulation 9 (GTR 9)**, a collection of global guidelines intended to enhance pedestrian safety. Numerous countries have already adopted GTR 9, resulting in most passenger vehicles available in the U.S. complying with these pedestrian head impact standards. However, due to the unique nature of the U.S. market for large trucks and SUVs, substantial redesigns will likely be necessary for these vehicles to meet the new requirements.

Moreover, the proposed rule would bolster the **New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)** by introducing a legal foundation for new pedestrian crash evaluations that NHTSA intends to incorporate into the program. This would ensure that vehicles are not only evaluated for occupant safety but also for their effects on pedestrians.

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### Details of the New Standards

The new regulations would require vehicles to undergo two distinct types of crash tests designed to examine pedestrian impact. These assessments would employ impactors (or crash test heads) representing two body types: a six-year-old child and a 50th-percentile adult male. The evaluations would inspect various sections of the vehicle’s hood at specific speeds and angles of impact, simulating real-life situations where a vehicle moving at 40 km/h (25 mph) collides with a pedestrian.

This emphasis on real-world contexts is vital, as numerous pedestrian fatalities transpire in urban settings where vehicles generally operate at relatively lower speeds. Nonetheless, even at these speeds, the vehicle’s design can crucially affect the extent of injuries incurred by pedestrians.

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### The Impact of Vehicle Design on Pedestrian Safety

The modern design of vehicles, especially within the U.S., has progressed in ways that often prioritize driver and passenger safety over pedestrian protection. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks pose particular challenges due to their heightened hoods and increased mass. These characteristics hinder drivers’ visibility of pedestrians, particularly children, and elevate the chances that a collision will lead to serious harm or fatalities.

For instance, a taller hood means that a pedestrian hit by the vehicle is more likely to be struck in the chest or head rather than the legs, raising the potential for life-threatening injuries. Additionally, the considerable mass of larger vehicles implies that the impact force is substantial, further raising the likelihood of fatal outcomes.

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### Looking Ahead: A Safer Tomorrow for Pedestrians?

The NHTSA’s proposed regulation represents a crucial advancement in tackling the pedestrian safety crisis in the United States. By synchronizing American vehicle design standards with international regulations, the agency aspires to lower the incidence of pedestrian deaths and severe injuries. However, this initiative is merely one component of a broader solution.

Review: reMarkable Paper Pro Writing Tablet Delivers a Paper-Like Experience, Though at a Higher Price

# The reMarkable Paper Pro: An In-Depth Examination of the Latest E Ink Tablet

The reMarkable Paper Pro represents the newest version of the reMarkable tablet lineup, crafted for individuals who emphasize writing, note-taking, and sketching in a digital format that closely resembles the sensation of paper. With a starting price of $579, the Paper Pro seeks to offer a high-end writing experience, but how does it compare to rivals such as Amazon’s Kindle Scribe or the ever-popular iPad?

## A Writing-Centric Approach

A defining feature of the reMarkable series has consistently been its emphasis on writing and note-taking rather than functioning as a versatile tablet. The reMarkable Paper Pro upholds this legacy, boasting a larger 11.8-inch display (increased from 10.3 inches in the reMarkable 2) along with numerous enhancements designed to elevate the writing experience.

### Writing Experience: Closer to Paper

The reMarkable Paper Pro presents a writing experience that closely mimics the feel of paper, thanks to several significant updates. The distance between the screen and pen tip has been minimized, and writing latency has been nearly halved—from 21 milliseconds (ms) to 12 ms. This translates into a more fluid and responsive writing experience, one that feels more authentic compared to most other digital tablets, including the Kindle Scribe and Apple’s iPad with the Apple Pencil.

The new Marker accessory functions as an active pen, akin to the Apple Pencil, and charges wirelessly by snapping magnetically to the tablet’s side. While this upgrade enhances the overall writing experience, it does come with a drawback: the new Marker is not compatible with the wider range of electromagnetic resonance (EMR) pens, meaning it cannot be used on devices like the Kindle Scribe and vice versa.

### Color E Ink and Front Light: A Mixed Blessing

The reMarkable Paper Pro introduces support for color E Ink, utilizing E Ink Gallery technology that provides richer color representation compared to the more prevalent Kaleido technology found in other colored e-readers. However, this improvement comes at the cost of refresh speed. While the colors are more vivid, they fail to replicate the true-to-life hues you’d expect from conventional paper or an iPad. The colors may appear dulled, particularly when displaying images or illustrations, making it less suitable for activities like reading comics or textbooks with intricate visuals.

