#Seed research and development

[seedwork]

Seed research and development

SeedWorks International Ltd. is a leader in seed research and development, creating innovative hybrid seeds for higher productivity and resilience. Our advanced R\&D ensures farmers get top-performing seeds tailored to diverse agro-climatic conditions. We are committed to sustainable agriculture through science and innovation. Connect with us at +91 4030231101 to learn more about our solutions.

[globallaunchbaseindia]

Space Technology Opportunity in India

Written By: Jagriti Shahi

Introduction:

Entrepreneurship in space technology in India has been gaining momentum in recent years. The Indian government has been actively promoting the development of the space sector, and private companies are playing an increasingly important role.

As the nation liberalizes its space sector, a diverse array of players are contributing to the burgeoning space ecosystem. Entrepreneurs are venturing into satellite manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of launch services, delving into space exploration, and exploring innovative solutions for satellite-based communication. The landscape is further enriched by collaborative efforts between private entities, government agencies, and academic institutions, fostering a dynamic environment for research and development.

In this context, it's crucial to explore the challenges and opportunities that define the entrepreneurial spirit in India's space technology sector. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development, and the need for sustained investments are among the challenges that entrepreneurs face. However, with increasing investor interest, a robust policy framework, and a commitment to fostering innovation, India's entrepreneurial ventures in space technology are poised to shape the nation's narrative in the cosmic domain. This dynamic interplay of public and private entities is not only propelling India's space capabilities but is also contributing to the global discourse on the commercialization and exploration of space.

Here are some key aspects of entrepreneurship in space technology in India:

Government Initiatives:New Space Policy: The Indian government has introduced policies to encourage private sector participation in space activities. The New Space India Limited (NSIL) was established to promote, commercially exploit, and transfer technologies developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Liberalization: The government has liberalized the space sector, allowing private companies to undertake a wide range of space-related activities, including satellite launches, space exploration, and satellite communication services. (ISRO) Initiatives: Antrix Corporation: Antrix is the commercial arm of ISRO, and it collaborates with private players for the commercialization of space-related products and services.: SEED is a program initiated by ISRO to promote startups in the space sector by providing them with opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer.: NSIL is a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space. It plays a crucial role in commercializing space products, technical consultancy services, and transfer of technologies.: ISRO has been actively engaging with startups, providing them access to its facilities, expertise, and technology.: The Department of Space in India oversees the country's space program. It may introduce schemes and programs to support space technology startups and entrepreneurs. (AIM): AIM, a flagship initiative of the NITI Aayog, supports innovation and entrepreneurship in various sectors. It may have programs and funding opportunities that space technology startups can explore. (NIF): NIF supports grassroots innovations and may provide support to startups working on innovative space technologies.

Private Space Companies:Startups: Several startups in India are focusing on various aspects of space technology. Some are involved in satellite manufacturing, launch services, data analytics from space, and more.Launch Services: Companies like Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot Aerospace, and Pixxel are working on developing small satellite launch vehicles to provide cost-effective and flexible launch options.

Space Exploration and Research: Interplanetary Missions: ISRO has been actively involved in space exploration, and private companies are expressing interest in participating in future interplanetary missions.Research and Development: Private entities are engaging in research and development activities, contributing to advancements in satellite technology, propulsion systems, and other space-related technologies.

Satellite Manufacturing:Private Satellite Manufacturers: Companies like Exseed Space and Bellatrix Aerospace are involved in the manufacturing of satellites, catering to various purposes such as communication, Earth observation, and scientific research.

Communication Services:Telecommunication Satellites: Private companies are exploring opportunities to provide satellite-based communication services. This includes both broadband internet services and other communication solutions.

Funding and Investments:Investor Interest: The space technology sector in India has attracted attention from investors. Funding rounds for space startups have been on the rise, indicating confidence in the potential growth of the industry.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

Industry-Academia Collaboration: Partnerships between private companies, government organizations, and academic institutions are fostering innovation and research in the space sector.

The Indian space technology ecosystem is evolving, and with continued government support, entrepreneurial ventures in space technology are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Indian space industry.

The number of space tech startups in India has witnessed explosive growth, increasing by almost five times in just five years. Investments in the sector have also seen a sharp rise, from $17 million in 2019 to an estimated $124.7 million in 2023.

