In a world overrun with plastic waste‚ the potential hero may arise from the humble realm of fungi. With between two and four million species worldwide‚ these often overlooked creatures hold possibilities ranging from alternative building materials to cleansing environmental toxins. Scientists are now using the power of mushrooms and mycoremediation to address the growing plastic pollution catastrophe. Understanding mycoremediation Mycoremediation‚ a subtype of bioremediation‚ uses fungi to degrade environmental contaminants. Unlike bacteria-based bioremediation approaches‚ fungi employ their mycelia‚ or thread-like root systems‚ to devour contaminants externally. Enzymes break down molecules in pollutants and poisons‚ effectively turning them into nutrients. Fungi: unsung heroes in environmental cleanup Mushrooms have demonstrated their worth in cleaning up various types of industrial and agricultural waste. Oyster mushrooms‚ for example‚ have successfully cleaned E. coli from contaminated water and toxic ash from wildfires. Now‚ the focus is on their ability to combat one of our generation’s most prevalent pollutants: plastic. Mycoremediation in action Plastic‚ known for its inability to degrade‚ presents a massive hurdle. However‚ research has revealed the amazing potential of a certain fungus. Pestalotiopsis microspora‚ discovered by students on a class research trip in the Amazon rainforest‚ has emerged as a possible remedy. This unusual mushroom‚ according to a 2011 Yale University study‚ can break down polyester polyurethane‚ a common plastic‚ in two weeks. Pestalotiopsis fungi demonstrate the ability to consume plastic as their primary source of carbon and transform it into organic matter. The result opens the possibility of using mycoremediation in landfills‚ waste treatment facilities‚ and even ocean plastic gyres. Non-recyclable plastics: addressing the challenge Certain plastics‚ such as polypropylene‚ pose significant recycling issues. The University of Sydney’s research shows that fungi‚ notably Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album‚ are effective at breaking down polypropylene. After 90 days of incubation‚ the plastic had decreased by 25-27 percent. This intriguing outcome opens up possibilities for handling non-recyclable plastics on a larger scale. In 2017‚ Sehroon Khan of the Kunming Institute of Botany conducted a pioneering experiment in a metropolitan rubbish dump in Islamabad‚ Pakistan. Khan collected Aspergillus tubingensis‚ a fungus capable of breaking down polyurethane‚ and revealed the fungus’ ability to break down plastic within weeks. This experiment demonstrated the potential of fungi in tackling plastic waste in real-world circumstances. Innovations in plastic waste management Fungi aren’t limited to research labs; they are making strides in practical applications. Fungi Solutions conducted an experiment in Melbourne‚ which revealed oyster mushrooms’ outstanding capabilities. Within seven days‚ the trial showed their ability to break down toxins and microplastics present in cigarette butts. The group estimates that this technology can remove 1.2 million cigarette butts from landfills‚ giving a real solution to a widespread plastic waste problem. The Fungi Mutarium‚ designed by Katharina Unger in collaboration with Utrecht University in the Netherlands‚ incorporates novel recycling mechanisms. Oyster and split gill mushrooms feed on agar pods and UV-treated plastics. This system not only demonstrates the feasibility of smaller-scale household solutions but also envisions larger systems in recycling centers for community use. Furthermore‚ some mushrooms that feed on plastic in these settings‚ such as the Fungi Mutarium‚ produce edible mycelia. Sustainable solutions to a global crisis As the plastic pollution problem worsens‚ mycoremediation appears as a natural and sustainable answer. With 8.3 billion tons of plastic created since the 1950s‚ the need for environmentally sustainable alternatives grows. The potential of mycoremediation offers hope for global plastic waste management. Mycoremediation demonstrates fungi’s extraordinary powers‚ which have the potential to change our approach to plastic waste management. From landfills to everyday plastic use‚ mushrooms offer a sustainable and environmentally beneficial solution in the fight against plastic pollution.  