The inclusion of a front light is a welcome enhancement, but it comes with its own limitations. Maximum brightness falls short of what you would experience on the Kindle Scribe, and there are no options to adjust color temperature. Though the front light is better than having none (as was the case in earlier reMarkable models), it still seems lagging compared to other devices in its price category.

## Software and Functionality: Areas for Growth

The software on the reMarkable Paper Pro is thoughtfully crafted but remains streamlined, honing in on writing, sketching, and document annotation. It supports EPUB and PDF formats, making it a reasonable option for reading and annotating documents. Nonetheless, it lacks the comprehensive e-reader functionalities present in devices like the Kindle Scribe, which aims more toward book reading.

### Cloud Integration: An Advancement

One of the noteworthy features of the reMarkable Paper Pro is its compatibility with popular cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. This feature enables users to effortlessly access documents from the cloud, annotate them, and export them back to the cloud for sharing. Notably, this feature is available without necessitating a subscription to reMarkable’s $2.99/month Connect cloud sync service, making it more approachable for users who depend on third-party cloud solutions.

### Typing and Word Processing: Limited Capabilities

The reMarkable Paper Pro includes a Type Folio keyboard accessory that is well-made and pleasant to use. However, the device’s word processing features are quite limited. Users can type notes within their reMarkable notebooks, but these can only be exported as PDF files, not as editable text. Moreover, although you can view Word and PowerPoint files on the device, editing them is not possible, and there’s no support for Google Docs or other third-party writing applications.

This constraint is especially disheartening considering the high caliber of the keyboard accessory. For those desiring more than just basic note-taking, the reMarkable Paper Pro may seem overly limiting, particularly when placed alongside the flexibility offered by an iPad or even Android-based E Ink tablets like those from Boox.

## Performance: The Balancing Act of E Ink

As with any E Ink device, the reMarkable Paper Pro comes with certain performance compromises. While the writing experience is smooth and responsive, the overall device performance can lag when compared to traditional tablets. Users may notice delays while navigating menus or waiting for actions to register.

Pre-Eruption Volcanic Activity: The Mechanism Behind Climate Change Activation

### Unveiling the Past: How Lava Fluxes and Marine Sediments Illuminate Earth’s Climate Narrative

As our planet’s climate undergoes unprecedented warming, scientists are increasingly seeking insights from Earth’s ancient past to forecast future trends. A particularly crucial epoch for analysis is the **Miocene Climate Optimum (MCO)**, a warming phase that unfolded approximately 17 to 15 million years ago. This era coincided with significant volcanic activities in the Northwestern United States, giving rise to the **Columbia River Basalts**—extensive lava flows that blanketed vast portions of the region. The chronology of these eruptions has traditionally pointed to volcanic **CO₂ emissions** as a principal contributor to the warming observed during the MCO.

Nevertheless, a recent investigation spearheaded by **Jennifer Kasbohm** from the Carnegie Science’s Earth and Planets Laboratory challenges this straightforward narrative. While the research still implicates volcanic activity during the height of the MCO’s warming, it underscores that the connection between these eruptions and climate variations is far more intricate than previously understood. This research represents a pivotal advancement in the employment of high-precision radiometric dating methodologies on ocean sediment cores, yielding fresh perspectives on both Earth’s climatic history and the precision of astronomical models pertaining to planetary orbits.

### The Miocene Climate Optimum: A Window to Our Future?

The **Miocene Climate Optimum** captivates scientists notably because it reflects a period when **CO₂ concentrations** were akin to today’s levels—around **420 parts per million (ppm)**. As noted by **Thomas Westerhold** from the University of Bremen, who reviewed Kasbohm’s research, “At this point, with 420 parts per million [of CO₂], we are effectively entering the Miocene Climate Optimum.” Yet, despite current **CO₂ levels** aligning with those of the MCO, global temperatures have yet to climb to comparable extremes. During the MCO, temperatures surged as much as **8°C above preindustrial benchmarks**.

This warming phase was paired with considerable shifts in ecosystems and the melting of Antarctic ice, yet it did not instigate a mass extinction, rendering it a relatively “mild” warming episode compared to other volcanic activity periods in Earth’s geological timeline. Hence, grasping the dynamics of the MCO could yield critical insights into potential future repercussions of increasing **CO₂ levels**.

