Culture

What is Forest Bathing?

Check out this video by Cascadia Forest Therapy to discover the magical healing powers of nature.

Narda Lebo: Adventurer, Artist, Connector

Raised in a family that cultivated a spirit of adventure, Narda Lebo’s life is brimming with adventure, exploration, and a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.

“I was raised to be adventurous,” Narda reminisces, recounting her childhood surrounded by vintage biplanes restored by her father and guided by her mother’s teachings on how to be a world traveler.

Throughout her career, Narda has journeyed through diverse disciplines, collaborating with doctors, scientists, archaeologists, and architects to create narratives that would bind together seemingly disparate fields of study.

Peter DeChant: Vector Control Visionary

The story of Peter DeChant, a veteran in the mosquito and vector control profession whose journey spans over four decades, is one of dedication, innovation, and relentless commitment to combating mosquito-borne diseases.

Peter’s journey began in 1978 when he became a field technician with Multnomah County Vector Control in Portland, Oregon. Little did he know then that this would mark the start of a lifelong crusade against one of the deadliest creatures on the planet.

By 1983, Peter’s skills and passion for his work led him to the role of Chief Sanitarian, where he led the program for 14 years. It was during this time that he honed his expertise and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

The Economics of Resistance

It would be extremely difficult to calculate, with any high degree of accuracy, the global economic impact of insecticide resistance. For starters, we must consider that insect management plays a pivotal role in a variety of sectors – agriculture, home and garden, forestry, structural applications, and vector control. Analysis of the totality of economic impacts arising from resistance in any one of these sectors quickly becomes a complicated interplay of variables that interact within that given system.

To account for the full economic impact, one must layer in the amount being spent on insect management and how much of that investment is lost to resistance, but also the economic impact of losses to the overarching objectives of a given program.

To calculate the impact, you must first calculate what is at risk.

David Goodsell: Molecular Biology Meets Artistry

David Goodsell, a distinguished American molecular biologist and illustrator, is renowned for flawlessly blending his expertise in molecular biology with an enchanting artistic flair.

Holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, Goodsell’s molecular artwork graces numerous publications, textbooks, and exhibits, offering a visually stunning insight into the intricate structures of molecules, such as Ebola, Zika, Covid-19, and HIV.

Dr. Darin Detwiler: Shaping the Future of Food Safety

Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., is an influential figure in the realm of food policy and technology, currently serving as the Assistant Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies in Boston, MA. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Detwiler is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Food Policy and leads the MS in Regulatory Affairs of Food and Food Industry program.

With over 25 years of experience influencing federal food policy, Dr. Detwiler is a globally recognized expert in the field with his contributions extending beyond the academic sphere, as he actively engages with industry events and publications.

Reduce Your Risk of Foodborne Illness

Here’s what you need to know about foodborne illnesses in just a few bites.

Beyond Salmonella: Emerging Foodborne Threats

Walkerton, a serene town in Bruce County, Ontario, with a population of under 5,000, embodies tranquil rural charm, where close-knit communities thrive amid picturesque landscapes. Here on May 15, 2000, the local public utilities commission took a routine sample of the water supply and discovered E. coli contamination. The commission didn’t notify public health officials.

In the following days, several people fell ill with bloody diarrhea. The local public utilities commission reassured officials a couple of times that the water supply was safe, even though cases kept rising. By the time health officials finally warned the community against consuming untreated tap water, over 40 individuals had already sought medical attention at the hospital.

The Walkerton E. coli outbreak that saw 2,300 people fall ill, and seven die, was the worst public health disaster involving municipal water in Canadian history.

Foodborne Diseases 101

Many people are affected by food illness every year. Farmers, governments, food-related professionals, and consumers are all responsible for food safety and cleanliness.

Check out this video by National Geographic that explains how foodborne diseases are spread as well as the devastation they cause.

Faunagraphic’s Art Soars Beyond the Canvas

Faunagraphic, also known as Sarah Yates, is a powerhouse of creative and environmental expression, turning concrete (and regular) canvases into breathtaking murals and paintings that celebrate the birds of our planet.

Hailing from Lancashire, England, she began her career in spray painting at the age of 19 while pursuing her degree in Graphic Design.