All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

How ‘pee bacteria’ could change electricity production as we know it

Biodegradable matter in waste materials such as feces and urine can be converted into electricity. This was demonstrated in a microbial fuel cell latrine in Ghana, which suggested that toilets could in the future be potential power stations. The latrine, which was operated for two years, was able to generate 268 nW/m² of electricity, enough to power an LED light inside the latrine, while removing nitrogen from urine and composting the feces. Source: How ‘pee bacteria’ could change electricity production as we know it

Ashley Judd describes how she broke her leg in the Congo – ABC News

The difference between a Congolese person and me is disaster insurance that allowed me 55 hours after my accident to get to an operating table in South Africa,” she said.

Judd said one of the reasons for telling her story was to share the conservation work she does involving bonobos in the rainforests of the Congo.

Source: Ashley Judd describes how she broke her leg in the Congo – ABC News

Myanmar coup: mass protests continue as citizens patrol streets at night

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Residents patrol largest cities as junta steps up night-time arrests of political opponents while freeing thousands of other prisoners

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Myanmar’s major cities for a ninth day of anti-coup demonstrations on Sunday, after a fearful night that saw residents form patrols and the army roll back laws protecting freedoms.

Engineering students marched through downtown Yangon, the biggest city, wearing white and carrying placards demanding the release of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since Myanmar’s military overthrew her elected government on 1 February.

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Connolly Calls on Biden to Fire Postal Board of Governors Following DeJoy’s Proposed USPS Cuts | U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly

Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the House Government Operations subcommittee, called for President Biden to fire the Postal Board of Governors. Connolly’s request follows a  Washington Post report that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will announce additional service cuts to the United States Postal Service. 

“Since his installation as President Trump’s handpicked Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy has been on a mission to send the USPS into a death spiral. Deliberate sabotage, draconian service cuts, and craven partisanship will be his ignominious legacy.  

Source: Connolly Calls on Biden to Fire Postal Board of Governors Following DeJoy’s Proposed USPS Cuts | U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly

Life savers: the amazing story of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine | Coronavirus | The Guardian

Professor Sarah Gilbert and Professor Andrew Pollard, who were key figures in the development of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. A year ago, two scientists began work on the response to a new virus. Now, as their vaccine is being given to millions, they tell of their incredible 12 months

It has been a remarkable journey for the Oxford Vaccine Group and in particular for its leaders, Gilbert and Pollard, who have worked tirelessly to create their cheap, easy-to-distribute vaccine and to defend it, patiently and politely, from attacks by pundits and politicians.

Some US observers have criticised protocols for the vaccine’s trials, while French president Emmanuel Macron recently claimed the Oxford vaccine was “quasi-ineffective” for people over 65. These claims were firmly debunked last week by the World Health Organization, which gave the vaccine its glowing recommendation. For good measure, the WHO also fell into line with the UK’s decision to delay second dose vaccinations to increase primary protection against the disease.

“I think we really need people to make positive statements about vaccines to build confidence. Negative comments pose the risk of undermining that confidence,” Pollard told the Observer last week.

Source: Life savers: the amazing story of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine | Coronavirus | The Guardian

Navalny supporters to defy Kremlin and hold candelit protests

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People set to gather in courtyards across Russia despite authorities warning they could face arrest

Supporters of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny plan to hold candlelit gatherings in residential courtyards across Russia on Sunday despite warnings that they could be arrested.

Navalny’s allies have declared a moratorium on street rallies until the spring after police detained thousands of people at protests in the past few weeks against the opposition politician’s arrest and imprisonment.

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