### High-Precision Radiometric Dating: A Transformative Tool for Climate Research

A primary contribution of Kasbohm’s research lies in its application of **high-precision radiometric dating** to precisely ascertain the chronology of the Columbia River Basalt eruptions and the MCO. Radiometric dating quantifies the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as uranium, housed within **zircon crystals** present in volcanic ash. This technique enables scientists to establish the timing of geological occurrences with extraordinary accuracy.

Upon employing this method on the Columbia River Basalts, Kasbohm discovered that the eruptions transpired over a significantly condensed timeframe than previously believed. “All of these eruptions

The Trailblazing Period of Nontraditional Arctic Investigation

### The Arctic Aspirations of the Cold War: An Overlooked Period of Daring Military and Scientific Trials

In recent times, the Arctic has emerged as a key area of concern regarding climate change, with researchers diligently observing the Greenland ice sheet for indications of melting and ecological harm. Yet, during the Cold War, the Arctic was perceived quite differently—through a lens of immense possibilities and scientific enthusiasm. Greenland, in particular, turned into a testing ground for some of the most daring and creative military and scientific endeavors of that time.

#### The Arctic Frontier: A Cold War Testing Ground

During the peak of Cold War hostilities in the 1950s, the Arctic was regarded not merely as a barren, icy expanse but as a place ripe for investigation and innovation. The U.S. military, alongside scientists and engineers, launched a series of ambitious projects intended to leverage the Arctic’s distinctive conditions for both strategic and scientific aims. These initiatives ranged from practical endeavors to imaginative schemes, often blending the lines between science fiction and actual pursuits.

One of the most daring concepts was to utilize Greenland’s ice sheet as a storage site for nuclear waste. Physicists and clergy Karl and Bernhard Philberth put forth a proposal to dispose of radioactive substances by allowing them to melt through the ice. Their vision included encasing the waste in glass or ceramics and disseminating millions of these radioactive “medicine balls” across a remote section of the ice sheet. The heat generated from the radioactive material would supposedly cause the balls to gradually sink into the ice, with hopes that by the time they reached the coastline millennia later, the radionuclides would have diminished.

While the concept was groundbreaking, it was laden with doubts. What if the balls were crushed by the ice or became trapped in meltwater streams? Could the heat from the radioactive substances speed up the movement of the ice sheet? In the end, logistical issues, scientific skepticism, and political resistance—especially from Denmark, which had authority over Greenland—led to the shelving of the project.

#### The Kee Bird and Arctic Transport Trials

The military’s intrigue with the Arctic went beyond the disposal of nuclear waste. In 1947, a B-29 bomber named Kee Bird found itself stranded on a frozen lake in Greenland after straying off course during a mission. The aircraft stayed there for many years, emblematic of the difficulties of Arctic exploration. In the mid-1990s, a bold plan to recover and fly the Kee Bird was derailed by a fire, but the name continued to resonate in other Arctic experiments.

In 1959, the U.S. Army evaluated a new over-snow vehicle, also named Kee Bird. This snowmobile-tractor-airplane hybrid was designed for unprecedented speeds across the ice sheet. Outfitted with a 300-horsepower airplane engine and Teflon-coated skis, the vehicle achieved speeds of 40 miles per hour during trials in Michigan. The target was to reach 100 miles per hour, but technical challenges and severe Arctic conditions curtailed its efficacy.

Another innovative vehicle, the Carabao, was put through tests in Greenland in 1964. This air-cushioned vehicle, created by Bell Aerosystems, could glide over snow and crevasses, but it struggled against strong winds—an all-too-frequent occurrence on the ice sheet. Despite its potential, the Carabao’s absence of brakes and its struggles with downhill navigation rendered it impractical for Arctic travel.

#### Project Iceworm: A Cold War Concealment Strategy

Perhaps the most ambitious—and strange—Cold War initiative in Greenland was **Project Iceworm**. This top-secret endeavor envisioned an extensive network of tunnels lying beneath the ice sheet, covering an area comparable to Alabama. The tunnels were intended to contain hundreds of missiles equipped with nuclear warheads, poised to be launched at Soviet targets in Europe.

The goal was to establish a mobile, concealed missile base that could avoid detection and withstand a nuclear strike. The tunnels would continually shift, with missiles transported on trains capable of emerging at various launch sites. To energize this subterranean structure, the Army contemplated using portable nuclear reactors.

Nevertheless, the initiative encountered insurmountable obstacles. The ice tunnels, susceptible to collapse due to the ice’s unstable nature, proved too hazardous for long-term operation. Ultimately, Project Iceworm amounted to little more than a single railcar, 1,300 feet of track, and an abandoned military truck fitted with railroad wheels.

