theheartysoul--2020-12-01--10 Examples of ‘Anti-Homeless’ Hostile Architecture That You Probably Never Noticed Before

As you take a walk around the city in which you live , what do you notice about the architecture ?
Do the benches have arm rests ?
Has the pavement outside buildings been replaced with stones ?
Is there anything blocking the storm grates ?
These design features may seem innocuous , but they have a purpose .
They are all examples of anti-homeless architecture .
Anti-homeless architecture , or “ hostile architecture ” is a type of urban design that is meant to prevent people from using public spaces in “ undesirable ” ways .
It uses features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on windowsills , and even plants to discourage loitering , littering , and sleeping [ 1 ] .
It is controversial to say the least .
The use of design to prevent homeless people from sleeping in certain places or young people from using the city as a skate park angers some .
Others believe it is necessary to keep people safe.Advertisement As the instance of homelessnes has increased in many cities around the world , so too has the use of anti-homeless architecture .
The following is a list of examples of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you may not have even noticed in your neighbourhood .
Benches are a very common place for someone who is sleeping on the street to lay down for a rest .
For this reason , many towns and cities have begun changing the design of their benches to prevent them from doing so .
You may think that armrests are there for your own comfort , but they have a dual-purpose .
Since they break up the flat surface of the bench , they make that bench impossible to lay down on [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slanted benches at a bus stop and wondered why anyone would design something so uncomfortable ?
This is another example of anti-homeless architecture .
As you can likely imagine , it is very difficult to lay down on something that is curved or slanted without falling off .
Thus , this discourages rough sleepers from spending the night there [ 2 ] .
Basically , any time you see a bench with a “ unique ” design , ask yourself- could I comfortably lay down on that ?
If the answer is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostile urban design .
During colder weather , many people living on the streets will look for storm grates and vents to sleep on because they provide some warmth .
For this reason , you may notice in some cities that these have been altered to make it more difficult for homeless people to have access to them .
One example of anti-homeless architecture is raising the storm grate off the ground , sometimes quite substantially .
This is because when the grate is not flush with the ground , people can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
In some cases , you may see raised storm covers over top of grates .
This may look like some kind of art piece , but in reality it keeps people from sleeping on the grate [ 3 ] .
In some cities , you may see fences surrounding grates .
Again , this is to keep people from laying down on them or huddling around them [ 3 ] .Advertisement Outside Buildings and On Sidewalks When looking for shelter , many rough-sleepers will try to find places that are tucked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is to protect them somewhat from the elements and to stay out of the way of passers-by on the sidewalk .
Knowing this , some cities have designed these areas to deter them .
Some establishments have installed small spikes in front of their building or business where a homeless person might attempt to take refuge .
You may also notice spikes on raised platforms , in front of doors , and in ground-level window sills .
All of these have the same purpose : to prevent people from hanging around too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most controversial forms of anti-homeless architecture , likely because they are the most obvious .
Critics have said that they “ treat homeless people like pigeons ” and turn “ the destitute into vermin ” [ 4 ] .
In front of some stores , you might notice that there is a substantial gap between the wall and the store ’ s awning .
This is not a design flaw .
This prevents someone from leaning against a wall while remaining under the awning .
In many cases , it is a deliberate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelter there [ 3 ] .
Many cities have put plants and raised garden beds on sidewalks and major pedestrian areas .
This , of course , provides a nice touch of greenery in what would otherwise be a concrete jungle .
They also , however , often perform a secondary role .
By placing these structures in the middle of the walkway , you direct foot traffic to one side of the sidewalk- usually the side with shelter .
This prevents homeless people from sleeping on that sidewalk because there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 ] .
You may notice beneath awnings , in front of buildings , or in other areas where someone might take shelter that the smooth sidewalk pavement stops .
In its place are a collection of stones or coarse rocks .
This , of course , would be incredibly uncomfortable to sleep on , and thus prevents people from bedding down in those spots [ 4 ] .
Bridges provide a significant amount of shelter , which is why they are often popular spots for rough sleepers .
For this reason , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with solutions to keep people out from underneath them .
To accomplish this , some cities have placed large rocks or boulders underneath bridges .
This makes it impossible for homeless people to set up camp there , and is a very simple yet effective form of anti-homeless architecture [ 3 ] .
What is Wrong with Anti-Homeless Architecture ?
This type of urban design is very controversial .
As we said earlier , some people think it is necessary for safety , while others say it targets vulnerable people who have nowhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the co-founder of Factory Furniture , a company that designs “ hostile benches ” .
He says that hostile architecture can provide a solution .
It can prevent drug drops and stop people from hanging around too long .
James Furzer , on the other hand , is an architect whose designs try to actively combat anti-homeless architecture .
He says that whether or not you think of those designs of positive or negative comes down to what you deem to be “ antisocial behaviour ” .
In his opinion , if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hanging around too long , he has failed his job as an architect .
Both architects note that hostile design has been around for hundreds of years .
Many old buildings feature spikes on walls and fences to prevent someone from attempting to scale a wall of fence .
Furzer notes , however , that the rise in homelessness has made this type of architecture more noticeable , particularly when you ’ re seeing spikes jutting out from the sidewalk .
Architectural historian Jon Ritter says that what is hostile to some may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , even Furzer says that there is a place for hostile architecture .
He notes that there are designs that actually encourage self-policing and self-security , but he believes that recently it ’ s gone too far .
He argues that we are designing people out of places , and that it ’ s become aggressive .
The main problem that many critics point out with anti-homeless architecture is that it treats the symptom and not the problem .
Harvey argues , however , that as an architect , his job is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only to provide an architectural solution to them .
He uses the design of one of his benches , the Camden bench , as an example .
Furzer says that architecture isn ’ t the cure for those experiencing homelessness .
If , however , we are excluding them from sleeping on benches , we need to include them somewhere else .
He believes that we need to start designing cityscapes with some sort of inclusive and secure areas .
This way , they can at least take themselves out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island Into Garden to Grow 7,000 pounds of Food for the Homeless

