theheartysoul--2020-05-22--Memphis Dad Builds Stage in His Driveway to Throw His Daughter a Graduation

Not all superheroes can lift airplanes or climb up buildings with their bare hands .
Some are just regular dads who would go to any lengths to make their little girls stop crying .
COVID-19 was about to ruin his daughter ’ s four-year-old dream of walking down the black carpet and stage at her graduation , but this Memphis dad ’ s love for his girl was enough to get ahead of a pandemic and bring her dream to life [ 1 ] .
Just like most other graduates of the Class of 2020 , Gabrielle Pierce was devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Louisiana under a state of emergency – which meant everything was done virtually and they didn ’ t get to walk across a stage or throw their hats up in the air .
No pictures , no congratulations , no solid commemoration of her 4-year solid work at the university .
She was deeply upset .
Her father , Torrence Burson decided he ’ d had enough .
According to Fox 13 Memphis , Gabrielle is the ultimate daddy ’ s girl , and she ’ ll often say that her father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put a smile on anyone ’ s face [ 2 ] .
If over-the-top ever needed a visual description , this driveway graduation is all that ’ s required .
Read : Dad , What I ’ d give if I could say , “ Hello Dad ” in the same old way .
Of course , when Torrence came up with the idea , everyone told him he was crazy – as usual , but crazy is a good look on a dad with a mission to cheer his little girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up-to-standard stage decorated in graduation black and called in some professor-like friends to play presenters .
With “ The Graduation March ” blaring from the speakers , his daughter got to walk down the black carpet , up the elaborate stage to receive her precious certificate .
Friends , family , and neighbors lined the street , cheering the girl as she glimmered like a star on her day of joy .
For Gabrielle , the disappointment turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise because the graduation she got struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far better than a regular graduation ceremony could have ever done .
She was in her home , right there in the front yard , and surrounded by the people she loved the most in the world .
Read : Dad Who Grew Up Without A Father Starts Basic Skills YouTube Channel She one day hopes to work with the CDC , but before that , she plans to join the Air National Guard before continuing her studies to become an epidemiologist .
Her father couldn ’ t be more proud of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Congratulations to Pierce and every 2020 graduate around the world , both pre-school , high school , and college .
Graduations are now being held virtually due to the grim circumstances the world has been thrown into , but none of it makes your success and hard work any less significant .
Cheers !
Keep Reading : Amazing Photos as Dad and Stepdad Bond over Mutual Love for Daughter

Not all superheroes can lift airplanes or climb up buildings with their bare hands. Some are just regular dads who would go to any lengths to make their little girls stop crying. COVID-19 was about to ruin his daughter’s four-year-old dream of walking down the black carpet and stage at her graduation, but this Memphis dad’s love for his girl was enough to get ahead of a pandemic and bring her dream to life, even if it was a simple driveway graduation [1].
Just like most other graduates of the Class of 2020, Gabrielle Pierce was devastated when she graduated from the Xavier University in Louisiana under a state of emergency – which meant everything was done virtually and they didn’t get to walk across a stage or throw their hats up in the air. No pictures, no congratulations, no solid commemoration of her 4-year solid work at the university. She was deeply upset.
Her father, Torrence Burson decided he’d had enough. According to Fox 13 Memphis, Gabrielle is the ultimate daddy’s girl, and she’ll often say that her father is known for pulling off over-the-top gestures to put a smile on anyone’s face [2].
If over-the-top ever needed a visual description, this driveway graduation is all that’s required.
Read: Dad, What I’d give if I could say, “Hello Dad” in the same old way.
A father’s simple driveway graduation
Of course, when Torrence came up with the idea, everyone told him he was crazy – as usual, but crazy is a good look on a dad with a mission to cheer his little girl up.
“Initially I was upset, I was crying. It took me like a week to stop crying. I really wanted to walk, I felt like I needed to walk,” Gabrielle said.
“After all those years, you’re going to walk across somebody’s stage if I have to build you one myself,” Torrence FOX13. “I went to bed and woke up in the middle of the night and said, ‘that’s it. I’m just going to be the graduation here.”
Torrence put together a full, up-to-standard stage decorated in graduation black and called in some professor-like friends to play presenters. With “The Graduation March” blaring from the speakers, his daughter got to walk down the black carpet, up the elaborate stage to receive her precious certificate. Friends, family, and neighbors lined the street, cheering the girl as she glimmered like a star on her day of joy.
Read: Elderly Man Dies Years After Young Girl’s Friendship Saved Him
A more intimate ceremony
For Gabrielle, the disappointment turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise because the graduation she got struck her heart at more intimate chords, far better than a regular graduation ceremony could have ever done. She was in her home, right there in the front yard, and surrounded by the people she loved the most in the world.
“I was just in awe. I was amazed. I couldn’t believe a lot of people showed up. People were driving by yelling congratulations. It was just amazing. Better than the actual graduation, because it was more personal.” said Gabrielle.
Read: Dad Who Grew Up Without A Father Starts Basic Skills YouTube Channel
She one day hopes to work with the CDC, but before that, she plans to join the Air National Guard before continuing her studies to become an epidemiologist.
Her father couldn’t be more proud of the ambitious young lady he’d raised.
“We love our daughter this much. Regardless of the dollar figure, what it took to pull this off, if I had to do this over again, I’d probably do it even bigger,” said Torrence.
Congratulations to Pierce and every 2020 graduate around the world, both pre-school, high school, and college. Graduations are now being held virtually due to the grim circumstances the world has been thrown into, but none of it makes your success and hard work any less significant. Cheers!
Keep Reading: Amazing Photos as Dad and Stepdad Bond over Mutual Love for Daughter


theheartysoul--2020-05-26--1.5 million cicadas expected to emerge after 17 years underground

As the warmer weather begins to settle in , we are all being met with the familiar signs of the season : the sound of lawnmowers , the smell of the neighbors ’ barbecue , the feeling of a warm breeze against our skin , are all synonymous with summer .
There is one sound , however , that when you hear it you know for certain that summer has arrived : the buzzing sound of cicada bugs .
Experts are now saying that this summer we are going to be hearing a lot more than usual from these noisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cicada bugs are going to be emerging after seventeen years underground in parts of southwestern Virginia , North Carolina , and West Virginia .
The insects will be surfacing for their once-in-seventeen-year mating season , which could create a substantial noise issue , according to Eric Day of Virginia Tech ’ s department of entomology .
While there are annual cicadas that emerge every year , these are periodical cicadas , which depending on the species only mate every thirteen to seventeen years .
Scientists are referring to this grouping as Brood IX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expecting this onslaught of cicadas will have also seen Brood II in 2013 , however , this year ’ s group will likely affect fewer states [ 1 ] .
What are Cicadas , Exactly ?
The word “ cicada ” comes from the Latin term meaning “ tree cricket ” .
Although they are often referred to as a locust , they are not , in fact , part of the locust family .
There are approximately three thousand species of cicada bugs in the world [ 2 ] .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characteristic buzzing sound , which comes from vibrating membranes on their abdomens .
Each species has its own specific sound .
The insects use different sounds to attract mates or express alarm [ 3 ] .
After hatching , young cicada nymphs dig themselves into the ground and feed off of the liquid from plant roots before surfacing as adults .
Depending on the species , this process could take a number of years [ 3 ] .
These unique insects , which are part of the Cicadoidea family , have fascinated people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revered them as a symbol of rebirth [ 3 ] .
Once cicadas emerge from below the ground , they typically live for four to six weeks .
This short time is spent avoiding predators and mating to breed the next generation of offspring [ 2 ] .
Cicadas are also the loudest insects known to man , and a swarm of them can produce sounds of up to 120 decibels , which is comparable to the sound of a chainsaw .
For reference , humans begin to feel pain at sounds that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range .
Interestingly enough , cicadas will gravitate to other noisy objects , like lawnmowers , because the females mistake the sound for a male .
Where the females go , the males will follow , and thus you have a swarm of the insects on your lawn after mowing the grass [ 2 ] .
Why do they Have Such Long Life Cycles ?
Researchers aren ’ t certain as to why these insects have such as long life cycle , but paleontologist Stephen J. Gould has suggested that their thirteen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival strategy .
Because they emerge in such staggering numbers , there are enough cicadas to satisfy predators while also leaving enough to mate and continue the species .
Another theory is that earlier in history , the earth was cooler , so cicadas that lived underground would be more likely to survive an unexpectedly cool spring [ 2 ] .
While they may be noisy , cicada pose no threat to humans .
They do not bite or sting , but they could damage young trees [ 4 ] .
Keep Reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rid of Bugs

