upi--2020-06-10--U.S. reopens consulate in Greenland as part of Arctic policy push

June 10 ( UPI ) -- Amid a larger foreign policy push to extend influence over the Arctic region , the United States on Wednesday announced the reopening of a U.S. consulate in Nuuk nearly seven decades after its first administrative office closed shop in Greenland 's capital .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was `` proud to celebrate '' the office 's reopening that is emblematic of the `` deepening '' cooperation between the two countries .
`` Our presence in Nuuk will enhance the prosperity we share with our friends in Denmark and Greenland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies and partners to ensure the stability and sustainability of development in the region , '' the United States ' top diplomat said in a statement .
`` We thank our many partners in Denmark and Greenland for helping us realize this important step forward toward bolstering our cooperation . ''
The announcement came a day after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to acquire a polar security icebreaking fleet by 2029 `` capable of ensuring a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions '' to support national interests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , a State Department official told reporters the United States was adjusting its Arctic policy due to Russia 's and China 's encroachment into the region , posing a threat to the United States and the West .
`` We see this playing out in other parts of the World , '' the official said , speaking on the condition of anonymity .
`` The Arctic is not immune from the implications of these changes and we expect that rapidly changing Arctic system to create greater incentives for the Kremlin and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interests of the United States and our allies and partners . ''
The effects of global warming have opened the possibilities of development , mineral extraction , including of oil , and new transportation routes through previously frozen areas , and China has announced plans to create a so-called Polar Silk Road to `` facilitate connectivity and sustainable economic and social development of the Arctic '' despite it not being an Arctic nation .
The State Department official said while China claimed its expansion into the region was for natural resource access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dubious given Beijing 's behavior in other regions .
`` It often disregards international norms , as it has in the South China Sea , for example , '' the official said .
The official added the U.S. goal is to be `` the partner of choice '' for Arctic states .
`` It 's good old-fashioned diplomatic tradecraft , '' the official said .
The State Department that month also unveiled a $ 12.1 million civilian projects funding package for Greenland as part of this effort .
`` It took a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday .
`` It 's the culmination of the administration 's efforts to strengthen our engagement in the Arctic region . ''
Carla Sands , the U.S. ambassador to Denmark , called the consular 's reopening a `` new chapter '' in relations between the two countries .
`` As the consulate opens its doors again for the first time in 67 years , the United States will seek to open possibilities for strengthening our diplomatic , commercial and people-to-people ties in Greenland , with Consul Sung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sands said in a statement .
Last year , Trump canceled a visit to Denmark after the Danes refused to sell the United States Greenland , which is an autonomous nation that falls under Danish ownership .
The United States had a consulate in Nuuk from 1940 to 1953 .

June 10 (UPI) -- Amid a larger foreign policy push to extend influence over the Arctic region, the United States on Wednesday announced the reopening of a U.S. consulate in Nuuk nearly seven decades after its first administrative office closed shop in Greenland's capital.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was "proud to celebrate" the office's reopening that is emblematic of the "deepening" cooperation between the two countries.
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"Our presence in Nuuk will enhance the prosperity we share with our friends in Denmark and Greenland, as we work together with other Arctic allies and partners to ensure the stability and sustainability of development in the region," the United States' top diplomat said in a statement. "We thank our many partners in Denmark and Greenland for helping us realize this important step forward toward bolstering our cooperation."
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The announcement came a day after President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to acquire a polar security icebreaking fleet by 2029 "capable of ensuring a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions" to support national interests, including security and defense strategies.
In April, a State Department official told reporters the United States was adjusting its Arctic policy due to Russia's and China's encroachment into the region, posing a threat to the United States and the West.
"We see this playing out in other parts of the World," the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "The Arctic is not immune from the implications of these changes and we expect that rapidly changing Arctic system to create greater incentives for the Kremlin and the PRC to pursue agendas that clash with the interests of the United States and our allies and partners."
The effects of global warming have opened the possibilities of development, mineral extraction, including of oil, and new transportation routes through previously frozen areas, and China has announced plans to create a so-called Polar Silk Road to "facilitate connectivity and sustainable economic and social development of the Arctic" despite it not being an Arctic nation.
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The State Department official said while China claimed its expansion into the region was for natural resource access and shipping sea routes, it is dubious given Beijing's behavior in other regions.
"It often disregards international norms, as it has in the South China Sea, for example," the official said.
The official added the U.S. goal is to be "the partner of choice" for Arctic states.
"It's good old-fashioned diplomatic tradecraft," the official said.
The State Department that month also unveiled a $12.1 million civilian projects funding package for Greenland as part of this effort.
"It took a lot of work and It's good news," Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday. "It's the culmination of the administration's efforts to strengthen our engagement in the Arctic region."
Carla Sands, the U.S. ambassador to Denmark, called the consular's reopening a "new chapter" in relations between the two countries.
"As the consulate opens its doors again for the first time in 67 years, the United States will seek to open possibilities for strengthening our diplomatic, commercial and people-to-people ties in Greenland, with Consul Sung Choi leading this effort in Nuuk," Sands said in a statement.
Last year, Trump canceled a visit to Denmark after the Danes refused to sell the United States Greenland, which is an autonomous nation that falls under Danish ownership.
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The United States had a consulate in Nuuk from 1940 to 1953.


upi--2020-06-11--Texas seeks to vacate stay of execution for Ruben Gutierrez

June 11 ( UPI ) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday asked an appeals court to vacate a federal judge 's stay of execution for an inmate scheduled to die next week .
The attorney general 's office filed a motion with the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals saying Ruben Gutierrez is unlikely to succeed on his claims , which earned the stay earlier this week .
Gutierrez , 42 , is scheduled to be executed Tuesday for the 1998 murder of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison .
U.S. District Court Judge Hilda Tagel granted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have additional DNA testing conducted in the case .
He also challenged a Texas Department of Criminal Justice statute prohibiting all religious or spiritual advisers from entering the execution chamber .
Paxton 's office said Gutierrez is unlikely to succeed on either challenge .
`` The district court abused its discretion in [ granting the stay ] because Gutierrez is plainly unlikely to succeed on any of his claims , '' the motion reads .
Texas banned all chaplains of any religion to enter the state 's execution chambers in April 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ execution of an inmate who was prevented from having a Buddhist spiritual adviser with him .
Under the new protocols , TDCJ chaplains will be available to the inmates until they are transferred to the execution chamber .
Ministers and spiritual advisers also may observe executions from the witness rooms .
Paxton 's motion said the change in protocol did n't impose a substantial burden on Gutierrez 's religious exercise because he 'll be allowed to interact with a chaplain in the day leading up to his execution .
Gutierrez has sought the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken from the victim , a shirt belonging to a family member of Harrison and other clothing items .
He says the testing would prove his innocence .
Authorities said Gutierrez knew Harrison through her nephew and worked together with accomplices Pedro Garcia and Rene Garcia to rob her of about $ 600,000 in cash she had stashed in her home .
An autopsy showed Harrison had been beaten and stabbed 13 times with two different screwdrivers .
Gutierrez said he helped organized the robbery , but did n't take part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For more than two decades on Texas ' death row in solitary confinement , Mr. Gutierrez has always maintained that he did not commit this crime .
There is no physical or forensic evidence connecting Mr. Gutierrez to the crime , '' Gutierrez 's attorney , Shawn Nolan , said .
`` His wrongful conviction was based solely upon two weak elements : a false confession elicited when police threatened to take Mr. Gutierrez 's children away and threatened his wife , and an unreliable witness .
The witness claimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area of the crime at the time it was committed , but the reliability of this identification has been seriously questioned by expert opinions . ''
If Gutierrez is executed Tuesday , it 'll be the first execution carried out in Texas since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
The state has delayed or rescheduled six other executions .

Ruben Gutierrez was convicted of murder for the 1998 slaying of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison. File Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Corrections
June 11 (UPI) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday asked an appeals court to vacate a federal judge's stay of execution for an inmate scheduled to die next week. The attorney general's office filed a motion with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals saying Ruben Gutierrez is unlikely to succeed on his claims, which earned the stay earlier this week. Advertisement
Gutierrez, 42, is scheduled to be executed Tuesday for the 1998 murder of trailer park owner Escolastica Harrison.
U.S. District Court Judge Hilda Tagel granted a stay Tuesday after Gutierrez's lawyers asked to have additional DNA testing conducted in the case. He also challenged a Texas Department of Criminal Justice statute prohibiting all religious or spiritual advisers from entering the execution chamber.
Paxton's office said Gutierrez is unlikely to succeed on either challenge.
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"The district court abused its discretion in [granting the stay] because Gutierrez is plainly unlikely to succeed on any of his claims," the motion reads.
Texas banned all chaplains of any religion to enter the state's execution chambers in April 2019 after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the execution of an inmate who was prevented from having a Buddhist spiritual adviser with him.
Under the new protocols, TDCJ chaplains will be available to the inmates until they are transferred to the execution chamber. Ministers and spiritual advisers also may observe executions from the witness rooms.
Paxton's motion said the change in protocol didn't impose a substantial burden on Gutierrez's religious exercise because he'll be allowed to interact with a chaplain in the day leading up to his execution.
Gutierrez has sought the testing of nail scrapings and loose hairs taken from the victim, a shirt belonging to a family member of Harrison and other clothing items. He says the testing would prove his innocence.
Authorities said Gutierrez knew Harrison through her nephew and worked together with accomplices Pedro Garcia and Rene Garcia to rob her of about $600,000 in cash she had stashed in her home. An autopsy showed Harrison had been beaten and stabbed 13 times with two different screwdrivers.
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Gutierrez said he helped organized the robbery, but didn't take part in the murder and DNA testing would absolve him.
"For more than two decades on Texas' death row in solitary confinement, Mr. Gutierrez has always maintained that he did not commit this crime. There is no physical or forensic evidence connecting Mr. Gutierrez to the crime," Gutierrez's attorney, Shawn Nolan, said.
"His wrongful conviction was based solely upon two weak elements: a false confession elicited when police threatened to take Mr. Gutierrez's children away and threatened his wife, and an unreliable witness. The witness claimed to have identified Mr. Gutierrez as being in the area of the crime at the time it was committed, but the reliability of this identification has been seriously questioned by expert opinions."
If Gutierrez is executed Tuesday, it'll be the first execution carried out in Texas since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The state has delayed or rescheduled six other executions.