As you take a walk around the city in which you live, what do you notice about the architecture? Do the benches have arm rests? Has the pavement outside buildings been replaced with stones? Is there anything blocking the storm grates? These design features may seem innocuous, but they have a purpose. They are all examples of anti-homeless architecture.
What is Anti-Homeless Architecture?
Anti-homeless architecture, or “hostile architecture” is a type of urban design that is meant to prevent people from using public spaces in “undesirable” ways. It uses features like curved benches, spikes or bolts on windowsills, and even plants to discourage loitering, littering, and sleeping [1].
It is controversial to say the least.
The use of design to prevent homeless people from sleeping in certain places or young people from using the city as a skate park angers some. Others believe it is necessary to keep people safe.
Examples of Hostile Architecture
As the instance of homelessness has increased in many cities around the world, so too has the use of anti-homeless architecture. The following is a list of examples of this type of urban design, that you may not have even noticed in your neighborhood.
Benches
Benches are a very common place for someone who is sleeping on the street to lay down for a rest. For this reason, many towns and cities have begun changing the design of their benches to prevent them from doing so.
Examples include:
1. Benches with armrests.
You may think that armrests are there for your own comfort, but they have a dual-purpose. Since they break up the flat surface of the bench, they make that bench impossible to lay down on [2].
Image Credit: Factory Furniture
2. Slanted or curved benches
Have you ever seen slanted benches at a bus stop and wondered why anyone would design something so uncomfortable? This is another example of anti-homeless architecture. As you can likely imagine, it is very difficult to lay down on something that is curved or slanted without falling off. Thus, this discourages rough sleepers from spending the night there [2].
Basically, any time you see a bench with a “unique” design, ask yourself- could I comfortably lay down on that? If the answer is no, then you’re looking at hostile urban design.
Image Credit: Derek Bruff | CNN
Storm Grates
During colder weather, many people living on the streets will look for storm grates and vents to sleep on because they provide some warmth. For this reason, you may notice in some cities that these have been altered to make it more difficult for homeless people to have access to them.
3. Raised storm grates
One example of anti-homeless architecture is raising the storm grate off the ground, sometimes quite substantially. This is because when the grate is not flush with the ground, people can’t lay down on it [3].
4. Storm grate covers
In some cases, you may see raised storm covers over top of grates. This may look like some kind of art piece, but in reality it keeps people from sleeping on the grate [3].
A raised storm gate with an additional cover.
Image Credit: eHealth Devs/Twitter | CBC
5. Fenced grates
In some cities, you may see fences surrounding grates. Again, this is to keep people from laying down on them or huddling around them [3].
Outside Buildings and On Sidewalks
When looking for shelter, many rough-sleepers will try to find places that are tucked into corners against buildings. Usually, this is to protect them somewhat from the elements and to stay out of the way of passers-by on the sidewalk. Knowing this, some cities have designed these areas to deter them.
6. Spikes
Some establishments have installed small spikes in front of their building or business where a homeless person might attempt to take refuge. You may also notice spikes on raised platforms, in front of doors, and in ground-level window sills. All of these have the same purpose: to prevent people from hanging around too long.
Spikes are one of the most controversial forms of anti-homeless architecture, likely because they are the most obvious. Critics have said that they “treat homeless people like pigeons” and turn “the destitute into vermin” [4].
Image Credit: amer ghazzal/Alamy Live News
7. Awning gaps
In front of some stores, you might notice that there is a substantial gap between the wall and the store’s awning. This is not a design flaw. This prevents someone from leaning against a wall while remaining under the awning. In many cases, it is a deliberate decision to prevent homeless people from taking shelter there [3].
8. Street dividers
Many cities have put plants and raised garden beds on sidewalks and major pedestrian areas. This, of course, provides a nice touch of greenery in what would otherwise be a concrete jungle. They also, however, often perform a secondary role. By placing these structures in the middle of the walkway, you direct foot traffic to one side of the sidewalk- usually the side with shelter. This prevents homeless people from sleeping on that sidewalk because there is no sheltered area without heavy foot traffic [3].
Earlier today, Jason, the man who sleeps in front of the Tim Hortons at Victoria and Dundas streets said police asked him to move across the street so these planters could be installed. The other side of the street is not sheltered from rain or wind. Story to come. pic.twitter.com/8HkH2pqGwu — The Eyeopener (@theeyeopener) March 22, 2018
9. Course rocks and stones
You may notice beneath awnings, in front of buildings, or in other areas where someone might take shelter that the smooth sidewalk pavement stops. In its place are a collection of stones or coarse rocks. This, of course, would be incredibly uncomfortable to sleep on, and thus prevents people from bedding down in those spots [4].
Under Bridges
Bridges provide a significant amount of shelter, which is why they are often popular spots for rough sleepers. For this reason, many cities have tried to come up with solutions to keep people out from underneath them.
10. Boulders under bridges
To accomplish this, some cities have placed large rocks or boulders underneath bridges. This makes it impossible for homeless people to set up camp there, and is a very simple yet effective form of anti-homeless architecture [3].
Image Credit: u/-dsh | Reddit
What is Wrong with Anti-Homeless Architecture?
This type of urban design is very controversial. As we said earlier, some people think it is necessary for safety, while others say it targets vulnerable people who have nowhere else to go.
Dean Harvey is the co-founder of Factory Furniture, a company that designs “hostile benches”. He says that hostile architecture can provide a solution. It can prevent drug drops and stop people from hanging around too long.
James Furzer, on the other hand, is an architect whose designs try to actively combat anti-homeless architecture. He says that whether or not you think of those designs of positive or negative comes down to what you deem to be “antisocial behaviour”.
“Drug use is a different kind of antisocial behavior to skateboarding,” he says. “It’s a criminal activity that has a negative impact. Sleeping rough and hanging out with a group of friends isn’t particularly criminal.” [1]
In his opinion, if he is designing spaces that discourage people from hanging around too long, he has failed his job as an architect.
Hostile Anti-Homeless Architecture Design Isn’t New
Both architects note that hostile design has been around for hundreds of years. Many old buildings feature spikes on walls and fences to prevent someone from attempting to scale a wall of fence.
Furzer notes, however, that the rise in homelessness has made this type of architecture more noticeable, particularly when you’re seeing spikes jutting out from the sidewalk.
“Homeless people are geniuses — they will find shelter wherever they can. It’s only after that that people realize, “Hold on, they’re using that to sleep rough, we need to stop this.” Then the add-ons appear,” he explains [1].
Architectural historian Jon Ritter says that what is hostile to some may be defensive to others.
“We’re building barriers and walls around apartment buildings and public spaces to keep out the diversity of people and uses that comprise urban life,” he says [5].
That being said, even Furzer says that there is a place for hostile architecture. He notes that there are designs that actually encourage self-policing and self-security, but he believes that recently it’s gone too far. He argues that we are designing people out of places, and that it’s become aggressive.
Treating the Symptom
The main problem that many critics point out with anti-homeless architecture is that it treats the symptom and not the problem. Harvey argues, however, that as an architect, his job is not to address why certain problems exist, only to provide an architectural solution to them. He uses the design of one of his benches, the Camden bench, as an example.
“We just came at it from a fairly blunt angle,” he explained. “(The council required that people) couldn’t sleep on it, stash drugs in it, or skate on it. When you level all those things up, it comes out as a pretty defensive piece of furniture, but in fact, all we’re doing is enabling it to be used as a piece of furniture — so people could walk into town and take a rest on it.” [1]
Furzer says that architecture isn’t the cure for those experiencing homelessness. If, however, we are excluding them from sleeping on benches, we need to include them somewhere else. He believes that we need to start designing cityscapes with some sort of inclusive and secure areas. This way, they can at least take themselves out of the public eye.
“Architecture isn’t going to solve the issue, but it can provide some sort of temporary solution just to give them some sense of well-being.” [1]
Keep Reading: North American Cities Are Replacing Cops With Civilians And It’s Working
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-12-01--Mom dragged for using Play-Doh to demonstrate C-section surgery to son

Doctor Jessica So ’ s young son has a unique interest : surgery .
He loves watching videos of surgeries on YouTube , and learning about the human body .
For this reason , the creative mom gave him the best surprise on his fourth birthday : they performed a c-section together using play-doh .
Jessica So is a board-certified dermatologist living in California .
Her son , who is only a toddler , loves learning about the human body and is endlessly interested in the work of surgeons .
She suspects that some of that curiosity comes from him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what she does when she ’ s away all day .
When he was just three years old , her son started talking about how excited he was to be a surgeon .
After So explained to him the lengthy process it takes to get there , however , he became frustrated .
He wanted to be a surgeon right here and right now .
So what did the crafty mom do ?
She grabbed some play-doh and built them into body parts so that she and her son could perform surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gallbladder removal .
Her son loved it so much that they re-did the surgery six times.Advertisement Since then , they ’ ve done several other procedures , including a hernia repair , a whipple procedure , a nail matrix biopsy , a thyroidectomy , and now , a c-section .
So always makes sure she prepares thoroughly before doing play-doh surgery with her son .
She always explains their “ patient ’ s ” medical condition to her son at the beginning of each surgery and walks him through the procedure before operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll watch a YouTube video of the surgery first , or she ’ ll draw out a sketch .
So says that at that point , he often has many questions , but they often don ’ t have to do with the procedure itself .
Instead , her son asks a lot of questions about pain , patient comfort , risks , and long-term consequences of the surgery .
The four-year-old ’ s favorite surgeries to perform are orthopedic procedures .
Read : This Mom Just Schooled Anyone Who Thinks That A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ For her son ’ s fourth birthday , So constructed the torso of a pregnant woman so her son could perform a c-section .
Over four million viewers watched on Twitter as the toddler performed the surgery with life-like precision , and delivered a Spiderman toy followed by a balloon placenta .
Throughout the process you can hear So ’ s voice as she walked him through the procedure , pointing out the various body parts and explaining exactly what they are doing .
Her son ’ s precision and apparent level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgeries , So has watched her son develop many important skills .
She says that his fine motor-skills have improved , as well as his self-control and problem solving , So also says he ’ s developed a deeper respect for his own body and for others ’ .
For So , the best part about the play-doh surgeries is spending time with her son .
He always has so many questions about how the human body works , so this is a really fun way for them to connect.Advertisement Each time they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video to her Twitter account with the hashtag # playdoughsurgeries .
Since then , the pair have gained a substantial following of supporters .
So often receives many messages of thanks for sharing these videos with her son .
Adults have sent her messages saying they ’ ve used the videos to start a discussion with their families about a surgery .
This has helped them to alleviate some anxiety and fear surrounding an upcoming procedure .
That being said , not everyone is as supportive .
Some viewers did not like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling it “ plain unnecessary and quite frankly a little disturbing ” [ 2 ] .
Of course , a few negative comments aren ’ t going to stop this mother-son duo .
So says she will continue nurturing her son ’ s curiosity and passion .
Keep Reading : The Special Bond Between a Mother and Her Son