As the warmer weather begins to settle in, we are all being met with the familiar signs of the season: the sound of lawnmowers, the smell of the neighbors’ barbecue, the feeling of a warm breeze against our skin, are all synonymous with summer.
There is one sound, however, that when you hear it you know for certain that summer has arrived: the buzzing sound of cicada bugs.
The Great Return
Experts are now saying that this summer we are going to be hearing a lot more than usual from these noisy bugs. As many as 1.5 million cicada bugs are going to be emerging after seventeen years underground in parts of southwestern Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia.
The insects will be surfacing for their once-in-seventeen-year mating season, which could create a substantial noise issue, according to Eric Day of Virginia Tech’s department of entomology.
“Hopefully, any annoyance at the disturbance is tempered by just how infrequent — and amazing — this event is.” [1]
While there are annual cicadas that emerge every year, these are periodical cicadas, which depending on the species only mate every thirteen to seventeen years. Scientists are referring to this grouping as Brood IX. Some parts of the region that is expecting this onslaught of cicadas will have also seen Brood II in 2013, however, this year’s group will likely affect fewer states [1].
Read: Ukrainian Photographer Captures a Magical World of Snails in Incredible Macro Shoot
What are Cicadas, Exactly?
The word “cicada” comes from the Latin term meaning “tree cricket”. Although they are often referred to as a locust, they are not, in fact, part of the locust family. There are approximately three thousand species of cicada bugs in the world [2].
It is only the males who produce their characteristic buzzing sound, which comes from vibrating membranes on their abdomens. Each species has its own specific sound. The insects use different sounds to attract mates or express alarm [3].
After hatching, young cicada nymphs dig themselves into the ground and feed off of the liquid from plant roots before surfacing as adults. Depending on the species, this process could take a number of years [3].
These unique insects, which are part of the Cicadoidea family, have fascinated people for centuries, and many ancient cultures revered them as a symbol of rebirth [3].
Once cicadas emerge from below the ground, they typically live for four to six weeks. This short time is spent avoiding predators and mating to breed the next generation of offspring [2].
Cicadas are also the loudest insects known to man, and a swarm of them can produce sounds of up to 120 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a chainsaw. For reference, humans begin to feel pain at sounds that are in the 110 to the 120-decibel range. Interestingly enough, cicadas will gravitate to other noisy objects, like lawnmowers, because the females mistake the sound for a male. Where the females go, the males will follow, and thus you have a swarm of the insects on your lawn after mowing the grass [2].
Why do they Have Such Long Life Cycles?
Researchers aren’t certain as to why these insects have such as long life cycle, but paleontologist Stephen J. Gould has suggested that their thirteen and seventeen-year life cycles may be an evolutionary survival strategy.
Because they emerge in such staggering numbers, there are enough cicadas to satisfy predators while also leaving enough to mate and continue the species. Another theory is that earlier in history, the earth was cooler, so cicadas that lived underground would be more likely to survive an unexpectedly cool spring [2].
While they may be noisy, cicada pose no threat to humans. They do not bite or sting, but they could damage young trees [4].


theheartysoul--2020-05-26--Project combines hemp and solar to go totally off grid

As housing becomes more expensive around the world and the health of the planet becomes increasingly at risk , more scientists , architects , and engineers are looking at ways to redefine housing .
Renewable energy sources and ways to live “ off the grid ” are at the top of many people ’ s minds .
In some places in the world , the ability to live without being connected to a power grid is not just important , it ’ s necessary .
In Morocco , a team of independent architects have built an eco-building that beautifully combines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a truly independent , off-the-grid building .
A team of independent architects and experts have come together from Morocco and Germany .
These organizations included The Moroccan Adrar Nouh Cooperative , Marocco ’ s National School of Architecture and The National School of Applied Sciences , and The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics in Germany .
Together they have designed an eco-home that runs entirely on solar power .
( 1 ) The twist ?
The building is made entirely of hemp .
( 1 ) “ The challenge was to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoiding technical fibres or synthetic components .
The eco-building is ahead of its time and reflects a turning point not only in North Africa , but also in hemp construction , which does not have comparable prototypes in the world , ” Monika Brümmer , the German architect and co-founder of Adrar Nouh who led the project , explained .
“ Although the building was designed to stimulate rural development , the technology also has applications in urban areas , ” ( 1 ) Read : California Man Living Off-Grid Since 1968 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Adrar Nouh is a cooperative that promotes the use of indigenous hemp stalks for rural development and sustainable employment in the Moroccan Haut-Rif .
( 1 ) The building has been named Sunimplant .
The concept for it belongs to a group of Moroccan students who presented the idea at the World Solar Decathlon Africa 2019 .
This is a biennial international competition organized by Morocco ’ s Solar Energy and New Energies Research Centre , the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University , Morocco ’ s Ministry of Energy , Mines , Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Department of Energy .
( 1 ) The competition challenges students to design buildings that ( 1 ) : • Prioritize the health of the building ’ s occupants Read : This Company is 3D Printing Homes from Hemp This off-grid solar building is as unique as it is remarkable .
The design is truly creative and really highlights what it means to be sustainable .
• The outside walls use biocomposites that incorporate hemp fibers produced using vacuum injection technology .
• It is spherical and aerodynamic • Has 24 semi-flexible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all sides of the structure to maximize sun exposure • Curved biocomposite panels made of hemp wood are also installed to protect the PV panels against the extreme weather conditions of the region .
• The infrastructure is equipped with high-performance glazing .
The total cost of the building was about $ 120,000 , which is approximately half of the price it costs to build a standard building .
( 1 ) Sunimplant is redefining development and innovative employment in Africa .
Their goal is to change the way people think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more sustainable future for Africa and for the rest of the world .
( 2 ) To read more about their project , visit sunimplant.com .
Keep Reading : Levi ’ s Found a Way to Make Hemp Feel like Cotton

As housing becomes more expensive around the world and the health of the planet becomes increasingly at risk, more scientists, architects, and engineers are looking at ways to redefine housing. Renewable energy sources and ways to live “off the grid” are at the top of many people’s minds. In some places in the world, the ability to live without being connected to a power grid is not just important, it’s necessary.
In Morocco, a team of independent architects have built an eco-building that beautifully combines sustainable materials with renewable solar energy to make a truly independent, off-the-grid building.
Sunimplant: Morocco’s Off-Grid Solar Building
A team of independent architects and experts have come together from Morocco and Germany. These organizations included The Moroccan Adrar Nouh Cooperative, Marocco’s National School of Architecture and The National School of Applied Sciences, and The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics in Germany. Together they have designed an eco-home that runs entirely on solar power. (1)
The twist? The building is made entirely of hemp. (1)
“The challenge was to create a hemp composite using organic bio-resins and avoiding technical fibres or synthetic components. The eco-building is ahead of its time and reflects a turning point not only in North Africa, but also in hemp construction, which does not have comparable prototypes in the world,” Monika Brümmer, the German architect and co-founder of Adrar Nouh who led the project, explained. “Although the building was designed to stimulate rural development, the technology also has applications in urban areas,” (1)
Read: California Man Living Off-Grid Since 1968 (Property Now Valued At $4-6 Million)
Adrar Nouh is a cooperative that promotes the use of indigenous hemp stalks for rural development and sustainable employment in the Moroccan Haut-Rif. (1)
The building has been named Sunimplant. The concept for it belongs to a group of Moroccan students who presented the idea at the World Solar Decathlon Africa 2019. This is a biennial international competition organized by Morocco’s Solar Energy and New Energies Research Centre, the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco’s Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water, and the Environment and the United States Department of Energy. (1)
The competition challenges students to design buildings that (1):
Are powered by renewable energy
Are affordable and resilient
Prioritize the health of the building’s occupants
Specifics of Sunimplant
This off-grid solar building is as unique as it is remarkable. The design is truly creative and really highlights what it means to be sustainable.
Characteristics of the building include (1):
90 square meters
Double-skinned facade
Large adobe walls made of local hemp, earth, pozzolana, and lime
The outside walls use biocomposites that incorporate hemp fibers produced using vacuum injection technology.
It is spherical and aerodynamic
Has 24 semi-flexible photovoltaic panels These panels are located on all sides of the structure to maximize sun exposure
Curved biocomposite panels made of hemp wood are also installed to protect the PV panels against the extreme weather conditions of the region.
The infrastructure is equipped with high-performance glazing.
The total cost of the building was about $120,000, which is approximately half of the price it costs to build a standard building. (1)
Building for the future
Sunimplant is redefining development and innovative employment in Africa. Their goal is to change the way people think about building and development and build a better, more sustainable future for Africa and for the rest of the world. (2)
To read more about their project, visit sunimplant.com.
Keep Reading: Levi’s Found a Way to Make Hemp Feel like Cotton


theheartysoul--2020-05-25--Dyson’s Failed Electric Car Cost Him Over $600 million

In case you didn ’ t know , Dyson , the famed vacuum company , had an electric car in development until it was canceled last October .
For a while , the automobile was a mystery , since only a few engineers had seen the working prototype .
Then the company decided to reveal its electric car in an exclusive interview with the founder Sir James Dyson , 73 , when he made the Sunday Times Rich List .
With an estimated £16.2 billion ( $ 19.7B USD ) fortune , Dyson has topped the chart for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the electric car , codenamed “ N526 , ” was a seven-seater with a 600-mile range per charge , which was largely due to the company ’ s solid-state batteries .
These batteries could supposedly sustain this range “ even on a freezing February night , on the naughty side of 70MPH on the motorway , with the heater on and the radio at full blast.
” If this number was based on Europe ’ s WLTP standards , this car would have been ahead of the Tesla Model S ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the long-range , seven-seater Model X ’ s 314 miles .
Although Dyson ’ s aluminum car weighed 2.6-ton , it could go from zero to 62MPH in 4.8 seconds , half a second more than the Model X .
Its top speed could reach 125MPH .
This power comes from the two 200kW electric motors with 536BHP and 480lb/ft of torque .
This car seemed to resemble a modern Range Rover , even more than patent diagrams would indicate .
The SUV is said to be “ five meters long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” with a windscreen that “ rakes back more steeply than on a Ferrari , ” and has wheels that “ are bigger than on any production car on the market.
” The interior of the electric SUV is reminiscent of futuristic car concepts .
The slim seats have portioned cushions and a lollipop-shaped headrest that ’ s designed to support the lumbar spine of the driver , and the three rows of passengers .
“ I hate those armchair-style seats that you sink into , because there ’ s never enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” says Dyson .
True to Dyson ’ s usual design quirks , the storage bins look similar to filing cabinets and the vital dashboard information like speed and navigation is presented in a head-up display that floats in front of the driver ’ s face like a hologram “ so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
” [ 2 ] Read : Road Trials of Electrified Vehicles Equipped with High-Efficiency Solar Batteries to Begin Many of these features are very ambitious for an electric car , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focuses on household electric goods and haircare products .
Dyson reported to the Times that the project cost £500 million ( $ 611 million USD ) out of his own pocket before he shut it down .
Dyson doesn ’ t have already-made profitable cars that run on gasoline and diesel to offset these losses , unlike actual car brands ( with the exception of Tesla ) .
Every Dyson electric car sold would need to earn £150,000 to break even .
Tesla did report high profits in the beginning of this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses .
At least Tesla electric cars are being sold and driven .
He explains that Audi , BMW Jaguar Land Rover , and Mercedes “ are making huge losses on every electric car they sell .
They ’ re doing it because it lowers their average CO and NO emissions overall , helping them to comply with EU legislation .
I don ’ t have a fleet .
I ’ ve got to make a profit on each car or I ’ d jeopardize the whole company .
In the end it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s car was first announced , critics wrote it off as a vanity project doomed to fail , pointing at Tesla ’ s failed profit .
Dyson counters this .
“ It was not a vanity project at all , ” he retorts .
“ When we started in 2014 , we had good technology and a very efficient car with a long-range .
It was viable .
But when , later , other companies started producing electric cars at a loss , it became too risky for us.
” [ 3 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can Store The Sun ’ s Energy For Up to 18 Years Although the dream of Dyson ’ s car has ended , it may have still left its mark .
Dyson stated that the team of 500 is working on multiple other projects , including research into robotics , batteries , lighting , and air treatment .
He added that he is open to allowing carmakers to turn to his solid-state batteries , which are said to be more compact and efficient than the commonly used lithium-ion cells .
When asked if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dyson said they would only if becomes commercially viable .
“ The garage door never closes , ” he says .
Keep Reading : Decentralized Microgridding Can Provide 90 % of a Neighborhood ’ s Energy Needs , Study Finds

