Latest Stories from Jessica
Study finds that deep ocean dwellers are full of microplastics
Microplastics are everywhere. In our homes, bloodstreams, and even in human placentas. New research shows these pesky plastic particles have even reached the deepest parts of the ocean – and they’re being eaten by sea creatures. Considering humans have been using non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic since the early 60s, there probably isn’t a single part of the planet that hasn’t been touched by fossil-fuel based materials. Various kinds of plastic have...
Are these drive-in parks the ‘petrol stations’ of the future?
A new kind of refueling station has popped up in the Danish town of Sønderborg. Rather than filling up on petrol, the facility has been designed to allow drivers to ‘recharge their minds’ alongside their electric vehicles. Most petrol stations only look good when captured on a retro film camera in low lighting, but the locations where we power up our vehicles could be about to get a massive makeover. This...
The case of Bobbi Althoff encapsulates how fickle internet fame can be
Becoming famous overnight is a common dream for many young people today. That said, longevity is never guaranteed and no one is spared from the hypercritical, fickle tastes of online audiences. Last summer, 26-year-old Bobbi Althoff shot to immediate internet fame as the host of The Really Good Podcast. Her content is best described as off the cuff, so-awkward-they’re-almost-cringe conversations with global stars including Drake, Lil Yachty, Shaq, Jessica Alba,...
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...