upi--2020-06-11--U.N.: At least eight mass graves discovered in Libya

June 11 ( UPI ) -- The United Nations on Thursday announced the Government of National Accord is investigating the discovery of at least eight mass graves in Libya .
The U.N. Support Mission in Libya said it welcomed a decision by the justice minister to establish a committee to investigate , secure the mass graves , identify the victims , establish causes of death and return the bodies to next of kin .
`` UNSMIL notes with horror the discovery of at least eight mass graves in past days , the majority of them in Tarhuna .
International law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective and transparent investigations into all alleged cases of unlawful deaths , '' the organization said .
Lutfi Tevfik Misrati , head of an office of the Libyan government investigating disappearances , said there were 10 to 12 bodies in one of the graves .
`` The region is full of corpses , '' Misrati said .
The Libyan army recently liberated Tarhuna from forces loyal to rebel Khalifa Haftar and the government announced Friday it found 106 bodies in a hospital in the town shortly after the rebel forces were removed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's militias burned some prisoners in containers and buried others alive in mass graves .
The government launched Operation Peace Storm in March to combat attacks from Haftar 's forces that have been ongoing since April 2018 , resulting in more than 1,000 deaths .

Fighters loyal to the United Nations-recognized Libyan Government of National Accord pose for a photo after the area was taken over by GNA-aligned forces following clashes with rival troops loyal to rebel leader Khalifa Haftar amid the ongoing Second Libyan Civil War in the town of Tarhuna. Photo courtesy of Stringer/EPA-EFE
June 11 (UPI) -- The United Nations on Thursday announced the Government of National Accord is investigating the discovery of at least eight mass graves in Libya. The U.N. Support Mission in Libya said it welcomed a decision by the justice minister to establish a committee to investigate, secure the mass graves, identify the victims, establish causes of death and return the bodies to next of kin. Advertisement
"UNSMIL notes with horror the discovery of at least eight mass graves in past days, the majority of them in Tarhuna. International law requires that the authorities conduct prompt, effective and transparent investigations into all alleged cases of unlawful deaths," the organization said.
Lutfi Tevfik Misrati, head of an office of the Libyan government investigating disappearances, said there were 10 to 12 bodies in one of the graves.
"The region is full of corpses," Misrati said.
The Libyan army recently liberated Tarhuna from forces loyal to rebel Khalifa Haftar and the government announced Friday it found 106 bodies in a hospital in the town shortly after the rebel forces were removed.
Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashaga said Haftar's militias burned some prisoners in containers and buried others alive in mass graves.
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The government launched Operation Peace Storm in March to combat attacks from Haftar's forces that have been ongoing since April 2018, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths.


upi--2020-06-11--Pause in fieldwork hurts scientists’ plans for research, futures

Sophia Horigan was supposed to study gypsy moths in a southwestern Michigan forest this spring and summer .
Instead , the University of Chicago PhD student is studying in her apartment , where she rotates between a wooden table and a grey armchair .
With her field research in Michigan shut down because of the pandemic , she has foregone conducting experiments on the gypsy moths and substituted using mathematical models to learn about diseases that kill the moths .
`` It 'll be helpful in the end , and I feel lucky that I am not at a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled , '' she said .
Scientists in ecology , geochemistry and other fields often conduct field research in the spring or summer , but many of these research trips have been prohibited now due to the coronavirus pandemic .
While the pause in field research has allowed scientists to spend more time on data analysis and reading academic papers , experts say that fieldwork is an important part of research in some fields , and the cancellation of this research could delay some students ' completion of their PhD programs .
Diarmaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biology at the University of Michigan , said a large part of his department 's work takes place in the field .
`` And it happens worldwide , '' he said .
`` So we have people working on ecosystems all over the planet .
Every summer , there 's a major exodus of faculty , postdocs , grad students and undergrads working in the field , and they ca n't do that . ''
In March , fieldwork at the University of Michigan was stopped , but starting May 8 , researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in southeastern Michigan .
On June 1 , they could start conducting field research anywhere in the state .
But , O'Foighil said , only a small fraction of the department 's workforce does field research in the state .
On Wednesday , the university allowed researchers to start doing fieldwork anywhere in the United States .
They have to receive permission from their college to do so , though .
To fill their time away from the field , some scientists have turned to their computers .
Horigan is learning the programming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and grasping how to run the model .
Horigan said the gypsy moth populations grow rapidly and crash once every nine or 10 years .
A virus and a fungus both contribute to the demise of the insects .
Mathematical models allow researchers to see how a parameter , like precipitation , affects another variable , like the number of moths .
Horigan said the parameter she is studying is a moth 's susceptibility to the fungus if it has already been infected by the virus .
She uses her model to inform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what values of different parameters actually have an impact that is interesting , and then you can take those numbers and put them into your fieldwork , '' she said .
Greg Dwyer , Horigan 's adviser , said that normally his graduate students collect data in the field and then incorporate it into a model .
Now , his students are running their models before they gather data in the field , he said .
Allie Balter , a geochemistry PhD student at Columbia University , was supposed to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate in the Juneau Icefield Program .
Balter would have skied on the icefield , collecting rocks with undergraduate students .
She said the rocks were once in or beneath glaciers , and scientists determine the age that the rocks became exposed to air so they can find out when the glacier left that area .
She also would have taught classes to the students .
She said she 's `` really bummed '' that her field research trip was canceled .
`` I feel like , for me , fieldwork is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field I got into , like I really love doing fieldwork , '' she said .
Balter added that she makes interpretations in the field .
She observes the sequence of glacial retreat events when she 's in the field , she said .
Instead of doing research on the icefield , she will take her qualifying exam , required for all PhD students , in early July , three months later than the original test date , which was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
During the pandemic , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reading papers .
She said she skims abstracts of papers in her field or similar fields .
`` I think it just gives me a better breadth of knowledge of both my field and like surrounding fields so that I can make connections and inferences from my data better , '' she said .
Balter added that it also allows her to have more in-depth conversations with scientists who do not study the same subject as hers .
Virginia Edgcomb , an associate scientist with tenure at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papers and editing as well as writing grant applications .
Edgcomb 's field research has `` come to a complete stop for the time being . ''
She planned to go on a field research trip on a boat in August , which will probably be pushed back to spring 2020 .
She said she also she studies denitrification -- a process that removes nitrogen -- in sediments beneath oyster aquaculture farms , but the town where the research takes place , Falmouth , Mass.
, canceled its aquaculture operations this summer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Edgcomb said .
The University of Michigan 's O'Foighil said the halt in field research `` impacts in particular graduate students who need to finish their work to finish their thesis projects '' as well as post-doctoral students who are funded by grants .
Katie Dixon , an ecology and evolution PhD student at the University of Chicago , said she was supposed to go to Missoula , Mont.
, in the spring and summer to study a virus that infects Douglas-fir tussock moths .
The third-year PhD student had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more summers .
If she continues with that plan , she will have to stay in her PhD program for a sixth year .
`` And that was not in my plan before , '' she said .
`` And then funding is always an issue .
...
But I 'm hoping people will be flexible , like this happened to a lot of people . ''
John Freudenstein , the chair of Ohio State University 's Department of Evolution , Ecology and Organismal Biology , also said some PhD students in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finish their PhDs .
The pause in field research also affects assistant professors , who are trying to earn tenure .
To compensate , the University of Michigan 's College of Literature , Science , and the Arts and other academic institutions have given these professors an additional year to earn tenure .
Not all field research was canceled this spring and summer , though .
Douglas Buhler , Michigan State University 's assistant vice president of research and innovation and the university 's director of AgBioResearch , said some agricultural research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the pandemic .
Stephen Hsu , the university 's senior vice president for research and innovation , sent a letter to faculty on March 23 saying that essential research activities could continue , including `` seasonally dependent agricultural and environmental field research with critical implications for human and animal health , as well as food security . ''
Horigan said that field researchers are used to their plans changing .
`` I think that ecologists and field researchers in particular are fairly used to the fact that nature is dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , really , '' she said .
`` So , hopefully , I think a lot of us are a lot more flexible and creative about what to do when that happens , and so I think it 's kind of built some resilience for things like this . ''