Commercialization of Space Activities: With India's proven track record in satellite launches and space technology, there is a substantial potential for the commercialization of space activities. The burgeoning demand for satellite-based services, including communication, arth observation, and navigation, opens up opportunities for private entities to actively participate in the space industry. As the cost of space access continues to decrease, private companies can explore ventures such as satellite manufacturing, space tourism, and satellite-based applications, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

International Collaborations: Collaborations with other space-faring nations present a promising avenue for India to augment its space capabilities. Joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer can accelerate innovation and enhance the efficiency of space missions. ISRO has already established itself as a reliable partner for international launches, and expanding collaborative efforts can lead to shared resources, reduced costs, and a more diversified approach to space exploration. As India continues to engage in global partnerships, it can leverage collective expertise for ambitious endeavors beyond Earth's orbit.

Innovation in Space Technology: Investments in research and development (R&D) can catapult India into the forefront of space innovation. Emphasis on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and propulsion systems can revolutionize space missions. The development of reusable launch vehicles, like the ongoing efforts in creating a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), can significantly reduce launch costs, making space exploration more sustainable. Encouraging a culture of innovation, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and providing incentives for R&D initiatives can fuel breakthroughs in space technology.

Space Applications for Sustainable Development: Leveraging space technology for sustainable development on Earth is an untapped frontier. Utilizing satellite data for precision agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and resource mapping can contribute to addressing pressing global challenges. By integrating space-based solutions into sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and urban planning, India can harness the power of space technology for inclusive and sustainable development, bringing tangible benefits to its citizens and contributing to global initiatives.

Expansion of Interplanetary Exploration: Building on the success of Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), India has the potential to expand its interplanetary exploration efforts. Initiatives for exploring other celestial bodies, such as Venus or asteroids, can contribute to humanity's understanding of the solar system and beyond. A strategic focus on ambitious interplanetary missions can position India as a key player in the broader scientific community and foster international collaboration in the exploration of the cosmos.

Trending Technologies in India's Space Industry:

Nanotechnology: The integration of nanotechnology in space technology has the potential to revolutionize spacecraft design, materials, and instrumentation. Nanosatellites, with their miniaturized components, are becoming increasingly popular for cost-effective and innovative space missions. India can leverage nanotechnology for lightweight yet robust spacecraft, enhancing mission efficiency and scientific capabilities.

Companies: Nano-Tech SpA, Kalva Nanotech

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are playing a pivotal role in data analysis, image processing, and autonomous decision-making in space missions. India can explore AI applications for real-time data interpretation, automated navigation, and predictive maintenance of spacecraft. Incorporating machine learning algorithms into Earth observation data analysis can significantly enhance the understanding of environmental changes.

Companies: Aadyah Aerospace, Blue Sky Analytics

Quantum Computing: Quantum computing holds the promise of solving complex computational problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. In the space sector, quantum computing can be utilized for optimizing mission trajectories, simulating quantum systems, and enhancing the security of communication channels. India's focus on quantum computing research can contribute to advancements in space-related computations.

Companies: QpiAI, BosonQ

3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing: The adoption of 3D printing in space technology can revolutionize the manufacturing process, enabling the production of complex and lightweight structures. India can benefit from 3D printing for rapid prototyping, cost-effective manufacturing of satellite components, and even on-demand production during long-duration space missions.

Companies: Agnikul Cosmos, EOS India

Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology offers secure and transparent data management, making it applicable to space-based applications such as satellite communication, data storage, and secure information sharing. By incorporating blockchain, India can enhance the security and integrity of space-related data and transactions.

Companies: SpaceTime Labs, Aryaka Networks

Solar Sail Technology: Solar sails, propelled by the pressure of sunlight, offer a sustainable and efficient means of propulsion for spacecraft. This technology can be harnessed for deep-space exploration, enabling missions to travel vast distances with minimal fuel requirements. India's exploration programs can benefit from research and development in solar sail technology for extended-duration missions.

Companies: Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), IIT Bombay - Aerospace Engineering Department

Hyperspectral Imaging: Hyperspectral imaging involves capturing a wide range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. This technology is instrumental in Earth observation, resource mapping, and environmental monitoring. India can explore the integration of hyperspectral imaging in its satellite payloads for enhanced remote sensing capabilities.

Companies: Pixxel, Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd

Internet of Things (IoT) for Space: The application of IoT in space technology involves connecting devices and sensors on satellites and spacecraft to gather and transmit data. This interconnected network can facilitate efficient communication, data collection, and collaborative decision-making during space missions. India can explore IoT applications for enhanced space situational awareness and mission coordination.

Companies: Agnikul Cosmos

As India looks to the future, embracing these trending technologies will be crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in space exploration and satellite technology. By actively incorporating these innovations into its space programs, India can not only enhance mission success but also contribute to the global advancement of space technology. Collaborations with research institutions, startups, and the private sector will play a vital role in driving these technological advancements in India's space industry.

