Science
Molten Lava On Hawaii’s Big Island Could Block Main Highway
HILO, Hawaii — Many residents on Hawaii’s Big Island are ready for huge disruption if lava from the Mauna Loa volcano slides across a critical roadway, blocking the quickest route connecting two sides of the island.
The molten rock could render the road inaccessible, forcing motorists to seek alternate coastal routes to the north and south. This might add hours to commuting, doctor’s appointments and goods truck deliveries.
“I am very concerned about it being cut off,” said Frank Manley, a licensed practical nurse whose journey from his home in Hilo to a Kaiser Permanente facility in Kailua-Kona is already an hour and 45 minutes each way.
If the highway closes, he expects to drive two to three hours in each direction. Manley is concerned that an accident or other traffic interruption along an alternate route would cause him to miss work.
The lava is seeping steadily and may reach the road by next week. However, its direction is uncertain and may vary, or the flow may cease completely, sparing the highway.
According to U.S. Geological Survey geologists, the slow-moving torrent was around 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the road on Friday.
There are more affordable housing alternatives on the island’s east side, where the county capital, Hilo, is located. However, many opportunities in beach resorts, construction, and other industries are available on the west half of the island, where Kailua-Kona is located. The two communities are linked by Saddle Road, commonly known as Route 200 or the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Many residents on Hawaii’s Big Island are ready for huge disruption if lava from the Mauna Loa volcano slides across a critical roadway.
The state Department of Transportation moved Thursday to alleviate expected traffic congestion on the northern coastal route by reinstating a lane across Nanue Bridge that had been blocked for maintenance.
Hilo is also one of the island’s major ports, where a wide range of goods arrive by ship before being transported by vehicle.
Susan “Sue” L. K. Lee Loy, who represents Hilo and parts of Puna on the Hawaii County Council, expressed worry about huge rigs traveling through aging coastline bridges.
“Rethinking how we move around on Hawaii Island is going to take a lot,” she said.
Manley stated that he would have to get up at 3 a.m. to arrive at work by 8 a.m. He would get home at 8 p.m. if he left at 5 p.m. “That drastically reduces the amount of time I could spend with my family,” he explained.
Tanya Harrison of Hilo said she would need a full day off work to drive to Kona to see her doctor.
The population of the Big Island in Hawaii is above 200,000 people. Harrison said she couldn’t fathom the traffic as visitors, delivery vehicles, and commuters were forced to reroute.
“It might even be quicker just to fly to Honolulu,” she remarked, referring to the hour-long journey. “There is no queue at Hilo International Airport.” Flying over, seeing the doctor, and returning would be faster than driving.”
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa intends to provide rooms at a Kailua-Kona hotel so that its dozen or so Hilo-based workers can avoid the five-day journey.
Major astronomical research at the top of Mauna Kea, a 13,803-foot (4,207-meter) hill next to Mauna Loa that houses some of the world’s most modern telescopes, might also need closure.
Many residents on Hawaii’s Big Island are ready for huge disruption if lava from the Mauna Loa volcano slides across a critical roadway.
The road to Mauna Kea’s summit is located halfway between Hilo and Kona. Many telescope workers would be compelled to take long, roundabout routes if lava crossed Saddle Road on either side of Mauna Kea Access Road.
According to Rich Matsuda, associate director for external relations at W.M. Keck Observatory, telescopes may need to change staff schedules and lodge workers at a facility partway up the mountain for a spell to avoid commuting.
There’s also a risk that the lava flow will run directly across the lower half of the Mauna Kea Access Road, preventing employees from reaching the top. Matsuda believes they can use gravel or other alternative paths if that happens.
Previously, the telescopes were shut down during multi-day or week-long winter storms. “So we’re prepared to do that if we have to,” Matsuda said.
Hayley Hina Barcia, a Hilo resident, is concerned about the difficulties of reaching west-side surf locations and family scattered around the island.
Many residents on Hawaii’s Big Island are ready for huge disruption if lava from the Mauna Loa volcano slides across a critical roadway.