Doctor Jessica So’s young son has a unique interest: surgery. He loves watching videos of surgeries on YouTube, and learning about the human body. For this reason, the creative mom gave him the best surprise on his fourth birthday: they performed a c-section together using play-doh.
Learning with a Play-Doh C-Section
Jessica So is a board-certified dermatologist living in California. Her son, who is only a toddler, loves learning about the human body and is endlessly interested in the work of surgeons. She suspects that some of that curiosity comes from him being interested in her own work, and what she does when she’s away all day.
“While we do talk about the different medical problems I treat, most of these conversations occur as part of a larger ongoing discussion about the calling of a physician—the joys, sorrows, and sacred honour of being entrusted to care for others,” she explained.
When he was just three years old, her son started talking about how excited he was to be a surgeon. After So explained to him the lengthy process it takes to get there, however, he became frustrated. He wanted to be a surgeon right here and right now.
So what did the crafty mom do? She grabbed some play-doh and built them into body parts so that she and her son could perform surgery. Their first case was an open gallbladder removal. Her son loved it so much that they re-did the surgery six times.
Since then, they’ve done several other procedures, including a hernia repair, a whipple procedure, a nail matrix biopsy, a thyroidectomy, and now, a c-section.
Anatomically-Correct Play-Doh
So always makes sure she prepares thoroughly before doing play-doh surgery with her son.
“I have pulled out old textbooks from medical school, messaged many colleagues for opinions on case scenarios and surgical approaches, and researched literature about specialties outside of my own,” she said.
She always explains their “patient’s” medical condition to her son at the beginning of each surgery and walks him through the procedure before operating. On some occasions, they’ll watch a YouTube video of the surgery first, or she’ll draw out a sketch.
So says that at that point, he often has many questions, but they often don’t have to do with the procedure itself. Instead, her son asks a lot of questions about pain, patient comfort, risks, and long-term consequences of the surgery.
The four-year-old’s favorite surgeries to perform are orthopedic procedures.
“As a four-year old, he loves slinging a hammer and working with drills,” says So.
The Birthday C-Section
For her son’s fourth birthday, So constructed the torso of a pregnant woman so her son could perform a c-section. Over four million viewers watched on Twitter as the toddler performed the surgery with life-like precision, and delivered a Spiderman toy followed by a balloon placenta.
Throughout the process you can hear So’s voice as she walked him through the procedure, pointing out the various body parts and explaining exactly what they are doing. Her son’s precision and apparent level of understanding is remarkable.
“I feel that children are able to understand much more than we give them credit for,” she said. “And you really don’t find out until you try.”
The Benefits of Play-Doh C-Section Surgery
Throughout their surgeries, So has watched her son develop many important skills. She says that his fine motor-skills have improved, as well as his self-control and problem solving, So also says he’s developed a deeper respect for his own body and for others’.
“For example, when we had a talk about caution for the neck during horseplay with his younger sister, we reviewed the critical structures in the neck then did a few neck surgeries for him to see the major vessels and trachea and understand their function,” she explained.
For So, the best part about the play-doh surgeries is spending time with her son. He always has so many questions about how the human body works, so this is a really fun way for them to connect.
“Every day he asks if we can do a Play-Doh surgery.”
C-Section Backlash
Each time they do a procedure, So posts a video to her Twitter account with the hashtag #playdoughsurgeries. Since then, the pair have gained a substantial following of supporters. So often receives many messages of thanks for sharing these videos with her son.
Adults have sent her messages saying they’ve used the videos to start a discussion with their families about a surgery. This has helped them to alleviate some anxiety and fear surrounding an upcoming procedure.
“My favourite are those from parents and educators of children with similar interests in the human body, who have been inspired at an early age to pursue a career in medicine, or to work even harder in their studies to reach their goals,” she says.
That being said, not everyone is as supportive. Some viewers did not like the Play-Doh c-section video, with one Twitter user calling it “plain unnecessary and quite frankly a little disturbing”.
Of course, a few negative comments aren’t going to stop this mother-son duo. So says she will continue nurturing her son’s curiosity and passion.
“I promised my son I’d keep doing them for as long as he wanted me too,”.
Keep Reading: Moms Are Sharing Powerful Photos To End C-Section Shaming


theheartysoul--2020-12-01--Can You Get A Perfect Score In This IQ Test?

Over the past few years of working with health experts all over the world , there ’ s one major @ @ @ @ @ .
You don ’ t have to rely on expensive medications for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ problems can often be resolved with a good diet , exercise and a few powerful @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve gone through hundreds of scientific papers and ‘ superfood ’ claims and @ @ @ @ @ % that are : We then put this valuable information into the Superfood as Medicine @ @ @ @ @ guide on the 7 most powerful superfoods available , including : • DIY recipes to @ @ @ @

It’s never a bad idea to challenge your brain. We’ve come up with a 10-question make shift ‘IQ test’ to put yours to the test.
Can You Get Perfect On This IQ Test?
While it may not be a real test, it will certainly put your brain to work. If you can get every question right then you must be a pretty smart person. Keep track of your answers to see which ones you got right at the end.
B is the biggest. B is bigger than C. C is bigger than A. C is the smallest.
28 37 19 42
XXIL XC XIV XXVI
Copper Gold Silver Ivory Platinum
Induce Submit Hearten Proffer
4 8 16 2
BREATH is to LUNG FLIPPER is to WATER ENGINE is to JET ELBOW is to HAND
Scott George John James
Lungs Ears Eyes Ovaries Kidneys Lips
16 5 17 4 13 20
Answers:
C is bigger than A. 28 XC Ivory Hearten 4 FLIPPER is to WATER George Ovaries 5
So how did you do on our IQ test? If you didn’t answer them all, that’s ok. It doesn’t mean you aren’t smart! An IQ test is only a gauge of how well someone can use information and logic to answer questions or make predictions.
Having a high IQ doesn’t necessarily make you smart. IQ tests tend to test on abstract, artificial situations. Scoring poorly on an IQ test means only that – in reality, you may have adequate reasoning skills in real life situations. And conversely, someone who scores high on a quiz like this may not be able to reason through common life situations. How many times have you known a genius who couldn’t do their taxes or change a tire? It happens.
Read More: These 5 Questions Appeared In A 1950s IQ Test. Can You Answer At Least 1 Correctly?


theheartysoul--2020-12-01--These Photos Perfectly Capture The Stages of Baby Development Before Birth

In 1965 , Life Magazine published a photo essay called the “ Drama of Life Before Birth ” .
The composition depicted the unseen-before flow of baby development in utero by the late photographer Lennart Nilsson .
The issue sold out within several days .
Before then , the creation of a child in the womb remained a phenomenon hidden from the public .
The series sparked a new interest and curiosity about the origins of life .
Behind-the-scenes explanations accompanied the pictures .
The sad new is that all except one of the fetuses featured were photographed outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ for a variety of medical reasons ” .
Nilsson had arranged with five Stockholm hospitals that he ’ d be notified whenever there was a fetus he could document .
A dedicated room for this project with special lenses and lights was where Nilsson arranged the fetuses to appear like they were in the womb .
It ’ s a painful irony that the miracle of life was shown so vividly by those who never had the chance to be born .
Despite pro-life activists using his photos to promote their cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t made a public statement about abortion .
His photos stand on their own as they dictate the process of baby development in fantastic detail , but they spark the debate of when life truly begins .
[ 1 ] The Photographer that Documented the Story Before Birth This isn ’ t the first time Lennar Nilsson attempted to document baby development in the uterus .
His first set of pictures from 1957 weren ’ t clear because of the limited black and white technology .
He tried again in 1965 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 2 ] Advertisement After the published article in Life , Nilsson produced A Child is Born , one of the most successful books of photography in the world .
It documents fetal development from the initial ovary fecundation .
Millions of copies of this book were sold all over the world , and even taken to space .
The NASA probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 kept a copy onboard .
The book is now in its sixth edition .
The book is split into two sections .
One is a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the baby from conception to birth .
The second follows a woman and her partner during her pregnancy , playing out the story from outside of the womb .
There ’ s something deeply emotional about witnessing baby development through these portraits .
It is like watching a person take shape , literally .
Childbirth is one of the most intriguing aspects of medicine , and there ’ s no wonder why .
Here is a sample of the collection of photos that have been leaving people in awe since 1965 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sperm is in the fallopian tube , inching toward an egg .
The sperm gets closer to the egg This is the chosen egg the sperm will fuse to .
The sperm is just about to fuse with the egg .
The sperm collides with the selected eggs .
A close up shot of the sperm The top of the sperm holds all of the DNA that will combine with the egg ’ s DNA to produce the genetic makeup of the future child .
A week after the sperm fuses with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the wall of the uterus Advertisement The baby development continues , finally becoming a shape reminiscent of a human body .
After five weeks in the womb , the facial cavities continue to form .
Here is an eight-week-old embryo in the uterus .
The eyes are visible and the limbs are distinct .
The fetus is starting to explore its environment .
Its divided fingers are clear in this portrait .
This photo is just mesmerizing .
A viewer could see the webbing of veins and the shadow of a bone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the baby ’ s facial features have become more distinct , as well as other details , like fingernails on its hands .
At about 6 and a half months Here the baby curls into the fetal position with shaped ears , limbs , and digits .
There are only about 2 and a half months left of baby development before it is born into the world .
Keep Reading : Photographer Forms Landscapes Using Just Human Bodies

In 1965, Life Magazine published a photo essay called the “Drama of Life Before Birth”. The composition depicted the unseen-before flow of baby development in utero by the late photographer Lennart Nilsson. The issue sold out within several days. Before then, the creation of a child in the womb remained a phenomenon hidden from the public. The series sparked a new interest and curiosity about the origins of life.
Behind-the-scenes explanations accompanied the pictures. The sad new is that all except one of the fetuses featured were photographed outside of the womb. They had been aborted “for a variety of medical reasons”. Nilsson had arranged with five Stockholm hospitals that he’d be notified whenever there was a fetus he could document. A dedicated room for this project with special lenses and lights was where Nilsson arranged the fetuses to appear like they were in the womb. It’s a painful irony that the miracle of life was shown so vividly by those who never had the chance to be born.
Despite pro-life activists using his photos to promote their cause in the 60s and 70s, Nilsson hasn’t made a public statement about abortion. His photos stand on their own as they dictate the process of baby development in fantastic detail, but they spark the debate of when life truly begins. [1]
The Photographer that Documented the Story Before Birth
This isn’t the first time Lennar Nilsson attempted to document baby development in the uterus. His first set of pictures from 1957 weren’t clear because of the limited black and white technology. He tried again in 1965 and finally produced this stunning collection. [2]
After the published article in Life, Nilsson produced A Child is Born, one of the most successful books of photography in the world. It documents fetal development from the initial ovary fecundation. Millions of copies of this book were sold all over the world, and even taken to space. The NASA probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 kept a copy onboard. The book is now in its sixth edition.
The book is split into two sections. One is a series of pictures with text explaining the growth of the baby from conception to birth. The second follows a woman and her partner during her pregnancy, playing out the story from outside of the womb.
There’s something deeply emotional about witnessing baby development through these portraits. It is like watching a person take shape, literally. Childbirth is one of the most intriguing aspects of medicine, and there’s no wonder why.
Here is a sample of the collection of photos that have been leaving people in awe since 1965.
The Photo Series Depicting Baby Development
The sperm moves toward an egg
Lennart Nilsson
Here the sperm is in the fallopian tube, inching toward an egg.
The sperm gets closer to the egg
Lennart Nilsson
This is the chosen egg the sperm will fuse to.
The moment before conception
Lennart Nilsson
The sperm is just about to fuse with the egg.
The moment of fusing
Lennart Nilsson
The sperm collides with the selected eggs.
A close up shot of the sperm
Lennart Nilsson
The top of the sperm holds all of the DNA that will combine with the egg’s DNA to produce the genetic makeup of the future child.
The embryo implants
Lennart Nilsson
A week after the sperm fuses with the egg, the embryo will attach to the wall of the uterus
The heart begins to beat
Lennart Nilsson
Eighteen days after conception, the tiny heart starts beating.
The embryo at day 28
Lennart Nilsson
The baby development continues, finally becoming a shape reminiscent of a human body.
The face begins forming
Lennart Nilsson
After five weeks in the womb, the facial cavities continue to form.
The embryo takes shape
Lennart Nilsson
Here is an eight-week-old embryo in the uterus. The eyes are visible and the limbs are distinct.
Movement
Lennart Nilsson
The fetus is starting to explore its environment. Its divided fingers are clear in this portrait.
Translucent skin
Lennart Nilsson
This photo is just mesmerizing. A viewer could see the webbing of veins and the shadow of a bone in the legs.
Development in week 18
Lennart Nilsson
After 18 weeks, the baby’s facial features have become more distinct, as well as other details, like fingernails on its hands.
20 weeks of the baby’s development
Lennart Nilsson
A woolly hair called lanugo grows over the fetus’s head.
At about 6 and a half months
Lennart Nilsson
Here the baby curls into the fetal position with shaped ears, limbs, and digits. There are only about 2 and a half months left of baby development before it is born into the world.
Keep Reading: Photographer Forms Landscapes Using Just Human Bodies