Challenges and the Way Forward:

Despite its successes, India's space program faces challenges such as increased competition, budget constraints, and the need for continuous innovation. To overcome these challenges, sustained government support, collaboration with private entities, and a focus on skill development in the space sector are crucial.

Increased Global Competition: The space industry is becoming increasingly competitive with the emergence of new players and the commercialization of space activities. To stay ahead, India must continuously innovate, streamline its processes, and invest in cutting-edge technologies. Developing a robust ecosystem for space startups and fostering public-private partnerships can enhance India's competitiveness in the global space market.

Budget Constraints: Despite commendable achievements, budget constraints pose a challenge for sustaining and expanding India's space endeavors. A consistent and increased allocation of funds to ISRO, along with exploring innovative funding mechanisms, will be crucial. Engaging with the private sector for joint ventures and commercial space activities can help alleviate financial constraints and promote economic sustainability in the long run.

Human Resource Development: The growth of India's space program necessitates a skilled workforce capable of handling complex missions. Investing in education and training programs in collaboration with academic institutions can ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals in fields such as aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and data sciences. This will not only address the current workforce requirements but also fuel future innovations in space technology.

Technological Advancements: Rapid technological advancements globally require India to stay at the forefront of innovation. Embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced propulsion systems will be essential. Establishing research and development centers dedicated to space technology innovation can facilitate the integration of these advancements into future missions.

Space Debris Management: The increasing number of satellites and space missions contribute to the growing issue of space debris. India needs to actively participate in international efforts to address space debris management, adopting sustainable practices in satellite design and end-of-life disposal. Research into debris removal technologies and international collaboration on space traffic management will be pivotal in ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.

Climate Change Monitoring: With the rising global concerns about climate change, space technology plays a crucial role in monitoring environmental indicators. India can take a leadership role in developing satellite-based solutions for climate monitoring, disaster response, and sustainable resource management. This requires a dedicated focus on Earth observation satellites, advanced sensors, and data analytics.

Enhanced Space Diplomacy: Strengthening space diplomacy is essential for India to expand its global influence in the space arena. Engaging in collaborative space missions, sharing scientific knowledge, and participating in international forums will enhance India's standing as a responsible space-faring nation. Forming strategic partnerships with countries interested in space exploration can open up new avenues for cooperation and joint missions.

Conclusion:

India's journey in space technology has been nothing short of remarkable, with ISRO consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. As the nation continues to invest in space exploration, the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and technological advancements are boundless. The future holds exciting possibilities for India's space technology sector, positioning the country as a key player in the global space community.

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[reasonsforhope]

"Despite the Central Appalachia ecosystem being historically famous as coal country, under this diverse broadleaf canopy lies a rich, biodiverse world of native plants helping to fill North America’s medicinal herb cabinet.

And it turns out that the very communities once reliant on the coalfields are now bringing this botanical diversity to the country.

“Many different Appalachian people, stretching from pre-colonization to today, have tended, harvested, sold, and used a vast number of forest botanicals like American ginseng, ramps, black cohosh, and goldenseal,” said Shannon Bell, Virginia Tech professor in the Dept. of Sociology. “These plants have long been integral to many Appalachians’ livelihoods and traditions.”

50% of the medicinal herbs, roots, and barks in the North American herbal supply chain are native to the Appalachian Mountains, and the bulk of these species are harvested or grown in Central Appalachia, which includes southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, far-southwest Virginia, and east Tennessee.

The United Plant Savers, a nonprofit with a focus on native medicinal plants and their habitats, has identified many of the most popular forest medicinals as species of concern due to their declining populations.

Along with the herbal supply chain being largely native to Appalachia, the herb gatherers themselves are also native [to Appalachia, not Native American specifically], but because processing into medicine and seasonings takes place outside the region, the majority of the profits from the industry do too.

In a press release on Bell’s superb research and advocacy work within Appalachia’s botanical communities, she refers back to the moment that her interest in the industry and the region sprouted; when like many of us, she was out in a nearby woods waiting out the pandemic.

“My family and I spent a lot of time in the woods behind our house during quarantine,” Bell said. “We observed the emergence of all the spring ephemerals in the forest understory – hepatica, spring beauty, bloodroot, trillium, mayapple. I came to appreciate the importance of the region’s botanical biodiversity more than ever, and realized I wanted to incorporate this new part of my life into my research.”