In case you didn’t know, Dyson, the famed vacuum company, had an electric car in development until it was canceled last October. For a while, the automobile was a mystery, since only a few engineers had seen the working prototype. Then the company decided to reveal its electric car in an exclusive interview with the founder Sir James Dyson, 73, when he made the Sunday Times Rich List. With an estimated £16.2 billion ($19.7B USD) fortune, Dyson has topped the chart for the first time. [1]
“There’s huge sadness and disappointment. Ours is a life of risk and of failure,” Dyson says, confessing how devastated he was that the car won’t make it to the road. “We try things and they fail. Life isn’t easy.”
A Look Inside Dyson’s Prototype Electric Car
Dyson revealed that the electric car, codenamed “N526,” was a seven-seater with a 600-mile range per charge, which was largely due to the company’s solid-state batteries. These batteries could supposedly sustain this range “even on a freezing February night, on the naughty side of 70MPH on the motorway, with the heater on and the radio at full blast.” If this number was based on Europe’s WLTP standards, this car would have been ahead of the Tesla Model S’s 379 miles, and even more so from the long-range, seven-seater Model X’s 314 miles.
Although Dyson’s aluminum car weighed 2.6-ton, it could go from zero to 62MPH in 4.8 seconds, half a second more than the Model X. Its top speed could reach 125MPH. This power comes from the two 200kW electric motors with 536BHP and 480lb/ft of torque.
This car seemed to resemble a modern Range Rover, even more than patent diagrams would indicate. The SUV is said to be “five meters long, two meters wide and 1.7 meters tall,” with a windscreen that “rakes back more steeply than on a Ferrari,” and has wheels that “are bigger than on any production car on the market.”
The interior of the electric SUV is reminiscent of futuristic car concepts. The slim seats have portioned cushions and a lollipop-shaped headrest that’s designed to support the lumbar spine of the driver, and the three rows of passengers. “I hate those armchair-style seats that you sink into, because there’s never enough lumbar support and you get back pain,” says Dyson.
True to Dyson’s usual design quirks, the storage bins look similar to filing cabinets and the vital dashboard information like speed and navigation is presented in a head-up display that floats in front of the driver’s face like a hologram “so you never have to take your eyes off the road.” [2]
The Costly Failure of Dyson’s Electric Car
Many of these features are very ambitious for an electric car, and even more so for a company that focuses on household electric goods and haircare products. Dyson reported to the Times that the project cost £500 million ($611 million USD) out of his own pocket before he shut it down.
“Electric cars are very expensive to make. The battery, battery management, electronics, and cooling are much more expensive than an internal combustion engine,” he explains.
Dyson doesn’t have already-made profitable cars that run on gasoline and diesel to offset these losses, unlike actual car brands (with the exception of Tesla). Every Dyson electric car sold would need to earn £150,000 to break even. Tesla did report high profits in the beginning of this year, but now it has been reporting losses. At least Tesla electric cars are being sold and driven.
He explains that Audi, BMW Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes “are making huge losses on every electric car they sell. They’re doing it because it lowers their average CO and NO emissions overall, helping them to comply with EU legislation. I don’t have a fleet. I’ve got to make a profit on each car or I’d jeopardize the whole company. In the end it was too risky.”
When Dyson’s car was first announced, critics wrote it off as a vanity project doomed to fail, pointing at Tesla’s failed profit. Dyson counters this. “It was not a vanity project at all,” he retorts. “When we started in 2014, we had good technology and a very efficient car with a long-range. It was viable. But when, later, other companies started producing electric cars at a loss, it became too risky for us.” [3]
Read: Scientists Create Liquid Fuel That Can Store The Sun’s Energy For Up to 18 Years
Keeping the Garage Door Open
Although the dream of Dyson’s car has ended, it may have still left its mark. Dyson stated that the team of 500 is working on multiple other projects, including research into robotics, batteries, lighting, and air treatment. He added that he is open to allowing carmakers to turn to his solid-state batteries, which are said to be more compact and efficient than the commonly used lithium-ion cells. When asked if his company would attempt making cars again, Dyson said they would only if becomes commercially viable.
“The garage door never closes,” he says.


theheartysoul--2020-05-22--Animal Shelter Creates ‘Real-Life’ Living Room for Dogs to Show off Their Personalities

Animal shelters do some of the most amazing work in any country .
Hundreds of thousands of animals without homes are taken in , cared for , protected , and fed until they can find permanent homes of their own .
However , these shelters are not always the most comfortable places and animals have to share cramped spaces and limited feeding and care resources .
They are often antsy , unhappy , unmoving , or just buzzing aggressively for attention .
No one expects a poor shelter animal to display a well-adjusted behavior on a given day .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a companion , how are the animals expected to show their true personalities ?
They ’ ll usually maintain their sad , depressed , and unhappy looks while any pooch lucky to be in good mood that day would often get adopted .
This isn ’ t fair .
Their personalities are much deeper than what is seen behind those bars .
So , in 2016 , an animal shelter in Ohio — the Toledo Area Humane Society – cleverly invented the “ Real Life Room , ” a room well-decorated to mimic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show off their true personalities before a pet owner makes a decision about them [ 1 ] .
The spacious room is stuffed with a recliner , a few dog toys , a television with a stand , a couple of throw pillows , a lamp , and a center rug , all pulling off the relaxing appearance of a standard living room .
The results have been immediate At the Toledo Area Humane Society shelter , over 5,000 dogs , cats , and some pocket pets are brought in to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t just hand out animals to anyone who walks through the door .
Due to a heartbreaking number of animal cruelty reports received yearly , they try as much as possible to match each potential owner with the right animal to ensure the latter ’ s safety and long-term happiness .
The “ Real-life Room ” has proven to be a strong effective measure in making the best matches as adoption rates immediately surged in the shelter .
“ It is obvious the change in the dogs ’ personalities when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kennels , ” explains LaValley .
“ Some dogs simply don ’ t do well in the kennels , whether it be because they don ’ t get along well with other dogs ; they are easily stressed out from the noise and people ; or they become depressed because they are used to being in a home .
Upon entering the natural and calm environment of the Real Life Room , we can instantly see these dogs relax and become a whole different animal.
” The shelter also allows the animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Real Life Room to get a break from the stressful kennel life – the constant barking , brawls with other animals , and the small spaces which are hardest on the dogs with claustrophobia .
Read : Dogs are Born with Ears and Tails .
They Should Get to Keep Them .
Earlier this month , after observing the lockdown in Georgia , the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement is back open and has unveiled its own version of the “ Real Life Room ” [ 3 ] .
The room was created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them an inkling of what a good life outside the shelter looks like .
Set up with almost the same essentials as the Toledo shelter , the Gwinnett Real Life Room also includes a dog bed and a fully stocked bookshelf and framed dog pictures .
“ While we do love having them here we don ’ t want them to think this is the final outcome for them , ” said the shelter ’ s behavior coordinator , Katie Corbett .
“ So just being able to take them into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couch away from the kennel noise and stress has just been really beneficial for them.
” Keep Reading : High-School Cross-Country Team Brings Lonely Shelter Dogs Along On Their Morning Run

