Kendra Pierre-Louis, filling in for Rachel Feltman, brings us the latest science news on this week’s episode of Scientific American’s Science Quickly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently published a new rule that could have a significant impact on how certain air pollutants are measured in terms of their impact on human health. This change has raised concerns among health experts, who believe it could lead to increased air pollution and subsequently worse health outcomes for the general population.
Andrea Thompson, Senior Editor for life sciences at Scientific American, joined the discussion to shed light on the implications of this rule change. She explained that the EPA traditionally used a cost-benefit analysis to assess the impact of environmental regulations. This involved looking at the health benefits of reducing pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone and weighing them against the cost to industry of implementing the necessary changes.
However, the new rule seems to signal a departure from this approach. The EPA is now indicating that it will no longer calculate the dollar value of health benefits associated with certain pollutants like PM2.5. This decision has raised concerns that without this crucial metric, it will be difficult to determine the true impact of regulatory changes on public health.
The implications of this rule change are concerning, as it could potentially lead to higher levels of air pollutants in the future. Health advocates fear that by removing the calculation of health benefits, the EPA is effectively hamstringing its ability to assess the true cost of pollution on human health.
One of the main beneficiaries of this rule change appears to be the companies that would have to comply with stricter regulations. By shifting the focus away from health benefits and towards industry costs, the EPA may be making it easier for companies to avoid costly environmental compliance measures.
In light of these developments, some may wonder if individual states have the power to impose stricter air pollution rules than the EPA. While states do have the authority to set their own environmental regulations, air pollution is a cross-border issue that requires a national approach. The EPA plays a crucial role in regulating pollutants that can travel across state lines, ensuring a coordinated effort to protect public health.
For more in-depth analysis on this topic, readers can visit ScientificAmerican.com to read Andrea’s piece. In other news, the American Cancer Society’s latest report shows that 70 percent of cancer patients now survive at least five years after diagnosis, highlighting the progress made in cancer treatment and care. The organization recently announced that the survival rate for cancer patients has reached a record high. Rebecca Siegel, the organization’s senior scientific director for surveillance research, attributed this milestone to decades of cancer research that have led to more effective treatments, turning many cancers from a death sentence into a chronic disease.
According to the report, the biggest improvements were seen in high-mortality cancers and advanced diagnoses. For instance, the five-year survival rate for myeloma, a type of blood cancer, increased from 32 percent in the mid-’90s to 62 percent from 2015 to 2021. Similarly, the five-year survival rate for regional-stage lung cancer rose from 20 percent to 37 percent during the same period.
The researchers credited advancements in screening methods, cancer treatments, and a decrease in smoking for the positive outcomes. However, they also warned that potential federal cuts to health insurance and cancer research could reverse this progress. The report highlighted that such cuts could limit access to life-saving drugs and hinder advancements at a time when cancer incidence is on the rise.
In other news, NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, known as Crew-11, recently returned to Earth following a medical evacuation from the International Space Station. This unprecedented evacuation was prompted by a serious medical condition that one of the astronauts developed. While NASA has not disclosed the specific details due to medical privacy rules, the agency emphasized that it was not an emergency but beyond the station’s medical capabilities. Lessons learned from this evacuation could inform future human spaceflight missions, including Artemis II, scheduled for later this year.
Shifting focus to the animal kingdom, a recent study shed light on same-sex sexual behavior in primates. Researchers from Imperial College London analyzed data from 491 non-human primate species and identified same-sex sexual behaviors in 59 of them. The study found correlations between these behaviors and certain environmental, life history, and social traits. The results suggested that same-sex sexual interactions may help increase bonding, reduce tension and aggression, and aid in navigating challenges faced by the species in their environment.
While the study cautioned against extrapolating these findings to humans, it raised interesting questions about the role of same-sex behavior in social bonding. The research hinted at how such behaviors could enhance group dynamics and help species adapt to their surroundings.
For more science updates, stay tuned for our next episode where we delve into the scientific exploration of consciousness. And don’t forget to share your most memorable kiss for a future episode by sending a voice memo to ScienceQuickly@sciam.com.
This episode of Science Quickly was brought to you by Kendra Pierre-Louis, Fonda Mwangi, Sushmita Pathak, and Jeff DelViscio. With editing by Alex Sugiura and fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Don’t miss out on the latest science news by subscribing to Scientific American.
This is Kendra Pierre-Louis signing off for Scientific American. Have a wonderful week ahead! The world is experiencing a global pandemic that has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. The COVID-19 virus has spread rapidly throughout the world, causing illness, death, and economic hardship. Governments around the world have implemented strict measures to slow the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, social distancing guidelines, and mask mandates.
As a result of these measures, many businesses have been forced to close their doors, leading to mass layoffs and economic uncertainty. The travel industry has been hit particularly hard, with airlines, hotels, and tourism operators facing unprecedented losses. In response, governments have implemented financial aid packages to support struggling businesses and individuals, but the road to recovery remains long and uncertain.
The healthcare system has also been severely strained by the pandemic, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 patients. Healthcare workers have been working tirelessly on the frontlines, risking their own health to care for those affected by the virus. The development of a vaccine has offered hope for an end to the pandemic, but distribution challenges and vaccine hesitancy remain significant hurdles.
The social impact of the pandemic has been profound, with many people experiencing isolation, anxiety, and depression. Schools have been closed, forcing students to adapt to remote learning, while parents juggle work and childcare responsibilities. The elderly and vulnerable populations have been particularly affected, with limited access to care and support services.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, communities around the world have come together to support one another. Acts of kindness and solidarity have emerged, as people rally to help those in need. From delivering groceries to elderly neighbors to donating to food banks, individuals have shown resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
As we look towards the future, it is clear that the world will never be the same. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems, economies, and social structures, prompting a reevaluation of our priorities and values. Moving forward, it will be crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to build a more resilient and sustainable world.
In the midst of hardship and uncertainty, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. By coming together and supporting one another, we can overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and emerge stronger as a global community. As we navigate the road ahead, let us remember the lessons learned during this crisis and strive to create a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world for future generations.