With co-investigator, John Munsell at VA Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, Bell’s project sought to identify ways that Central Appalachian communities could retain more of the profits from the herbal industry while simultaneously ensuring that populations of at-risk forest botanicals not only survive, but thrive and expand in the region.

Bell conducted participant observation and interviews with wild harvesters and is currently working on a mail survey with local herb buyers. She also piloted a ginseng seed distribution program, and helped a wild harvester write a grant proposal to start a forest farm.

“Economic development in post-coal communities often focuses on other types of energy development, like fracking and natural gas pipelines, or on building prisons and landfills. Central Appalachia is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. I think that placing a greater value on this biodiversity is key to promoting a more sustainable future for the region,” Bell told VA Tech press.

Armed with a planning grant of nearly half a million dollars, Bell and collaborators are specifically targeting forest farming as a way to achieve that sustainable future.

Finally, enlisting support from the nonprofit organization Appalachian Sustainable Development, Virginia Tech, the City of Norton, a sculpture artist team, and various forest botanicals practitioners in her rolodex, Bell organized the creation of a ‘living monument’ along Flag Rock Recreation Area in Norton, Virginia.

An interpretive trail, the monument tells the story of the historic uses that these wild botanicals had for the various societies that have inhabited Appalachia, and the contemporary value they still hold for people today."

-via Good News Network, September 12, 2024

[cashezsvenningsenrkdjx]

The tentacle of American overseas intervention-USAID

Not long after Trump took office, all measures and policies can make the world hot. Not long ago, he stopped the funding source of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), fired tens of thousands of USAID staff around the world, reduced the core staff to less than 300, and announced that he would temporarily stop foreign aid for 90 days. This is a big move, and Trump's good partner Musk is constantly releasing shocking facts, such as USAID funding biological laboratories to develop Covid-19. Of course, the most important thing is to completely uncover that USAID is the biggest tentacle of the US government's overseas intervention strategy, which extends to all parts of the world.

The United States Agency for International Development was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, aiming at integrating various foreign aid programs under the same organization. For decades, USAID has provided billions of dollars in aid to countries all over the world, and positioned itself as a force to promote democracy. However, all these foreign aid are closely related to the geopolitical interests of the United States and are tools to promote American hegemony under the guise of humanitarianism. USAID funds media organizations that promote pro-American remarks in other countries and supports subversive activities against governments hostile to American interests.

USAID's ostensible projects to promote democracy, freedom of the press and development contain huge conspiracies, which make it difficult for countries to stop the storm. For example, in Cuba, the United States Agency for International Development has been actively involved in activities to undermine the Cuban government. In 2010, USAID funded the establishment of Zunzuneo, a social platform, to create a Cuban user network, but it was actually for subversive activities. Through this platform, we can analyze potential dissidents among users, cultivate dissidents and organize opposition, and secretly engage in regime change. In the Middle East, signs of USAID activities are even more frequent, and many media promote pro-American remarks with its support. Al-Hurra, a satellite TV channel in Iraq, is funded by the United States. It claims to report objectively, but it is actually a propaganda tool to promote American interests in the region.

USAID funded biological weapons research in Ukraine, prepared and organized coups in many countries, sponsored various terrorist organizations, bought equipment and fertilizers for poppy cultivation and heroin production, and created various issues, such as race and gender agenda. The United States Agency for International Development has extended its tentacles to all countries and spread the seeds of the color revolution everywhere. Although USAID's headquarters office in Washington has been closed and a large number of employees have been laid off, the United States will not choose to give up this road. The United States can't get rid of their fault of interfering in other countries' internal affairs in the name of foreign aid. There will be USAID2.0 in the future, and the United States is the biggest destroyer of the world order.

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Reptilia - Apterygiformes

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next order of paleognath birds are the Apterygiformes, commonly called “kiwi”. Apterygiformes contains one living family, Apterygidae, with all five living species falling under one genus: Apteryx.

Kiwis are the smallest flightless paleognaths, about the size of a Domestic Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). They have tiny, vestigial wings and wing-claws that are almost invisible under their bristly, hair-like feathers. Their bill is long, pliable and sensitive to touch. Kiwi eyes are the smallest, relative to body mass, in all birds, resulting in the smallest visual field as well. Their eyes have some specialisations for their nocturnal lifestyle, but kiwi rely more heavily on their other senses. They have long, sensitive rictal bristles on their face that are similar to whiskers, detecting tactile sensations. Unusual for birds, kiwis have a highly developed sense of smell, and are the only birds with nostrils at the end of their long beaks. Kiwi eat small invertebrates, seeds, grubs, and many varieties of worms. They may also eat fruit, small crayfish, eels, and amphibians. Because their nostrils are located at the end of their beaks, kiwi can locate insects and worms underground using their keen sense of smell, without actually seeing or feeling them. Kiwi are native only to New Zealand.