Animal shelters do some of the most amazing work in any country. Hundreds of thousands of animals without homes are taken in, cared for, protected, and fed until they can find permanent homes of their own. However, these shelters are not always the most comfortable places and animals have to share cramped spaces and limited feeding and care resources. They are often antsy, unhappy, unmoving, or just buzzing aggressively for attention. No one expects a poor shelter animal to display a well-adjusted behavior on a given day. But one shelter has come up with a fun idea: an animal shelter living room.
When a potential pet-owner comes in to find a companion, how are the animals expected to show their true personalities? They’ll usually maintain their sad, depressed, and unhappy looks while any pooch lucky to be in good mood that day would often get adopted. This isn’t fair. Their personalities are much deeper than what is seen behind those bars.
So, in 2016, an animal shelter in Ohio — the Toledo Area Humane Society – cleverly invented the “Real Life Room,” a room well-decorated to mimic a living room where animals could get to show off their true personalities before a pet owner makes a decision about them [1]. The spacious room is stuffed with a recliner, a few dog toys, a television with a stand, a couple of throw pillows, a lamp, and a center rug, all pulling off the relaxing appearance of a standard living room.
“The way it is furnished, even the lighting, plays right into creating a natural home environment where these dogs can forget all their “worries” of kennel life and be at peace for even just an hour while they are waiting for their new families to come find them,” says Jessica LaValley, Annual Fund Manager at the shelter [2].
Read: Bus Terminal Opens Their Doors to Shelter Stray Dogs
The results of the animal shelter living room have been immediate
At the Toledo Area Humane Society shelter, over 5,000 dogs, cats, and some pocket pets are brought in to be looked after every year. The organization doesn’t just hand out animals to anyone who walks through the door. Due to a heartbreaking number of animal cruelty reports received yearly, they try as much as possible to match each potential owner with the right animal to ensure the latter’s safety and long-term happiness. The “Real-life Room” has proven to be a strong effective measure in making the best matches as adoption rates immediately surged in the shelter.
“It is obvious the change in the dogs’ personalities when they are in the Real Life Room versus the kennels,” explains LaValley. “Some dogs simply don’t do well in the kennels, whether it be because they don’t get along well with other dogs; they are easily stressed out from the noise and people; or they become depressed because they are used to being in a home. Upon entering the natural and calm environment of the Real Life Room, we can instantly see these dogs relax and become a whole different animal.”
The shelter also allows the animals to spend some free time in the Real Life Room to get a break from the stressful kennel life – the constant barking, brawls with other animals, and the small spaces which are hardest on the dogs with claustrophobia.
“It is usually anxiety or stress from the kennel life that brings them to the room in the first place,” explains LaValley. “So, as much relief from that as possible is what this room is all about. Creating a safe space for them to relax and decompress while they wait for their forever homes.”
Read: Dogs are Born with Ears and Tails. They Should Get to Keep Them.
Earlier this month, after observing the lockdown in Georgia, the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement is back open and has unveiled its own version of the “Real Life Room” [3]. The room was created to help animals dealing with stress and give them an inkling of what a good life outside the shelter looks like. Set up with almost the same essentials as the Toledo shelter, the Gwinnett Real Life Room also includes a dog bed and a fully stocked bookshelf and framed dog pictures.
“While we do love having them here we don’t want them to think this is the final outcome for them,” said the shelter’s behavior coordinator, Katie Corbett. “So just being able to take them into a quiet space and let them rest on the couch away from the kennel noise and stress has just been really beneficial for them.”
Keep Reading: High-School Cross-Country Team Brings Lonely Shelter Dogs Along On Their Morning Run


theheartysoul--2020-05-26--Crayola Just Released Crayons With 24 Skin Tone Shades So Every Child Can Color Themselves Accuratel

Crayola Just Released Crayons With 24 Skin Tone Shades So Every Child Can Color Themselves Accurately

Remember how exciting it was when you got that brand-new variety pack of Crayola crayons or pencil crayons , with their perfectly unused points all lined up in a dazzling rainbow of colors ?
You could instantly see the dozens of beautiful creations you were going to make , dancing through your head .
There was one problem with this rainbow of colors , however , that you may not have even noticed as a child : there was only one “ skin colored crayon ” .
Each pack of Crayola crayons contained one light beige crayon that was named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucasian child , this would ’ ve made sense- after all , their own skin color matched the crayon .
But for a child of a different ethnicity or background , it didn ’ t .
A black child , an Asian child , an Indian child , all have varying shades of skin , none of which are available to them in that Crayola Variety pack .
To solve this issue , the crayon company is rolling out a new variety pack that will represent the skin colors of children all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the World ” multipack of crayons features 24 colors that are separated into three main shades : almond , golden , and rose .
All of the darker and lighter colors fall in between these three shades [ 1 ] .
It ’ s available in a 32 pack as well , which offers eight more colors for eyes and hair , four for each .
The crayons were created through a partnership with Victor Casale , who is the former chief chemist and managing director of research and development for MAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer of Cover FX , and the CEO of MOB Beauty [ 2 ] .
The side panels of the box feature a color reference guide and the name of each crayon is written in English , Spanish , and French .
Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele is hoping that these new crayons will foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance in an increasingly diverse world .
With colors such as “ light golden ” , “ deep almond ” , and “ medium deep rose ” , all children will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are .
Read : How I Get By : A Week in the Life of a McDonald ’ s Cashier While this may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things , this step taken by Crayola is monumental in creating a more inclusive future for our children .
Representation in media and other areas is crucial in helping children achieve their potential as adults .
The early experiences a child has shapes what they imagine to be possible for their future .
Put simply , kids determine what they can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children never see someone who looks like them as superheroes , CEOs , doctors or occupying any other celebrated role , they subconsciously begin to think that those roles aren ’ t available to them .
Likewise , if the only “ skin color ” crayon they can find in the box is light beige , that is a subtle message to them that there is something abnormal about them .
Like they have the incorrect color .
Recently , we have begun seeing successful films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural minorities .
The overwhelming response to these movies from minority groups was how refreshing it was to see a version of themselves on screen , and this has pointed out the importance of representation in the media .
PBS interviewed high school students to get their opinions on representation .
They found that while most of them see the recent inclusion of cultural minorities , in roles previously reserved for Caucasian males , as a good thing , there is still work to be done .
Kimore Willis , a junior at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when you never see people that look like you occupying leading roles on the big screen , you start to ask yourself why that is , and it can be damaging to your self-esteem .
There is still some disagreement as to whether or not the media and film industry is doing enough to represent people of all races , religions , and gender identities , most of the students agreed that seeing themselves represented was empowering .
Crayola ’ s new color palette is one more step toward a more inclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can now represent themselves accurately in their own creations , who knows where that confidence will lead them in the future .
Keep Reading : The Year Women Became Eligible to Vote in Each Country

Remember how exciting it was when you got that brand-new variety pack of Crayola crayons or pencil crayons, with their perfectly unused points all lined up in a dazzling rainbow of colors? You could instantly see the dozens of beautiful creations you were going to make, dancing through your head. There was one problem with this rainbow of colors, however, that you may not have even noticed as a child: there was only one “skin colored crayon”. But now, there are multiple skin tone crayons!
Each pack of Crayola crayons contained one light beige crayon that was named “skin color”. To a caucasian child, this would’ve made sense- after all, their own skin color matched the crayon. But for a child of a different ethnicity or background, it didn’t. A black child, an Asian child, an Indian child, all have varying shades of skin, none of which are available to them in that Crayola Variety pack.
To solve this issue, the crayon company is rolling out a new variety pack that will represent the skin colors of children all over the world.
Skin tone crayons for the world
The new “Colors of the World” multipack of crayons features 24 colors that are separated into three main shades: almond, golden, and rose. All of the darker and lighter colors fall in between these three shades [1]. It’s available in a 32 pack as well, which offers eight more colors for eyes and hair, four for each.
The crayons were created through a partnership with Victor Casale, who is the former chief chemist and managing director of research and development for MAC Cosmetics, the co-founder and chief administration officer of Cover FX, and the CEO of MOB Beauty [2].
“Together, Casale and Crayola systematically created crayon colors that step down from light to deep shades across rose, almond and golden undertones, resulting in a 24 global shade palette that authentically reflects the full spectrum of human complexions.” [2]
The side panels of the box feature a color reference guide and the name of each crayon is written in English, Spanish, and French. Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele is hoping that these new crayons will foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance in an increasingly diverse world.
“We want the new Colors of the World crayons to advance inclusion within creativity and impact how kids express themselves,” he said [3].
With colors such as “light golden”, “deep almond”, and “medium deep rose”, all children will be able to find a color that represents who they are.
The Importance of Representation
While this may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, this step taken by Crayola is monumental in creating a more inclusive future for our children.
Representation in media and other areas is crucial in helping children achieve their potential as adults. The early experiences a child has shapes what they imagine to be possible for their future. Put simply, kids determine what they can be based on examples around them.
“Our children’s early experiences — including the hours spent consuming media — shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from,” says Laura Thomas, Director, Antioch University New England Center for School Renewal and the Antioch Critical Skills Program; Elementary Library Media Specialist [4].
If children never see someone who looks like them as superheroes, CEOs, doctors or occupying any other celebrated role, they subconsciously begin to think that those roles aren’t available to them. Likewise, if the only “skin color” crayon they can find in the box is light beige, that is a subtle message to them that there is something abnormal about them. Like they have the incorrect color.
Recently, we have begun seeing successful films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, in which the main characters are cultural minorities. The overwhelming response to these movies from minority groups was how refreshing it was to see a version of themselves on screen, and this has pointed out the importance of representation in the media.
PBS interviewed high school students to get their opinions on representation. They found that while most of them see the recent inclusion of cultural minorities, in roles previously reserved for Caucasian males, as a good thing, there is still work to be done.
Kimore Willis, a junior at Etiwanda High School in California, explained that when you never see people that look like you occupying leading roles on the big screen, you start to ask yourself why that is, and it can be damaging to your self-esteem.
“We need to see people that look like ourselves and can say, ‘Oh, that looks like me!’ or ‘I identify with that,’” said Sonali Chhotalal, a junior at Cape May Technical High School in New Jersey [5].
There is still some disagreement as to whether or not the media and film industry is doing enough to represent people of all races, religions, and gender identities, most of the students agreed that seeing themselves represented was empowering.
“If you see people who look like you and act like you and speak like you and come from the same place you come from … it serves as an inspiration,” said South Mountain High School student Dazhane Brown [5].
One Small Step Forward
Crayola’s new color palette is one more step toward a more inclusive world, and if a young child can now represent themselves accurately in their own creations, who knows where that confidence will lead them in the future.
Keep Reading: The Year Women Became Eligible to Vote in Each Country


theheartysoul--2020-05-26--How To Build The Coolest Looking ‘Pallet Swimming Pool’ Ever, Using Only 40 Pallets!