Sophia Horigan was supposed to study gypsy moths in a southwestern Michigan forest this spring and summer.
Instead, the University of Chicago PhD student is studying in her apartment, where she rotates between a wooden table and a grey armchair.
Advertisement
With her field research in Michigan shut down because of the pandemic, she has foregone conducting experiments on the gypsy moths and substituted using mathematical models to learn about diseases that kill the moths.
"It'll be helpful in the end, and I feel lucky that I am not at a total standstill, even though my fieldwork got canceled," she said.
Scientists in ecology, geochemistry and other fields often conduct field research in the spring or summer, but many of these research trips have been prohibited now due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the pause in field research has allowed scientists to spend more time on data analysis and reading academic papers, experts say that fieldwork is an important part of research in some fields, and the cancellation of this research could delay some students' completion of their PhD programs.
Advertisement
Diarmaid O'Foighil, chair of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Michigan, said a large part of his department's work takes place in the field.
"And it happens worldwide," he said. "So we have people working on ecosystems all over the planet. Every summer, there's a major exodus of faculty, postdocs, grad students and undergrads working in the field, and they can't do that."
In March, fieldwork at the University of Michigan was stopped, but starting May 8, researchers were allowed to return to the field in southeastern Michigan. On June 1, they could start conducting field research anywhere in the state.
But, O'Foighil said, only a small fraction of the department's workforce does field research in the state.
On Wednesday, the university allowed researchers to start doing fieldwork anywhere in the United States. They have to receive permission from their college to do so, though.
To fill their time away from the field, some scientists have turned to their computers. Horigan is learning the programming language in which her model is written and grasping how to run the model.
Horigan said the gypsy moth populations grow rapidly and crash once every nine or 10 years. A virus and a fungus both contribute to the demise of the insects. Mathematical models allow researchers to see how a parameter, like precipitation, affects another variable, like the number of moths. Horigan said the parameter she is studying is a moth's susceptibility to the fungus if it has already been infected by the virus. She uses her model to inform her field research.
Advertisement
"You can see what values of different parameters actually have an impact that is interesting, and then you can take those numbers and put them into your fieldwork," she said.
Greg Dwyer, Horigan's adviser, said that normally his graduate students collect data in the field and then incorporate it into a model. Now, his students are running their models before they gather data in the field, he said.
Allie Balter, a geochemistry PhD student at Columbia University, was supposed to go to Alaska for two weeks in July to participate in the Juneau Icefield Program.
Balter would have skied on the icefield, collecting rocks with undergraduate students. She said the rocks were once in or beneath glaciers, and scientists determine the age that the rocks became exposed to air so they can find out when the glacier left that area. She also would have taught classes to the students. She said she's "really bummed" that her field research trip was canceled.
"I feel like, for me, fieldwork is a big reason why I got into the field I got into, like I really love doing fieldwork," she said.
Balter added that she makes interpretations in the field. She observes the sequence of glacial retreat events when she's in the field, she said.
Advertisement
Instead of doing research on the icefield, she will take her qualifying exam, required for all PhD students, in early July, three months later than the original test date, which was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
During the pandemic, she said she has been writing, analyzing data and reading papers. She said she skims abstracts of papers in her field or similar fields.
"I think it just gives me a better breadth of knowledge of both my field and like surrounding fields so that I can make connections and inferences from my data better," she said.
Balter added that it also allows her to have more in-depth conversations with scientists who do not study the same subject as hers.
Virginia Edgcomb, an associate scientist with tenure at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, also has spent time this spring writing papers and editing as well as writing grant applications.
Edgcomb's field research has "come to a complete stop for the time being." She planned to go on a field research trip on a boat in August, which will probably be pushed back to spring 2020. She said she also she studies denitrification -- a process that removes nitrogen -- in sediments beneath oyster aquaculture farms, but the town where the research takes place, Falmouth, Mass., canceled its aquaculture operations this summer.
Advertisement
"Every single project is set back," Edgcomb said.
The University of Michigan's O'Foighil said the halt in field research "impacts in particular graduate students who need to finish their work to finish their thesis projects" as well as post-doctoral students who are funded by grants.
Katie Dixon, an ecology and evolution PhD student at the University of Chicago, said she was supposed to go to Missoula, Mont., in the spring and summer to study a virus that infects Douglas-fir tussock moths. The third-year PhD student had been planning on conducting field research for two more summers. If she continues with that plan, she will have to stay in her PhD program for a sixth year.
"And that was not in my plan before," she said. "And then funding is always an issue. ... But I'm hoping people will be flexible, like this happened to a lot of people."
John Freudenstein, the chair of Ohio State University's Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, also said some PhD students in his department think they may need additional time to finish their PhDs.
The pause in field research also affects assistant professors, who are trying to earn tenure. To compensate, the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and other academic institutions have given these professors an additional year to earn tenure.
Advertisement
Not all field research was canceled this spring and summer, though. Douglas Buhler, Michigan State University's assistant vice president of research and innovation and the university's director of AgBioResearch, said some agricultural research at Michigan State has been allowed since the start of the pandemic.
Stephen Hsu, the university's senior vice president for research and innovation, sent a letter to faculty on March 23 saying that essential research activities could continue, including "seasonally dependent agricultural and environmental field research with critical implications for human and animal health, as well as food security."
Horigan said that field researchers are used to their plans changing.
"I think that ecologists and field researchers in particular are fairly used to the fact that nature is dynamic, and nothing will ever go to plan, really," she said. "So, hopefully, I think a lot of us are a lot more flexible and creative about what to do when that happens, and so I think it's kind of built some resilience for things like this."
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-06-11--NFL commits $250M over 10-year period to combat racial injustice

June 11 ( UPI ) -- The NFL announced Thursday it will donate $ 250 million over the next 10 years to `` combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African-Americans . ''
`` The NFL and our clubs will continue to work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform , police reforms , and economic and educational advancement , '' the league said in a statement .
`` In addition to the financial commitment , we will continue to leverage the NFL Network and all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans and help foster unity . ''
The league 's financial commitment extends and expands the initial deal that NFL owners and the NFL Players Coalition previously agreed to .
That agreement would have surpassed $ 100 million during its term .
In the first two-plus seasons of the agreement , the NFL donated $ 44 million to fund its social justice programs .
The league has awarded grants to 20 organizations and funded 350 grassroots programs .
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement and condemned racism , admitting the league was `` wrong '' for not listening to its players earlier about racial injustice .
Goodell 's statement came after more than a dozen NFL stars , including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. , came together and sent a passionate video to the league about racial inequality following the death of George Floyd .
The video by Goodell represented a significant turnaround for the league that created -- but never implemented -- a policy that allowed players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest , but insisted they stand for the national anthem if they were on the field .
Racial injustice and police brutality were first brought to the NFL forefront in 2016 , when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to peacefully protest and raise awareness for those issues .
He has n't played a snap in the league since parting ways with the 49ers in 2017 .

Last week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement and condemned racism after dozens of NFL players asked the league to do so. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 11 (UPI) -- The NFL announced Thursday it will donate $250 million over the next 10 years to "combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African-Americans." "The NFL and our clubs will continue to work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform, police reforms, and economic and educational advancement," the league said in a statement. Advertisement
"In addition to the financial commitment, we will continue to leverage the NFL Network and all of our media properties to place an increased emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans and help foster unity."
The league's financial commitment extends and expands the initial deal that NFL owners and the NFL Players Coalition previously agreed to. That agreement would have surpassed $100 million during its term.
In the first two-plus seasons of the agreement, the NFL donated $44 million to fund its social justice programs. The league has awarded grants to 20 organizations and funded 350 grassroots programs.
Advertisement
Last week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement and condemned racism, admitting the league was "wrong" for not listening to its players earlier about racial injustice.
Goodell's statement came after more than a dozen NFL stars, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr., came together and sent a passionate video to the league about racial inequality following the death of George Floyd.
The video by Goodell represented a significant turnaround for the league that created -- but never implemented -- a policy that allowed players to remain in the locker room to protest, but insisted they stand for the national anthem if they were on the field.
Racial injustice and police brutality were first brought to the NFL forefront in 2016, when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to peacefully protest and raise awareness for those issues. He hasn't played a snap in the league since parting ways with the 49ers in 2017.


upi--2020-06-11--Kevin McCarthy: GOP agrees with 'concepts' in Democrat police reform bill