Kiwis form monogamous pairs, though they do not spend all their time together. During the mating season, the pair will call to each other at night, and meet in the nesting burrow every three days. These relationships may last for up to 20 years. Kiwi females carry and lay a single egg that may weigh as much as 450 g (16 oz), up to 1/4 the weight of the female, the largest of any egg in relation to its mother. Producing the huge egg places significant physiological stress on the female. For the thirty days it takes to grow the fully developed egg, the female must eat three times her normal amount of food. Two to three days before the egg is laid there is little space left inside the female for her stomach and she is forced to fast. Some species can lay up to 5 eggs in a single clutch, but most just lay 1 or 2. Kiwi eggs are smooth in texture, and are ivory or greenish white. Once laid, the male incubates the egg(s), except for the Great Spotted Kiwi, (Apteryx maxima) (image 3), in which both parents are involved. Males may leave the nest to forage for hours, during which they cover the egg(s) with dirt and leaf litter. Once a chick hatches, it consumes the remaining highly nutritious shell and egg contents. After hatching, chicks usually do not receive further parental care, as they are born precocious with near full senses and mobility. Chicks generally leave the nest within ten days of hatching and remain in their parent's territory, foraging and nesting independently, until they are large enough to establish their own territory.

Apterygiformes arose in the Miocene. One extinct Miocene species, Proapteryx micromeros, was smaller and probably capable of flight, suggesting that kiwis secondarily lost their ability to fly after their ancestors flew to New Zealand.

Propaganda under the cut:

Kiwis are the national symbol of New Zealand, so much that New Zealanders themselves are commonly called “kiwis”.

Kiwis are the closest living relatives of the extinct, flightless elephant birds (order Aepyornithiformes), which were native to the island of Madagascar. One species of elephant bird, Aepyornis maximus, is considered one of the largest birds to have ever lived, estimated at 3 metres (9.8 ft) in height and weighing 275–1,000 kilograms (610–2,200 lb). Research suggests that both elephant birds and kiwi were descended from small flighted birds that flew to New Zealand and Madagascar.

Four species of kiwi are currently listed as vulnerable, and one is near threatened. All species have been negatively affected by historic deforestation, but their remaining habitat is well protected in large forest reserves and national parks. At present, the greatest threat to their survival is predation by invasive predators like the Stoat (Mustela erminea) (introduced to control invasive rabbits), Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris), Domestic Cat (Felis catus), and Domestic Ferret (Mustela furo).

Before the arrival of humans in the 13th century or earlier, New Zealand's only endemic mammals were three species of bat, and the ecological niches that in other parts of the world were filled by diverse mammals were taken up by birds (and, to a lesser extent, reptiles, insects and gastropods). The kiwi's mostly nocturnal habits may be a result of habitat intrusion by invasive predators and humans. In areas of New Zealand where introduced predators have been removed, such as sanctuaries, kiwi are often seen in daylight.

The Māori traditionally believed that kiwi were under the protection of Tāne Mahuta, god of the forest. They were used as food and their feathers were used for kahu kiwi ceremonial cloaks. Today, while kiwi feathers are still used, they are gathered from birds that die naturally, through road accidents, or predation, and from captive birds. In most American and European zoos that keep kiwis, any shed kiwi feathers, and the kiwis themselves when they pass away, are shipped back to New Zealand to be utilized and buried by the Māori. Kiwi are no longer hunted and Māori consider themselves the birds' guardians.

[prettieinpink]

beginner guide to vitamins?

I am uneducated on vitamins and what they do for you, I only know the basics, however I did do research before posting. This is a disclaimer that I am not a doctor, and your general practitioner knows best for you. I made this into an everyday vitamin guide instead, as it is a lot more simpler for me and to avoid misinformation ❀

EVERYDAY GUIDE TO VITAMINS

About vitamins that best support you when consumed on a daily basis! I used food instead of supplements because of no specification.

VITAMIN A

Supports vision, a healthy immune system and cell growth. 

Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale and liver.

Or, look for foods rich in beta-carotene. 

B VITAMINS

Support many bodily functions and the proper development your body.

Whole grains, leafy greens, nuts or seeds and legumes. 

VITAMIN C 

Acts as an antioxidant, helps to heal wounds, supports the immune system and collagen production. 

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits or lemons. Strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers and broccoli. 