“A lot of my family is on the Puna side, and we have other family in Kona,” said Barcia. “We use this road to see each other, especially with the holidays coming up, to spend time, so we’ll have to drive several hours longer if we go the south way or the north road.”
Geologists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory predict that if Mauna Loa follows historical patterns, the eruption, which began Sunday night, will last one to two weeks.
Since then, people have packed the route to catch sight of the lava. A two-vehicle accident brought two persons to the hospital with “not serious injuries,” according to Hawaii Police Department spokesperson Denise Laitinen.
In a letter to President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Ed Case and U.S. Rep. Kaiali’i Kahele stated that Hawaii County would require “immediate help” to keep island towns safe if lava flow blocked the highway. Because one of the island’s principal hospitals is on the island’s east side, the two Hawaii Democrats emphasized that restricted access could impede emergency services.
SOURCE – (AP)
Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.
Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.
Science
Canadian Researchers Look to Plants for Bacterial Infections
Canadian researchers are exploring novel techniques with plants to address major difficulties caused by bacterial infections, such as using antibacterial plants to control bacteria in poultry meat.
Antibiotics have been routinely used in poultry farming to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, endangering both animal and human health.
This has pushed scientists to investigate alternative methods of controlling bacterial infections in chickens, Agrinews Group reports.
Researchers in Canada are investigating the antibacterial properties of native plant extracts. Rumex and Potentilla are two distinct plants that have proven potential.
These plants are being studied for their effectiveness in battling bacterial infections such as Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC), a common cause of chicken sickness.
Rumex and Potentilla fight bacterial infections.
Dr. Sophie Kernéis-Golsteyn, a microbiologist at Lethbridge Polytechnic in Alberta, leads a 2.5-year Egg Farmers of Canada program.
Since 2016, her team has been testing native plants for antibacterial properties, collecting 150 samples. Rumex and Potentilla extracts are highly effective at protecting chickens from bacterial diseases.
These plants’ antibacterial properties are attributed to their ability to increase beneficial microbiota and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. These botanical extracts reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall productivity in poultry.
The use of antimicrobial flora in avian husbandry has many benefits. First, it reduces reliance on antibiotics, lowering the danger of antibiotic resistance.
Furthermore, it improves chicken health and well-being by boosting their immune response and digestive function. Finally, it aligns with client preferences for organic and sustainable agriculture practices.
While the potential benefits are significant, there are some drawbacks to consider. The efficiency of plant extracts may vary based on factors such as extraction technique, dosage, and the bacterial strains involved.
Furthermore, more research is required to fully understand the long-term impacts of using these plants in poultry production. The study of antimicrobial plants for bacterial control in chickens is a promising field of research in Canada.
Researchers are looking for effective and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. One strategy is to leverage the natural properties of plants such as Rumex and Potentilla. This strategy reduces antibiotic resistance and improves the overall health and productivity of chicken farms.
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Science
Australia Asks Residents to Catch Deadly Funnel Web Spider
As summer approaches in Australia, residents are warned to look out for the funnel web spider, one of the country’s deadliest species.
In addition to advising the public to avoid funnel-web spiders during mating season, the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales has even asked people to capture live funnel-web spiders so they can “milk” their venom.
Native to eastern Australia, the funnel web spider can kill humans in as little as fifteen minutes if they do not receive medical treatment for its poisonous bite.
There have been thirteen fatalities attributable to this species, but none since the development of antivenom in 1981. The Australian Reptile Park is appealing to the public for assistance capturing and donating spiders, as the serum relies on milking live spiders.
Hunting for the funnel net spider in residential areas is common practice after a particularly wet and warm season. Look for spiders in cool, dark places like pools, garden residue, heaps of dirty clothing, and outside shoes.
Australian Reptile Park spider keeper Emma Teni recently blogged about how they rely on spider donations more than ever, especially now that breeding season has arrived and the temperature is perfect.
“Male funnel-web spiders have short lifespans, and with approximately 150 spiders required to make just one vial of antivenom, we need the public’s help to ensure we have enough venom to meet demand.”
“If you spot an egg sac while collecting a spider, it’s important to safely collect that as well,” said Teni. “It can provide a robust supply of healthy young spiders to aid in our antivenom production.”