June 11 ( UPI ) -- House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said Thursday there could be room for a bipartisan agreement on police reform after Democrats released a plan earlier this week .
McCarthy said Republicans in the chamber agree with concepts included in the package unveiled by the Congressional Black Caucus and would be willing to compromise with Democrats despite launching their own bill .
`` I think there 's a place where we can work together , '' McCarthy said .
`` There 's a lot of concepts that we agree upon . ''
Following two weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of George Floyd , House Democrats on Monday introduced the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 .
The legislation includes reforms such as reducing the federal standard for prosecuting police for misconduct , revising the `` qualified immunity '' law that shields officers from civil suits , creating a national misconduct database , limiting the transfer of military-grade weapons and barring `` no-knock '' warrants in drug cases .
McCarthy said he supports a ban on police chokeholds proposed by Democrats and did not explicitly name any provisions of the Democratic bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , to accuse House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of `` politicizing '' the effort at police reform by keeping Republicans out of the planning process .
The House Republican bill will focus on police training , holding officers who are engaged in misconduct accountable and increasing the amount of law enforcement data that is publicly available .
Republicans in the Senate , led by Sen. Tim Scott , have also begun drafting legislation that will call for reforms , including the creation of an FBI system based on mandatory reporting of uses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and requiring states to provide data on the use of no-knock search warrants .
Pelosi told Time on Thursday said she believes this call for reform has been `` more universally embraced '' than previous efforts and added she hopes the Republican Party will support Democrats ' plans for change .
`` If our Republican colleagues are oblivious to that , it will be to their peril , '' she said .
She also advocated for involving police unions in plans for police reform , saying they `` know that there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be part of that conversation . ''

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House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said Thursday that GOP members of the chamber agree with "concepts" in the police reform bill unveiled by House Democrats on Monday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 11 (UPI) -- House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said Thursday there could be room for a bipartisan agreement on police reform after Democrats released a plan earlier this week. McCarthy said Republicans in the chamber agree with concepts included in the package unveiled by the Congressional Black Caucus and would be willing to compromise with Democrats despite launching their own bill. Advertisement
"I think there's a place where we can work together," McCarthy said. "There's a lot of concepts that we agree upon."
Following two weeks of mass protests in response to the police-involved killing of George Floyd, House Democrats on Monday introduced the Justice in Policing Act of 2020.
The legislation includes reforms such as reducing the federal standard for prosecuting police for misconduct, revising the "qualified immunity" law that shields officers from civil suits, creating a national misconduct database, limiting the transfer of military-grade weapons and barring "no-knock" warrants in drug cases.
McCarthy said he supports a ban on police chokeholds proposed by Democrats and did not explicitly name any provisions of the Democratic bill he opposes.
He went on, however, to accuse House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of "politicizing" the effort at police reform by keeping Republicans out of the planning process.
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The House Republican bill will focus on police training, holding officers who are engaged in misconduct accountable and increasing the amount of law enforcement data that is publicly available.
Republicans in the Senate, led by Sen. Tim Scott, have also begun drafting legislation that will call for reforms, including the creation of an FBI system based on mandatory reporting of uses of force resulting in death or serious injury, and requiring states to provide data on the use of no-knock search warrants.
Pelosi told Time on Thursday said she believes this call for reform has been "more universally embraced" than previous efforts and added she hopes the Republican Party will support Democrats' plans for change.
"If our Republican colleagues are oblivious to that, it will be to their peril," she said.
She also advocated for involving police unions in plans for police reform, saying they "know that there's some things that have to change and want to be part of that conversation."


upi--2020-06-11--Philadelphia judge exonerates Walter Ogrod after 3 decades in prison, 23 on death row

June 11 ( UPI ) -- A Philadelphia judge has fully exonerated a man who served nearly three decades in prison -- including 23 years on death row -- for the slaying of a 4-year-old girl .
Walter Ogrod 's exoneration Wednesday came days after he was released from prison .
Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker said the Philadelphia District Attorney 's Office could drop the case against Ogrod , 55 , without another trial .
Ogrod 's lawyer , Andrew Gallo , told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he 's happy the case was resolved quickly .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have this chapter of his life behind him . ''
The case is the third death row exoneration in Philadelphia since December , according to the Death Penalty Information Center .
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said it 's the 13th overall exoneration in his 2 1/2-year administration .
`` Pursuing justice means righting past wrongs , '' Krasner said .
`` Grateful to the work of my office 's Conviction Integrity Unit in supporting Walter Ogrod 's 28-year journey to freedom . ''
The exoneration ends months of jostling between the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have an expedited hearing on his case after their client became ill with symptoms consistent with the coronavirus disease .
His lawyers sought to have him released for testing and treatment .
In February , the Philadelphia District Attorney 's Office filed briefs saying Ogrod was `` likely innocent '' of killing 4-year-old Barbara Jean Horn and was convicted on flawed evidence , including a coerced confession and testimony from discredited jailhouse informants .
`` This is a case where no forensic evidence tied Mr. Ogrod to the crime , where eyewitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where police coerced a false confession from Mr. Ogrod which got many of the facts incorrect about the crime he allegedly committed , '' James Rollins , one of Ogrod 's attorneys , said earlier this month .
Sharon Fahy , Barbara Jean 's mother , said last week she did n't believe Ogrod killed her daughter , adding that she 's `` angry that the person who took my daughter 's life is likely walking free . ''
A DPIC analysis indicates Philadelphia had more homicide exonerations in 2019 than any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .
The center -- which provides resources on capital punishment but does n't take a position on the issue -- blamed the higher number of exonerations on a history of prosecutorial misconduct and Krasner 's efforts to correct those abuses .
`` Walter Ogrod 's case is yet another reminder of what happens when corruption and disregard for the law become part of the culture of law enforcement .
Six men have now been exonerated from Philadelphia 's death row , and as in an overwhelming majority of the now 169 death-row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those cases involved some form of serious police or prosecutorial misconduct , '' DPIC Executive Director Robert Dunham told UPI in an email .
`` These are not issues that can be resolved by tinkering around the edges of criminal law reform .
They must be addressed head on .
This case was rotten to the core , and until law enforcement and prosecutors are held accountable for their misconduct , and until the rot is systematically rooted out , we are certain to see continuing injustices of the type that occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Walter Ogrod served 28 years in prison -- 23 years on death row -- for the death of Barbara Jean Horn. File Photo courtesy of attorneys for Walter Ogrod
June 11 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia judge has fully exonerated a man who served nearly three decades in prison -- including 23 years on death row -- for the slaying of a 4-year-old girl. Walter Ogrod's exoneration Wednesday came days after he was released from prison. Advertisement
Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker said the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office could drop the case against Ogrod, 55, without another trial.
Ogrod's lawyer, Andrew Gallo, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he's happy the case was resolved quickly. He said his client was "very pleased to have this chapter of his life behind him."
The case is the third death row exoneration in Philadelphia since December, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said it's the 13th overall exoneration in his 2 1/2-year administration.
"Pursuing justice means righting past wrongs," Krasner said. "Grateful to the work of my office's Conviction Integrity Unit in supporting Walter Ogrod's 28-year journey to freedom."
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The exoneration ends months of jostling between the court and Ogrod's attorneys, who sought to have an expedited hearing on his case after their client became ill with symptoms consistent with the coronavirus disease. His lawyers sought to have him released for testing and treatment.
In February, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office filed briefs saying Ogrod was "likely innocent" of killing 4-year-old Barbara Jean Horn and was convicted on flawed evidence, including a coerced confession and testimony from discredited jailhouse informants.
"This is a case where no forensic evidence tied Mr. Ogrod to the crime, where eyewitness descriptions didn't match Mr. Ogrod, and where police coerced a false confession from Mr. Ogrod which got many of the facts incorrect about the crime he allegedly committed," James Rollins, one of Ogrod's attorneys, said earlier this month.
Sharon Fahy, Barbara Jean's mother, said last week she didn't believe Ogrod killed her daughter, adding that she's "angry that the person who took my daughter's life is likely walking free."
A DPIC analysis indicates Philadelphia had more homicide exonerations in 2019 than any other city or county in the United States. The center -- which provides resources on capital punishment but doesn't take a position on the issue -- blamed the higher number of exonerations on a history of prosecutorial misconduct and Krasner's efforts to correct those abuses.
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"Walter Ogrod's case is yet another reminder of what happens when corruption and disregard for the law become part of the culture of law enforcement. Six men have now been exonerated from Philadelphia's death row, and as in an overwhelming majority of the now 169 death-row exonerations in the U.S., every one of those cases involved some form of serious police or prosecutorial misconduct," DPIC Executive Director Robert Dunham told UPI in an email.
"These are not issues that can be resolved by tinkering around the edges of criminal law reform. They must be addressed head on. This case was rotten to the core, and until law enforcement and prosecutors are held accountable for their misconduct, and until the rot is systematically rooted out, we are certain to see continuing injustices of the type that occurred in Mr. Ogrod's case."


upi--2020-06-11--General Dynamics nabs $2.5B for Stryker Double-V vehicles

June 11 ( UPI ) -- General Dynamics received a $ 2.5 billion contract this week for production of Stryker @ @ @ @ @ proposal vehicles , according to the Pentagon .
The deal funds production of the vehicles @ @ @ @ @ be resistant to mine and improvised explosive device detonations .
In June 2018 the Army @ @ @ @ @ General Dynamics to upgrade the flat bottom under bellies of the vehicle to the double @ @ @ @ @ version also includes a number of engineering and electronic upgrades .
The Pentagon did not @ @ @ @ @ it will procure under the new contract .
The deal has an expected completion date @ @ @ @ @ .

