Latest Stories from Jessica
New report shows plastic companies knew recycling would be useless
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental and public health issues of our time. A new investigation shows that the companies producing it knew all along that recycling programs would be pointless. For the last 50 years, we have been advised to recycle plastic waste whenever possible, yet a new report claims that oil companies and plastic producers knew this effort was pointless. Published by the Center for Climate Integrity...
Greece becomes first Orthodox Christian nation to legalise gay marriage
Same-sex marriage was legalized in Greece this week after a lengthy parliamentary debate. Though the vast majority of Greek citizens are celebrating the move, pushback from the church highlights tensions between longstanding religious tradition and modern views in the country. Yesterday, Greece legalised same-sex civil marriage. Although it is the sixteenth European Union country do so, it is the first Orthodox Christian nation to permit same-sex marriage. The country had extended...
A new ocean is forming in East Africa
In the deserts of Ethiopia, a gigantic crack is forming in the earth. It will eventually split completely, creating a new ocean that alters the geopolitical and economic sphere of the region. Though we may not notice it, our planet is moving and changing all the time. In fact, since Earth first formed it’s been in a constant – albeit slow – state of flux. You’re likely familiar with the map...
US professors raise concerns about college students’ reading ability
College professors in the United States are noticing a considerable drop in the number of students willing to do reading for their course. Is an uptick in short-form digital content to blame, or is it something else? In an age where our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter by the day, who has the time or patience to read long-form text anymore? Apparently, not even students enrolled in higher...
Human activity is pushing most migratory species to the brink of extinction
According to a new UN report, 1 in 5 migratory animals are threatened with extinction. By publishing the research, the organisation hopes that success stories included in the report will spark collective conservation action around the globe. Every year, billions of animals embark on epic journeys across the world’s continents and oceans. These adventures – propelled by the need to find shelter, to mate, and to find food – occur in...
Children’s Mental Health week highlights shortcomings in system
Mental health struggles aren’t exclusive to adults. Many children around the world are at odds with how to deal with their mental and emotional wellbeing – and in the UK, children’s’ crisis organizations are sounding the alarm. It was established by the children's mental health charity Place2Be, with the intention of shining a spotlight on the importance of children and young people's mental wellbeing. The organisation has been running for more...
Is your monthly manicure an environmental problem?
Last year, demand for acrylic nails surpassed traditional manicures for the first time. With the market only set to grow, it’s time we talk about the environmental impact of plastic-based artificial nails. Conversations about the environmental impact of our beauty routines have become commonplace in online spaces and in marketing campaigns launched by skincare and make-up brands themselves. Still, there’s one beauty regime that is rarely talked about in terms of...
Is the bad PR surrounding lab-grown meat warranted?
The possibility of lab-grown meat landing on our plates in the near future has been met with mixed reactions. Now, widespread media campaigns are attempting to sway the public from even considering it. Removing meat from our diet has been proven to significantly lower our carbon footprint, but not all carnivores are willing to adopt a plant-based diet full-time or even partially. Hoping to solve this ethical dilemma, food scientists and...
Samsung reimagines the London Underground map in new campaign
For the first time in 90 years, London’s public transport map has been redesigned. The circular layout was put forward by Samsung in promotion of a new feature on its Galaxy S24 smartphone. Although the vast majority of Londoners will have at least partially memorised the city’s public transport map, visitors and newcomers to the UK’s capital city might find its spiderweb design a little overwhelming. Regardless, it’s remained unchanged for...
New AI tool can find any image of someone ever posted online
PimEyes is the latest AI tool causing a stir on the internet. Although it has been created to help artists, photographers, and individuals ‘protect their privacy’ and personal content online, other internet users see its potential to be ‘a stalkers’ dream.’ The capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) seem to be growing by the minute, but these tools are not always built with just convenience or efficiency in mind. ChatGPT can help...
