August 2022

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Big News
Latest Covid vaccination. Despite the false sense of security we may feel Covid is still running rampant and scientists are continually working to keep us safe. In the latest step forward the UK has approved a Moderna vaccine that is bivalent, which means that it provides protection against both old Covid strains and the latest Omicron variant. This comes as a welcome relief as the UK and other nations begin their winter preparations, with discussions around boosters already underway. Current plans follow a similar pattern to last year; focusing on protecting those who are vulnerable and those over 50. 

Drought continues. This month Europe has been suffering through a severe heatwave and drought which has been causing chaos. Severe drought has an initial impact on agriculture and transport but the rain that follows can also cause flooding which only adds to the damage. While some are trying to put a positive spin on the crisis, highlighting the historical treasures that are being found thanks to low water levels, this could be a sign of things to come. Many are pointing out that the environmental and economic impact of our in-action regarding climate change is finally coming to fruition, and sadly the future looks bleak.

Little News
Breaking the unbreakable. In other slightly more positive environmental news, recent work by a US team at Northwestern University has found a simpler method for cleaning up notorious persistent chemicals. It was thought that Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs, which are used in firefighting foams, waterproof clothes and nonstick cookware, were almost impossible to break down. Their resistance made them incredibly toxic to land and water, but recent progress offers new hope. Previous attempts to break down PFA relied on expensive, harsh and equally destructive methods but this new method uses DMSO, a chemical solvent, simple cleaning chemicals and relatively low temperature (~100 C). The hope is that this method will allow environmental groups to clean up previously contaminated land and water supplies.

What I’ve been enjoying this month
Word Perfect. In 2020 Susie Dent, of Countdown acclaim, published a brilliant exploration of the English language - Word Perfect Etymological Entertainment For Every Day of the Year. Each day she explores the origins of everyday words and phrases. It’s an in depth and entertaining dive into how large a role language has played throughout history and in the modern day. We’re over half way through the year now and so far I have picked this book up every day and joined Suzie in an exploration of etymology. This month's personal highlights include Halcyon, Dogs Bollocks and, the always entertaining, toss pot.