theheartysoul--2020-12-01--‘It’s working!’ Video shows animals using wildlife bridge to safely cross interstate

A lot of money goes into wildlife protection and conservation .
It ’ s incredible when that investment pays off .
A video of a wildlife bridge in Utah shows that our efforts to make the world safer for animals hasn ’ t gone unnoticed .
( 1 ) In December 2018 , Utah built its first wildlife bridge .
The concept is simple : Build natural overpasses across major highways so decrease the number of animals attempting to cross the busy interstate .
( 1 ) These overpasses are incredibly important in protecting those driving on the highways as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
( 1 ) On November 19 the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources posted a video proving that the overpass was well-worth the amount of time , resources , and money that went into building it .
( 1 ) Advertisement You can see a variety of animals crossing over the bridge , including ( 1 ) : The wildlife bridge is called the Parleys Wildlife Canyon Overpass and is situated in Summit County , Utah .
( 1 ) Read : 32 Comedy Wildlife Photos That Will Brighten Up Your 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All over the world cities and regions are building over- and under-passes to provide more safe crossing spaces for their wildlife .
These wildlife bridges are helping animals big and small cross busy highways safely .
Not only do these bridges protect the animals , but they also make things safer for motorists .
If you are driving down the highway at 65 miles an hour and hit a deer , moose , or other , you will most likely have irreparable damage done to your vehicle and be seriously injured in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat when people attempt to swerve to avoid them .
The more wildlife bridges there are across busy highways , the less likely these collisions are to happen .
Keep Reading : Incredible moment stag sneaks up to clueless wildlife photographer

A lot of money goes into wildlife protection and conservation. It’s incredible when that investment pays off. A video of a wildlife bridge in Utah shows that our efforts to make the world safer for animals hasn’t gone unnoticed. (1)
Video Shows Wildlife Bridge in Utah Working
In December 2018, Utah built its first wildlife bridge. The concept is simple: Build natural overpasses across major highways so decrease the number of animals attempting to cross the busy interstate. (1)
These overpasses are incredibly important in protecting those driving on the highways as well as the animals living in the area. (1)
On November 19 the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources posted a video proving that the overpass was well-worth the amount of time, resources, and money that went into building it. (1)
You can see a variety of animals crossing over the bridge, including (1):
Porcupines
Bobcats
Deer
Mountain lions
Bears
On Facebook, the department wrote:
“As you can see, the second year of this overpass has been successful at helping wildlife safely migrate over busy Interstate 80 and helping motorists be much safer as well.” (1)
The wildlife bridge is called the Parleys Wildlife Canyon Overpass and is situated in Summit County, Utah. (1)
Read: 32 Comedy Wildlife Photos That Will Brighten Up Your 2020
Not the Only Bridge of its Kind
All over the world cities and regions are building over- and under-passes to provide more safe crossing spaces for their wildlife. These wildlife bridges are helping animals big and small cross busy highways safely.
Not only do these bridges protect the animals, but they also make things safer for motorists. If you are driving down the highway at 65 miles an hour and hit a deer, moose, or other, you will most likely have irreparable damage done to your vehicle and be seriously injured in the collision.
Even small animals pose a threat when people attempt to swerve to avoid them. The more wildlife bridges there are across busy highways, the less likely these collisions are to happen.
Keep Reading: Incredible moment stag sneaks up to clueless wildlife photographer


theheartysoul--2020-12-03--Before Dementia Sets in, Your Body Will Give You These 12 Early Warning Signs

Dementia is a progressive condition that damages and eventually kills brain cells .
In the next ten years , experts are projecting that about 82 million people worldwide will have dementia [ 1 ] .
While there is still no cure for the condition , knowing the early warning signs of dementia can help you or your loved one get the support that they need .
Dementia is not one specific disease .
Instead , it is a collection of symptoms that are a result of various brain disorders .
While a certain amount of memory loss is normal as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other dementias are different [ 2 ] .
Dementia is memory loss that is severe to the point that it is affecting your everyday life .
People with dementia have difficulty sticking to their normal routine , learning new things , and completing tasks they ’ re familiar with [ 3 ] .
While most people who develop dementia are over the age of 65 , it is not exclusively an “ old person ’ s ” condition .
A small portion of people in their forties and fifties can also develop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refer to it as “ young onset dementia ” [ 2 ] .
As the prevalence of dementia continues to increase around the world , it is very important to know the early warning signs of the condition .
This will help to diagnose it earlier and begin creating a proper care plan as it progresses .
Read : How These Greek Islanders May be Avoiding Dementia AdvertisementParticularly in its early stages , warning signs of dementia can be very subtle and difficult to detect .
If you notice any of the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , talk to your doctor about being assessed for Dementia .
Of course , forgetfulness is an affliction that happens to everyone occasionally , but for someone exhibiting early warning signs of dementia , short-term memory loss will be more pronounced or perhaps more frequent .
For example , someone in the early stages of dementia may leave items in odd places , such as leaving the keys in the sugar bowl or putting their wallet in the kitchen drawer [ 4 ] .
In addition , someone with early dementia may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but can ’ t remember what they ate for breakfast .
AdvertisementA 2009 report found that patients with Alzheimer ’ s disease also have difficulty establishing new long-term memories .
The researchers explained that this is because the pathological changes in Alzheimer ’ s occur mainly in the hippocampal region of the brain .
This area of the brain plays a major role in learning and memory [ 5 ] .
People with dementia often have difficulty performing regular daily tasks .
Typically this begins with more complex tasks such as driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal , or playing their favorite board game .
Gradually , however , simpler tasks may become increasingly difficult .
Additionally , someone with dementia may also begin to have trouble learning new tasks or follow new routines [ 6 ] .
One of the early warning signs of dementia is when someone is struggling with vocabulary .
When this occurs , you may notice they forget simple words , or substitute other words so that it is difficult to understand what they ’ re saying .
For example , they may substitute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Someone with dementia may also use general pronouns instead of names , mispronounce words , or have trouble understanding both verbal and written communication [ 6 ] .Advertisement Someone with dementia may experience frequent and drastic mood changes .
It is very common for people with the condition to experience anxiety and depression , particularly in the early stages [ 7 ] .
It is often difficult to notice mood changes within yourself , however if you find that someone close to you is exhibiting varied mood swings , it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disorientation in time and space is a common sign of dementia .
This means that the individual will have trouble knowing what day of the week it is , or they may get lost in a place that is familiar to them .
Disorientation poses a danger to the individual and limits their ability to do daily activities outside the home .
For this reason , it is important to provide assistance to these people so they can live comfortably and safely [ 8 ] .
People with dementia may forget the meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to follow a storyline or keep up with a conversation .
They may struggle in particular in the midst of a group conversation , and may have difficulty keeping a conversation going [ 9 ] .
Additionally , if someone stops being able to understand sarcasm and lies , this may be an early warning sign of dementia [ 10 ] .
Read : Forty percent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by targeting 12 risk factors throughout life Memory loss and behavioural changes associated with dementia may also cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , you may notice that they repeat the same things several times within one conversation .
They may also repeat daily tasks , like shaving , or collect things obsessively [ 11 ] .
Apathy , listlessness , and loss of initiative is a common sign of dementia .
This could include losing interest in hobbies or activities that they normally love , or seeming “ emotionally flat ” .
According to experts , apathy affects up to 76 percent of individuals with Alzheimer ’ s [ 12 ] .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have trouble performing tasks that involve abstract thinking , such as using a calculator or balancing a checkbook .
As it progresses , however , they may have trouble with simpler “ abstract ” ideas , such as the meaning of numbers and how to use them [ 13 ] .
People with dementia may experience lapses in judgement , or lose some of their decision-making skills .
For example , they may pay less attention to personal grooming , ignore an obvious health issue , or choose to wear a heavy coat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because someone with dementia has difficulty carrying on a conversation , they may begin to withdraw from social engagements .
This could include workplace activities , family functions , and invitations from friends [ 14 ] .
While people tend to experience personality changes over time , you may notice that in someone with dementia , these changes seem more sudden or drastic .
Changes may include confusion , suspiciousness , or shyness , among others .
Studies have shown that these changes are some of the earliest warning signs of dementia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 15 ] .
When to Get Help Dementia can be difficult to spot because we often associate many of the early warning signs with normal age-related changes .
Of course , forgetfulness and memory problems do not always mean you have dementia , particularly as you age .
That being said , if you or a loved one are experiencing a number of these symptoms and they don ’ t seem to be approving , you should talk to your doctor .
They can refer you to a neurologist , who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you do in fact have dementia .
If this is the case , they can work with you to create an action plan to help you and your family as the condition progresses .
While there is still no cure for dementia , scientists are learning more information about the condition constantly .
One day we will hopefully have better treatment for dementia , but for now , knowing the early warning signs can help you diagnose it earlier , and thus help you to create a better care plan for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Two Popular Classes of Drugs Linked to Higher Dementia Risk and Memory Problems , Possible Alternatives