#### Camp Century: The Subterranean City

While numerous Cold War Arctic projects were left by the wayside, one emerged as a notable success—**Camp Century**, or the “City Under the Ice.” Established in 1959, the camp was situated approximately 100 miles inland from the edge of the Greenland ice sheet. It comprised several dozen trenches, some exceeding a thousand feet in length, carved into the ice by massive snowplows and topped with metal arches and snow.

Camp Century operated as a fully functional military base, complete with heated bunkrooms

The Influence of Chance on Scientific Discoveries: The Impact of Unintentional Discoveries on Science

**The Significance of Serendipity in Science: An Exploration of Accidental Discoveries**

Serendipity, a term often associated with fortunate mishaps and unanticipated findings, has intrigued both researchers and the broader audience for ages. The term has a captivating history, originating from a Persian fable that has been reworked and interpreted through the years. But what is the true essence of serendipity, particularly in relation to scientific discovery? Is it simply a matter of luck, or is there more beneath the surface? In his book *Serendipity: The Unexpected in Science*, Italian philosopher Telmo Pievani examines this idea, investigating its subtleties and its significance in the evolution of science.

### The Roots of Serendipity

The term “serendipity” was introduced by Horace Walpole in 1754 after he read *The Travels and Adventures of Three Princes of Serendip*, a narrative inspired by an ancient Persian story. In this tale, the three princes of Sarandib (an ancient Persian designation for Sri Lanka) utilize their sharp observational talents to unravel a mystery concerning a lost camel. They infer the camel’s traits—its one-eyed blindness, a missing tooth, and a lame leg—without having seen it previously. However, this story does not depict the princes discovering their solution by mere chance. Instead, they apply sharp observation and logical deduction to reach their insights.

Walpole viewed the story as a demonstration of accidental discovery, defining serendipity as “discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of.” This characterization has influenced our understanding of serendipity, especially in the context of scientific inquiry.

### Serendipity in Science: Beyond Pure Luck?

Pievani’s investigation into serendipity within science indicates that numerous so-called serendipitous discoveries are not entirely fortuitous. Typically, they arise from a prepared intellect recognizing the importance of an unforeseen observation. As Louis Pasteur famously stated, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” This implies that while chance may play a role, the capacity to identify and respond to that chance is vital.

Consider the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming. Although often referenced as a serendipitous occasion—Fleming observed mold eradicating bacteria on a petri dish—he had been exploring antibiotics for years. His scientific acumen and inquisitiveness enabled him to appreciate the significance of the mold’s activity. Similarly, Wilhelm Röntgen’s revelation of X-rays was not a random incident. His comprehensive knowledge of cathode rays allowed him to discern the new type of radiation upon observing it.

### Genuine Serendipity: When Accidents Foster Innovation

While numerous renowned discoveries involve a mixture of preparation and luck, there are instances of what Pievani refers to as “strong” serendipity—where an unforeseen observation results in a discovery that the researcher was not intentionally pursuing. An instance of this is George de Mestral’s creation of Velcro. While trekking in the Alps, de Mestral noticed burrs clinging to his attire. This seemingly trivial observation inspired him to invent a new fastening technology that transformed sectors from fashion to aerospace.

Additional examples include the creation of nylon, Teflon, and Post-it notes, all of which emerged from inquiries that were initially directed toward disparate aims. In these instances, the researchers were not deliberately seeking the innovations that ultimately emerged, but their ability to recognize the potential in their findings led to major technological progressions.

### The Influence of Serendipity in Medical Research

Serendipity is particularly crucial in medical research, where unanticipated discoveries can yield life-saving outcomes. In 2018, Ohid Yaqub, a senior lecturer at the University of Sussex, secured a £1.4 million grant from the European Research Council to investigate the role of serendipity in science. His team concentrated on medical research, examining how frequently NIH-funded projects resulted in discoveries in fields unrelated to the original research objectives.

Utilizing machine learning, Yaqub’s team mapped publications to 293 different disease categories. They discovered that about 60% of publications contained “unexpected” categories—areas of inquiry not directly connected to the original grant. This indicates that serendipity is not only prevalent in medical research but also serves as a crucial catalyst for innovation. Notably, research backed by targeted requests for applications was more likely to generate unexpected outcomes, while research grants focused on particular diseases and clinical investigations showed lower odds of yielding such findings.