The post Are mushrooms Mother Nature’s built-in solution to plastic pollution? first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Valentine’s Day may be about love for most people‚ but it’s not so sweet for Mother Nature. This holiday supports some of the major users of pesticides by boosting the chocolate and flower industries and sending billions of greeting cards to landfills each year. Luckily‚ there are several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations. Keep the romance (and the planet) alive and have Valentine’s Day to remember with these suggestions. Cards Sending a Valentine’s Day card is a lovely and simple way to put your sentiments into words and share them with your sweetheart. If you prefer paper greeting cards‚ this year try expressing your individuality by making one from recycled materials. If you lack the crafty skills to do so yourself‚ find a local artist who creates greeting cards out of repurposed materials. Another option for this year is to send an e-card to express your love for your companion. There are many places online where you may send an e-card to a loved one for free. Flowers A Valentine’s Day bouquet is a classic way to show your love for someone. However‚ the reality is that flower arrangements may barely last a week or so. Instead of this fleeting gift‚ why not give your sweetheart a house plant? You can even opt for herbs that are both beautiful and will enhance the flavor of the meals you prepare together. If you’re set on sticking with the tried-and-true method of sending flowers‚ read this article we wrote about choosing ethical and sustainable bouquets. Chocolate and wine When planning a romantic evening‚ most people reach for a bottle of wine or champagne. Instead of grabbing just any bottle‚ do some research to find out whether what you’re selecting is created from organic grapes and/or farmed in a sustainable manner. You can also look into what the corks are made of. Are they made sustainably‚ or do they contain bad plastic that plagues so many bottles? In terms of chocolate‚ an essential part of the Valentine’s Day tradition‚ look into what options are fair trade. Romantic getaway Getting away for the weekend is a terrific way to celebrate and have a weekend of love. Luckily‚ the number of B&;Bs and other small hotels that provide environmentally friendly services and amenities is growing. Due to their bigger carbon footprint‚ huge hotels are not the best option when considering where to stay. By supporting a neighborhood establishment‚ you may take advantage of both a more personal atmosphere and the satisfaction of knowing that your money is staying in the area. If a days-long trip isn’t attainable at the moment‚ you could also celebrate a more environmentally friendly Valentine’s Day by spending time in the great outdoors. Enjoy the winter weather and get some exercise by going ice skating‚ skiing‚ or snowshoeing. If the weather is nice‚ bring a picnic and eat outside. Dining If you’re talented in the kitchen‚ then consider cooking your significant other a romantic dinner using only organic foods. Visit your neighborhood farmers’ market to stock up on seasonal ingredients. The fact that you can decide what goes into your dinner gives it an extra personal touch. Gifts You should skip the standard teddy bear this year and instead go for environmentally friendly presents that require a bit more thought. Diamond rings‚ earrings‚ and bracelets manufactured from ethically sourced stones are a great choice for the fashion-conscious shopper. If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry that will also suit your partner’s taste‚ consider something produced from recycled materials or a stunning vintage piece.The post 6 sustainable ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

I preached my first sermon when I was in eighth grade. Our Baptist church had a “youth Sunday” where teenagers from the congregation led the music‚ preached the sermon‚ collected the offering‚ and served as ushers. My pastor was generous with his time and helped me to do my best as I prepared a sermon for the first time. Predictably‚ my text was 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise you for your youth‚ but set the believers an example in speech‚ in conduct‚ in love‚ in faith‚ in purity.” I’ve often looked back on my notes for that sermon with gratitude. The manuscript wasn’t fantastic‚ but my experience preaching it was. My church was tremendously affirming during that opportunity‚ gave me more opportunities‚ and by their affirmation encouraged me to think in the direction of ministry. A more typical experience might be like the one I had during my sophomore year of college. I was licensed to the gospel ministry by that same church‚ and I was granted many more opportunities to teach and preach there. Looking back on that time fills me with fond nostalgia and gratitude. My local church kindly affirmed my gifting and character‚ and they set me on a path to pastoral ministry. How can we do the same for young men today? Remarkable Opportunity Years of pastoral ministry later‚ while serving as an adjunct professor of preaching at Southern Seminary‚ I regularly asked students if they’d ever preached in a local church. Few had. I wanted these young men to know the experience I’d had. So I invited any student who wanted a preaching opportunity to do so at my