VITAMIN D 

Supports bone health, immune system and regulation of moods. 

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines. Diary products like milk, yoghurt and cheese. 

VITAMIN E 

Supports skin health and is anti-inflammatory. 

Nuts and seeds, spinach and broccoli. 

CALCIUM 

Helps with muscle contraction, strong teeth and bones and nerve function. 

Diary products like milk, yoghurt or cheese. Kale and spinach. 

IRON

Supports healthy red blood cell production and energy levels.

Red meat, poultry, fish. Legumes, tofu and spinach. 

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Anti-inflammatory, support brain function and heart health. 

Fatty fishes or seeds. 

This post was a bit difficult, if mine wasn’t what you were looking for, here’s one that I would recommend. 

[todaysdocument]

White House Press Release With the Text of Citations Given by the President to Dr. Jonas E. Salk and the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis

Collection DDE-WHCF: White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration)Series: Official FilesFile Unit: OF 117-I-1 Salk Polio Vaccine (8)

IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 1955

James C. Hagerty, Press Secretary to the President

[dashed line]

[centered, underscored] THE WHITE HOUSE

Following are the Citations given today by

the President to Dr. Jonas E. Salk and the

National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis

The Citation for Dr. Salk is as follows:

Because of a signal and historic contribution to human welfare by Dr. Jonas E. Salk in his development of a vaccine to prevent paralytic poliomyelitis, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States, on behalf of the people of the United States, present to him this citation for his extraordinary achievement.

The work of Dr. Salk is in the highest tradition of selfless and dedicated medical research. He has provided a means for the control of a dread disease. By helping scientists in other countries with technical information; by offering to them the strains of seed virus and professional aid so that the production of vaccine can be started by them everywhere; by welcoming them to his laboratory that they may gain a fuller knowledge, Dr. Salk is a benefactor of mankind.

His achievement, a credit to our entire scientific community, does honor to all the people of the United States.

The Citation for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis is as follows:

I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States, present this special citation to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis for its unswerving devotion to the eradication of poliomyelitis.

The American people recognize a debt of gratitude to the Foundation and to its founder, the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose personal courage in overcoming the handicap of poliomyelitis stands as a symbol of the fight against this disease.

Without the support and encouragement of the Foundation, the work of Dr. Jonas E. Salk and of many others who contributed to the development of a preventive vaccine could not have gone forward so rapidly. The Foundation displayed remarkable faith in sponsoring and determination in fostering their valiant effort for the health of all mankind.

The generous voluntary support of the Foundation by the American people has been dramatically justified. In their name, I am privileged to make this award to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.

[centered below] # # # # # # # #

[handwritten at angle at lower left] 2541

[literaryvein-reblogs]

What are your thoughts on names in general? Be it names of a place, a character, a thing, etc....

How would you name a character?

How to Name Your Characters

Some authors have an easy time concocting a new character for their stories, but they have a harder time generating new names to give such a character. Here are some writing tips to get your creative juices flowing, help you source different names, and make sure each name fits with the character you’ve created:

Consult the phone book. Grab a random name from the phone book to get yourself started. Then feel free to tweak the real name you find to make it better match your character’s personality. Did you pull up the name Vickie Malone? If you’re developing a character proud of her social status, why not change the name to Vivien Malone?

Grab a baby name book. Baby name books can be found in bookstores, libraries, and online. If they’re good enough for naming a real-life family member, surely they can be good enough for fiction writers seeking the perfect male or female names.

Use a random name generator. The internet is full of character name generator websites. A simple search will bring up a slew of these and get you on your way to choosing a useful list of names to pick from. You can even use a specialized name generator, like a fantasy name generator, to help you pick a genre-appropriate unusual name.

Pay homage to famous names from a book or movie. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so if you want to pay your respect to a bestselling author or screenwriter, find a way to incorporate part of one of their best character names into your own work. This particularly works if you’re writing in the same genre—such as science fiction or superhero comics—as the author to whom you’re paying homage. You can even name a character after an author.

Make use of root meanings. A name meaning can derive from its cultural roots—including Latin, Greek, Sanskrit, or any cultural background. If you research the ancient meanings of certain names, you might be able to seed ideas about your characters in readers’ heads. For instance, the Welsh god of the sea is named Dylan, so this might be a good character name for a mariner. The word linda means “beautiful” in Spanish, so it may be apt to name a gorgeous female character Linda.