### The Human Element of Serendipity

One reason stories of serendipitous findings are so compelling is that they humanize scientists. They enable researchers to portray themselves as humble beneficiaries of fortune, rather than as infallible intellects. As Pievani observes, these narratives often resonate with our cultural belief that diligent effort and perseverance are

Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Comes Back to Earth After Leaving Space Station Uncrewed

# Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft: A Mixed Outcome in its Recent Test Flight

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft wrapped up its most recent test flight with a successful landing in the New Mexico desert on Friday night, bringing a three-month mission to a close. While the landing was executed flawlessly, the mission itself was overshadowed by technical difficulties that left the spacecraft’s two-person crew marooned aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until next year. This article explores the significant occurrences of the mission, the obstacles encountered, and the future of Boeing’s Starliner initiative.

## A Flawless Landing, but a Vacant Cockpit

The Starliner spacecraft landed at White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico, at 10:01 pm local time on Friday (12:01 am EDT Saturday), gently cushioned by airbags and decelerated by three primary parachutes. The landing seemed perfect, as if NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were onboard. However, the cockpit was unoccupied.

NASA initially intended for Wilmore and Williams to return to Earth on Starliner, but apprehensions regarding the spacecraft’s thruster functionality prompted the agency to postpone their return. Rather than coming home on Starliner, the astronauts will fly back aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in February 2025. In the interim, they will carry on their mission as part of the ISS’s extended crew.

## The Homeward Journey

Starliner’s return trip to Earth commenced with its undocking from the ISS at 6:04 pm EDT (22:04 UTC) on Friday. After detaching from the station, the spacecraft executed a deorbit burn to direct it toward its landing destination. The service module, a non-reusable component of the spacecraft, was discarded and disintegrated over the Pacific Ocean, while the crew module, with its deserted cockpit, reentered Earth’s atmosphere.

As Starliner fell, it deployed three main parachutes to reduce its speed, and six airbags inflated around the capsule’s base to soften the landing. This was the third occasion a Starliner capsule had ventured into space, but it was also the second instance in which the spacecraft did not fulfill all of its mission goals.

## An Unsatisfactory Result

Even with the successful landing, NASA officials conveyed mixed feelings. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, commended the spacecraft’s performance throughout the undocking, deorbiting, and landing stages. Nevertheless, he recognized that the mission’s outcome fell short of the team’s expectations.

“We had aimed for the mission to land with Butch and Suni onboard,” Stich stated. “There’s a part of us that wishes it would have unfolded as planned.”

NASA opted to complete the Starliner test flight without astronauts onboard due to worries about the spacecraft’s thruster system. While Boeing maintained that Starliner was suitable for crewed flights, NASA chose to exercise caution, deciding to return the astronauts on a proven SpaceX Dragon spacecraft instead.

## Thruster Challenges and Additional Technical Hurdles

The thruster malfunctions that beset Starliner during the mission were a significant influence on NASA’s choice to keep the astronauts on the ISS. Five of the 28 control thrusters on Starliner’s service module failed as the spacecraft neared the ISS in June, necessitating Wilmore to assume manual control. Although engineers managed to restore four of the five thrusters, the situation raised concerns regarding the spacecraft’s safe return to Earth.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the thrusters had overheated, causing Teflon seals in the valves to expand and obstruct the flow of propellant. During Starliner’s reentry, telemetry data indicated higher-than-expected temperatures in two of the thrusters, although they remained operational.

In addition to the thruster complications, Starliner encountered five minor helium leaks within its propulsion system, one of which was identified prior to the spacecraft’s launch. These leaks persisted throughout the mission but stayed within safe limits.

Further difficulties emerged during the spacecraft’s reentry. One of the 12 control jets on the crew module failed to ignite, and there was a brief malfunction in Starliner’s navigation system during reentry.

## Boeing’s Reticence and NASA’s Assurance

After Starliner’s landing, NASA officials conducted a press conference to review the mission. However, Boeing representatives, who were originally slated to join, canceled at the last moment. Boeing has largely abstained from commenting since NASA’s decision to conclude the test flight without the crew onboard, prompting speculation about the company’s long-term dedication to the Starliner program.

Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator, acknowledged the differing perspectives between NASA and Boeing regarding the spacecraft’s safety. “We interpret the data and the associated uncertainty differently than Boeing does,” Free remarked.

Despite these hurdles, NASA remains steadfast in its commitment to the Starliner program. The agency’s commercial crew initiative was established to promote the creation of two independent vehicles for crew transport to the ISS. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has been operational since 2020.

