4/19/24: Half-moon ancient tech, PFA removal, and the galaxy frog

Planet Health

🤠 NATIONAL PARKS WEEK: You probably love nature as much as I do, and April 20-28 marks National Park Week in the U.S.! With entrance fees waived for all 400+ U.S. National Parks on April 20th, National Parks Week holds 9 days of events, themed conservation celebrations, art in parks highlights, and Junior Ranger Day. Go here to learn more and find a National Park near you.

🌱 SOIL SUPPORT: A U.S. soil carbon company, Grassroots Carbon, contributed $3M to ranchers and marks a big step in collaborations with U.S. ranchers, regenerative land management practices, and biodiversity support for grasslands. "The company’s unique approach involves enabling ranchers to generate income through high-quality soil carbon drawdown credits by committing to and implementing regenerative practices."

🌵 HALF MOON MIRACLE: An ancient growing tradition in Senegal is creating astonishing growth in vegetation and nutritious produce: in the middle of the desert. Watch this fascinating 60 second video to learn how innovative— yet simple— this method is.

Human Health

🩸 PERIOD PFAS: California, Vermont and Colorado are some of the states concerned about PFAS in menstrual products— shown to interfere with the body's hormones— and are pursuing stronger measures to protect consumers. A 2023 report revealed "forever chemicals" are found in various menstrual products, and as endocrine disrupters, "tampons should be front and center" for PFAS removal legislation, according to assembly member Diane Papan of California. Minnesota is the only state so far with legislation to phase out PFAS-containing period products.

🧴 LAVENDER SALVE: Atopic dermatitis (dry, itchy skin) affects up to 3% of adults and 20% of kids globally, and researchers have been studying lavender essential oil as a possible preventative and treatment option for patients with AD. While steroid creams are often the go-to prescribed solution, scientists now say "linalyl acetate in L. angustifolia essential oil is a major contributor to AD inhibitory effects and lavender oils with high linalyl acetate contents would be effective for AD treatment."

🌊 OCEANS & HUMAN HEALTH: The NIH and NSF just announced 4 new Oceans and Human Health Centers to study how ocean-related issues impact human health. Microplastics, algal blooms, and seafood safety are the main concerns, and they're backing $42M to better understand the effects of pollution and toxins on aquatic ecosystems and public health. "The connection among ocean pollution, climate change, and human health are problems that we are only beginning to understand," says program lead Dr. Anika Dzierlenga.

Creature Feature

🐸 GALAXY FROG: This super rare small amphibian is found in the wet forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. When you see its beautiful blue speckles and striking coloring resembling a vast star-filled galaxy, you might be surprised to know it's not poisonous. It needs our conservation as a flagship species, because it's rarely spotted, doesn't make calls, can't hear sounds, and lives in areas with extremely sensitive soil microbes and habitats.

Nutrition 101

🫐 MAQUI BERRY: Maqui berry extract, derived from the purple Chilean maqui berry, has high levels of antioxidants like anthocyanins, aiding in combating inflammation, promoting heart health, and bolstering immunity. The potent phytonutrients found in this "super fruit" have been known to Indigenous Chileans for thousands of years, and it can offer protective effects against chronic diseases and support overall well-being. Click here to read 10 benefits and uses of maqui berry extract.