Dementia is a progressive condition that damages and eventually kills brain cells. In the next ten years, experts project that about 82 million people worldwide will have dementia [1]. While there is still no cure for the condition, knowing the early warning signs of dementia can help you or your loved one get the support they need.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not one specific disease. Instead, it is a collection of symptoms resulting from various brain disorders. While a certain amount of memory loss is normal as you age, Alzheimer’s and other dementias are different [2].
Dementia is memory loss that is severe to the point that it is affecting your everyday life. People with dementia have difficulty sticking to their normal routines, learning new things, and completing tasks they’re familiar with [3].
While most people who develop dementia are over the age of 65, it is not exclusively an “old person’s” condition. A small portion of people in their forties and fifties can also develop the condition. When this happens, experts refer to it as “young onset dementia” [2].
As the prevalence of dementia continues to increase worldwide, it is very important to know the early warning signs of the condition. This will help to diagnose it earlier and begin creating a proper care plan as it progresses.
Read: Diets Low in This Antioxidant Diet May Contribute to Memory Decline
12 Early Warning Signs of Dementia
Particularly in its early stages, warning signs of dementia can be very subtle and difficult to detect. If you notice any of the following behaviors in yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor about being assessed for Dementia.
1. Short-Term Memory Loss
Of course, forgetfulness is an affliction that happens to everyone occasionally, but for someone exhibiting early warning signs of dementia, short-term memory loss will be more pronounced or perhaps more frequent.
For example, someone in the early stages of dementia may leave items in odd places, such as leaving the keys in the sugar bowl or putting their wallet in the kitchen drawer [4]. In addition, someone with early dementia may be able to recall events from their past, but can’t remember what they ate for breakfast.
A 2009 report found that patients with Alzheimer’s disease also have difficulty establishing new long-term memories. The researchers explained that this is because the pathological changes in Alzheimer’s occur mainly in the brain’s hippocampal region. This brain area plays a major role in learning and memory [5].
2. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks
People with dementia often have difficulty performing regular daily tasks. Typically this begins with more complex tasks such as driving to a familiar place, preparing a meal, or playing their favorite board game. Gradually, however, simpler tasks may become increasingly difficult.
Additionally, someone with dementia may also begin to have trouble learning new tasks or following new routines [6].
3. Language Problems
One of the early warning signs of dementia is when someone struggles with vocabulary. When this occurs, you may notice they forget simple words or substitute words, making it difficult to understand what they’re saying. For example, they may substitute “hand clock” for “watch.”
Someone with dementia may also use general pronouns instead of names, mispronounce words, or have trouble understanding verbal and written communication [6].
Read: 6 Diseases Your Lack of Sleep Could Be Causing
4. Mood Changes
Someone with dementia may experience frequent and drastic mood changes. It is very common for people with the condition to experience anxiety and depression, particularly in the early stages [7].
It is often difficult to notice mood changes within yourself; however, if you find that someone close to you is exhibiting varied mood swings, it could be an early warning sign of dementia.
5. Disorientation
Disorientation in time and space is a common sign of dementia. This means that the individual will have trouble knowing what day of the week it is, or they may get lost in a place that is familiar to them.
Disorientation poses a danger to the individual and limits their ability to do daily activities outside the home. For this reason, it is important to provide assistance to these people so they can live comfortably and safely [8].
6. Difficulty Following a Conversation
People with dementia may forget the meaning of some words, which makes it difficult to follow a storyline or keep up with a conversation. They may struggle, particularly in the midst of a group conversation, and may have difficulty keeping a conversation going [9].
Additionally, if someone stops being able to understand sarcasm and lies, this may be an early warning sign of dementia [10].
7. Being Repetitive
Memory loss and behavioral changes associated with dementia may also cause someone to repeat themselves frequently. In fact, you may notice that they repeat the same things several times within one conversation. They may also repeat daily tasks, like shaving, or collect things obsessively [11].
8. Loss of Initiative
Apathy, listlessness, and loss of initiative are common signs of dementia. This could include losing interest in hobbies or activities they normally love or seeming “emotionally flat.” According to experts, apathy affects up to 76 percent of individuals with Alzheimer’s [12].
Read: Massive Study Shows Vitamin D Supplements May Help Fend Off Dementia
9. Problems with Abstract Thinking
In the early stages of dementia, someone may have trouble performing tasks that involve abstract thinking, such as using a calculator or balancing a checkbook. As it progresses, however, they may have trouble with simpler “abstract” ideas, such as the meaning of numbers and how to use them [13].
10. Decreased or Poor Judgement
People with dementia may experience lapses in judgment or lose some of their decision-making skills. For example, they may pay less attention to personal grooming, ignore an obvious health issue, or choose to wear a heavy coat on a hot day [6].
11. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Because someone with dementia has difficulty conversing, they may begin to withdraw from social engagements. This could include workplace activities, family functions, and invitations from friends [14].
12. Personality Changes
While people tend to experience personality changes over time, you may notice that in someone with dementia, these changes seem more sudden or drastic. Changes may include confusion, suspiciousness, or shyness, among others. Studies have shown that these changes are some of the earliest warning signs of dementia and often precede a clinical diagnosis [15].
When to Get Help
Dementia can be difficult to spot because we often associate many of the early warning signs with normal age-related changes. Of course, forgetfulness and memory problems do not always mean you have dementia, particularly as you age. That being said, if you or a loved one are experiencing several of these symptoms and they don’t seem to approve, you should talk to your health care practitioner.
They can refer you to a neurologist, who will perform a series of tests to determine if you do, in fact, have dementia. If this is the case, they can work with you to create an action plan to help you and your family as the condition progresses.
While there is still no cure for dementia, scientists constantly learn more about the condition. One day we will hopefully have better treatment for dementia, but for now, knowing the early warning signs can help you diagnose it earlier and thus help you to create a better care plan for you or your loved one.
Keep Reading: Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Dementia Symptoms: What You Should Know
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-12-03--‘No-Kill’ Lab-Grown Meat To Go On Sale For First Time

Across the globe , we kill approximately fifty billion chickens every year for consumption [ 1 ] .
Many scientific studies have shown that the amount of meat we consume is not only bad for our health , but is having a detrimental impact on the planet [ 2 ] .
While many people have chosen to adopt vegetarian diets because of this , some scientists have come up with an alternate solution : lab-grown meat .
Lab-grown meat is not vegetarian per se , but it requires the slaughter of far fewer animals , and could have a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
Lab-grown meat has several different names .
These include cultured meat , in-vitro meat , cultivated meat , cell-based meat , or “ clean ” meat .
Some may also refer to it as “ cellular agriculture ” [ 3 ] .
This new meat is different from other meat substitutes because it does come from an actual animal .
To simplify the process , these are the basic steps to creating lab-grown meat : • Scientists extract stem cells from an animal ( a chicken , cow , pig , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells in petri dishes with a growth medium and some scaffolding ( such as collagen ) to help muscles cells multiply and grow .
• After enough muscle cells have grown , the end product resembles real or “ natural ” meat [ 3,4 ] .
This product is not vegan or vegetarian because you do need an animal in order to create it ( though that may change ) .
That being said , you do not have to kill an animal in order to extract a few of it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea : eating meat without killing an animal .
That brings up the next question : is lab-grown meat really no-kill ?
AdvertisementThe answer , unfortunately , is no .
The reason is because of the growth medium scientists are currently using to cultivate the meat .
Right now , they are using foetal bovine serum , which does necessitate killing cows .
Fetal bovine serum ( FBS ) is the liquid fraction of clotted blood from foetal calves .
It contains a significant amount of nutritional and macromolecular factors that are essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason , it makes the perfect medium for lab-grown meat [ 5 ] .
The problem is that the only way to get FBS is from a pregnant cow during slaughter .
For some , this presents an ethical dilemma [ 6 ] .
AdvertisementThe use of FBS means that lab-grown meat does require the slaughter of some animals .
While the number of animals is far less than the requirements for traditional meat , it is not completely “ no kill ” as some brands try to market themselves .
Read : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Made With Fake Crab & Should You Eat It ?
Lab-Grown Meat Approved for Sale for First Time Although many companies have been working on lab-grown meat for some time , none has been approved for sale .
That is , until now .
US company “ Eat Just ” has made chicken bites that have just passed a safety review by the Singapore Food Agency .
The company makes the cells in a twelve thousand liter bioreactor , then mixes them with plant-based ingredients to create the final product .
The cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a cell bank , and thus did not require killing any chickens .
They did use fetal bovine serum as the growth medium , but the company said they will be using a plant-based serum in the next production line.Advertisement For now , there will be a very small supply of chicken bites .
The company says a restaurant in Singapore will be serving them [ 7 ] .
Is Lab-Grown Meat Better for the Environment ?
Currently , due to the small production volume , lab-grown meat actually creates more carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that once they increase their output , the overall energy requirements will go down .
This means that the product will produce less carbon and use less water than traditional animal farming .
This approval in Singapore , at any rate , has created an opportunity for other manufacturers to start creating products for sale .
Read : Healthwashing—What Does It Mean for the Plant-Based Movement ?
While this is a significant breakthrough for the company , Tetrick says that they still face many challenges .
Unsurprisingly , one of these is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their product is the same as chicken .
It may not , however , taste exactly like a real chicken bite .
Other challenges include getting approval in other countries and scaling up production .
Tetrick says that if they want to service all of Singapore , as well as other countries around the world , they will need ten thousand or fifty thousand liter bioreactors .
Another barrier to commercial success is the cost of lab-grown meat .
As of now , it can cost a few hundred dollars per pound , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s price range .
Several companies are working on improving their production process to lower this cost .
One of these companies , Future Meat Technologies , says that it is hoping to bring the cost down to ten dollars per pound by 2022 [ 8 ] .
Whether you ’ re enthused by the idea or not , lab-grown meat may be the future of sustainable meat production .
In fact , one study found that lab-grown beef will produce 95 percent less greenhouse gas emissions , 98 percent less land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much energy [ 9 ] .
A recent report from the global consultancy estimated that by 2040 , sixty percent of the “ meat ” that we eat will either be lab-grown , or we will replace it with plant-based products [ 10 ] .
Bruce Friedrich , at the non-profit Good Food Institute in the US , said that lab-grown meat likely won ’ t become mainstream for a few years .
Still , this is a significant moment in the food industry .
Keep Reading : Human steak is real and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” not cannibalism