church‚ usually on a Sunday evening. Local churches in my city are used to hearing seminary preachers. But I wanted these preachers to hear feedback from a local congregation. It’d be markedly different from what the students heard in seminary classrooms. I introduced our congregation to the evaluation guides that preaching classes use at Southern‚ and our people have spoken openly and honestly with these young preachers after they delivered their messages. It has been remarkable. Let Young Men Preach to Everyday People It’s an affirming experience for a young man to preach to God’s people and hear an “Amen” in response for the first time. It helps him see he can preach to a church and communicate the Bible well‚ pointing God’s people to Christ through the Scriptures. Don’t misunderstand; I’m all for preaching labs and practicum courses where preachers deliver messages to their classmates and professors. But there’s nothing like preaching to the people of God outside the classroom. While the congregation may not be as aware of the preacher’s interpretational accuracy‚ he learns to preach in the kind of environment he’ll later minister in. It’s an affirming experience for a young man to preach to God’s people and hear an ‘Amen’ in response for the first time. Effective illustrations in a context where the majority of the hearers are seminary trained may not work with a blue-collar audience. Explaining complex theological ideas requires intentionality when you can’t assume the people have read the same authors you have or studied the topic you’re addressing. When writing sermon applications for people who aren’t fellow students‚ the preacher must learn to think outside his situation. This is a vital discipline for pastoral ministry. Let the People Affirm the Young Preachers How can your church let young men preach? Depending on your context‚ consider having a youth Sunday. Give young men attending Bible college and seminary near you opportunities to preach. Open other opportunities like Sunday school classes and youth ministry gatherings where they can teach everyday people. They need to hear affirming and correcting words from the people of God. After all‚ a minister’s call is both internal and external. The internal call isn’t as mystical as many make it. It involves a desire to serve as an elder (1 Tim. 3:1); perceived skill in teaching (v. 2); and upright‚ godly character (vv. 1–7; Titus 1:5–9). The external call involves a good reputation with those outside the church (1 Tim. 3:7) and clear affirmation of gifting and character from the local church (Acts 14:23; Eph. 4:11–12; 1 Tim. 5:22; Titus 1:5). Spurgeon pushed his students not to overlook the importance of a local church’s affirmation: Churches are not all wise‚ neither do they all judge in the power of the Holy Ghost‚ but many of them judge after the flesh; yet I had sooner accept the opinion of a company of the Lord’s people than my own upon so personal a subject as my own gifts and graces. At any rate‚ whether you value the verdict of the church or no‚ one thing is certain‚ that none of you can be pastors without the loving consent of the flock. Churches may affirm a ministry candidate’s character and call. Still‚ it’s hard to ascertain whether he can teach and handle doctrine well if he hasn’t had the opportunity to demonstrate that skill. Our church’s program has provided an outlet for this. Mutual Benefit Now several years into this experiment‚ I consistently hear appreciative remarks from students. They’re thankful for the preaching experience with our church. One student returned to our church a few weeks ago and excitedly told me he was starting a pastoral position the next week. He wanted to come to our church one more time because the experience here had been so helpful. When writing sermon applications for people who aren’t fellow students‚ the preacher must learn to think outside his situation. The congregation is also deeply grateful. They’re encouraged that many good preachers are preparing to be sent to local churches. It gives them hope. What a marvelous goal for preachers and churches: the church offers the preacher help with his craft‚ and he gives them hope for the future. It’s encouraging to think that in the future if one of the preachers who went through this program starts an article with “I preached my first sermon . . .” he’ll finish that sentence with my congregation’s name. Let the kids preach. It’s worth it.

In his keynote message at TGC’s 2023 National Conference‚ Miguel Núñez teaches from Exodus 16 and emphasizes that the wilderness is a place where God often works profoundly in people’s lives‚ teaching them trust and obedience. The purpose of these wilderness experiences is to reveal God’s identity to his people‚ emphasizing that Jesus is the true bread of life—offering eternal life and satisfaction to those who believe in him.