The spiders won’t be able to climb plastic or glass, but Teni suggests capturing funnel webs in a wide-mouthed jar with a cover. Then, you can lead the spiders into the container using a long spoon or something similar.
After that, fill the jar with moist soil, screw on the top, and bring it to the designated drop-off spot.
“We depend on the public for spider donations, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe during the collection process, especially with conditions being so favourable this year,” said Teni.
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Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas’ articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.
Science
A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – A spacecraft launched Monday to probe the site of a cosmic accident.
The European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft launched on a two-year trip to the little, harmless asteroid slammed by NASA two years ago as a practice run for the day when a murderous space rock threatens Earth. It’s the second phase of a planetary defense experiment that could one day save the globe.
SpaceX’s Falcon rocket vanished with Hera into the late morning clouds. An hour later, cheering erupted in the control center in Germany as the spacecraft split from the rocket’s upper stage and returned home. “It’s an amazing day,” the space agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher, said later.
The 2022 crash of NASA’s Dart spacecraft reduced Dimorphos’ orbit around its larger companion, indicating that if a harmful rock was heading our way, it might be pushed off course with adequate warning.
A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test
Scientists are eager to analyze the aftermath of the impact up close to determine how effective Dart was and what improvements may be required to protect Earth in the future.
“The more detail we can glean the better as it may be important for planning a future deflection mission should one be needed,” University of Maryland astronomer Derek Richardson stated before launch.
Researchers want to know if Dart (short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test) created a crater or changed the 500-foot (150-meter) asteroid more dramatically. It seemed to be a flying saucer before Dart’s blow and may now resemble a kidney bean, according to Richardson, who participated in the Dart mission and is assisting Hera.
Dart’s wallop sent rubble and boulders hurtling off Dimorphos, adding to the impact’s momentum. For months, the debris track extended thousands of miles (almost 10,000 kilometers) into space.
According to flight director Ignacio Tanco, some rocks and debris may still be hovering about the asteroid, posing a threat to Hera.
A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test
“We don’t really know very well the environment in which we are going to operate,” Tanco informed me. “But that’s the whole point of the mission is to go there and find out.”
European authorities refer to the $400 million (363 million euros) effort as a “crash scene investigation.”
“Hera is going back to the crime scene and getting all the scientific and technical information,” said project manager Ian Carnelli.
Carrying a dozen science instruments, the compact car-sized Hera must swing past Mars in 2025 for a gravitational boost before landing at Dimorphos by the end of 2026. It’s a moonlet of Didymos, the Greek word for twin, a five-times larger asteroid that spins quickly. At that point, the asteroids will be 120 million miles (195 million kilometers) from Earth.
Hera will attempt to enter orbit around the rocky duo, progressively reducing flyby distances from 18 miles (30 kilometers) to a half-mile (1 kilometer). The spacecraft will examine the moonlet for at least six months to determine its mass, shape, composition, and orbit around Didymos.
Before the crash, Dimorphos circled its larger partner from three-quarters of a mile (1,189 meters) away. Scientists believe the orbit has become tighter and more oval-shaped, and that the moonlet may be tumbling.
Two shoebox-sized Cubesats will launch from Hera for even closer drone-like examinations, with one employing radar to peek beneath the moonlet’s boulder-strewn surface. Scientists believe Dimorphos was produced from particles shed by Didymos. The radar measurements should assist in determining whether Didymos is the small moon’s parent.
A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test
After their survey, the CubeSats will attempt to land on the moonlet. If the moonlet tumbles, the situation will become more complicated. Hera may potentially conclude its mission with a perilous touchdown but on the bigger Didymos.
Asteroids, which are remnants of the solar system’s origin 4.6 billion years ago, circle the sun principally between Mars and Jupiter in what is known as the main asteroid belt, where millions of them live. When they fall from the belt and land in our area, they become near-Earth objects.
NASA now has around 36,000 near-Earth objects, the majority of which are asteroids, although there are also some comets. More than 2,400 of them are deemed potentially dangerous to the Earth.
SOURCE | AP
Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.
Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.
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