Latest news with #DOC
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This Giant Snail Lays Eggs Out of Its Neck… Yes, Seriously
If you thought human birth was seriously twisted, get a load of the Mount Augustus snail from New Zealand. This giant carnivorous gastropod pushes 5-millimeter-wide eggs out of a pore just below its head. The pain-in-the-neck form of reproduction was recently caught on camera by Lisa Flanagan, a ranger at NZ's Department of Conservation (DOC), who has been caring for a captive population of these snails (Powelliphanta augusta) since 2006. "It's remarkable that in all the time we've spent caring for the snails, this is the first time we've seen one lay an egg," says Flanagan. "We caught the action when we were weighing the snail. We turned it over to be weighed and saw the egg just starting to emerge from the snail." Powelliphanta are among the largest snails in the world, and they comb through NZ's forest and grasslands slurping up earthworms like spaghetti. P. augusta is one of the more famous species (nearly 10 centimeters in length), and it was only discovered by the DOC in 2005, when most of the snail's habitat was subject to mining. The wild population is now confined to just a few introduced sites, where the snail hasn't lived historically, but a captive colony exists of roughly 2,000 individuals as a genetic insurance policy. These are some of the longest-living snails in the world – some of the captive snails under Flanagan's care are between 25 and 30 years old. "I just love watching their progress each month, weighing them, how their shells develop, and all the interesting things they do," says Flanagan. While they usually lay around five eggs per year, starting from about the age of eight, this is the first time scientists in New Zealand have seen the egg-laying in action. The species is a hermaphrodite, meaning each individual has male and female genitalia. To mate, each snail pushes out a penis from its neck pore and pokes it into the pore of the other snail. Both individuals exchange sperm and then store it for later fertilization. It is from this same neck pore that a fertilized egg later emerges. Talk about evolutionary efficiency. Cephalopods Passed a Cognitive Test Designed For Human Children Study Reveals How Your Cat Remembers Who You Are 'Lost City' Deep Beneath The Ocean Is Unlike Anything We've Seen Before on Earth
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Gloomy Days For Global Solar Power
The tariffs announced by the Trump Administration at the beginning of April have cast a shadow across international energy supply chains. The new policies were delayed for ninety days less than a week later, and the much-feared shortages and price hikes haven't yet materialized. Nevertheless, the mood in the industry remains pessimistic. In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that companies based in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are dumping solar panel cells at low rates into the U.S. market while receiving subsidies from the Chinese government, setting the stage for the imposition of tariffs on all parties involved. The paradox is that, for years, the United States encouraged the transfer of industrial production from China to these Southeast Asian countries. The rationalization was that while 'friendshoring' would still partially enrich China, it would decrease China's profit share while empowering neighbors with contentious relations to Beijing and friendlier attitudes towards Washington. Now, the Trump administration and the solar power industry must contend not only with likely supply chain disruptions but also with the possibility that the tariffs designed to harm Chinese manufacturing and empower America could have precisely the opposite effect. The International Trade Commission has until June 2nd to decide whether to accept the DOC's final determination. If tariffs are imposed, domestic results will be mixed. American solar manufacturers, which filed the initial complaint in 2024 and triggered the DOC's investigation, will likely benefit immediately from relief from overseas competition. However, in the short term, the price of solar panels in the United States is likely to rise. Since news about the tariffs broke, companies like First Solar have seen significant decreases in their stock prices. Tariff proponents argue that, in the longer term, the American solar industry will expand, bringing jobs to the US. Currently, 77% of all American solar module imports originate in the countries named in the DOC's report. U.S. solar manufacturing has grown in recent years and will need to continue to do so to meet the predicted increase in demand. The American solar cell industry produced only 2.2% of the global supply in 2023, while the demand for solar technology and for energy overall continues to grow rapidly. Even with tariffs in place, the high cost of US manufacturing may hinder the transition to solar energy in America. The Southeast Asian market is heavily linked to China, the world's foremost solar energy leader. Beijing controls roughly 80% of the global solar supply chain and continues focusing on growing the industry abroad. Chinese domestic electricity production capacity from solar also continues to grow, boasting a 227 gigawatt increase in 2024. This brought it to the top rank globally at 887 GW – more than quadruple that of the second-place United States. Cambodian, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese solar manufacturers could sell back to China, break into the emerging Middle Eastern and European markets, or focus more on their largely untapped domestic markets. Experts believe that roadblocks remain for demand to increase exponentially in domestic South-Eastern markets, as buy-in and infrastructure tend to be lacking in these markets. In light of the coming tariffs, many Chinese and foreign-owned solar cell manufacturers have already moved out of the four countries. The path ahead for the United States will necessitate substantial investment and growth in American solar cell production. The White House has placed greater emphasis on promoting fossil fuels and nuclear energy rather than on renewable energy. However, limiting China's market share in the solar energy industry is critical to reducing its value offerings overseas. On the other hand, American renewable energy continues to grow, and even outproduced fossil fuels in terms of total electricity flowing to the U.S. grid for the first time in March 2025. Reports indicate that even in the face of a government skeptical of clean energy, rising electricity demand will enable 'green' production to grow rapidly. China is likely to maintain its current course, regardless of the tariffs. The Chinese government is far from pleased with the recent developments, warning not only of negative consequences but also potential breaches in World Trade Organization rules by the United States. There is the possibility of further retaliatory tariffs from Beijing. Still, China primarily focuses on growing its international influence rather than wrestling with the United States. Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam will face the brunt of the economic harm from these tariffs. This economic dislocation may be a boon to Beijing's regional foreign policy aspirations. Vietnam has already come to the negotiating table looking to avoid the worst of what the tariffs could bring, and others may follow suit. As with the broader wave of tariffs announced at the beginning of April, a pause, reduced rates, or even the abandonment of the solar production tariffs remain possible. However, if implemented, these tariffs could drive significant shifts in the global distribution of photovoltaic panel and component production, adversely affecting the competitiveness of the American solar industry and impacting US ties with South Asian partners.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DFA rejects Chinese Embassy's claims over Pag-asa Island and cays
An aerial view shows Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on March 9, 2023. REUTERS/ Eloisa Lopez/ File photo The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday rejected recent statements of the Chinese Embassy in Manila claiming Chinese ownership over Pag-asa Island and its cays and calling Philippine activities there 'illegal.' In a statement, the DFA emphasized that Pag-asa Island and its cays were part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), where the Philippines has longstanding sovereignty and jurisdiction. 'The Philippines is clearly within its rights to conduct routine maritime operations and scientific research in and around these features, and will continue to do so,' the statement read. The DFA maintained that the country was following international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). 'The actions of Philippine authorities in the area are a valid exercise of Philippine sovereignty and consistent with international law… China has no right to object much less interfere with these lawful and routine activities,' it added. In an interview on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy spokesperson said that the Philippines violated the DOC's article 5, which stated that all Parties must 'exercise self-restraint' in conducting activities that might cause dispute and affect peace and stability. 'Nansha Qundao, including Tiexian Jiao, has always been China's territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters,' the statement said, using the Chinese names for the Spratly Islands and Sandy Cay respectively. China accused the Philippines of conducting 27 'unauthorized' landings involving 167 personnel 'in disregard of strong protests and representations from the Chinese side' since January 2025. They also claimed that the Philippines' 'scientific research' resembled a film production instead of actual research activity. 'The underlying intentions behind such activities are self-evident. It is clear which party initiated the provocation and which is engaging in deception… China will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, maintain Tiexian Jiao's status of no personnel or facilities, and steadfastly uphold the sanctity of the DOC,' the embassy spokesperson said. The DFA urged China to respect the Philippines' jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea. Beijing claims almost all of the West Philippine Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has not recognized the decision. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Westwater Resources Supports U.S. Department of Commerce Decision on Chinese Graphite Anode Material
CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westwater Resources, Inc. (NYSE American: WWR), an energy technology and battery-grade natural graphite company ('Westwater' or the 'Company'), announced today its support of the U.S. Department of Commerce's ('DOC') preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation of anode material from the People's Republic of China. The DOC's initial ruling determined that Chinese producers of anode material are receiving unfair government subsidies, and as a result, are now expected to be subject to U.S. import tariffs of up to 721%. 'This important decision by the DOC is another step toward leveling the playing field for U.S. producers,' said Jon Jacobs, Westwater's Chief Commercial Officer. 'We expect this announcement to accelerate off-take agreements with Westwater and to positively affect our ongoing financing efforts. U.S. automaker and cellmaker buyers are increasingly concluding that executing offtake supply agreements with U.S. producers like Westwater is the surest way to avoid import tariffs and is therefore their most economical long-term solution.' Pursuant to the preliminary determination, select Chinese natural and artificial graphite anode material producers will be subject to U.S. import tariffs of up to 721% in addition to pre-existing Section 301 and reciprocal tariffs already totaling 55%. The DOC is also conducting a concurrent antidumping investigation into anode materials imports from the People's Republic of China. This investigation is focused on determining whether Chinese producers are selling graphite-based anode materials in the United States at unfairly low prices - thereby harming U.S. producers. A preliminary decision is expected in July, and if the DOC finds sufficient evidence of dumping, it could impose additional duties and broader penalties. Mr. Jacobs added, 'The outcome of the antidumping investigation is expected to play a critical role in supporting the development of a robust, secure, and fair domestic supply chain for graphite and battery materials, which are vital to U.S. energy independence and national security. For companies like Westwater Resources that are investing in sustainable, U.S.