Abstracts: Hurricane Harvey, Mining in the Amazon, and More
• At least five people have been reported dead in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which hit the Gulf Coast of Texas on Friday. More than 30 inches of rain has inundated parts of Houston since Thursday, and thousands have been rescued from the rising waters. Officials believe the flooding to be the worst in the state’s history. (New York Times)
• Brazil opened a 17,800-square-mile reserve in the Amazon to mining, potentially threatening conservation and indigenous land areas. Opponents of the decision say it will lead to rapid deforestation, incite conflicts among indigenous groups, harm biodiversity, and create a “demographic explosion.” (BBC)
• MDMA, also known as the drug ecstasy, has been deemed a “breakthrough therapy” for those suffering from PTSD by the Food and Drug Administration. Veterans participating in a study involving the use of the “party drug” reported that it helped reduce their PTSD symptoms. (Washington Post)
• A team of researchers are studying how opioids affect tropical zebrafish to better understand the opioid crisis in the United States. Because zebrafish and humans share certain neuronal networks related to addiction, the researchers hope their system will provide insight into biological mechanisms associated with drug-seeking behavior and lead to potential treatments. (CNBC)
• Toxic dye coming from a pigment and detergent factory in Mumbai has turned stray dogs in the area blue. In response to intense media attention surrounding the dyed dogs, the state pollution control board shut down the factory, which was also releasing dangerous chemicals into a nearby river and dye powder into the atmosphere. (NPR)
• Approximately 10 percent of fathers report symptoms of postpartum depression — double the normal rate. Now, researchers looking into the issue have found that men’s testosterone levels might predict both their own postpartum depression risk and that of their partner. (The Conversation)
• DNA tests are becoming increasingly popular, with more companies offering services that identify a customer’s heritage. But not all genetics researchers are sold on the accuracy or usefulness of such tests. (New York Times)
• And finally, the Department of Energy has reportedly asked scientists to remove the words ‘climate change’ and ‘global warming’ from research proposals. (InsideClimate News)