“Americans Misjudge Their Role in Environmental Degradation”

### Global Concerns Regarding Climate Change: A Widening Gap Between Awareness and Action

In recent times, there has been a notable rise in public apprehension about the environment and climate change worldwide. A recent survey by Ipsos for Earth4All and the Global Commons Alliance indicates that a significant portion of the population is profoundly concerned about the planet’s condition. The survey captured the opinions of 22,000 individuals from 22 different nations, revealing that approximately 70% of those surveyed think human actions are driving the Earth towards critical tipping points—limits beyond which nature may fail to recuperate. These tipping points encompass the degradation of the Amazon rainforest and the breakdown of the Atlantic Ocean’s currents, both of which could lead to devastating impacts on ecosystems and human communities.

In spite of this strong concern, converting awareness into meaningful action presents a major obstacle. The survey reflects a worldwide agreement on the critical need to lower carbon emissions over the next ten years, yet it simultaneously exposes a concerning gap between anxiety and personal accountability, especially in more affluent countries like the United States.

### The Global Landscape: Common Concerns, Local Variations

The Global Commons survey sought to evaluate public sentiment regarding “societal transformations” and “planetary stewardship.” The findings reveal that individuals from various backgrounds harbor a mutual concern for the planet’s future. Nevertheless, significant regional variations exist regarding the perception of environmental threats.

In developing nations such as Kenya and India, participants conveyed a heightened sense of vulnerability to environmental and climate-related disruptions, including droughts, floods, and extreme weather incidents. These areas are already bearing the brunt of climate change impacts, making their populations more acutely aware of the urgent dangers. Conversely, respondents from wealthier nations, primarily the United States, were less inclined to consider themselves personally at risk from climate threats, even amidst compelling evidence to the contrary.

### The American Dilemma: Significant Concern, Minimal Responsibility

Although a considerable number of Americans express concern about environmental issues, the survey paints a more intricate picture regarding personal accountability and actions taken. Approximately half of the American participants admitted they do not feel at risk from environmental and climate dangers—a viewpoint that sharply contrasts with documented realities. Climate change is currently influencing nearly every part of the United States, manifesting in intensified hurricanes on the coasts, wildfires in the West, and droughts in the Midwest. These climate events are also causing increases in the prices of crucial goods, such as food and energy.

Perhaps more alarming is that only 15% of Americans think that upper- and middle-income citizens carry shared responsibility for climate change. Instead, they mainly attribute responsibility to businesses and governments in affluent nations. This indicates that many Americans do not perceive themselves as contributing to the solution, despite ranking among the highest per-capita consumption rates globally.

### The Influence of Affluence and Consumption

The survey’s conclusions resonate with broader studies indicating that the planet’s wealthiest individuals disproportionately contribute to carbon emissions and environmental harm. The richest 10% of the global population account for nearly half of the world’s carbon emissions. In the United States, those earning over $60,000 annually after taxes belong to the top 1% of wealth globally. Their lifestyle choices, including residing in large homes, frequent air travel, and high consumption levels, significantly impact the environment.

The United Nations has urged the wealthiest individuals globally to cut their carbon emissions by a factor of 30 to achieve worldwide climate objectives. Nonetheless, accomplishing this will necessitate a profound shift in how individuals in affluent nations view their role in the climate emergency.

### Converting Concern into Action: What Fuels the Disconnect?

If such a vast number of people are troubled by environmental issues, why hasn’t this concern led to more effective action? According to Robert J. Brulle, a visiting research professor at Brown University, the response lies in how environmental challenges are prioritized. While surveys show significant concerns regarding environmental issues, these tend to fall lower on the list compared to issues like the economy, healthcare, and national security. For instance, a 2024 Pew poll identified the economy as the top concern among Americans, with environmental protection ranked 14th and climate change 18th.

This lack of prioritization implies that environmental matters do not constitute a key electoral issue in many countries, particularly the United States. Consequently, politicians lack substantial motivation to tackle these concerns, especially when they are competing with more pressing issues like economic health and healthcare.

### The Impact of Polluting Industries

Another element contributing to the disconnection between concern and action is the significant influence of polluting industries on the political arena. Fossil fuel companies, in particular, have a long history of campaigning to manipulate public perception in ways that relieve their industry of accountability for climate change. These corporations have leveraged their financial resources to make unrestricted political contributions and run initiatives that downplay the environmental repercussions of their products.

