Latest news with #PortlandStateUniversity
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Huge 50ft beast from the depths of the ocean washes up on Oregon coast
A 50-foot giant from the depths of the Pacific Ocean has washed up on the Oregon coast. The massive creature - a 53-foot male sperm whale - was found ashore north of about 84 miles west of Portland, its barnacle-scarred body lay battered and still. According to a Facebook post from the Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, Oregon, the sprawling whale washed ashore between Del Rey and Sunset Beach on the afternoon of May 29. When marine experts discovered the beached behemoth, they said its 'spine showed signs of blunt-force trauma and hemorrhaging' consistent with a fatal collision at sea. A necropsy was conducted on Monday by the Cascadia Research Collective, the Seaside Aquarium and Portland State University to help in determining the whale's cause of death. 'During the necropsy, damage to the vertebrate was visible along with signs of hemorrhage. This helped the team determine that this whale was struck by a vessel,' the Seaside Aquarium said. However, the dead whale had been spotted long before it washed ashore. According to the aquarium, the whale was initially reported dead on May 25, around 15 miles offshore. Four days later, on May 27, it was seen again - this time only seven miles from land, according to the Seaside Aquarium. 'The whale will be left on the beach to decompose naturally,' the post added. The natural decomposition process offers a rare chance for beachgoers to witness one of the ocean's giants up close. It also provides a nutrition boost to the surrounding ecosystem. Scavengers such as turkey vultures, bald eagles and even coyotes will have access to the whale's remains for weeks or even months to come. The Seaside Aquarium has since warned onlookers not to touch the giant sea creature. The enormous whale's spine showed signs of blunt-force trauma and hemorrhaging consistent with a fatal collision at sea 'Please remember to look - but do not touch. Marine mammals may spread potential diseases to humans and pets,' the aquarium wrote. Male sperm whales can grow to nearly 60 feet in length and weigh over 40 tons. They are known to live up to 60 years, with males maturing around the age of 50, typically reaching about 52 feet. Their diet includes deep-water species such as squid, sharks, skates, and fish. While their population is slowly recovering, sperm whales remain listed as endangered.
USA Today
4 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Sperm whale found dead on Oregon coast believed to have been struck by vessel
Sperm whale found dead on Oregon coast believed to have been struck by vessel Show Caption Hide Caption Beached sperm whale is humanely euthanized Euthanasia for a whale washed ashore in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has been determined the "most humane option." An adult sperm whale washed ashore on the Oregon coast last week, and according to a necropsy conducted by researchers, it could have been hit by a vessel. According to a Facebook post from the Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, Oregon, the nearly 53-foot whale washed ashore between Del Ray and Sunset Beach some 84 miles west of Portland on the afternoon of May 29. But the dead whale had been spotted long before it washed ashore. According to the aquarium, the whale was reported dead on May 25, around 15 miles offshore, and then seen seven miles offshore on May 27. A necropsy was then conducted by the Cascadia Research Collective, the Seaside Aquarium and Portland State University, the post said. "During the necropsy, damage to the vertebrate was visible along with signs of hemorrhage. This helped the team determine that this whale was struck by a vessel," the post said. Officials continued, saying that the whale will be left on the beach to continue decomposing in order to provide "nutrition" to the local ecosystem. "This will provide not only an opportunity to see this large whale but also provide a nutrition boost to the local ecosystem. Scavengers such as turkey vultures, bald eagles, and even coyotes will have the ability to feed on this whale for quite some time," the post said. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make disturbing discovery after studying everyday task: 'I'm hearing from growing numbers of people who are concerned'
New research shows that people aren't too keen on paying for filters on their washers that could help with microplastic pollution, but government subsidies could sway their opinions. Researchers at Portland State University in Oregon surveyed a sample of registered voters and environmental interest groups in the state, gauging their general knowledge and concerns about microplastics. They summarized their findings on Among the questions was whether people would be willing to pay full price for a high-efficiency external filter, which is a potential solution for preventing microplastics from entering waterways. While less than a quarter of the 664 respondents said they'd be willing to make such an investment, up to 20% more would support getting a filter for their washing machine if a government subsidy covered part of the cost. The researchers also said that their study highlighted the need for filters to be included in point-of-sale purchases rather than after the fact. The new research comes as Oregon lawmakers consider a bill that would require new clothes washers sold in the state to have a microfiber filtration system by 2030. "I'm hearing from growing numbers of people who are concerned about microplastics in our food and in our water," state Sen. Deb Patterson, a chief sponsor of the bill, told KPIC 4. "They don't want plastics in their body. They don't want plastics in their kid's body. They don't want plastic in their salmon that they eat or any other part of our food and water supply system." Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter the environment when larger plastics break down or when they break off from plastic-derived fabrics such as polyester. They can be found in our water, food, air, and soil, and, as a result, they have made their way into our bodies. While researchers are still investigating the health impacts of microplastics, they have been tied to cancer, dementia, and impaired blood flow in the brain, among other issues. Washer filters are one of several solutions that experts suggest to help with the microplastics plague. For instance, one team of scientists discovered a way to remove them from our water using egg whites. Reducing our dependence on plastics won't erase the microplastics that are already out there, but it can help reduce future exposure. To that end, some governments are trying to reduce plastic consumption by enacting laws banning certain single-use items. England and France have outlawed plastic cutlery for most fast food and takeout. You can help by reducing your personal use of plastics. While not a solution on its own, the Oregon study's authors hope their research can help aid in policymaking. "Washing machines are a major source of microfibers and microplastics entering our wastewater systems and ultimately our waterways," co-author Elise Granek said. "Mandating washing machine filters at the point of sale has been identified as a tool to significantly reduce this source of microplastics entering aquatic environments." Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Portland State staff, students fight for higher education at State Capitol
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Higher education was the focus of the Oregon Senate on Thursday as Portland State University lobbied for their school and education funding overall. A number of bills related to higher education still need to be decided during this legislative session. That's why Portland State University brought a large contingent to the capitol for PSU Lobby Day. It started early in the morning at the PSU Viking Pavilion. Two busloads, carrying 150 PSU staff, alums, students and foundation members took their case to the Capitol. 'We hope to tell our story so that the legislators can hear,' said former legislator Julie Williamson. 'Oregon ranks 45th in state school funding per capita. That doesn't represent the values of our state, or in Portland,' added PSU student Romero Gemmell. With more than 20,000 students in the heart of downtown, PSU is an economic driver, with an estimated $1.8 billion in economic impact. If there's a comeback to be had in Portland, PSU will be a part of it, as new construction and a new performing arts center is part of its future. With the PSU chamber choir taking center stage on the Senate floor, the Senate passed House Bill 2556, which officially designated PSU as the state's urban research university. It's a designation that's more than symbolic. 'Having this designation will help with branding and grants,' said PSU President Ann Cudd. PSU Lobby Day also helped focus the attention on higher education, including bills to continue support for the billion-dollar public university support fund and the $150 million Oregon Opportunity Grant, which helps with financial aid. 'Our students need to know that we support them and that we can help them be productive contributors to our society,' said Senator Rob Wagner. Many of the bills still under consideration will benefit Oregon's other colleges and universities as well as PSU. The legislative session is scheduled to be wrapped up at the end of June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chaos erupts at Riley Gaines speech with five arrested as protestors swarm trans-athlete critic's visit
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Chaos erupted at an Oregon college Monday night as five people were arrested for protesting a speech given by former college swimmer and trans-athlete critic Riley Gaines. Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer who gained a following speaking out against transgender athletes competing against female athletes, was scheduled to give a talk at Portland State University's Smith Memorial Student Union, KPTV reported. Video shared on X by Andy Ngo showed fired-up protesters trying to open the doors of the student union as police worked to keep them out. Students can be heard yelling 'F*** you, pigs!' in the clip, which Gaines later retweeted, writing, 'They really are such a joyful, tolerant bunch.' Several dozen protesters lined the sidewalk outside where Gaines was speaking, with many holding signs expressing support for transgender rights, KGW reported. Riley Gaines' speech at Portland State University was met with backlash by protesters. (AP) Police were called to the campus around 7 p.m. to help with crowd control. Five people were arrested for 'various crimes,' police said. It was not immediately clear whether the protesters arrested were students at the university. Police said their names and charges would be released later. Several student groups, including 'PSU Students United for Palestine Equal Rights' had planned protests against Gaines' visit. The conservative activist's event was not affiliated with the university, authorities said. Gaines' speech at the university was not publicly broadcast. Gaines, who tied for fifth place in the 200-yard final against transgender athlete Lia Thomas, has since filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, accusing it of violating their Title IX rights by allowing Thomas to compete at the national championships in 2022.