Easypalletideas.com may have your next quarantine project sorted : the pallet swimming pool .
Whether it be a river , a pond , a lake , an ocean , or a pool , there is no better feeling than diving into cool , refreshing water on a hot summer day .
Not all of us are lucky enough to live ocean or lake-side , however , nor do all of us have access to a public pool .
What ’ s more , not everyone feels comfortable at a public swimming pool .
They can often be crowded , teeming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ splashing- a far cry from the relaxing pool experience you may be envisioning .
Others may have concerns about the hygiene of community swimming pools , wondering what other fluids they ’ ll be swimming around in other than water- like other people ’ s spit sweat , or worse .
At any rate , having your own private swimming pool is a much quieter and cleaner option , and since it ’ s in your own back yard you can use it anytime you like .
And while having your own swimming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it doesn ’ t have to be .
With a little bit of know-how , some basic tools and a short list of materials , you can have your own pool ready just in time for the summer season .
Related : Minimalist Pallets Over Expensive Frames : 14 Creative Ideas To Design Your Pallet Platform The main materials that are required for this project are forty wooden pallets , a water pump , and a large tarp .
A full list of materials is as follows : First , you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the pallets , and then cover the interior with plywood sheets .
Then , you have to surround it with support beams on the exterior , in order to ensure that the walls can withstand the pressure from the water once the pool is filled .
Metal plates and heavy-duty steel screws help to stabilize the corners , which tend to handle the bulk of the water pressure .
Since the pool is above-ground , you will also want to install stairs using more pallets to reach the diving point of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool is ready , to only fill it halfway , in case there are any leaks or problematic areas .
If there are no leaks , you ’ re ready to fill your pool all the way up and cool off after all of your hard work .
While this does require a fair amount of work to set up , the biggest benefit to this type of pool is the cost-savings , since it can be made for very little expense .
The biggest stumbling block for many , is where to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easypalleteideas.com also provides helpful information for where to find these palettes for free .
It may take a bit of time to collect them , but once you ’ ve got them all there ’ s not much else required .
Pet supply stores , food stores , hardware , and furniture equipment stores all use palettes to receive and transport goods .
Once they ’ ve used these palettes , however , they often have no other use for them and they end up getting thrown away .
A quick phone call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up is sometimes all you need to get your hands on several of these handy materials .
Other places to check are local businesses , housebuilders , and construction supervisors , who often have many of these lying around with no use for them- even your neighbors may have one or two if they ’ ve recently had anything delivered to their house [ 2 ] .
If collecting dozens of wooden palettes sounds like too much of a hassle for you , there are other unique do-it-yourself pool ideas out there that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer long .
Shipping containers , which are becoming increasingly popular in the world of sustainable housing , can be repurposed into a very stylish pool for your backyard .
Alternatively , you could look into getting a stock tank pool as a more affordable replacement to an in-ground or above-ground pool .
So if open water gives you chills , and public pools make your skin crawl , perhaps you can get a little crafty this summer and come up with your own solution to keep yourself cool this summer .
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Backyard Bowling Alley

How To Build The Coolest Looking ‘Pallet Swimming Pool’ Ever, Using Only 40 Pallets!
Easypalletideas.com may have your next quarantine project sorted: the pallet swimming pool.
Whether it be a river, a pond, a lake, an ocean, or a pool, there is no better feeling than diving into cool, refreshing water on a hot summer day. Not all of us are lucky enough to live ocean or lake-side, however, nor do all of us have access to a public pool.
What’s more, not everyone feels comfortable at a public swimming pool. They can often be crowded, teeming with loud children who are kicking and splashing- a far cry from the relaxing pool experience you may be envisioning.
Others may have concerns about the hygiene of community swimming pools, wondering what other fluids they’ll be swimming around in other than water- like other people’s spit sweat, or worse.
At any rate, having your own private swimming pool is a much quieter and cleaner option, and since it’s in your own back yard you can use it anytime you like. And while having your own swimming pool may sound like a costly endeavor, it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of know-how, some basic tools and a short list of materials, you can have your own pool ready just in time for the summer season.
Related: Minimalist Pallets Over Expensive Frames: 14 Creative Ideas To Design Your Pallet Platform
The Pallet Swimming Pool
The main materials that are required for this project are forty wooden pallets, a water pump, and a large tarp. A full list of materials is as follows:
40 Pallet Boards Gaffa/Duct Tape Pool Liner 9m x 7m Plywood Steel Cable Metal Plates to Stabilize the Corners Clarke Spe800 Rated Pump Plastic Pipes for Water Transfer Coach Bolts with Nuts 75mm Steel Screws 2 Inches Nails Sanding Tools Cutting Tools Metal Brackets [1]
First, you have to create the boundary of the pool using the pallets, and then cover the interior with plywood sheets. Then, you have to surround it with support beams on the exterior, in order to ensure that the walls can withstand the pressure from the water once the pool is filled.
Metal plates and heavy-duty steel screws help to stabilize the corners, which tend to handle the bulk of the water pressure. Since the pool is above-ground, you will also want to install stairs using more pallets to reach the diving point of the pool.
Easypaletteideas.com suggests that once your pool is ready, to only fill it halfway, in case there are any leaks or problematic areas. If there are no leaks, you’re ready to fill your pool all the way up and cool off after all of your hard work.
For full instructions, visit easypaletteideas.com.
A Low-Cost Pool Option
While this does require a fair amount of work to set up, the biggest benefit to this type of pool is the cost-savings, since it can be made for very little expense. The biggest stumbling block for many, is where to get forty wooden pallets.
Luckily, easypalleteideas.com also provides helpful information for where to find these palettes for free. It may take a bit of time to collect them, but once you’ve got them all there’s not much else required.
Pet supply stores, food stores, hardware, and furniture equipment stores all use palettes to receive and transport goods. Once they’ve used these palettes, however, they often have no other use for them and they end up getting thrown away. A quick phone call to enquire about coming to pick them up is sometimes all you need to get your hands on several of these handy materials.
Other places to check are local businesses, housebuilders, and construction supervisors, who often have many of these lying around with no use for them- even your neighbors may have one or two if they’ve recently had anything delivered to their house [2].
Read: 12 Impressive Pallet Fence Ideas Anyone Can Build
Other Unique Swimming Pool Options
If collecting dozens of wooden palettes sounds like too much of a hassle for you, there are other unique do-it-yourself pool ideas out there that will help you to stay cool all summer long. Shipping containers, which are becoming increasingly popular in the world of sustainable housing, can be repurposed into a very stylish pool for your backyard.
Alternatively, you could look into getting a stock tank pool as a more affordable replacement to an in-ground or above-ground pool.
So if open water gives you chills, and public pools make your skin crawl, perhaps you can get a little crafty this summer and come up with your own solution to keep yourself cool this summer.
Keep Reading: How to Build Your Own Backyard Bowling Alley


theheartysoul--2020-05-26--Canines to the Rescue: Dogs Trained To Protect Wildlife Have Saved 45 Rhinos from Poachers in South

Canines to the Rescue: Dogs Trained To Protect Wildlife Have Saved 45 Rhinos from Poachers in South Africa

Relentless poaching has remained one of the major concerns plaguing the conservation efforts of African wildlife [ 1 ] .
Many formerly thriving species have faced declining populations in recent decades , and the situation just keeps getting worse .
However , governments are becoming innovative with anti-poaching strategies , and it ’ s a gold star for the attack-dog initiative that has helped save dozens of South African rhinos .
Since 2018 , a team of four dogs has helped South African law enforcement in the take down of over 150 poachers , confiscating 53 guns , and saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pack , consisting of a Texan Black-and-Tan Coonhound , Belgian Malinois , Foxhounds , and Blue Ticks have proven how effective man ’ s best friend is in the fight to protect and conserve endangered wildlife , a strategy that has resonated on a global scale .
According to reports , the dogs are part of an anti-poaching K9 fast response unit in northeastern South Africa .
These special canines were brought in from Texas as puppies and trained as free-runners at the Southern African Wildlife College in Greater Kruger National Park .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries interested in traditional medicine , the black market for rhino horns is pretty competitive , and unfortunately , it ’ s booming .
One rhino horn could fetch up to £200,000 , and between 2008 and 2018 , estimably 8,000 rhino horns have been smuggled out of SA into Asia for illegal trade [ 3 ] .
About 4,000 of the host rhinos have been killed in Kruger Park , one of the longest-lasting strongholds for rhinos in Africa today .
Protecting the species isn ’ t an easy task for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the world ’ s remaining rhino population roam the country .
Free-running dogs that tow the thin line between domestic and wild The pack was captured in action by Cape Town-based photographer Sean Viljoen , 29 .
Viljoen owns and runs Conservation Film Company , a production start-up that documents front-line efforts aimed at the conservation of wildlife from around the world .
The dogs were trained by K9 instructor Johan van Straaten , who grew up being a dog whisperer in Karoo , South Africa .
He trained the dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months old and ready to start their careers as poacher hunters .
“ In the areas where the Southern African Wildlife College patrol , the success rate of the dogs is around 68 percent using both on and off-leash free tracking dogs , compared to between three to five percent with no canine capacity , ” Straaten said .
“ The game-changer has been the free tracking dogs who are able to track at speeds much faster than a human can in terrain where the best human trackers would lose spoor .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the survival of southern Africa ’ s rich biodiversity and its wildlife including its rhino which has been severely impacted by wildlife crime.
” The entire strategy took roots following an agreement struck between the dogs ’ owner , Joe Braman from Southern Texas , and Theresa Sowry , CEO of the Southern African Wildlife College .
In 2017 , Sowry visited the part-time cop Cum businessman to learn more about the aggressive free-running pack she ’ d heard about .
Since the dogs were said to be useful in helping Texan authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be able to track down poachers seeking to wipe out an entire species back home .
Read : Trophy Hunter Seeks to Import Parts of Rare Rhino He Paid $ 400,000 to Kill Alongside biting and barking suspects into surrender , the dogs were intensively trained on how to track with scents and maintain steady trails at incredible speeds .
The first time Kruger Park ’ s hounds chased down a group of poachers was truly remarkable – albeit hilarious for those who watched .
A poacher had just killed a rhino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their 18 months , the eager dogs were loaded up into a helicopter , fitted with GPS , and were ready to run .
They didn ’ t know what they were up against , but they managed to get a decent job done against four poachers .
The next day , they helped capture 3 poachers and 2 more on the next .
Across multiple runs from then on , they ’ ve upped the poacher takedown rate from 5 percent to an astonishing 54 percent in 2 years .
Thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their own , South Africa is much a safer place for the rhino species to thrive and repopulate .
There ’ s still a lot to be done , but they ’ ve successfully made a break in a case that seemed unrelenting for so long .
While there may be gunfights and knife-stabbing flexes from the poachers when the dogs are in action , the team continues to prepare them for any violent scenarios .
Keep Reading : Lions Found Mutilated By Poachers For ‘ Magic Potions ’