Across the globe, we kill approximately fifty billion chickens every year for consumption [1]. Many scientific studies have shown that the amount of meat we consume is not only bad for our health, but is having a detrimental impact on the planet [2]. While many people have chosen to adopt vegetarian diets because of this, some scientists have come up with an alternate solution: lab-grown meat.
Lab-grown meat is not vegetarian per se, but it requires the slaughter of far fewer animals, and could have a significant impact on the future of the meat industry.
What is Lab-Grown Meat?
Lab-grown meat has several different names. These include cultured meat, in-vitro meat, cultivated meat, cell-based meat, or “clean” meat. Some may also refer to it as “cellular agriculture” [3].
This new meat is different from other meat substitutes because it does come from an actual animal. To simplify the process, these are the basic steps to creating lab-grown meat:
Scientists extract stem cells from an animal (a chicken, cow, pig, etc.) They place these cells in petri dishes with a growth medium and some scaffolding (such as collagen) to help muscles cells multiply and grow. After enough muscle cells have grown, the end product resembles real or “natural” meat [3,4].
This product is not vegan or vegetarian because you do need an animal in order to create it (though that may change). That being said, you do not have to kill an animal in order to extract a few of it’s stem cells. Therein lies the basic idea: eating meat without killing an animal.
That brings up the next question: is lab-grown meat really no-kill?
The answer, unfortunately, is no. The reason is because of the growth medium scientists are currently using to cultivate the meat. Right now, they are using foetal bovine serum, which does necessitate killing cows.
What is Foetal Bovine Serum?
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is the liquid fraction of clotted blood from foetal calves. It contains a significant amount of nutritional and macromolecular factors that are essential for cells to grow. For this reason, it makes the perfect medium for lab-grown meat [5].
The problem is that the only way to get FBS is from a pregnant cow during slaughter. For some, this presents an ethical dilemma [6].
The use of FBS means that lab-grown meat does require the slaughter of some animals. While the number of animals is far less than the requirements for traditional meat, it is not completely “no kill” as some brands try to market themselves.
Lab-Grown Meat Approved for Sale for First Time
Although many companies have been working on lab-grown meat for some time, none has been approved for sale. That is, until now.
US company “Eat Just” has made chicken bites that have just passed a safety review by the Singapore Food Agency. The company makes the cells in a twelve thousand liter bioreactor, then mixes them with plant-based ingredients to create the final product.
The cells they used to start the process came from a cell bank, and thus did not require killing any chickens. They did use fetal bovine serum as the growth medium, but the company said they will be using a plant-based serum in the next production line.
For now, there will be a very small supply of chicken bites. The company says a restaurant in Singapore will be serving them [7].
Is Lab-Grown Meat Better for the Environment?
Currently, due to the small production volume, lab-grown meat actually creates more carbon emissions. The manufacturers, however, say that once they increase their output, the overall energy requirements will go down. This means that the product will produce less carbon and use less water than traditional animal farming.
This approval in Singapore, at any rate, has created an opportunity for other manufacturers to start creating products for sale.
“I think the approval is one of the most significant milestones in the food industry in the last handful of decades,” says Josh Tetrick, of Eat Just. “It’s an open door and it’s up to us and other companies to take that opportunity. My hope is this leads to a world in the next handful of years where the majority of meat doesn’t require killing a single animal or tearing down a single tree.” [7]
Challenges Ahead
While this is a significant breakthrough for the company, Tetrick says that they still face many challenges. Unsurprisingly, one of these is consumer reaction. He explains that nutritionally their product is the same as chicken. It may not, however, taste exactly like a real chicken bite.
“Our hope is through transparent communication with consumers, what this is and how it compares to conventional meat, we’re able to win. But it’s not a guarantee,” he said [6].
Other challenges include getting approval in other countries and scaling up production. Tetrick says that if they want to service all of Singapore, as well as other countries around the world, they will need ten thousand or fifty thousand liter bioreactors.
Another barrier to commercial success is the cost of lab-grown meat. As of now, it can cost a few hundred dollars per pound, putting it well out of most people’s price range. Several companies are working on improving their production process to lower this cost. One of these companies, Future Meat Technologies, says that it is hoping to bring the cost down to ten dollars per pound by 2022 [8].
The Future of Meat
Whether you’re enthused by the idea or not, lab-grown meat may be the future of sustainable meat production. In fact, one study found that lab-grown beef will produce 95 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, 98 percent less land use, and up to half as much energy [9].
A recent report from the global consultancy estimated that by 2040, sixty percent of the “meat” that we eat will either be lab-grown, or we will replace it with plant-based products [10].
Bruce Friedrich, at the non-profit Good Food Institute in the US, said that lab-grown meat likely won’t become mainstream for a few years. Still, this is a significant moment in the food industry.
“The [Eat Just approval] is a very big deal for the future of meat production globally,” he said. “A new space race for the future of food is under way.” [7]


theheartysoul--2020-12-03--Stunning lion shows off incredible mane at sanctuary

There have been some pretty famous lions , both real and fictional , over the years .
A new lion named Moyo has joined their ranks , albeit for a different : His fabulous hair .
Moya ’ s lion mane might just go down as the most beautiful in history .
( 1 ) The Most Luscious Lion Mane the World Has Ever Seen Mayo is a white lion who lives in the Glen Garriff Conservation lion sanctuary in South Africa .
British photographer Simon Needham snapped some photos of him while visiting the area , because he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mane .
( 1 ) The photos have now gone viral and the internet can ’ t seem to get enough of Moya ’ s gorgeous do .
( 1 ) “ I love animals , but Moya ’ s stunning coat blew me away the first time I saw it , ” said Needham .
He hopes that his photos will bring awareness to the sanctuary and also the need to protect these animals from poaching and other threats .
( 1 ) If you would like to purchase one of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the proceeds will be going to conservation charities if purchased before Dec 31st , 2020 .
Other Famous Cats .
It ’ s Not Just About Lion ’ s Manes AdvertisementOf course , though Moya ’ s mane is incredible , it still doesn ’ t mean that other famous lions are any less incredible .
A story that ’ s been watched over 20 million times on YouTube , Christian the Lion has a story that is almost assured to make you cry .
( 2 ) Australian travelers Ace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrods Department Store in 1969 .
They raised him until he was too big to keep .
Some 40 years after releasing him into the wilderness of Kenya , the trio ’ s reunion is nothing short of incredible .
( 2 ) AdvertisementElsa ’ s story is another one similar to Christian ’ s .
An orphaned lion cub , Joy and George Adamson raised her to adulthood and also released her into the wild in Kenya .
Elsa became famous after the release of the movie Born Free , which told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ) Cecil the Lion was the biggest male lion in Zimbabwe ’ s Hwange National Park .
Loved by thousands , there was a massive outcry on social media after an American recreational hunter illegally killed him .
( 2 ) Lions have long been a favorite animal for fictional stories .
Some of the most famous include : • Mufasa , Simba , and Nala from Disney ’ s The Lion King • Aslan from C.S .
Lewis ’ The Lion , The Witch , and The Wardrobe • The Cowardly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leo the Lion from Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , whose roar has been signaling the start of movies since 1957 .
( 2 ) Clearly we all just really love lions .
Our question here is : Can we get Moya ’ s hair care routine ?
Keep Reading : 12,000 lions being farmed in captivity to be shot dead by tourists in ‘ canned hunts ’