This corporate impact has hindered governments from enacting substantial climate policies, even in the face of high public concern. It also fosters a sense of

Missouri Resident Contracts H5 Avian Influenza Despite Lack of Direct Animal Contact

### Human Infection of H5 Bird Flu in Missouri Raises Alarm Over Potential Transmission Routes

A recent occurrence of H5-type bird flu in Missouri has raised alarm among public health authorities and infectious disease professionals. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) confirmed that an individual with no known contact with animals was affected by the H5 strain of avian influenza. This incident marks the 15th human case of H5 bird flu in the United States since 2022, but it is notable because the person had no recorded interaction with animals, which is typically how the virus spreads.

#### Case Overview

The patient, who has pre-existing health issues, was admitted to the hospital on August 22 and tested positive for an influenza A virus. Subsequent tests at the state public health laboratory confirmed the virus as an H5-type bird flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has since validated this finding and is performing more tests to ascertain if the virus is the H5N1 strain, which is currently involved in a major outbreak among U.S. dairy cattle and poultry.

The individual has now recovered and been released from the hospital. However, MDHSS has withheld further information about the patient to safeguard their privacy. It remains uncertain whether the bird flu infection was the main reason for the hospitalization or if it was found incidentally during examinations for other health issues.

#### Unique Aspects of This Case

What distinguishes this case is the absence of reported contact with animals, suggesting that the H5N1 virus might be circulating through alternative channels. All prior human instances of H5 bird flu in the U.S. involved farmworkers who had direct interactions with infected poultry or dairy cattle. The lack of such exposure in this case implies that the virus could be spreading via unnoticed animal sources or, more disturbingly, from human to human.

Although there is currently no conclusive proof of human-to-human transmission, this case has instigated increased alertness among public health officials and researchers. The CDC and other health organizations are diligently investigating to identify the infection source and evaluate the potential for wider spread.

#### Responses from Experts

While this case has caused concern, several infectious disease specialists are calling for caution until more information comes to light. Caitlin Rivers, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and a founding associate director of the CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics, provided a measured perspective.

“My level of alarm is only mildly heightened,” Rivers remarked in an online statement. “I am heartened that this case was identified through existing surveillance systems, which bodes well for our ability to detect any further cases in the future.”

Rivers highlighted the significance of sustained flu surveillance, especially in the context of the present H5N1 situation. She noted that federal, state, and local health officials have continued flu monitoring during the summer months, typically a slow period for influenza activity. This proactive strategy may have been critical in recognizing the Missouri case promptly.

Nevertheless, Rivers and many of her colleagues have long expressed concerns over the potential for H5N1 to transmit to humans and trigger a pandemic. The virus has already resulted in major outbreaks among poultry and other animals, and its rare ability to infect humans raises concerns of a more significant public health risk.

#### Current Status of H5N1 in the U.S.

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has been present in bird populations for years. It has led to intermittent outbreaks in poultry and wild birds, resulting in considerable economic damage to the agricultural sector. In the U.S., H5N1 has been identified in **197 herds across 14 states**, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While Missouri has not reported any infected herds of dairy cattle, the state has experienced outbreaks in poultry farms.

The virus is mainly transmitted through direct interaction with infected birds or contaminated environments like poultry farms. In isolated instances, humans may become infected, generally through close contact with sick animals or their secretions. Human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been exceedingly rare and has not persisted in prior outbreaks.

#### Wider Implications

The Missouri incident highlights the necessity of ongoing surveillance and research concerning avian influenza viruses. While the likelihood of a widespread human outbreak remains low at this time, the potential for the virus to evolve and transmit more easily among humans is a concern for public health professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC have consistently indicated that H5N1 and other avian influenza viruses possess pandemic potential, particularly if they acquire mutations that facilitate more effective human-to-human transmission.

In the interim, public health officials are advising those who work with poultry or other animals to take preventative measures, including the use of protective gear and maintaining good hygiene. The CDC also suggests that individuals avoid contact with sick or deceased birds and report any unusual bird mortality to local authorities.

NASA Asks Starliner to Speed Up Its Exit from the International Space Station

# Boeing’s Starliner Gears Up for Crucial Return from the International Space Station

Boeing’s **Starliner spacecraft** is poised to undock from the **International Space Station (ISS)** on Friday evening, entering a pivotal stage in its return to Earth. The spacecraft, which has encountered various technical obstacles during its mission, will execute a precisely coordinated series of maneuvers to guarantee a secure departure from the ISS and a successful landing at **White Sands Space Harbor** in New Mexico.

