All Good Things
“Scientists have recently found a new type of celestial phenomenon, and they named it Steve. ”
Editor’s Note: Below are three lovely “good-news” stories collected by our Photography coordinator Sophie Fudim. Enjoy!
Adam, Eve, and Steve?
Scientists have recently found a new type of celestial phenomenon, and they named it Steve. The bright colors that light up high-latitude skies (aurora borealis), have a lower-latitude cousin named STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement). According to Bea Gallardo-Lacourt of the University of Calgary in Canada—a lead author of a paper on STEVE—states the same mechanism that creates aurora borealis is not what makes STEVE. The stuff that causes aurorae is called skyglow. Skyglow is commonly associated with light pollution, but in this case, STEVE’s skyglow is structured and distinct. This dazzling phenomenon is a wonderful discovery, and scientists are excited to learn more.
WHO Is Curing People All Over The World?
This year, the World Health Organization unveiled a new vaccine that promises to be cheap and effective in the fight "to end cholera.” Cholera is estimated to afflict as many as 4 million people every year and “kill 21,000 to 143,000." The WHO established the Global Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in 2013 and received long-term support for the use of OCV regularly found among a certain area. This means they received support for long-term use in the countries and areas of the world in which cholera is typically found. settings. Since then, the targeted use of the vaccine has been successful in response to outbreaks.
The *Softest* Animal Is Making A Comeback
Snow leopards have been on the endangered list since 1972 (International Union for Conservation of Nature). In 2017, they were taken off, by the IUCN, as the wild population has now increased to more than 10,000 animals. Even though the snow leopard recently had its status changed from Endangered to Vulnerable, snow leopard populations may still be dwindling across parts of their habitats. Their range spans from Afghanistan to Kazakhstan, Russia to India and China in the east. Poaching, for both fur and traditional medicine, is a growing threat. Other dangers to this elusive feline are the loss of food, damage to its fragile environment, and a lack of awareness amongst local communities and governments. However, they’re making a comeback!