There have been some pretty famous lions, both real and fictional, over the years. A new lion named Moyo has joined their ranks, albeit for a different: His fabulous hair. Moya’s lion mane might just go down as the most beautiful in history. (1)
The Most Luscious Lion Mane the World Has Ever Seen
Image Credit: Simon Needham | Simon Needham
Mayo is a white lion who lives in the Glen Garriff Conservation lion sanctuary in South Africa. British photographer Simon Needham snapped some photos of him while visiting the area, because he was stunned by Moya’s impeccable lion mane. (1)
Image Credit: Simon Needham | Simon Needham
The photos have now gone viral and the internet can’t seem to get enough of Moya’s gorgeous do. (1)
“I love animals, but Moya’s stunning coat blew me away the first time I saw it,” said Needham.
Image Credit: Simon Needham | Simon Needham
He hopes that his photos will bring awareness to the sanctuary and also the need to protect these animals from poaching and other threats. (1)
If you would like to purchase one of these beautiful images visit his website. 50% of the proceeds will be going to conservation charities if purchased before Dec 31st, 2020.
Other Famous Cats. It’s Not Just About Lion’s Manes
Of course, though Moya’s mane is incredible, it still doesn’t mean that other famous lions are any less incredible.
1. Christian the Lion
A story that’s been watched over 20 million times on YouTube, Christian the Lion has a story that is almost assured to make you cry. (2)
Australian travelers Ace Bourke and John Rendell purchased Christian from Harrods Department Store in 1969. They raised him until he was too big to keep. Some 40 years after releasing him into the wilderness of Kenya, the trio’s reunion is nothing short of incredible. (2)
2. Elsa the Lion
Elsa’s story is another one similar to Christian’s. An orphaned lion cub, Joy and George Adamson raised her to adulthood and also released her into the wild in Kenya. Elsa became famous after the release of the movie Born Free, which told the story of her life. (2)
3. Cecil the Lion
Cecil the Lion was the biggest male lion in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Loved by thousands, there was a massive outcry on social media after an American recreational hunter illegally killed him. (2)
Famous Fictional Lions
Lions have long been a favorite animal for fictional stories. Some of the most famous include:
Mufasa, Simba, and Nala from Disney’s The Lion King
Aslan from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
The Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz
Leo the Lion from Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, whose roar has been signaling the start of movies since 1957. (2)
Clearly we all just really love lions. Our question here is: Can we get Moya’s hair care routine?
Keep Reading: 12,000 lions being farmed in captivity to be shot dead by tourists in ‘canned hunts’


theheartysoul--2020-12-03--Diver gets the fright of his life after spotting giant crocodile swimming next to him in Australia

A diver in Australia caught on camera one of the most frightening yet incredible experiences of his life : Swimming in the ocean with a giant crocodile .
On October 26th , Chris Burnham went on a routine free dive with some other diver friends off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia .
He was swimming along when one of the other divers shouted out “ Croc !
” .
( 1 ) Burnham looked down only to see a giant crocodile swimming directly below him .
He whipped out his camera to capture the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) He explained that living and diving in Arnhem for eight years without bumping into a crocodile made him a touch complacent towards the risk of ‘ swimming ’ into one on a dive .
This experience , though not life-threatening in any way , certainly was a bit of a reminder for him .
( 1 ) The group , all highly experienced divers , monitored the giant crocodile for about six minutes before deciding that it was safe enough to move closer .
They then swam with the gorgeous animal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the video , you can see the crocodile swim up to the surface only a few meters away from Burnham and the rest .
( 1 ) The divers share a cumulative 50 years of experience with crocodiles between them , so the group understood the animal ’ s body language and felt relatively safe .
Burnham doesn ’ t suggest that people should go out and actually try to swim with these animals on purpose .
( 1 ) AdvertisementA study done in 2013 by Charles Darwin University in the Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – like the one filmed by Burham – are the world ’ s most aggressive crocodile .
Known in Australia as “ salties ” , researchers monitored juvenile crocodiles for two years .
In comparison to other species , the saltwater crocs demonstrated much more aggression and desire to fight than any of the others .
( 2 ) That being said , despite their aggressive nature they do not patrol the beaches and oceans hunting for humans .
Crocodiles of all species are opportunistic predators , meaning that if they are hungry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are just as easily a target as any other fish , bird , or mammal .
( 3 ) Fatal crocodile attacks on humans are actually far more common than shark attacks .
Unfortunately , many of these attacks happen in small communities in Africa and therefore aren ’ t reported on in mainstream media .
( 3 ) AdvertisementThough not much is known still on crocodile attack patterns , we do know they are most common ( 3 ) : • When it is warmer or when the temperature increases Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the animal is hungry and you are there , it will attack .
( 3 ) Read : A 400-Year-Old Shark Found In The Arctic Could Be The Oldest Vertebrate On Earth It is best practice to stay three meters back from rivers and other bodies of water where crocodiles live .
Crocodiles can stay underwater for up to an hour , so just because you can ’ t see them does not mean they aren ’ t there .
( 3 ) If you do need to cross a river that contains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so as quietly and with as little splashing as possible .
Lots of movement and splashing will attract the animal to you , not scare it away .
( 3 ) Advertisement If one does grab you , you can try to poke its eyes , hit it on the nose , or shove something down its throat so that it will gag and release you .
These may or may not be effective .
( 3 ) All of this being said , most crocodiles , other than saltwater and Nile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are quite wary of us and will only bite if they feel threatened or surprised .
( 3 ) They Still Need Protection While attacks are devastating and often fatal , these animals still require protection ( even giant crocodiles ) .
They are an important part of the ecosystems in which they live .
Whether due to revenge attacks or habitat loss and climate change , more education on these animals is needed to protect their populations from dwindling away to nothing .
( 3 ) Keep Reading : When Animals Fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Diver gets the fright of his life after spotting giant crocodile swimming next to him in Australia
A diver in Australia caught on camera one of the most frightening yet incredible experiences of his life: Swimming in the ocean with a giant crocodile.
Man Swims With Giant Crocodile
On October 26th, Chris Burnham went on a routine free dive with some other diver friends off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. He was swimming along when one of the other divers shouted out “Croc!”. (1)
Burnham looked down only to see a giant crocodile swimming directly below him. He whipped out his camera to capture the stunning animal on video. (1)
“This encounter was as good as they come, the scariest part was swimming past it without seeing it, only to have Mitch scream “croc” soon after he rolled out of the boat, noticing it on the bottom after the bubbles cleared from his mask.” Burnham recalls. (1)
He explained that living and diving in Arnhem for eight years without bumping into a crocodile made him a touch complacent towards the risk of ‘swimming’ into one on a dive. This experience, though not life-threatening in any way, certainly was a bit of a reminder for him. (1)
Up Close and Personal
The group, all highly experienced divers, monitored the giant crocodile for about six minutes before deciding that it was safe enough to move closer. They then swam with the gorgeous animal for about 20 minutes. At the end of the video, you can see the crocodile swim up to the surface only a few meters away from Burnham and the rest. (1)
The divers share a cumulative 50 years of experience with crocodiles between them, so the group understood the animal’s body language and felt relatively safe. Burnham doesn’t suggest that people should go out and actually try to swim with these animals on purpose. (1)
“I by no means condone swimming with crocodiles,” he stated. (1)
Don’t Mess With Giant Crocodiles
A study done in 2013 by Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory of Australia found that saltwater crocodiles – like the one filmed by Burham – are the world’s most aggressive crocodile. Known in Australia as “salties”, researchers monitored juvenile crocodiles for two years. In comparison to other species, the saltwater crocs demonstrated much more aggression and desire to fight than any of the others. (2)
That being said, despite their aggressive nature they do not patrol the beaches and oceans hunting for humans. Crocodiles of all species are opportunistic predators, meaning that if they are hungry and you happen to be there, you are just as easily a target as any other fish, bird, or mammal. (3)
Fatal crocodile attacks on humans are actually far more common than shark attacks. Unfortunately, many of these attacks happen in small communities in Africa and therefore aren’t reported on in mainstream media. (3)
Though not much is known still on crocodile attack patterns, we do know they are most common (3):
During periods of rainfall
When it is warmer or when the temperature increases
During mating season
Most attacks are feeding related, meaning if the animal is hungry and you are there, it will attack. (3)
Read: A 400-Year-Old Shark Found In The Arctic Could Be The Oldest Vertebrate On Earth
How To Avoid A Crocodile Attack
It is best practice to stay three meters back from rivers and other bodies of water where crocodiles live. Crocodiles can stay underwater for up to an hour, so just because you can’t see them does not mean they aren’t there. (3)
If you do need to cross a river that contains crocs, it is best practice to do so as quietly and with as little splashing as possible. Lots of movement and splashing will attract the animal to you, not scare it away. (3)
If one does grab you, you can try to poke its eyes, hit it on the nose, or shove something down its throat so that it will gag and release you. These may or may not be effective. (3)
All of this being said, most crocodiles, other than saltwater and Nile crocodiles, will attack people. Most are quite wary of us and will only bite if they feel threatened or surprised. (3)
They Still Need Protection
While attacks are devastating and often fatal, these animals still require protection (even giant crocodiles). They are an important part of the ecosystems in which they live. Whether due to revenge attacks or habitat loss and climate change, more education on these animals is needed to protect their populations from dwindling away to nothing. (3)
Keep Reading: When Animals Fight Back, The Hunters Become The Hunted.