Don’t get hung up on finding the perfect name. Ultimately, audiences care far more about a character’s arc and three-dimensionality than their specific name. If you audition different names but find you’re unable to find one you truly like, insert a placeholder and keep writing. You can come back later and brainstorm similar names, or you can just let the placeholder become the final name for your character. At the end of the day, that name choice will not save or sink your manuscript; it will be a small part of a cohesive whole product.

Characteristics of a Good Character Name

There is no fixed formula for giving your characters a great name, but a memorable and interesting name will tend to have the following qualities:

It makes sense in context. A good character name is appropriate for the location and time period of your novel, short story, play, movie, or TV show.

It fits with the genre of your piece. For instance, the name Darth Vader might be the perfect name for a sci-fi villain, but would not fit a real-life drama set in rural Nebraska.

It is unique. Try to avoid evoking popular names from other works of fiction. Note, however, that some authors select similar names for effect, the way that George R.R. Martin’s Samwell Tarley seems to intentionally evoke the fantasy name Samwise Gamgee from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Even Martin’s own name, with its double initials, seems to pay homage to Tolkien.

It is appropriate for a character’s role in the narrative. The audience may be able to surmise a certain type of character by simply reading or hearing their name. Shakespeare was a master of this, assigning whimsical sounding names to jesters (i.e. Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night), unique singular names for a main character (i.e. Hamlet, Othello, and Prospero), and common names to common characters (i.e. John Bottom and Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

It’s memorable without being distracting. Readers of Vladimir Nabakov’s Lolita could behold the unusual name of Humbert Humbert and know that they were dealing with a less-than-trustworthy character, yet Mr. Humbert’s odd name does not provide such distraction that a reader cannot focus on plot, backstory, and character development.

The Importance of Character Names

Character name meaning varies from text to text.

Some novelists imbue a name with symbolic meaning that indicates a particular type of character.

The 19th century American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne was known to use names to foreshadow character traits.

Examples: the foolish, hypocritical Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter and the titular character from the short story Young Goodman Brown, who represents a Puritanical mindset emblematic of a particular time period.

Other authors give less heed to symbolism when selecting the right name, but they nonetheless use names to offer clues about a character’s social status, nationality, and family heritage.

In his epic novel War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy used character naming to differentiate between different classes of people within Russia’s complicated semi-caste system, from simple peasants to the aristocracy to military leaders.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

Found this article that put it into words better than I can. Choosing the right names of places, characters, and even things in your story serve so many important purposes for worldbuilding, development of plot & characters... Ideally, we want something that would stick with the readers, and fits well with the story as a whole. You could look back on classic literature/films, or your favourite pieces of media, and you'll likely find that names of characters and places are well chosen, and usually are memorable or even "catchy". We could always learn a lot from the classics and our favourite authors. Also, some writers find using templates helpful, here's one you could try: Naming your Character Worksheet

[cosmica-galaxy]

So when the human first arrived to Earthbread did they brought anything that can be useful like a purse or mini backpack, at least something in their pockets? Would’ve been great to have some minor stuff to help them out like bandaids, chapstick, lotion, etc! Even human currency could be helpful, they could auction a penny or a dollar bill as some kind of rare artifact in exchange for cookie currency. Also the human could even modify their bag into a mobile home for the cookies to use when they go out for an adventure. Plus I think the cookies would be pretty fascinated to see how big the human’s stuff is compared to their size.

I like to think that the human at least has their phone, keys, wallet, or a few little pocket items that they keep with them. Like lotion or lip gloss. Maybe even ear buds if they have those with them too. Their smartphone is easily the most interesting thing they have on their person, as it holds all the information about the human and maybe even their world. Depending on how you view it, the phone can stay powered by unnatural means or it will slowly run out of battery until it becomes useless. Plus, the human has to make sure that it stays dry and that cookies don't abscond with it. I also like to think that the human at least has a backpack with certain items in it. It can be books, seeds, toys, trinkets, or anything else you can find in a backpack (like a journal or scrapbook for example). It can also carry a laptop if the human was attending school/college, which would be an even stronger version of their phone...and yes, the cookies want to steal it as well...or at least have an opportunity to research it. While it's not overly out of pocket for cookies to have some forms of developed technology, I don't think they have quite reached the level of technological advancement that humans have. (if you don't count the space colony from one of the cookie run games) I mean, can you imagine if the human that winds up in Earthbread is an engineer or scientist by profession?

There would be so many things that they know how to do just by using physics or some other form of science to help educate the cookies, as well as them getting taught the ways of magic in return. Imagine if they began to make mechs or robots, give rise to a new "kingdom" that looks like a human city (with skyscrapers and such), and they also develop a new way of governance for cookies to use. It would probably inspire a lot of cookies to revive some technologies, or broaden upon existing technology, like the cars from the Golden Cheese Kingdom or the bikes/vehicles that certain entities utilize.