-based production capabilities, these trade actions should help reduce the nation's reliance on foreign supply chains and benefit domestic producers.' About Westwater Resources, Inc. Westwater Resources is an energy technology company that is focused on developing battery-grade natural graphite. Westwater Resources' primary project is the Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant that is under construction in east-central Alabama. In addition, Westwater Resources' Coosa Graphite Deposit is the largest and most advanced natural flake graphite deposit in the contiguous United States — and is located across 41,965 acres (~17,000 hectares) in Coosa County, Alabama. For more information, visit Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words and phrases such as 'initial,' 'preliminary,' 'important,' 'expect,' 'accelerate,' 'positively impact,' 'ongoing efforts,' 'level the playing field,' 'increasing,' 'surest way,' 'most economical,' 'additional,' 'broader,' 'critical,' 'help reduce,' and other similar words or phrases. Forward looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning: the importance of critical minerals including battery-grade graphite; establishing a graphite industry in the U.S.; tariffs associated with the importation of natural graphite into the U.S. including the percentage of those tariffs and the countries for which tariffs will apply; the Company's business plans for its Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant; and efforts to manage existing off-take agreements or to put new supply agreements into place for the products from that Plant. The Company cautions that there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. Those uncertainties and other factors are discussed in Westwater's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent securities filings, and they could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Multiple inmates sent to hospital days after protests over prison security and inmate treatment
People hold signs as organizer Tracii Barse speaks during a protest on May 23, 2025, at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) A flurry of fighting broke out again Tuesday in the maximum security building on the campus of the South Dakota State Penitentiary, according to the Department of Corrections. The violence comes less than a week after a protest over prison security and the treatment of inmates, and less than a month after the last publicly acknowledged sparring between inmates on the prison grounds in Sioux Falls. The Tuesday incident sent an undisclosed number of inmates to local hospitals, but DOC spokesman Michael Winder said none of the injuries were life-threatening. The 'series of fights' took place at the same time in 'multiple sections' in the D block of Jameson Annex, Winder wrote in an email to South Dakota Searchlight. No correctional staff were injured, Winder said. The Jameson Annex, built in the mid-1990s, is the area that houses the inmates dubbed most dangerous during initial intake. Jameson is also home to that initial intake area, as well as to inmates with severe mental illness and those being held for disciplinary infractions. Some members of the state's Project Prison Reset task force, as well as some lawmakers who aren't on that prison construction work group, have pushed to build an additional floor onto Jameson to provide partial relief to overcrowding across the prison system. Attorney General and work group member Marty Jackley mentioned a possible Jameson expansion in a television interview Tuesday. Earlier that day, agents with the state Division of Criminal Investigation, which Jackley oversees, were on site at the Jameson Annex. They are leading the criminal investigation into the fights, Winder told Searchlight, alongside the DOC's Office of the Inspector General. Winder also sent a statement from DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko on Tuesday's Jameson violence, in which she praised 'the staff's immediate, appropriate and professional response,' which she said 'brought quick order to ending the fighting.' 'Our staff did recover homemade weapons that were utilized in the fights,' Wasko wrote. A similar fight broke out in Jameson a few days before the first meeting of the Project Prison Reset work group, which aims to resolve the yearslong debate over new prison construction in South Dakota. As the work group pores over facility plans and consultant reports – its next meeting is set to commence Tuesday in Pierre – family members and advocates for inmates have grown increasingly frustrated with the DOC's response to violence across the system. On May 4, fighting broke out in East Hall, which is part of the penitentiary complex that opened in 1881. The prison work group voted earlier this month to replace that portion of the Sioux Falls campus, although the size, cost and location of the replacement are still up for debate. About 50 people gathered outside East Hall on Friday to protest prison conditions, including Marlene Woodraska. She told South Dakota Searchlight in earlier interviews that her son R.J. committed suicide at Jameson in October, after she alleged the DOC had failed to protect him from prison gang threats. On Friday, Woodraska told the assembled crowd about her son's suicide but stopped abruptly, saying she wouldn't be able to continue without crying. She and R.J.'s sister-in-law held a sign bearing R.J.'s likeness throughout the protest. Donna German, meanwhile, said her son was injured in another recent round of prison violence. 'He is currently healing from 22 stab wounds,' German told the crowd before accusing the DOC of giving her son 'Band-Aids and two little packets of bacitracin' in lieu of more serious medical care. Protesters also spoke of overdoses, demanding that the state investigate them and address the issue of drug use inside the prison. Last week, Jackley's office confirmed that two deaths days apart at the prison this month – one in Jameson, one in the penitentiary – were being investigated as overdoses. Another inmate, 20-year-old Anthony Richards, died of an overdose in early February at the Jameson Annex in Sioux Falls. The state certificate that lists his cause of death was filed nine days ago. An autopsy concluded that he'd died from the 'self-administration of drug synthetic cannabinoid 5F-ADB,' which is one formulation of a drug commonly referred to by inmates as 'K2.' On Wednesday, Richards' sister said the family has yet to hear from anyone with the state about the cause of death, or about any investigation into the overdose. Tracii Barse, organizer of Friday's protest, told the crowd that the state needs to get its house in order before it commits to building upwards of $2 billion in prison facilities. That's how much a recent consultant's report suggested the state would need to spend on new prisons to deal with current overcrowding and future inmate population growth. During the protest, Barse balked at the focus on new facilities in the face of what he called the state's current failures. 'You guys can't even run this one,' Barse said, pointing to East Hall. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
