Another city in the developing world gains the moniker of "most polluted city." Medical engineers pioneer a new, "artificial pancreas." And the Paris Agreement on climate change moves forward despite its uncertain future under President Trump and a Republican majority in Congress. It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly segment about science and Earth-related news! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
Industrial development yields huge economic gains for emerging economies and in the long-term often leads to positive changes in livelihood. But in the short to medium-term, the associated air pollution can be a major threat to people's health. The National Geographic takes a look at one such case in modern Delhi, where India's economic growth has contributed to a dense cloud of smog which is slowly suffocating the city's citizens.
A lot of times you'll hear a star described as being located within a constellation. For example, Betelgeuse is usually described as located within the constellation Orion. But what does that actually mean? It's not as simple as you might think and "within/in" might actually be a misnomer depending on your point of view.
Artificial hearts, artificial kidneys, even artificial lungs have all been used in medicine. But what about an artificial pancreas? Until recently it wasn't an option but now it just might be. Scientific American takes a look at the new medical invention.
In a lot of ways, this election was tough for people in cities. But there was some good news. In the hopes of improving sustainability and livability, many cities have approved expansions to their existing public transit systems as well as new funding to maintain them. Environmental activist website Grist has more.
One of Obama's last accomplishments as President of the United States was to negotiate the Paris Agreement, a new compact between countries around the world to combat climate change. Now, as Obama's presidency enters its final days, efforts are being made to enact the agreement.