What's better: this outright chaos or this glorious beer belly

The post Can Cats Eat Takis? Vet-Reviewed Precautions &; Health Guidelines by Tara Perreault appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Did you know that cats only have 473 taste buds1? Humans have about 9‚000 taste buds. This means that a cat lacks a lot of flavor sensors‚ mainly sweet and also spicy. These flavors simply don’t register the same as with us when a cat eats them. Whether they can taste them or not‚ cats shouldn’t eat spicy foods‚ like Takis‚ as most spicy foods contain harmful ingredients like onions‚ citric acid‚ and chili powder. So‚ can cats eat Takis? No‚ Takis contain harmful ingredients to your cat and can cause stomach upset and other negative signs. What Are Takis? Takis are Mexican rolled tortilla chips eaten by many spicy food lovers. They can be flavored with chili‚ lime‚ and salt. So‚ what’s in Takis? What makes them spicy? Below is a list of ingredients these chips contain: Corn Palm oil Maltodextrin Citric Acid Salt Corn starch Spices Onion and garlic powder Chili powder Dextrose Sesame oil Sodium citrate Are Takis Bad for Cats? Image Credit: chie hidaka‚ Shutterstock Takis are exceptionally spicy and salty‚ meaning they can be dangerous for your cat to ingest. Most cats are sensitive to the capsaicin found in spicy foods like chili powder. It may cause digestive irritation and upset‚ including vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ and stomach pain. Eating high amounts of onion and garlic‚ or garlic and onion powder‚ can cause an upset stomach‚ loss of appetite‚ bowel disturbances‚ and dehydration. Garlic and onions are in the Alliums family‚ which are highly toxic to our feline friends‚ potentially resulting in red blood cell destruction if eaten in high enough amounts. Another ingredient‚ salt‚ depending on how much was ingested‚ has the potential to be harmful to your cat. If your cat consumes too much salt‚ they may experience excessive thirst‚ lethargy‚ and diarrhea‚ among other severe signs. Though rare‚ some cats can have an allergy or intolerance to corn. For these cats‚ eating Takis could result in digestive issues or scratching‚ ear infections‚ and other skin issues. Yes‚ Takis are bad for cats. The ingredients in Takis chips are harmful and don’t benefit your cat. So‚ what if they got into your bag or ate a few chips? Don’t panic. First‚ you may choose to monitor their signs closely and provide plenty of water to flush their system. If your cat experiences any of the below signs‚ call your vet: Vomiting Weakness or wobbliness Twitching or convulsions Stiffness Lack of appetite Diarrhea or constipation A Cats’ Regular Diet Image Credit: catinrocket‚ Shutterstock A healthy cat requires high amounts of protein‚ moderate levels of fat‚ and few carbs. Cats are known carnivores‚ so they require a high meat-content diet to stay healthy. Feeding them commercial cat food formulated for their specific needs is more sustainable than feeding them human food though they are able to handle some healthy human treats like apples‚ carrots‚ and lean‚ cooked meats in moderation. Always talk to your vet before giving your cat any human food. Final Words Cats play a vital role in our human lives as they help us emotionally‚ mentally‚ and physically. As a responsible cat owner‚ you will want to support your cat’s needs in every way‚ so avoiding Takis is best as the ingredients can cause digestive and other issues. If your cat accidentally eats some Takis‚ keep an eye out for any of the signs mentioned in this article. If any signs persist longer than 24-48 hours‚ call your vet. Takis will likely not severely harm your cat‚ though they may make them uncomfortable for a few days. Sources pdsa.org Forest Vets Featured Image Credit: Diana Taliun‚ Shutterstock The post Can Cats Eat Takis? Vet-Reviewed Precautions &; Health Guidelines by Tara Perreault appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Union workers appear to join Arab-Americans incensed over the Biden Administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as part of the coalition of Michiganders abandoning President Joe Biden. At least‚ this is what NBC News is conveying to viewers in its latest installment of an ongoing series which at this point should be reported to the FEC by the Biden campaign as an in-kind GOTV contribution. Watch as White House correspondent Gabe Gutierrez interviews some more Arab-Americans that aren’t voting for Biden over Gaza: GABE GUTIERREZ: Another challenge for president Biden here? Cratering support for Michigan's huge Arab-American population‚ demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.  SAMRAA LUQMAN: I think he is funding a genocide.  GUTIERREZ: The president today said he understood that pain and passion‚ but that's not enough for Lori-Kamleh Ajlouny in the Detroit suburbs.  