Brand new double-V hull Strykers are neatly arranged in the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, motorpool, in this 2014 photo. This week General Dynamics received $2.5 billion to produce more of the vehicles for the Army. Photo by William Howard/U.S. Army
June 11 (UPI) -- General Dynamics received a $2.5 billion contract this week for production of Stryker Double V-Hull A1 engineering change proposal vehicles, according to the Pentagon. The deal funds production of the vehicles, which are designed to be resistant to mine and improvised explosive device detonations. Advertisement
In June 2018 the Army awarded $68.5 million to General Dynamics to upgrade the flat bottom under bellies of the vehicle to the double V-hull configuration.
The new version also includes a number of engineering and electronic upgrades.
The Pentagon did not disclose the number of vehicles it will procure under the new contract.
The deal has an expected completion date of April 30, 2027.


upi--2020-06-11--Sony unveils PlayStation 5 hardware, upcoming games

June 11 ( UPI ) -- Sony unveiled the design for its upcoming PlayStation 5 console Thursday while also showcasing a collection of games that will be released for the next-generation platform .
The company provided fans with the first look at the hardware design , featuring a curved shape with a white exterior and black accents , which will come in two models : the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition , which does not feature a disk drive .
Sony Interactive Entertainment issued a news release saying it will announce pricing and additional details for PlayStation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company 's CEO , Jim Ryan , saying the system will launch `` later this year . ''
Sony previously announced the PlayStation 5 will use a new controller named the DualSense .
The controller will have haptic feedback , adaptive triggers for the L2 and R2 buttons , a Create button that replaces the Share button , and a built-in microphone .
On Thursday , the company revealed several other accessories for the console , including a controller charging station , HD camera , Pulse 3D wireless headset and media remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PlayStation 5 's architecture and graphical capability in March .
The system will notably have a 825 GB solid state drive which will make load times in games instantaneous .
The rest of Thursday 's presentation focused on games Ryan said `` can only be enjoyed with the full range of the Playstation 5 's features and power . ''
Insomniac games creative director Marcus Smith said that Ratchet and Clank : Rift Apart , the latest in the studio 's long-running series , said the system allows the game to feature `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worlds with `` density and life '' previously unseen .
The company also announced a sequel to 2018 's Spider-Man game developed by Insomniac , titled Spider-Man : Miles Morales , which will feature Peter Parker 's protege and is set to release in the 2020 holiday season .
Other games announced at the event include PlayStation 5 exclusives Project Athia by Square Enix and Luminous Production , and Returnal by Housemarque as well as GhostWire : Tokyo and Deathloop , which will premiere on the PlayStation 5 before being released on other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Capcom 's Pragmata , Godfall by Gearbox , Kena Bridge of Spirits by Emberlab and Stray by Annapurna Interactive as well as new addition to existing series such as Hitman III , Oddworld Soulstorm , NBA 2K21 , Resident Evil 8 : Village , a remake of 2009 's Demon 's Souls , Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon : Forbidden West .
Release dates for the games included in the presentation ranged from holiday 2020 to 2022 .
The company previously delayed the PlayStation 5 event , citing the protests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd .
Sony said it wanted to give space to discussions happening around the protests .

June 11 (UPI) -- Sony unveiled the design for its upcoming PlayStation 5 console Thursday while also showcasing a collection of games that will be released for the next-generation platform.
The company provided fans with the first look at the hardware design, featuring a curved shape with a white exterior and black accents, which will come in two models: the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which does not feature a disc drive.
Advertisement
Sony Interactive Entertainment issued a news release saying it will announce pricing and additional details for PlayStation 5 at a later date, with the company's CEO, Jim Ryan, saying the system will launch "later this year."
Sony previously announced the PlayStation 5 will use a new controller named the DualSense. The controller will have haptic feedback, adaptive triggers for the L2 and R2 buttons, a Create button that replaces the Share button, and a built-in microphone.
On Thursday, the company revealed several other accessories for the console, including a controller charging station, HD camera, Pulse 3D wireless headset and media remote.
Lead system architect Mark Cerny discussed PlayStation 5's architecture and graphical capability in March. The system will notably have a 825 GB solid state drive which will make load times in games instantaneous.
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The rest of Thursday's presentation focused on games Ryan said "can only be enjoyed with the full range of the Playstation 5's features and power."
Insomniac games creative director Marcus Smith said that Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, the latest in the studio's long-running series, allows the game to feature "ray trace reflections" and fill its worlds with "density and life" previously unseen.
The company also announced a sequel to 2018's Spider-Man game developed by Insomniac, titled Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which will feature Peter Parker's protege and is set to release in the 2020 holiday season.
Other games announced at the event include PlayStation 5 exclusives Project Athia by Square Enix and Luminous Production, and Returnal by Housemarque as well as GhostWire: Tokyo and Deathloop, which will premiere on the PlayStation 5 before being released on other consoles.
The presentation featured new projects such as Capcom's Pragmata, Godfall by Gearbox, Kena Bridge of Spirits by Emberlab and Stray by Annapurna Interactive as well as new addition to existing series such as Hitman III, Oddworld Soulstorm, NBA 2K21, Resident Evil 8: Village, a remake of 2009's Demon's Souls, Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon: Forbidden West.
Release dates for the games included in the presentation ranged from holiday 2020 to 2022.
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The company previously delayed the PlayStation 5 event, citing the protests that have taken place worldwide over the death of George Floyd. Sony said it wanted to give space to discussions happening around the protests.


upi--2020-06-11--Van Ovost nominated as next Air Mobility Command commander

June 11 ( UPI ) -- The Air Force announced Thursday that Lt. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost has been nominated to succeed Gen. Maryanne Miller as Air Mobility Command commander .
If Van Ovost 's appointment is confirmed , she will obtain a fourth stair and -- on Miller 's retirement after 39 years -- become the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. military .
`` I am honored and humbled by the nomination to serve as the next commander of Air Mobility Command , '' Van Ovost said .
`` I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commanders who served before her , ensuring the success of the air mobility enterprise and its people who make up the heart of our global reach mission every day . ''
Van Ovost began her Air Force career flying the C-141 Starlifter , then became a test pilot and subsequently flew more than 30 different aircraft .
She 's also commanded a refueling squadron at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas , served as vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center and commanded the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt Lt. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost will be an extraordinary leader for our Mobility Airmen , '' Miller said .
`` She has served exceptionally , most recently in direct support of our Air Force chief of staff and secretary , and I am excited for the future of AMC with her at the helm . ''

Lt. Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, Air Mobility Command deputy commander, has been nominated to serve as the next Air Mobility Command commander June 5, 2020. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force
June 11 (UPI) -- The Air Force announced Thursday that Lt. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost has been nominated to succeed Gen. Maryanne Miller as Air Mobility Command commander. If Van Ovost's appointment is confirmed, she will obtain a fourth stair and -- on Miller's retirement after 39 years -- become the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. military. Advertisement
"I am honored and humbled by the nomination to serve as the next commander of Air Mobility Command," Van Ovost said. "I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the incredible work of Gen. Maryanne Miller and the commanders who served before her, ensuring the success of the air mobility enterprise and its people who make up the heart of our global reach mission every day."
Van Ovost began her Air Force career flying the C-141 Starlifter, then became a test pilot and subsequently flew more than 30 different aircraft.
She's also commanded a refueling squadron at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, served as vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center and commanded the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
"I have no doubt Lt. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost will be an extraordinary leader for our Mobility Airmen," Miller said. "She has served exceptionally, most recently in direct support of our Air Force chief of staff and secretary, and I am excited for the future of AMC with her at the helm."


upi--2020-06-11--Milk chocolate, dairy and fatty foods tied to acne in adults

Are you plagued by acne even though you 're way past puberty ?
A new report might have you avoiding certain foods .
The study of more than 24,000 French adults found that sweet and greasy fare -- especially milk chocolate , sweetened drinks , dairy products , and sugary or fatty foods -- all appeared to raise the odds for zits .
The new findings `` appear to support the hypothesis that the Western diet ( rich in animal products and fatty and sugary foods ) is associated with the presence of acne in adulthood , '' said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Mondor Hospital in Paris .
One U.S. dermatologist who read over the report was n't surprised .
`` This new study confirms what I have always believed , that proper nutrition is an important component of acne treatment , '' said Dr. Michele Green , of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
The likely culprit ?
Foods ' effects on hormones , she said .
`` One of the reasons that this high 'glycemic ' diet -- high in sugar -- causes acne , is that it changes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Green explained .
`` These high-sugar diets can cause a rise in insulin levels and this affects other hormones , which lead to the development of acne . ''
Adding to that , Green said , `` there are also ongoing studies looking into the hormones that cows are fed in their feed , which may also have an effect on the development of acne . ''
The new study focused on acne in adults , not on people younger than 18 years of age .
Unlike many prior studies , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French participants filled out researcher-validated 24-hour dietary records over a two-week period .
In these food diaries , participants recorded all foods and drinks consumed , and at what amounts .
They also recorded any incidence of an acne outbreak .
The result : After adjusting for a number of confounding factors , certain foods -- dairy , fatty and sugary fare -- emerged as potential acne triggers .
Quantity mattered .
For example , having one glass of milk per day bumped up the odds of an outbreak by 12 percent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( such as soda ) raised it by 18 percent .
But drink five glasses of either a sugary drink or milk in a day , and your odds of developing zits rose by more than twofold or 76 percent , respectively .
Fatty foods appeared to do people 's skin no favors , either : One portion of a fatty ( think French fries , burgers ) food or a sugary treat ( sugared donuts , cookies ) boosted the odds for an outbreak by 54 percent , the study found .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sugary products '' upped the odds more than eightfold , Sbidian 's group reported .
Overall , `` adults with current acne were found to be less likely to have a healthy dietary pattern , '' the French team concluded .
And what about chocolate ?
Intake of milk chocolate did seem tied to acne risk , bumping up the odds for an outbreak by 28 percent , the researchers found .
But consumption of less fatty dark chocolate was actually tied to a 10 percent lower odds for acne .
Healthier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more plant-based fare -- were also tied to reductions in acne for adults , the findings showed .
For many , acne is n't just a cosmetic nuisance , Green noted .
`` Acne patients suffer from low self-esteem and depression , and many go on to have physical acne scars , which they carry on their face for a lifetime , '' she said .
In fact , `` acne is an extremely important and emotional issue that frequently gets neglected , '' Green added .
`` More studies need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate the role of diet , nutrition and chemicals , and their effect on blood hormonal levels , acne , and our health in general , '' she said .
The study was published online June 10 in JAMA Dermatology .
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on acne .