Relentless poaching has remained one of the major concerns plaguing the conservation efforts of African wildlife [1]. Many formerly thriving species have faced declining populations in recent decades, and the situation just keeps getting worse. However, governments are becoming innovative with anti-poaching strategies, and it’s a gold star for the attack-dog initiative that has helped save dozens of South African rhinos.
Since 2018, a team of four dogs has helped South African law enforcement in the take down of over 150 poachers, confiscating 53 guns, and saving 45 rhinos [2]. The pack, consisting of a Texan Black-and-Tan Coonhound, Belgian Malinois, Foxhounds, and Blue Ticks have proven how effective man’s best friend is in the fight to protect and conserve endangered wildlife, a strategy that has resonated on a global scale.
According to reports, the dogs are part of an anti-poaching K9 fast response unit in northeastern South Africa. These special canines were brought in from Texas as puppies and trained as free-runners at the Southern African Wildlife College in Greater Kruger National Park.
Between Vietnam, China, and several other countries interested in traditional medicine, the black market for rhino horns is pretty competitive, and unfortunately, it’s booming. One rhino horn could fetch up to £200,000, and between 2008 and 2018, estimably 8,000 rhino horns have been smuggled out of SA into Asia for illegal trade [3]. About 4,000 of the host rhinos have been killed in Kruger Park, one of the longest-lasting strongholds for rhinos in Africa today. Protecting the species isn’t an easy task for South African authorities, and over 80% of the world’s remaining rhino population roam the country.
Read: Expert Warns Trophy Hunting Could Push Polar Bears To Extinction
Free-running dogs trained to rescue rhinos
The pack was captured in action by Cape Town-based photographer Sean Viljoen, 29. Viljoen owns and runs Conservation Film Company, a production start-up that documents front-line efforts aimed at the conservation of wildlife from around the world.
The dogs were trained by K9 instructor Johan van Straaten, who grew up being a dog whisperer in Karoo, South Africa. He trained the dogs from puppyhood until they were about 18 months old and ready to start their careers as poacher hunters.
“In the areas where the Southern African Wildlife College patrol, the success rate of the dogs is around 68 percent using both on and off-leash free tracking dogs, compared to between three to five percent with no canine capacity,” Straaten said. “The game-changer has been the free tracking dogs who are able to track at speeds much faster than a human can in terrain where the best human trackers would lose spoor. As such, the project is helping ensure the survival of southern Africa’s rich biodiversity and its wildlife including its rhino which has been severely impacted by wildlife crime.”
The entire strategy took roots following an agreement struck between the dogs’ owner, Joe Braman from Southern Texas, and Theresa Sowry, CEO of the Southern African Wildlife College. In 2017, Sowry visited the part-time cop/ businessman to learn more about the aggressive free-running pack she’d heard about. Since the dogs were said to be useful in helping Texan authorities track down escaped prisoners, they might also be able to track down poachers seeking to wipe out an entire species back home.
“Kruger was very keen to test free-running dogs,” Sowry said, to National Geographic [4]. “Building a pack dog team is a massive undertaking. You need the right genetics, the right training, and, most importantly, the right mindset to bring it all together.”
In Braman’s opinion, the most important trait to teach the pack was aggression. “It’s all about intimidation!” he says. “If a dog starts attacking you, the first thing you’re gonna do is throw the gun and climb a tree.” That leaves time “to get in and take a poacher into custody.”
Read: Trophy Hunter Seeks to Import Parts of Rare Rhino He Paid $400,000 to Kill
A significant impact so far
Alongside biting and barking suspects into surrender, the dogs were intensively trained on how to track with scents and maintain steady trails at incredible speeds.
The first time Kruger Park’s hounds chased down a group of poachers was truly remarkable – albeit hilarious for those who watched. A poacher had just killed a rhino and for the first time in all of their 18 months, the eager dogs were loaded up into a helicopter, fitted with GPS, and were ready to run. They didn’t know what they were up against, but they managed to get a decent job done against four poachers.
“The poachers were striking them with sticks!” Braman says. “In my mind, I’m still in Texas. And I’m thinkin’, I hope they bite ’em! But the dogs didn’t. They just surrounded them: bark bark bark! We arrived, and my dogs had a guy under a tree. And we took [the poachers] into custody. Everyone was in disbelief.”
The next day, they helped capture 3 poachers and 2 more on the next. Across multiple runs from then on, they’ve upped the poacher takedown rate from 5 percent to an astonishing 54 percent in 2 years. Thanks to these hounds who now have babies of their own, South Africa is much a safer place for the rhino species to thrive and repopulate. There’s still a lot to be done, but they’ve successfully made a break in a case that seemed unrelenting for so long.
While there may be gunfights and knife-stabbing flexes from the poachers when the dogs are in action, the team continues to prepare them for any violent scenarios.
“It’s a high-risk job for human and dog,” Van Staaten says. “But with training and with standard operating procedures, we try to minimize the risk.”
Keep Reading: Lions Found Mutilated By Poachers For ‘Magic Potions’


theheartysoul--2020-05-27--Ever Heard Of Albino Animals? Melanistic Animals Are The Opposite

If you ’ ve ever had the opportunity to spot an albino animal , then you know how unique they can be .
Did you know , however , that the opposite condition can also exist ?
That ’ s right – melanistic animals , or animals who appear black instead of their intended color – are real , and they are as incredible as they sound .
Albinism in animals is a rare genetic mutation that causes the animal to lose all of the pigmentations in its skin .
If the animal has fur , their fur will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurs in the same way , with the mutation of genes , just not the same ones .
The mutation of these specific genes causes the more dark pigmentation , which is why the animal appears black .
This can be seen in a variety of animals , however , it is more common in some than others .
Panthers , for example , are actually melanistic jaguars .
The same species , just with a genetic mutation .
( 1 , 3 ) Also known as abundism , pseudo-melanism is another type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear darker than they should be .
In this case , the spots or stripes of the animal , such as those seen on jaguars and zebras , are much larger than normal .
This gives them the appearance of being much darker , though not necessarily fully black .
( 1 ) In both cases , this can be passed down through generations ( adaptive melanism ) , but can also be a part of evolution .
For example , black panthers ’ dark hue makes it much easier to stalk prey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the jungle .
( 1 , 2 ) Albinism and Melanism aren ’ t the only pigmentation variations to exist in the wild .
Others include ( 3 ) : • Xanthism : extra yellow pigment combined with a lack of other pigmentation .
• Axanthism : lack of yellow pigmentation .
This is how some frog species are bright blue instead of green .
These gorgeous creatures are just another reminder of how amazing nature can be .
If you ever get to see a melanistic animal in the wild , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep Reading : I Gave Birth to the Babies With ‘ White ’ Hair & This Is What I Need You to Know

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to spot an albino animal, then you know how unique they can be. Did you know, however, that the opposite condition can also exist? That’s right – melanistic animals, or animals who appear black instead of their intended color – are real, and they are as incredible as they sound.
Melanistic Animals
Albinism in animals is a rare genetic mutation that causes the animal to lose all of the pigmentations in its skin. If the animal has fur, their fur will also be white. (2)
Melanism occurs in the same way, with the mutation of genes, just not the same ones. The mutation of these specific genes causes more dark pigmentation, which is why the animal appears black. This can be seen in a variety of animals, however, it is more common in some than others. Panthers, for example, are actually melanistic jaguars. The same species, just with a genetic mutation. (3)
Pseudo-melanism
Also known as abundism, pseudo-melanism is another type of pigmentation that can cause animals to appear darker than they should be. In this case, the spots or stripes of the animal, such as those seen on jaguars and zebras, are much larger than normal. This gives them the appearance of being much darker, though not necessarily fully black. (1)
In both cases, this can be passed down through generations (adaptive melanism), but can also be a part of evolution. For example, black panthers’ dark hue makes it much easier to stalk prey at nighttime or in the dark cover of the jungle. (1, 2)
Other types of Pigmentation
Albinism and Melanism aren’t the only pigmentation variations to exist in the wild. Others include (3):
Erythrism: extra red and orange pigment.
Xanthism: extra yellow pigment combined with a lack of other pigmentation.
Axanthism: lack of yellow pigmentation. This is how some frog species are bright blue instead of green.
These gorgeous creatures are just another reminder of how amazing nature can be. If you ever get to see a melanistic animal in the wild, you should consider yourself very lucky.
Read More: Wildlife Photographer Captures ‘Never Before Seen’ Yellow Penguin


theheartysoul--2020-05-27--School in Spain Teaches Boys How to Do Household Chores to Stop Gender Inequality