How disappointed are you with the Biden administration?  LORI_KAMLEH AJLOUNY: I am heartbroken. I am so hurt that it's a feeling of betrayal.  GUTIERREZ: She voted for Mr. Biden in 2020. But now --  AJLOUNY: There is a widespread underground campaign of Arabs‚ of Muslims where we cannot morally support President Biden.  GUTIERREZ: So if not President Biden‚ would you vote for former President Trump?  AJLOUNY: No.  GUTIERREZ: So who would you vote for?  AJLOUNY: I would write in on the ballot “ceasefire”. Free Palestine.  GUTIERREZ: Even though that could potentially give the election to former President Trump?  AJLOUNY: If things don't change‚ then I have no choice.  GUTIERREZ: In 2020‚ President Biden won Michigan by just 154‚000 votes. Losing Arab-Americans or union members could cost him the state. Today’s reporting is an undisclosed follow-up to NBC’s first panic report from Michigan‚ filed a month after Hamas’ barbaric Black Sabbath terrorist attack on October 7th. As we observed at the time: As the ground war escalates in Gaza you can expect to see more pieces‚ both in print and on screen‚ about festering anti-Biden discontent in places such as Detroit‚ Dearborn‚ and Hamtramck.  Ring the alarm. Alas‚ the ground war escalated in Gaza. And sure enough‚ Gabe Gutierrez is back in Michigan‚ asking the same questions of Arab-Americans angry at Biden over Gaza and rolling his eyes at the responses he is getting back- as in the case of the woman who indicated she’d write in “Ceasefire” or “Free Palestine” rather than voting for Biden or Trump. But the panic is real‚ as evidenced by the inclusion of blue-collar union workers to The Coalition of Folks Biden Was Presumed To Have Had in The Bag But Doesn’t. Whatever Biden is doing in Michigan is clearly not satisfactory to NBC‚ who conjured up fancy license plate graphics in order to show Trump’s polling advantage. As was the case with the previous report‚ and with comparable reports on ABC and CBS- the depicted truest‚ purest victim of both the economy and of Hamas’ barbarism always ends up being the electoral prospects of Joe Biden. With 9 months remaining until Election Day‚ expect many more such reports. Click “expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned report as aired on NBC Nightly News on Thursday‚ February 1st‚ 2024: LESTER HOLT: President Biden is in Battleground Michigan tonight‚ hoping to get more backing from auto workers‚ with new signs he is facing a very tight race there against Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Gabe Gutierrez has late details.  GABE GUTIERREZ: Just days after clinching a coveted endorsement from the United Auto Workers‚ president Biden back in Michigan tonight as the battle for this crucial swing state intensifies.  JOE BIDEN: We now have in large part‚ because of you and organized labor‚ the strongest economy in the whole damn world.  GUTIERREZ: Carpentry union worker Tracy Longenbarger credits Biden for bringing infrastructure jobs here.  TRACY LONGENBARGER: Joe Biden has kept us working‚ and he's labor friendly. And that's all I can ask for.  GUTIERREZ: But tonight‚ warning signs for the Biden campaign‚ including this new poll showing a potential head to head matchup here with GOP front-runner Donald Trump. Scott Mallenfort has been an auto worker for more than 20 years.  SCOTT MALLENFORT: I support Trump because I truly believe he does want what's best for the American worker.  GUTIERREZ: The former president is trying to peel off more of those blue collar voters‚ meeting with Teamsters leadership yesterday.  DONALD TRUMP: Over the years I have employed thousands and thousands of Teamsters‚ and they've done a great job.  GUTIERREZ: Another challenge for president Biden here? Cratering support for Michigan's huge Arab-American population‚ demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.  SAMRAA LUQMAN: I think he is funding a genocide.  GUTIERREZ: The president today said he understood that pain and passion‚ but that's not enough for Lori-Kamleh Ajlouny in the Detroit suburbs.  How disappointed are you with the Biden administration?  LORI_KAMLEH AJLOUNY: I am heartbroken. I am so hurt that it's a feeling of betrayal.  GUTIERREZ: She voted for Mr. Biden in 2020. But now --  AJLOUNY: There is a widespread underground campaign of Arabs‚ of Muslims where we cannot morally support President Biden.  GUTIERREZ: So if not President Biden‚ would you vote for former President Trump?  AJLOUNY: No.  GUTIERREZ: So who would you vote for?  AJLOUNY: I would write in on the ballot “ceasefire”. Free Palestine.  GUTIERREZ: Even though that could potentially give the election to former President Trump?  AJLOUNY: If things don't change‚ then I have no choice.  GUTIERREZ: In 2020‚ President Biden won Michigan by just 154‚000 votes. Losing Arab-Americans or union members could cost him the state. Lester.  HOLT: Gabe Gutierrez. Thank you.  