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NASA and Blue Origin Delay New Glenn Rocket Launch Due to Tight Deadline

**NASA and Blue Origin Postpone ESCAPADE Mars Mission Due to New Glenn Rocket Preparations**

NASA alongside Blue Origin has officially declared a postponement of the eagerly awaited ESCAPADE mission to Mars, which was initially set for launch in mid-October 2024. The launch is now rescheduled for no earlier than spring 2025, as Blue Origin continues to ready its New Glenn rocket for its inaugural flight, a crucial step for the venture initiated by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

### The ESCAPADE Mission: A Quick Overview

ESCAPADE, which signifies Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers, is a NASA initiative aimed at examining the Martian magnetosphere. This mission involves two small spacecraft that will orbit Mars to study the interaction of solar wind with the planet’s atmosphere. Collecting this information is vital for understanding the processes through which Mars has lost a significant portion of its atmosphere over time, which has implications for future human missions to the Red Planet.

Management of the mission is entrusted to the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, and it was expected to be one of the inaugural payloads aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. However, the challenges related to the rocket’s preparation have necessitated a delay in the mission.

### Cause of the Delay

The choice to postpone the launch was influenced by a critical timeframe to initiate the loading of hypergolic propellant—fuel that ignites upon contact with an oxidizer—into the ESCAPADE spacecraft. Although it is technically feasible to defer this type of fuel for a subsequent launch, such a move would pose substantial risks to the spacecraft. Confronted with this critical choice, NASA decided to forego the October launch period instead of advancing with the fueling process.

While the ESCAPADE spacecraft were otherwise primed for launch, the readiness of the New Glenn rocket was less assured. Blue Origin failed to meet a significant target of completing a hot fire test of the rocket’s upper stage by the end of August, leading NASA to delay the spacecraft’s fueling. As the Mars launch window approached its October closure, NASA resolved to wait until at least spring 2025 for refueling and the mission’s launch.

### The New Glenn Rocket: Developments and Obstacles

New Glenn, Blue Origin’s heavy-lift orbital rocket, is integral to the company’s future aspirations for space exploration and commercial launches. The rocket is designed for reusability, featuring a first stage capable of returning to Earth for refurbishment, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Nevertheless, New Glenn is significantly larger, designed to carry heftier payloads into orbit.

Despite the postponement of the ESCAPADE mission, Blue Origin has made significant strides with the New Glenn rocket in recent months. The rocket’s second stage was successfully transported to the launch site at Launch Complex-36 in Florida earlier this week. Blue Origin is now aiming for a hot fire test of the second stage on September 9, 2024, an essential procedure for confirming the rocket’s operational capabilities.

In parallel, preparations for the first stage of the rocket are also approaching completion. All seven BE-7 engines, powering the first stage, have arrived at the launch site after passing acceptance testing, and engineers are diligently attaching these engines to the rocket.

### Shifting to a New Mission

With the ESCAPADE mission’s postponement, Blue Origin will now concentrate on launching a prototype of its Blue Ring transfer vehicle during the inaugural flight of New Glenn, projected for the early part of November 2024. This test flight will serve various functions: it will verify the rocket’s electronics, avionics, and other systems, and it will also be the first of three certification flights needed for New Glenn to qualify for carrying national security payloads for the U.S. Space Force.

### Urgency at Blue Origin

The delay of the ESCAPADE mission arises during a period when Blue Origin is facing mounting pressure to successfully launch New Glenn. Almost a year ago, Jeff Bezos appointed Dave Limp, a former Amazon executive, as the new CEO of Blue Origin, with a directive to expedite the company’s development, especially in preparing New Glenn for its initial launch.

In an internal communication to Blue Origin staff, Limp highlighted the seriousness of the scenario, affirming, “We can’t let up on the accelerator here. Everyone’s contributions toward achieving the NG-1 flight this year are vital, and I am truly grateful for everyone’s unwavering commitment to making this happen.”

### What Lies Ahead for ESCAPADE?

Although the postponement is disappointing, it does not signify the end for the ESCAPADE mission. NASA and Blue Origin are now exploring possible launch windows in spring 2025. Even though Mars launch windows—periods when the planets optimally align for interplanetary travel—occur roughly every 18 to 24 months, complex trajectories could still permit a payload launched in spring 2025 to reach Mars.

Nonetheless, if additional delays arise, NASA and