A school in Spain decided to combat gender inequality by educating their male students about the basics of household chores , and they went viral .
Housework is equally unloved by both men and women , and yet women do the bulk of it .
According to the 8,500 heterosexual couples who were interviewed for the UK Household Longitudinal Study , women do about 16 hours of household chores weekly , as opposed to the men who do about six .
[ 1 ] In the 40s and 50s , women were expected to keep the house tidy and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His job was at the office , and a woman ’ s was at home .
While gender inequality has improved over the decades , it ’ s still prevalent in modern times .
Men help out more at home today than ever before , but the gender norms associated with it still remain .
Keep in mind , that the couples involved in this study both worked full-time .
There was no excuse of ‘ she ’ s home all day and has nothing to do ’ that accompanied the mentality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image of a man relaxing after a day at the office , while his wife is on her feet cooking and cleaning — an apron tied around her work clothes , so to speak — wouldn ’ t raise many eyebrows .
After all , women are expected to take care of the kids , dishes , laundry , etc .
This is why daughters are taught these skills while sons are excused from “ womanly ” chores .
[ 2 ] Fortunately , this viewpoint is changing and finally being challenged .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day ’ to Teach Students Real-life Basics Before They Graduate The Colegio Montecastelo of Spain , an institute located in Vigo , a town close to North-Western Spain , designed a home economics class specifically for boys that involve teaching them about sewing , cleaning , ironing , and cooking .
It also includes more stereotypical “ boyish ” chores like masonry , plumbing , carpentry , and electrician skills .
The point is training the boys in “ the science of operating domestic units , efficiently , comfortably , and sustainability.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a movement as it was received with applause and appreciation .
The school has also gotten the parents involved and many dads have even offered to teach the students .
The class is taught by volunteers from members of the teaching staff , school campus representatives , and now , the fathers .
[ 3 ] The students offered resistance when the class was first instituted , but that fell away when they discovered that housework is rather simple once you know the steps .
Read : Should Every School Have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be Taught to Boys in Every School ?
The beauty of institutionalized home economics is that it removes the stigma of housework being the woman ’ s job .
It also helps boys understand that chores are necessary skills for anyone , no matter their gender .
Training boys and girls in these tasks help them become responsible , well-rounded adults .
Today , it ’ s common for men and women to live on their own between leaving the nest and settling down with a partner .
Knowing these skills can empower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real world.
” The responsibility for household chores isn ’ t dictated by gender ; it ’ s required of any functioning adult .
Feeling like you need someone else to take care of you — whether it ’ s food preparation , laundry , or home maintenance — can be crippling for a person .
Knowing how to take care of yourself independently is empowering .
Some men would help out but they were never taught how , nor were they told that housework is expected of them .
Therefore , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wife , who grew up believing the home and its function is a reflection of her abilities as a wife and mother .
Thus , the cycle of gender equality of household chores continues .
[ 5 ] Teaching young boys these skills can help develop them as well-functioning adults and capable partners and fathers .
Keep Reading : Bring Back Home Economics Classes In Schools Because Our Kids Lack Basic Life Skills

A school in Spain decided to combat gender inequality by educating their male students about the basics of household chores, and they went viral.
Housework is equally unloved by both men and women, and yet women do the bulk of it. According to the 8,500 heterosexual couples who were interviewed for the UK Household Longitudinal Study, women do about 16 hours of household chores weekly, as opposed to the men who do about six. [1]
In the 40s and 50s, women were expected to keep the house tidy and her husband wasn’t expected to help. His job was at the office, and a woman’s was at home. While gender inequality has improved over the decades, it’s still prevalent in modern times. Men help out more at home today than ever before, but the gender norms associated with it still remain.
Keep in mind, that the couples involved in this study both worked full-time. There was no excuse of ‘she’s home all day and has nothing to do’ that accompanied the mentality of the 50s. Still, the image of a man relaxing after a day at the office, while his wife is on her feet cooking and cleaning — an apron tied around her work clothes, so to speak — wouldn’t raise many eyebrows. After all, women are expected to take care of the kids, dishes, laundry, etc. This is why daughters are taught these skills while sons are excused from “womanly” chores. [2]
Fortunately, this viewpoint is changing and finally being challenged.
Read More: This Chart Shows You Which Chores Are Age-Appropriate For Your Kids
Teaching Boys to do Household Chores
The Colegio Montecastelo of Spain, an institute located in Vigo, a town close to North-Western Spain, designed a home economics class specifically for boys that involve teaching them about sewing, cleaning, ironing, and cooking. It also includes more stereotypical “boyish” chores like masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and electrician skills. The point is training the boys in “the science of operating domestic units, efficiently, comfortably, and sustainability.”
“It seemed very useful for our students to learn to perform these tasks so that, when they form a family, they are involved from the beginning and know that a house is a matter of two, it’s not a matter of the woman cleaning, doing the dishes, and ironing,” said Gabriel Bravo, the school’s coordinator. “This will allow them to become aware and learn to handle themselves at home.”
What started as a cooking class expanded into a movement as it was received with applause and appreciation. The school has also gotten the parents involved and many dads have even offered to teach the students. The class is taught by volunteers from members of the teaching staff, school campus representatives, and now, the fathers. [3]
The students offered resistance when the class was first instituted, but that fell away when they discovered that housework is rather simple once you know the steps.
“For some it was the first time they had held an iron, it was fun and instructive at the same time, we are quite surprised and the parents are very happy,” said Bravo.
Should Home Economics Be Taught to Boys in Every School?
The beauty of institutionalized home economics is that it removes the stigma of housework being the woman’s job. It also helps boys understand that chores are necessary skills for anyone, no matter their gender. Training boys and girls in these tasks help them become responsible, well-rounded adults.
“Sometimes we take for granted that kids know how to wash dishes,” says Susan Turgeson, president of the Association of Teacher Educators for family and consumer sciences. “I never thought I was going to have to explain, step by step, how to put the drain plugin, the amount of soap to be used.” [4]
Today, it’s common for men and women to live on their own between leaving the nest and settling down with a partner. Knowing these skills can empower them to feel prepared for “the real world.” The responsibility for household chores isn’t dictated by gender; it’s required of any functioning adult. Feeling like you need someone else to take care of you — whether it’s food preparation, laundry, or home maintenance — can be crippling for a person. Knowing how to take care of yourself independently is empowering.
Some men would help out but they were never taught how, nor were they told that housework is expected of them. Therefore, the brunt of the housework typically falls to the wife, who grew up believing the home and its function is a reflection of her abilities as a wife and mother. Thus, the cycle of gender equality of household chores continues. [5]
Teaching young boys these skills can help develop them as well-functioning adults and capable partners and fathers.


theheartysoul--2020-05-27--Thunderegg: Ordinary Rocks With Crystal Surprise Inside!

Mother Nature is capable of some pretty incredible things .
In some cases , where you least expect it , you find gorgeous , natural works of art .
The Thunder Egg is one of those incredible geological phenomena .
Formed within rhyolitic volcanic ash layers , this is a rock similar to a geode with a gorgeous surprise inside .
Spherical in shape , they are typically about the size of a baseball .
The insides are made of chalcedony which has been fractured or broken .
Deposits of agate , jasper , and opal then make their way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique combinations .
( 1 , 2 ) On the outside , these rocks don ’ t look like much .
Cut them in half and polish them up , however , and you may find yourself with an almost gem-stone like interior of patterns and colors .
( 1 , 2 ) Read : Ancient tree with record of Earth ’ s magnetic field reversal in its rings discovered Is it a Geode or a Thunderegg ?
Geode is simply a general term for a hollowed rock , often which has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crystal formation .
There are many ways for hollows to form in rocks , meaning that there are many different types of geodes .
Thundereggs are only formed by one specific situation , which is what primarily differentiates them from other geodes .
A thunderegg is just one form that the agate can take .
( 1 , 2 ) Related : This NYC Museum has a 9,000-Pound Amethyst Geode , and it ’ s Breathtaking Thundereggs form in pockets of gas in rhyolite lava .
This lava acts as a mold from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pores in the rock .
The porous rock carries with it a solution of silica .
As the bubbles cool , they are gradually filled with the silica ( quartz ) -containing water .
These deposits line and fill the hollow cavities first with a darker material and then with agate or chalcedony .
The variation in color is due to the different mineral qualities of the soil that water filling these voids has passed through .
( 1 , 2 ) The veins of agate , chalcedony , and quartz are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are a combination of groundwater and late-stage fluids that seep from the magma .
These fluids then make their way through the fractures in the rocks .
They then precipitate crystals along the walls of the cavity , which forms the geodes or geode-like centers .
( 1 , 2 ) The formation of a thunderegg usually requires several of these hydrothermal events .
On close inspection , each will have clues as to its specific formation .
( 1 , 2 ) Read : Volcanic Eruption in Hawaii Has Left Behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thundereggs ?
Thundereggs are usually found embedded in the clay where they were formed .
You can spot them because they are unusually round with a brownish-grey , bumpy exterior .
( 1 , 2 ) They are found in areas that have or once had volcanoes .
Central and Eastern Oregon in the United States is one of the most common places to find thundereggs .
Popular search spots include ( 1 , 2 ) : They can also be found in Washington , California , New Mexico , and places in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wherever you find one and however it was formed , Thunder Eggs are a true testament to the wonders of the natural world .