This wild story out of Mexico‚ wherein President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) is demanding that President Joe Biden apologize over a report published by ProPublica‚ would draw significant coverage under normal circumstances. Instead‚ it stands as an indictment of the terminal laziness of our intellectually incurious Regime Media. Per The Los Angeles Times: According to reports by ProPublica‚ Insight Crime and Germany’s Deutsche Welle‚ in 2010 the DEA investigated claims by a cooperating drug trafficker and a former campaign advisor that leaders of the Beltrán Leyva drug cartel gave the money to close confidants of López Obrador in 2006. But a wiretap of a conversation between the DEA informants and one of López Obrador’s top aides didn’t really confirm the donations‚ and U.S. officials later ordered the politically sensitive case closed.  The mere publication of the report was enough to send AMLO into a rage during his morning press conference‚ during which he demanded the aforementioned apology and threatened assistance to the United States on matters such as the fentanyl epidemic and the migrant crisis: “President Biden has to find out about this‚” López Obrador said. “How are we going to sit down at a table and talk about fighting drugs if one of their agencies is leaking information and damaging me? How are we going to talk about migration‚ how are we going to talk about fighting drugs or fentanyl?” The Biden administration has relied for some time on Mexico’s willingness to accept the return of migrants from third countries as a way of quickly returning migrants and asylum-seekers at the U.S. southwest border. It would be a political problem for Biden if Mexico refuses to continue doing so‚ or loosens up on its already weak efforts to control the flow of deadly opioids made in Mexico and smuggled into the United States. Given this not-so-veiled threat‚ and AMLO’s de facto control of the U.S. southern border‚ this should be a major story across the dial. The Spanish-language networks‚ of course‚ covered the story‚ which is to be expected given their overall coverage of Mexico. In Telemundo’s case‚ they even sought comment from the White House to no avail). But this story drew no such coverage on ABC‚ CBS‚ or NBC. Instead‚ we got an asteroid report from ABC‚ a hurricane hunter-style flight into the “atmospheric river” from CBS‚ and a report on Elmo’s viral check-in at NBC. You would think‚ given the networks’ recent shilling for the Biden border deal‚ that they’d at least pretend to be interested in covering AMLO’s threat to pull assistance. But no. Not even a little bit. There is an important parallel here with that other story that the networks recently turned a blind eye to: the Maduro dictatorship’s threat to block deportation flights into Venezuela over the Biden administration’s snapback of sanctions against its oil and gas industry. The sanctions are in response to the Maduro dictatorship’s refusal to reinstate opposition presidential María Corina Machado to the ballot.  The common thread running through both of those stories is that of a Latin American socialist (a dictator‚ in Maduro’s case) holding Biden over a barrel on immigration matters. Not exactly favorable to Biden’s prospects. Hence the silence.  

Federal prosecutors announced charges Thursday against a New Jersey political operative they say orchestrated a mail-in ballot fraud scheme in the 2022 election‚ casting ballots in the name of people…