Eating milk chocolate was tied a 28 percent increase in risk of an acne outbreak in adults, the researchers found. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Are you plagued by acne even though you're way past puberty? A new report might have you avoiding certain foods. The study of more than 24,000 French adults found that sweet and greasy fare -- especially milk chocolate, sweetened drinks, dairy products, and sugary or fatty foods -- all appeared to raise the odds for zits. Advertisement
The new findings "appear to support the hypothesis that the Western diet (rich in animal products and fatty and sugary foods) is associated with the presence of acne in adulthood," said the team led by dermatologist Dr. Emilie Sbidian, of Mondor Hospital in Paris.
One U.S. dermatologist who read over the report wasn't surprised.
"This new study confirms what I have always believed, that proper nutrition is an important component of acne treatment," said Dr. Michele Green, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
The likely culprit? Foods' effects on hormones, she said.
Advertisement
"One of the reasons that this high 'glycemic' diet -- high in sugar -- causes acne, is that it changes the normal dynamic of one's hormones," Green explained. "These high-sugar diets can cause a rise in insulin levels and this affects other hormones, which lead to the development of acne."
Adding to that, Green said, "there are also ongoing studies looking into the hormones that cows are fed in their feed, which may also have an effect on the development of acne."
The new study focused on acne in adults, not on people younger than 18 years of age. Unlike many prior studies, this one was especially rigorous. Thousands of French participants filled out researcher-validated 24-hour dietary records over a two-week period. In these food diaries, participants recorded all foods and drinks consumed, and at what amounts.
They also recorded any incidence of an acne outbreak.
The result: After adjusting for a number of confounding factors, certain foods -- dairy, fatty and sugary fare -- emerged as potential acne triggers.
Quantity mattered. For example, having one glass of milk per day bumped up the odds of an outbreak by 12 percent, and a glass of a sugary drink (such as soda) raised it by 18 percent.
Advertisement
But drink five glasses of either a sugary drink or milk in a day, and your odds of developing zits rose by more than twofold or 76 percent, respectively.
Fatty foods appeared to do people's skin no favors, either: One portion of a fatty (think French fries, burgers) food or a sugary treat (sugared donuts, cookies) boosted the odds for an outbreak by 54 percent, the study found.
And "a complete meal of fatty and sugary products" upped the odds more than eightfold, Sbidian's group reported.
Overall, "adults with current acne were found to be less likely to have a healthy dietary pattern," the French team concluded.
And what about chocolate? Intake of milk chocolate did seem tied to acne risk, bumping up the odds for an outbreak by 28 percent, the researchers found. But consumption of less fatty dark chocolate was actually tied to a 10 percent lower odds for acne.
Healthier foods -- such as vegetables, fish and more plant-based fare -- were also tied to reductions in acne for adults, the findings showed.
For many, acne isn't just a cosmetic nuisance, Green noted.
"Acne patients suffer from low self-esteem and depression, and many go on to have physical acne scars, which they carry on their face for a lifetime," she said.
Advertisement
In fact, "acne is an extremely important and emotional issue that frequently gets neglected," Green added.
"More studies need to be done but it is so important to investigate the role of diet, nutrition and chemicals, and their effect on blood hormonal levels, acne, and our health in general," she said.
The study was published online June 10 in JAMA Dermatology.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on acne.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-11--Microsoft won't sell facial-recognition tech to police

June 11 ( UPI ) -- Microsoft announced Thursday that it wo n't sell its facial-recognition technology to police departments until there are regulations on its use .
The company 's president , Brad Smith , announced the decision during a Washington Post Live event .
`` We will not sell facial-recognition technology to police departments in the United States until we have a national law in place , grounded in human rights , that will govern this technology , '' he said .
With the announcement , Microsoft joins other companies , including Amazon and IBM , that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their technology .
It also comes as protesters rally against police brutality and racial profiling .
Studies have shown that some facial-recognition technology misidentifies people of color more often than it does people who are white , CNN reported .
`` The bottom line for us is to protect the human rights of people as this technology is deployed , '' Smith said .
A Pew survey in September found that a majority of Americans -- 56 percent -- trust law enforcement agencies at least somewhat to use facial technology responsibly .

Microsoft joins Amazon and IBM in plans not to sell the technology to police departments. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
June 11 (UPI) -- Microsoft announced Thursday that it won't sell its facial-recognition technology to police departments until there are regulations on its use. The company's president, Brad Smith, announced the decision during a Washington Post Live event. Advertisement
"We will not sell facial-recognition technology to police departments in the United States until we have a national law in place, grounded in human rights, that will govern this technology," he said.
With the announcement, Microsoft joins other companies, including Amazon and IBM, that have agreed not to give law enforcement access to their technology. It also comes as protesters rally against police brutality and racial profiling.
Studies have shown that some facial-recognition technology misidentifies people of color more often than it does people who are white, CNN reported.
"The bottom line for us is to protect the human rights of people as this technology is deployed," Smith said.
A Pew survey in September found that a majority of Americans -- 56 percent -- trust law enforcement agencies at least somewhat to use facial technology responsibly.


upi--2020-06-11--Biden unveils plan to reopen the economy

June 11 ( UPI ) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden unveiled a plan Thursday for reopening the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee outlined an eight-part plan to reopen on his website , while blasting President Donald Trump 's plan as a `` one-point plan . ''
`` Trump has a one-point plan for all of this -- put up the 'Open for Business ' sign and then just see what happens , '' Biden said in his statement Thursday .
`` That is n't going to fix the economy that Trump broke or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Biden 's plan was announced at a roundtable meeting , where he met with black community leaders and business owners in Philadelphia .
His plan includes , first , guaranteeing testing and personal protective equipment for everyone called back on the job .
Second , it would guarantee paid sick leave for all workers who get infected with COVID-19 for as long as they need to recover and complete quarantine .
The third step aims to ensure worker protection and accountability .
Measures include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration setting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and `` directing other agencies to enforce industry-specific standards , '' Biden 's statement said .
Fourth , the plan calls for a national contact tracing workforce to support the public heath response and find out who may have been exposed to the virus through contact with an infected person .
The fifth step involves protecting U.S. senior citizens , those with disabilities and others at high risk , including requiring employers to tailor work arrangements at home for those in a high-risk group .
Sixth , the plan would create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow public health departments to certify businesses as compliant with best practices to reduce transmission , so that shoppers feel safe again .
The seventh step would support small businesses through a `` restart package , '' providing small business owners with support for retaining and rehiring workers .
This part of the plan also includes ensuring minority-owned businesses get fair access to support that other small businesses are getting .
Eighth , the plan lines out measures for reopening schools and child care programs to help parents go back to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This includes scaling up National Institutes of Health pediatric research on COVID-19 to improve understanding on how the virus affects children and to generate evidence-based guidance .
It also includes building a clearinghouse to help providers share approaches and tools for reopening .
The eighth step also includes providing funds , especially to Title I schools in the most need , to help cover costs , including PPE , enhanced sanitation and other logistical costs and expenses associated with the new learning environment , Biden added .
`` Trump may have forgotten about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgotten about us , '' Biden said .
`` The failure to respond to the pandemic , I think the federal government has abdicated any effective leadership role . ''