Mother Nature is capable of some pretty incredible things. In some cases, where you least expect it, you find gorgeous, natural works of art. The Thunder Egg is one of those incredible geological phenomena.
The Thunderegg
Formed within rhyolitic volcanic ash layers, this is a rock similar to a geode with a gorgeous surprise inside. Spherical in shape, they are typically about the size of a baseball. The insides are made of chalcedony which has been fractured or broken. Deposits of agate, jasper, and opal then make their way into those crevices to create colorful and unique combinations. (1, 2)
On the outside, these rocks don’t look like much. Cut them in half and polish them up, however, and you may find yourself with an almost gem-stone like interior of patterns and colors. (1, 2)
Read: Ancient tree with record of Earth’s magnetic field reversal in its rings discovered
Is it a Geode or a Thunderegg?
Geode is simply a general term for a hollowed rock, often which has been filled with some sort of growth or crystal formation. There are many ways for hollows to form in rocks, meaning that there are many different types of geodes. Thundereggs are only formed by one specific situation, which is what primarily differentiates them from other geodes. A thunderegg is just one form that the agate can take. (1, 2)
Related: This NYC Museum has a 9,000-Pound Amethyst Geode, and it’s Breathtaking
How is a Thunder Egg Formed?
Thundereggs form in pockets of gas in rhyolite lava. This lava acts as a mold from the water that bubbles its way through the pores in the rock. The porous rock carries with it a solution of silica. As the bubbles cool, they are gradually filled with the silica (quartz)-containing water.
These deposits line and fill the hollow cavities first with a darker material and then with agate or chalcedony. The variation in color is due to the different mineral qualities of the soil that water filling these voids has passed through. (1, 2)
The veins of agate, chalcedony, and quartz are filled in later by hydrothermal fluids, which are a combination of groundwater and late-stage fluids that seep from the magma. These fluids then make their way through the fractures in the rocks. They then precipitate crystals along the walls of the cavity, which forms the geodes or geode-like centers. (1, 2)
The formation of a thunderegg usually requires several of these hydrothermal events. On close inspection, each will have clues as to its specific formation. (1, 2)
Where can you find Thundereggs?
Thundereggs are usually found embedded in the clay where they were formed. You can spot them because they are unusually round with a brownish-grey, bumpy exterior. (1, 2)
They are found in areas that have or once had volcanoes. Central and Eastern Oregon in the United States is one of the most common places to find thundereggs. Popular search spots include (1, 2):
Alvord Desert
White Rock Springs
Whistler Springs
Richardson Rock Ranch
White Fir Springs
Owyhee Reservoir
Succor Creek Canyon
They can also be found in Washington, California, New Mexico, and places in Germany. (1, 2)
Wherever you find one and however it was formed, Thunder Eggs are a true testament to the wonders of the natural world.
Keep Reading: Opalized Petrified Wood


theheartysoul--2020-05-27--Why Are Worms Coming Out of Strawberries in This Viral Video? An Expert Explains

One of the best parts about the summer season is the array of local fresh fruit available on grocery store shelves , at farmers ’ markets , and road-side stands .
A recent viral TikTok video may have you second-guessing picking up that pint of fresh strawberries you were eyeing .
Ever hear of strawberry worms ?
The video in question features someone plunging fresh strawberries into a bowl of salt water and watching as several small , white worm-like creatures crawl out and float to the surface .
These strawberry worms are now creating a sensation on the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question : is fresh fruit safe to eat ?
A slew of people looking to see the bugs for themselves have created their own videos , one of which we feature in this article .
Strawberry Worms- What Are They ?
The tiny worms in the video are actually the maggots of an invasive species of fly known as the spotted wing drosophila ( SWD ) .
They come from East Asia and have been present in the United States since 2008 [ 1 ] .
The difference between these flies and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a serrated egg-laying device called an ovipositor , which allows them to lay eggs inside ripe , undamaged fruit .
Most other species lay their eggs only in rotting or damaged berries .
Small fruit crop entomologist , Sriyanka Lahiri , Ph.D. , an assistant professor at the University of Florida , explains that the female fly lays her eggs inside the ripe fruit , and when the maggots hatch they continue to feed off of the inside of the berry .
Lahiri says that the SWD is particularly attracted to strawberries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution that is commonly used as a monitoring device during berry production .
Read : The shocking truth : this is why we might all be eating insects by the year 2050 How Can They be Managed ?
Lahiri says that they are not the only pests that can cause damage to fresh fruit .
Thrips , mites , aphids , and armyworms can be problematic as well , but if they are all intensively managed , no infestation should become a major issue .
Once the SWD eggs have been laid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done .
As such , pest management focuses on preventing the flies from laying eggs on the fruit in the first place .
What Happens if I eat a Strawberry Worm ?
The real question that everyone is asking is “ what happens if I eat one of these worms by accident ?
” For most people living in cooler climates , such as in the United States , accidentally eating a few maggots is unlikely to cause any harm .
In fact , you have most likely already eaten a maggot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t even notice [ 2 ] .
Eating maggots themselves are actually quite safe , however , the problem is that you might be susceptible to whatever that larvae were exposed to .
If they were exposed to rotting fruit , for example , there is a higher likelihood that they could be carrying bacteria or some other kind of pathogen .
This is what can lead to food poisoning [ 3 ] .
In some countries , it is actually common to eat maggots as a food source .
Maggots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and so can be a good source of cheap nutrition that actually has a very low carbon footprint .
In these cases , however , the worms are cooked , which reduces the potential that they could be carrying microbes , parasites , or bacteria .
Currently , scientists are looking into ways that these worms can be used to actually create a type of textured protein that could be more sustainable than consuming animal meat as a protein source in our diets .
At this time though , the risks involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential benefits [ 3 ] .
Lahiri strongly recommends thoroughly washing all of your fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them .
Since the SWD eggs have been laid deep inside the undamaged fruit , she suggests submerging them in water for a prolonged period of time ( the TikTok video did so for thirty minutes ) to force the worms out .
Lahiri has not conducted any research to show how adding salt to the water is beneficial , and she is unsure as to whether or not this makes the practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that eating a few maggots now and again will not have any dramatic impact on their health , and if you do eat a couple , all you did was get a little extra protein with your snack .
She also notes that the FDA has guidelines as to how many bugs are allowed to be inside foods since the number of pesticides that would be required to have a zero-bug tolerance would be astronomical .
This , she added , would have a worse impact on human health than the bugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wash your produce thoroughly , and enjoy what the season has to offer .
Keep Reading : Beyond Meat and its rivals rely on Chinese ingredients .
How Safe is Our Food Really ?

One of the best parts about the summer season is the array of local fresh fruit available on grocery store shelves, at farmers’ markets, and road-side stands. A recent viral TikTok video may have you second-guessing picking up that pint of fresh strawberries you were eyeing. Ever hear of strawberry worms?
The video in question features someone plunging fresh strawberries into a bowl of salt water and watching as several small, white worm-like creatures crawl out and float to the surface. These strawberry worms are now creating a sensation on the internet, and everyone is asking the same question: is fresh fruit safe to eat? A slew of people looking to see the bugs for themselves have created their own videos, one of which we feature in this article.
Strawberry Worms- What Are They?
The tiny worms in the video are actually the maggots of an invasive species of fly known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD). They come from East Asia and have been present in the United States since 2008 [1].
The difference between these flies and other species that infest fruit is that they have a serrated egg-laying device called an ovipositor, which allows them to lay eggs inside ripe, undamaged fruit. Most other species lay their eggs only in rotting or damaged berries.
Small fruit crop entomologist, Sriyanka Lahiri, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of Florida, explains that the female fly lays her eggs inside the ripe fruit, and when the maggots hatch they continue to feed off of the inside of the berry.
“The maggots go largely undetected during harvest. Since common fruit flies can only lay their eggs in softening, damaged, or rotting fruit, the maggots hitchhiking inside fresh-looking fruit definitely belong to the SWD species,” she says [1].
Lahiri says that the SWD is particularly attracted to strawberries because of the yeast and sugar water solution that is commonly used as a monitoring device during berry production.
How Can They be Managed?
Lahiri says that they are not the only pests that can cause damage to fresh fruit. Thrips, mites, aphids, and armyworms can be problematic as well, but if they are all intensively managed, no infestation should become a major issue.
Once the SWD eggs have been laid, however, there is nothing that can be done. As such, pest management focuses on preventing the flies from laying eggs on the fruit in the first place.
“Timely picking of ripe fruits, removal of rotting fruits, and burial of damaged fruits are good cultural practices to control SWD, because these flies are attracted to a fermenting fruity smell,” says Lahiri [1].
What Happens if I eat a Strawberry Worm?
The real question that everyone is asking is “what happens if I eat one of these worms by accident?”
For most people living in cooler climates, such as in the United States, accidentally eating a few maggots is unlikely to cause any harm. In fact, you have most likely already eaten a maggot now and again throughout your life and didn’t even notice [2].
Eating maggots themselves are actually quite safe, however, the problem is that you might be susceptible to whatever that larvae were exposed to. If they were exposed to rotting fruit, for example, there is a higher likelihood that they could be carrying bacteria or some other kind of pathogen. This is what can lead to food poisoning [3].
In some countries, it is actually common to eat maggots as a food source. Maggots are particularly high in protein and fat, and so can be a good source of cheap nutrition that actually has a very low carbon footprint. In these cases, however, the worms are cooked, which reduces the potential that they could be carrying microbes, parasites, or bacteria.
Currently, scientists are looking into ways that these worms can be used to actually create a type of textured protein that could be more sustainable than consuming animal meat as a protein source in our diets. At this time though, the risks involved with eating these organisms still outweigh the potential benefits [3].
How to Avoid Eating Maggots
Lahiri strongly recommends thoroughly washing all of your fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them. Since the SWD eggs have been laid deep inside the undamaged fruit, she suggests submerging them in water for a prolonged period of time (the TikTok video did so for thirty minutes) to force the worms out.
Lahiri has not conducted any research to show how adding salt to the water is beneficial, and she is unsure as to whether or not this makes the practice more effective.
“Also,” she adds, “I am not sure the fresh strawberry taste will remain the same after being submerged in saltwater for too long,” [1]
She wants to assure people that eating a few maggots now and again will not have any dramatic impact on their health, and if you do eat a couple, all you did was get a little extra protein with your snack. She also notes that the FDA has guidelines as to how many bugs are allowed to be inside foods since the number of pesticides that would be required to have a zero-bug tolerance would be astronomical. This, she added, would have a worse impact on human health than the bugs.
“Having pesticide residue on our food versus having to ingest some extra animal protein can be considered as a fair trade-off.” [1]
The moral of the story? Wash your produce thoroughly, and enjoy what the season has to offer.
https://youtu.be/e54KjIpsJDo