theheartysoul--2020-12-02--Farmers call for number plates to be printed on take-out bags to help stop littering

Drive-thru restaurants closed down in the UK during the rise of the pandemic .
However , when they reopened in June , litter increased across the countryside .
This incited a debate on how to combat this issue .
Back in November 2018 , a farmer had proposed the idea to print number plates on the food packaging .
This will help authorities track those who don ’ t throw out their garbage properly .
This plan is finally gaining traction in the UK .
A new way to prevent litter Peredur Owen-Griffiths , the Plaid Cymru candidate for Blaenau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed a petition that read as follows : “ Fast Food outlets reopened in Wales on Monday 2 June .
Since then we have seen an increase in the litter dumped in our communities after visits to the drive-through .
People should use the bins provided or take their litter home .
Throwing it out of the car is not acceptable .
“ We are calling on Welsh Government to make it compulsory for fast food outlets with drive through facilities to print car number plates on all packaging so that litter can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details need smoothing before this scheme takes effects .
So far , there has been much support from the public .
After all , there must be a better solution to littering than having people clear trash from public areas every day .
Read : Kids Don ’ t Need Plastic Junk .
So , Please Stop Buying It .
Advertisement “ The idea came after talking to a number of constituents in the Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr area , who say they are completely fed up with the amounts rubbish being left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our thinking is if you can print the registration number on tickets for car parks , then there ’ s no reason something similar couldn ’ t happen when you go to a drive-thru .
We really do think that with the number printed across the packaging the accountability would be much greater , hopefully having an impact in reducing the amount of rubbish left on the side of the road .
“ The potential legalities and enforcement of this scheme are still being talked through and figured out , but the technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re eager to make use of it to discourage littering.
” AdvertisementGriffiths comments that Wales is full of natural beauty but litter mars it .
To control the situation , laws must penalize those who drop their trash out of their proper bins .
“ Blaenau Gwent is a lovely area with a wide variety of things to see and do , so we want to maintain that natural beauty without the eyesore of litter being thrown everywhere .
It ’ s a pity we have to do something like this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people to take their rubbish home and put it in the bin , but as usual , a minority are ruining it for everyone , so we want to take action before it gets out of hand.
” The petition now has about 3,400 signatures .
Kate Oakes , 48 , lives in Brynmawr and she is in support of this scheme .
She is the head of a local litter-cleaning group .
“ I think this is a great idea and I ’ m all for reducing the vast amounts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food restaurants .
“ We had almost three months of having them closed up until the beginning of June , and managed to get a lot of mess cleared , but as soon as they opened again it seemed like all that hard work was undone in just a matter of days.Advertisement “ It ’ s heartbreaking when you come to an area to clear up , only to see it back in the same state a few days later , so this may be the best option for tracing the perpetrators and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source .
A lot of people all across Wales work incredibly hard to keep our homes litter free , so we are very excited to see these sorts of plans being discussed , and hopefully coming in to play in the future.
” One person commented about the situation : “ ’ McDonalds , you can tell that your drive-thrus have reopened .
Your litter has reappeared on the country roads and lanes around my home.
” McDonald ’ s defended themselves against the blame for the littering .
“ We produce packaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this is currently recyclable , with clear instructions displayed on the outside as to how to responsibly dispose of and recycle it , ” said a spokesman .
He added that the restaurants provide garbage cans in their facilities and parking lots .
They also clean up litter multiple times daily .
Additionally , they “ actively partner with governing bodies and leading experts on litter prevention campaigns.
” [ 2 ] Read : How to Eliminate Almost All the Plastic and Garbage from Your Shopping Trips Will the government really enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packaging ?
Swansea AM Mike Hedges is open to the idea of legislating restaurants to print number plates on drive-thru orders .
“ I think that this is a very good idea , and have asked for a government statement on whether this is technologically possible , ” he said .
“ If it is , I think that it will be a big weapon to combat littering from fast-food restaurants , as drivers will not just be able to toss burgers and drink cartons out of the window – they would know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be traced .
“ If people throw litter , they should have to pay a price for their actions .
It is simple laziness on the part of individuals who drop it and we must never give up the battle ” When the idea first began The plan to use number plates to track down litterers actually began before the pandemic , in late 2019 .
Farmer Tom Martin pleaded for this scheme on Facebook since passing vehicle drivers constantly tossed litter over his farm “ On our farm we are picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t even a main road.
” Martin ’ s farm is in Cambridgeshire .
“ It ’ s very dangerous , cattle in particular will eat anything.
” “ The technology to put the car registration number on litter as you queue up to get your drive through takeaway is there .
It could be printed in UV as well which would stop people seeing where it is printed and destroying it .
It would make people think twice before littering if it had their details on it.
” [ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point , it ’ s uncertain whether this law will pass in the UK .
If it does , do you think it will come to the US ?
Keep Reading : World ’ s Largest Garbage Dump Turned Into A Green Oasis of Native Grasses That Also Powers Homes

Drive-thru restaurants closed down in the UK during the rise of the pandemic. However, when they reopened in June, litter increased across the countryside. This incited a debate on how to combat this issue. Back in November 2018, a farmer had proposed the idea to print number plates on the food packaging. This will help authorities track those who don’t throw out their garbage properly. This plan is finally gaining traction in the UK.
A new way to prevent litter
Peredur Owen-Griffiths, the Plaid Cymru candidate for Blaenau Gwent in the 2021 Senedd elections, proposed a petition that read as follows:
“Fast Food outlets reopened in Wales on Monday 2 June. Since then we have seen an increase in the litter dumped in our communities after visits to the drive-through. People should use the bins provided or take their litter home. Throwing it out of the car is not acceptable.”
“We are calling on Welsh Government to make it compulsory for fast food outlets with drive-through facilities to print car number plates on all packaging so that litter can be traced.” [1]
Some details need smoothing before this scheme takes effects. So far, there has been much support from the public. After all, there must be a better solution to littering than having people clear trash from public areas every day.
Printing number plates on food packages
“The idea came after talking to a number of constituents in the Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr area, who say they are completely fed up with the amounts rubbish being left here,” said Griffiths.
“Our thinking is if you can print the registration number on tickets for car parks, then there’s no reason something similar couldn’t happen when you go to a drive-thru. We really do think that with the number printed across the packaging the accountability would be much greater, hopefully having an impact in reducing the amount of rubbish left on the side of the road.”
“The potential legalities and enforcement of this scheme are still being talked through and figured out, but the technology seems to be there, and we’re eager to make use of it to discourage littering.”
Griffiths comments that Wales is full of natural beauty but litter mars it. To control the situation, laws must penalize those who drop their trash out of their proper bins.
“Blaenau Gwent is a lovely area with a wide variety of things to see and do, so we want to maintain that natural beauty without the eyesore of litter being thrown everywhere. It’s a pity we have to do something like this, as it would be so much easier for people to take their rubbish home and put it in the bin, but as usual, a minority are ruining it for everyone, so we want to take action before it gets out of hand.”
The petition now has about 3,400 signatures.
Support for holding litterers accountable
Kate Oakes, 48, lives in Brynmawr and she is in support of this scheme. She is the head of a local litter-cleaning group. “I think this is a great idea and I’m all for reducing the vast amounts of litter that comes out of local fast food restaurants.
“We had almost three months of having them closed up until the beginning of June, and managed to get a lot of mess cleared, but as soon as they opened again it seemed like all that hard work was undone in just a matter of days.
“It’s heartbreaking when you come to an area to clear up, only to see it back in the same state a few days later, so this may be the best option for tracing the perpetrators and stopping this kind of littering at the source. A lot of people all across Wales work incredibly hard to keep our homes litter-free, so we are very excited to see these sorts of plans being discussed, and hopefully coming in to play in the future.”
One person commented about the situation: “’McDonalds, you can tell that your drive-thrus have reopened. Your litter has reappeared on the country roads and lanes around my home.”
McDonald’s defended themselves against the blame for the littering. “We produce packaging, not litter, and 80% of this is currently recyclable, with clear instructions displayed on the outside as to how to responsibly dispose of and recycle it,” said a spokesman.
He added that the restaurants provide garbage cans in their facilities and parking lots. They also clean up litter multiple times daily. Additionally, they “actively partner with governing bodies and leading experts on litter prevention campaigns.” [2]
Will the government really enforce the printing of number plates on food packaging?
Swansea AM Mike Hedges is open to the idea of legislating restaurants to print number plates on drive-thru orders.
“I think that this is a very good idea, and have asked for a government statement on whether this is technologically possible,” he said. “If it is, I think that it will be a big weapon to combat littering from fast-food restaurants, as drivers will not just be able to toss burgers and drink cartons out of the window – they would know that their actions would be able to be traced.
“If people throw litter, they should have to pay a price for their actions. It is simple laziness on the part of individuals who drop it and we must never give up the battle”
When the idea first began
The plan to use number plates to track down litterers actually began before the pandemic, in late 2019. Farmer Tom Martin pleaded for this scheme on Facebook since passing vehicle drivers constantly tossed litter over his farm
“On our farm we are picking up litter like that every day, it isn’t even a main road.” Martin’s farm is in Cambridgeshire. “It’s very dangerous, cattle in particular will eat anything.”
“The technology to put the car registration number on litter as you queue up to get your drive through takeaway is there. It could be printed in UV as well which would stop people seeing where it is printed and destroying it. It would make people think twice before littering if it had their details on it.” [3]
What do you think? At this point, it’s uncertain whether this law will pass in the UK. If it does, do you think it will come to the US?
References