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden unveiled a plan Thursday to reopen the economy. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 11 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden unveiled a plan Thursday for reopening the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee outlined an eight-part plan to reopen on his website, while blasting President Donald Trump's plan as a "one-point plan." Advertisement
"Trump has a one-point plan for all of this -- put up the 'Open for Business' sign and then just see what happens," Biden said in his statement Thursday. "That isn't going to fix the economy that Trump broke or minimize the risk of COVID-19 resurging."
Biden's plan was announced at a roundtable meeting, where he met with black community leaders and business owners in Philadelphia.
His plan includes, first, guaranteeing testing and personal protective equipment for everyone called back on the job.
Second, it would guarantee paid sick leave for all workers who get infected with COVID-19 for as long as they need to recover and complete quarantine.
The third step aims to ensure worker protection and accountability. Measures include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration setting and enforcing rigorous standards to protect workers from COVID-19 and "directing other agencies to enforce industry-specific standards," Biden's statement said.
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Fourth, the plan calls for a national contact tracing workforce to support the public heath response and find out who may have been exposed to the virus through contact with an infected person.
The fifth step involves protecting U.S. senior citizens, those with disabilities and others at high risk, including requiring employers to tailor work arrangements at home for those in a high-risk group.
Sixth, the plan would create a "Safe for Shoppers" program that would allow public health departments to certify businesses as compliant with best practices to reduce transmission, so that shoppers feel safe again.
The seventh step would support small businesses through a "restart package," providing small business owners with support for retaining and rehiring workers. This part of the plan also includes ensuring minority-owned businesses get fair access to support that other small businesses are getting.
Eighth, the plan lines out measures for reopening schools and child care programs to help parents go back to work and stop students from falling behind. This includes scaling up National Institutes of Health pediatric research on COVID-19 to improve understanding on how the virus affects children and to generate evidence-based guidance. It also includes building a clearinghouse to help providers share approaches and tools for reopening.
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The eighth step also includes providing funds, especially to Title I schools in the most need, to help cover costs, including PPE, enhanced sanitation and other logistical costs and expenses associated with the new learning environment, Biden added.
"Trump may have forgotten about the coronavirus, but it hasn't forgotten about us," Biden said. "The failure to respond to the pandemic, I think the federal government has abdicated any effective leadership role."


upi--2020-06-11--USS Albany returns to Naval Station Norfolk after European deployment

June 11 ( UPI ) -- The USS Albany returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia this week after a deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility , the Navy announced .
`` I could not be more impressed with my team of Sailors , chief petty officers and officers for their accomplishments , '' Cmdr .
Mathias Vorachek said Thursday in a press release .
`` Going into deployment , we had already achieved success in our tasks , but the ability to deploy on time , safely execute missions vital to national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on foreign shores is a memory I will never forget . ''
During the six-month deployment , the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany logged about 36,000 nautical miles and conducted port visits in Rota , Spain , Toulon , France and Faslane , Scotland -- continuing to conduct operations underway as COVID-19 spread across the globe .
`` No matter the time as a Navy submariner family , no matter the number of deployments and underways , you never get used to this life , '' said Amy Rushling , wife of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is different , and this one was no exception .
Keeping with tradition , our sailors are returning to a different world than the one they left six months ago . ''
Also this week , the USS Kidd departed San Diego to continue its scheduled deployment in support of counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific .
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer interrupted its deployment at the end of April to address an outbreak of the novel coronavirus on board .

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Albany transits to Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. after a deployment Wednesday. Photo by Alfred Coffield/U.S. Navy
June 11 (UPI) -- The USS Albany returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia this week after a deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, the Navy announced. "I could not be more impressed with my team of Sailors, chief petty officers and officers for their accomplishments," Cmdr. Mathias Vorachek said Thursday in a press release. "Going into deployment, we had already achieved success in our tasks, but the ability to deploy on time, safely execute missions vital to national security, and display our Nation's pride on foreign shores is a memory I will never forget." Advertisement
During the six-month deployment, the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany logged about 36,000 nautical miles and conducted port visits in Rota, Spain, Toulon, France and Faslane, Scotland -- continuing to conduct operations underway as COVID-19 spread across the globe.
"No matter the time as a Navy submariner family, no matter the number of deployments and underways, you never get used to this life," said Amy Rushling, wife of sailor Dustin Rushling. "Every deployment is different, and this one was no exception. Keeping with tradition, our sailors are returning to a different world than the one they left six months ago."
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Also this week, the USS Kidd departed San Diego to continue its scheduled deployment in support of counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer interrupted its deployment at the end of April to address an outbreak of the novel coronavirus on board.


upi--2020-06-11--Study examines why eating before bedtime might pack on the pounds

If you have a late dinner and then head to bed , beware : You may gain weight while you sleep , a new study suggests .
That 's most likely because your metabolism slows , boosting blood sugar and other chemicals that contribute to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes , researchers say .
`` It 's not just what you eat , but when you eat that may be a factor in promoting conditions like obesity , '' said study author Dr. Jonathan Jun , an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calories in that 24-hour period , but your body will handle those calories differently depending on what time you eat them . ''
For the study , Jun 's team asked 20 healthy volunteers to eat the same dinner at 6 p.m. or 10 p.m .
Both groups went to bed at 11 p.m. and got up at 7 a.m. Before the study , participants wore activity trackers .
During the study , blood samples were taken hourly and sleep studies were conducted .
The volunteers also had scans of body fats and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to track fat burning .
The upshot : Late diners had higher blood sugar and burned less fat .
On average , their peak blood sugar level after a late dinner was about 18 percent higher , and the amount of fat burned about 10 percent lower , compared with eating earlier , the study found .
These effects might be even greater for people who are obese or have diabetes , Jun said .
What 's not clear is whether it 's the interval between eating time and bedtime that accounts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , if you have dinner at 10 p.m. but retire at 3 a.m. , is that biologically the same as dinner at 6 p.m. and bed at 11 p.m. ?
And , Jun said , the effects of eating and sleeping might differ for each person based on their personal metabolism or body clock .
`` Instead of getting fixated on what time is late or what time it is on the clock to start or stop eating , we need to recognize that it is very dependent on the individual , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to learn more in future studies .
Samantha Heller , a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City , reviewed the findings .
`` It makes sense that eating close to bedtime alters glucose and fat metabolism , because you are sleeping and not physically active , '' she said , adding that sleep has its own processes that involve cellular and molecular mechanisms to help the body stay healthy .
Heller noted that people often get stuck in a routine of eating before dinner , eating dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which means they have been eating for several hours .
`` It is an easy way to pack on the pounds , '' she said .
`` We eat at night for many reasons , including stress , boredom , loneliness and anger . ''
To help manage nighttime munching , Heller suggests planning an afternoon snack like hummus and carrots , so you are not starving by dinnertime , and enjoying a balanced , more plant-based dinner .
Then close the kitchen .
`` Plan activities for those moments when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is unlikely you are hungry , because you had dinner , '' Heller said .
`` Assess what triggers that foray into the kitchen and create a game plan for managing it . ''
Some strategies : Have a glass of water or herbal tea , or engage in another activity , such as reading , taking a walk , or listening to music or an audiobook .
`` Closing the kitchen after dinner is an easy way to shave off some pounds and get a better night 's sleep , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online June 11 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism .
To learn more about obesity prevention , visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Peak blood sugar level after a late dinner was about 18 percent higher, and the amount of fat burned about 10 percent lower, compared with eating earlier, a new study found. Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
If you have a late dinner and then head to bed, beware: You may gain weight while you sleep, a new study suggests. That's most likely because your metabolism slows, boosting blood sugar and other chemicals that contribute to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes, researchers say. Advertisement
"It's not just what you eat, but when you eat that may be a factor in promoting conditions like obesity," said study author Dr. Jonathan Jun, an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "You might eat this same number of calories in that 24-hour period, but your body will handle those calories differently depending on what time you eat them."
For the study, Jun's team asked 20 healthy volunteers to eat the same dinner at 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. Both groups went to bed at 11 p.m. and got up at 7 a.m.
Advertisement
Before the study, participants wore activity trackers. During the study, blood samples were taken hourly and sleep studies were conducted. The volunteers also had scans of body fats and ate foods containing compounds that allowed researchers to track fat burning.
The upshot: Late diners had higher blood sugar and burned less fat.
On average, their peak blood sugar level after a late dinner was about 18 percent higher, and the amount of fat burned about 10 percent lower, compared with eating earlier, the study found.
These effects might be even greater for people who are obese or have diabetes, Jun said.
What's not clear is whether it's the interval between eating time and bedtime that accounts for the difference, he said.
For example, if you have dinner at 10 p.m. but retire at 3 a.m., is that biologically the same as dinner at 6 p.m. and bed at 11 p.m.?
And, Jun said, the effects of eating and sleeping might differ for each person based on their personal metabolism or body clock.
"Instead of getting fixated on what time is late or what time it is on the clock to start or stop eating, we need to recognize that it is very dependent on the individual," he said.
Advertisement
Jun said he hopes to learn more in future studies.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, reviewed the findings. "It makes sense that eating close to bedtime alters glucose and fat metabolism, because you are sleeping and not physically active," she said, adding that sleep has its own processes that involve cellular and molecular mechanisms to help the body stay healthy.
Heller noted that people often get stuck in a routine of eating before dinner, eating dinner, and then snacking until bedtime -- which means they have been eating for several hours. "It is an easy way to pack on the pounds," she said. "We eat at night for many reasons, including stress, boredom, loneliness and anger."
To help manage nighttime munching, Heller suggests planning an afternoon snack like hummus and carrots, so you are not starving by dinnertime, and enjoying a balanced, more plant-based dinner. Then close the kitchen.
"Plan activities for those moments when you have an urge to grab a snack -- it is unlikely you are hungry, because you had dinner," Heller said. "Assess what triggers that foray into the kitchen and create a game plan for managing it."
Some strategies: Have a glass of water or herbal tea, or engage in another activity, such as reading, taking a walk, or listening to music or an audiobook.
Advertisement
"Closing the kitchen after dinner is an easy way to shave off some pounds and get a better night's sleep," Heller said.
The findings were published online June 11 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
More information
To learn more about obesity prevention, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-06-11--Terrestrial extinctions during Great Dying altered the chemistry of Earth's oceans

June 11 ( UPI ) -- Scientists still are n't sure what exactly caused 70 percent of land species to disappear some 252 million years ago , but new research suggests the extinctions -- part of what 's called the Great Dying -- had a measurable effect on the chemistry of Earth 's ancient oceans .
The loss of plants and animals on land during the the Permian-Triassic extinction was followed by major die offs in Earth 's oceans .
Some 90 percent of all marine species disappeared .
The Great Dying was also characterized by extreme soil erosion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ offs on the land and in the water , scientists developed models to analyze changes in the chemistry of Earth 's oceans during the Great Dying .
The models focused on the cycling of mercury , an element spewed by volcanoes and found in living organisms .
By plotting changes in mercury and carbon cycles during the Permian-Triassic extinction and comparing the simulation results with the chemistry of ancient rock samples , scientists were able to determine whether shifts in ocean chemistry were caused by volcanic and biological events .
The data , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , showed the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems led to the release of large amounts of organic matter , nutrients and other biological elements into Earth 's oceans .
More research is needed to uncover the precise mechanisms by which ocean chemical changes snuffed out marine species , but scientists suspect the influx of sediment , nutrients and other chemicals had a significant effect on marine life .
`` In this study we show that during the Permian-Triassic transition , roughly 252 million years ago , the widespread collapse of the terrestrial ecosystems caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study co-author Jacopo Dal Corso , who worked on the research while at Leeds University , said in a news release .
`` This likely played a central role in triggering the most severe known marine extinction in Earth 's history , '' said Dal Corso , now a professor at the China University of Geoscience .
`` This deep-time example shows how important the terrestrial reservoir is in regulating global biogeochemical cycles and calls for the greater conservation of these ecosystems . ''
The link between terrestrial and marine die offs some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the future of modern ecosystems .
`` This is an uncomfortable parallel with our own human-driven land use change , and we too are transferring large quantities of nutrients and other chemicals to the oceans , '' said study co-author Benjamin Mills , an assistant professor and a biogeochemical modeller at Leeds .
`` As we look to re-start the world 's economies in the wake of the current pandemic , protecting our life-sustaining ecosystems should be a priority . ''

The mass die off of terrestrial species some 252 million years ago led to an influx of sediment, nutrients and other biological elements into Earth's oceans. Photo by NASA
June 11 (UPI) -- Scientists still aren't sure what exactly caused 70 percent of land species to disappear some 252 million years ago, but new research suggests the extinctions -- part of what's called the Great Dying -- had a measurable effect on the chemistry of Earth's ancient oceans. The loss of plants and animals on land during the the Permian-Triassic extinction was followed by major die offs in Earth's oceans. Some 90 percent of all marine species disappeared. The Great Dying was also characterized by extreme soil erosion. Advertisement
To better understand the link between die offs on the land and in the water, scientists developed models to analyze changes in the chemistry of Earth's oceans during the Great Dying. The models focused on the cycling of mercury, an element spewed by volcanoes and found in living organisms.
By plotting changes in mercury and carbon cycles during the Permian-Triassic extinction and comparing the simulation results with the chemistry of ancient rock samples, scientists were able to determine whether shifts in ocean chemistry were caused by volcanic and biological events.
The data, detailed Thursday in the journal Nature Communications, showed the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems led to the release of large amounts of organic matter, nutrients and other biological elements into Earth's oceans.
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More research is needed to uncover the precise mechanisms by which ocean chemical changes snuffed out marine species, but scientists suspect the influx of sediment, nutrients and other chemicals had a significant effect on marine life.
"In this study we show that during the Permian-Triassic transition, roughly 252 million years ago, the widespread collapse of the terrestrial ecosystems caused sudden changes in marine chemistry," study co-author Jacopo Dal Corso, who worked on the research while at Leeds University, said in a news release.
"This likely played a central role in triggering the most severe known marine extinction in Earth's history," said Dal Corso, now a professor at the China University of Geoscience. "This deep-time example shows how important the terrestrial reservoir is in regulating global biogeochemical cycles and calls for the greater conservation of these ecosystems."
The link between terrestrial and marine die offs some 252 million years ago could have implications for the future of modern ecosystems.
"This is an uncomfortable parallel with our own human-driven land use change, and we too are transferring large quantities of nutrients and other chemicals to the oceans," said study co-author Benjamin Mills, an assistant professor and a biogeochemical modeller at Leeds. "As we look to re-start the world's economies in the wake of the current pandemic, protecting our life-sustaining ecosystems should be a priority."


upi--2020-06-11--Granddaughter alerts winner to record lottery jackpot

June 11 ( UPI ) -- A Canadian woman said she was unaware of her record-breaking $ 40.4 million lottery jackpot until her granddaughter told her the winning ticket had been sold locally .
Laura Tutcho of Yellowknife , Northwest Territories , told NWT & Nunavut Lotteries officials she had purchased a ticket for the May 1 Lotto Max drawing at the Reddi Mart convenience store in Yellowknife , but she forgot to check the numbers after the drawing until a conversation with her granddaughter .
`` My granddaughter told me that someone in Yellowknife won the jackpot , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Internet to check the numbers . ''
Tutcho said she was shocked to see she had matched all seven winning numbers : 3-12-25-36-37-42-49 .
`` I was in shock , '' Tutcho said .
`` I said , 'Oh , my god ! '
My grandkids came in right away , and my grandson asked , 'Are you all right , grandma ? '
'' The grandmother said she checked the numbers multiple times in disbelief .
`` I just kept looking at the ticket , and looking back at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'The numbers have n't changed , grandma ! '
'' she said .
Tutcho 's ticket was the only one to match all seven numbers , earning a $ 40.4 million jackpot -- the largest lottery jackpot in Northwest Territories history .
She said she plans to use her winnings to help her family .

A Canadian grandmother said her granddaughter alerted her to the fact that she was the winner of the largest lottery jackpot ever won in the Northwest Territories. Photo courtesy of NWT & Nunavut Lotteries
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe June 11 (UPI) -- A Canadian woman said she was unaware of her record-breaking $40.4 million lottery jackpot until her granddaughter told her the winning ticket had been sold locally. Laura Tutcho of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, told NWT & Nunavut Lotteries officials she had purchased a ticket for the May 1 Lotto Max drawing at the Reddi Mart convenience store in Yellowknife, but she forgot to check the numbers after the drawing until a conversation with her granddaughter. Advertisement
"My granddaughter told me that someone in Yellowknife won the jackpot," Tutcho recalled. "So I went on the Internet to check the numbers."
Tutcho said she was shocked to see she had matched all seven winning numbers: 3-12-25-36-37-42-49.
"I was in shock," Tutcho said. "I said, 'Oh, my god!' My grandkids came in right away, and my grandson asked, 'Are you all right, grandma?'"
The grandmother said she checked the numbers multiple times in disbelief.
"I just kept looking at the ticket, and looking back at the numbers. My granddaughter told me, 'The numbers haven't changed, grandma!'" she said.
Tutcho's ticket was the only one to match all seven numbers, earning a $40.4 million jackpot -- the largest lottery jackpot in Northwest Territories history. She said she plans to use her winnings to help her family.


upi--2020-06-11--Watch: Florida family finds alligator swimming in backyard pool

June 11 ( UPI ) -- A Florida family captured video of an alligator trespassing on their property and taking a dip in their backyard swimming pool .
Carlos Rivera said he had to convince his family he was n't pranking them when he alerted them to the gator swimming in the pool behind their Hillsborough County home .
`` I noticed there was a gator in there .
I told everybody , but everybody thought I was just joking , '' Rivera told WFTS-TV .
Rivera and his daughter , Veronica , called for backup from Veronica 's boyfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling wildlife authorities for help .
`` We saw him walking around for a while and we were wondering who we should call like my dad said and then we decided it 's probably best because it was a baby alligator so we thought we could handle it , '' Veronica Rivera said .
The group scooped the gator up in a garbage bin and released it in a nearby pond where alligators are known to reside .
`` My boyfriend is from Missouri so he does n't get much of this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He always thought the Florida stuff was a joke , but now he knows it 's for real , '' Veronica Rivera said .

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June 11 (UPI) -- A Florida family captured video of an alligator trespassing on their property and taking a dip in their backyard swimming pool.
Carlos Rivera said he had to convince his family he wasn't pranking them when he alerted them to the gator swimming in the pool behind their Hillsborough County home.
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"I noticed there was a gator in there. I told everybody, but everybody thought I was just joking," Rivera told WFTS-TV.
Rivera and his daughter, Veronica, called for backup from Veronica's boyfriend and decided to handle the trespasser without calling wildlife authorities for help.
"We saw him walking around for a while and we were wondering who we should call like my dad said and then we decided it's probably best because it was a baby alligator so we thought we could handle it," Veronica Rivera said.
The group scooped the gator up in a garbage bin and released it in a nearby pond where alligators are known to reside.
"My boyfriend is from Missouri so he doesn't get much of this, he has like bears and stuff. He always thought the Florida stuff was a joke, but now he knows it's for real," Veronica Rivera said.