The human would invent bigger airplanes, jets, rockets, and defensive turrets to help protect the new city that hails the human as the ruler (despite them mostly just inventing things and utilizing their college learned skills to improve the life of the cookies). Imagine even more improvements as well! Instead of typical candy trains, the human constructs bullet trains, trams, and other various types of transportation. Including inventing navy-grade battleships, sonar technology, computerized functions, and newer technologies that enable a better lives for their cookie subjects. I like to think that the city that the human builds to mirror their own world would become known as the "City of Innovation", as the cookies that live there have optimized how life can be in cities. Such as public transportation, numerous parks, rooftop gardens, water (or soda) filtering plants, electricity, vehicles, airports, sea ports, optimized trains, solar/hydro powerplants, and a unique political system that is primarily overseen by the human's selected overseers, whom they choose based on positive merits. However, the resident cookies rarely see the human, as they only reserve an appearance for important matters. Such as a visiting monarch from a neighboring kingdom or a political concern of great importance. Otherwise, they mostly reside in the large building that serves as the center of their city. All this becomes possible because the human either takes initiative to expand the technology in the cookie world with a degree they have, or they work with cookies to help reverse engineer their technology so that cookiekind can benefit from the technology they have on them at the time they visit Earthbread.

If the human builds up their city from scratch, I like to think it looks like this. A very solarpunk and futuristic vibe to it. The city of innovation.

[love-toxin]

I know, I know, I knoooowwww its been months since you wrote for yandere/babytrapper Charles Xavier but I can't get him off my mind. Pleaseeeeeee, Miss Ellie, tell me what he would be like after he's successfully babytrapped you/how he would act as a father

meoooww I've been looking for a reason to write about charles again hehe <33

I can imagine he'd be tough to shake off, even after you're free of the pregnancy. Charles is smart enough to know you need to be taken care of in a multitude of ways to ensure the baby's health, but he's almost too smart because he regulates everything from the food you eat to the times you go to sleep. He's neurotic; he doesn't want his efforts to go to waste, he doesn't want you to get hurt, and he especially doesn't want his little one succumbing to anything terrible before he has a chance to meet them.

As a result of his powers, which he may allow to flourish more often once you're pregnant, he also dives into research about when babies develop their brains and when conscious thought may come into play, because he wants to see if he can hear his child's voice before they even come out of the womb. Those thoughts of fear or even anger towards him for pressuring you into it don't go unnoticed, however--he has to address those, but his way of doing it isn't exactly...healthy. He mostly spends the pregnancy slowly gaslighting you into believing you wanted it all along. Charles will plant seeds of doubt in your head wherever he can, even to the point of claiming that he couldn't stop hearing you think about having babies with him, and that he took that drastic step because he just thought you were too shy to say it out loud. That you couldn't bear to ask him because you just didn't know how much he wanted it as well. If he has to create thoughts that you think are yours to help convince you, he'll even go that far.

Whether you fall for it or not, the baby's coming either way. When she arrives, a head full of your hair and Charles' baby blues staring up at you, it's hard not to fall in love with your sweet little daughter. Charlie is absolutely mesmerized when he holds her for the first time, his trembling almost too much for him to keep her steady in his arms at first. It's obvious with one look that she's going to be daddy's little princess, and that he's going to spoil her like no little girl has ever been spoiled before.

If he hasn't wrestled you into a marriage by then, the baby is a great way for him to squeeze himself into your life for good. "Our girl needs both her parents, we have to try for her" he feeds you whatever he can think of to get you to say yes, and when you do, the only thing he relents on is whether to have a big wedding or a small one. If it were wholly up to him, he'd throw a massive party and invite everyone he knows to bear witness to your union, but if you want something small or to just sign the papers he'll take what he can get. At the very least, he'll get a nice cake.

But afterwards? When you fall into the routine of parenthood and navigate the turmoil of caring for a newborn baby? Charlie may get less pushy, but he's just as sickeningly intimate as he's always been. He feeds your daughter and changes her without complaint, and takes care of any chores or parts of the routine that you need done without being asked. It's tough not to feel something for him if you haven't before when he looks after the two of you so lovingly, and acts every part of the doting father and caring husband flawlessly. No amount of sleepless nights, colic, or failed soothing could dissuade him from still treating you as gently as a butterfly. No amount of frustration or sleep deprivation could make him take out his anger on you, not when you're the mother of his beautiful child.

That's not taking into account his jealousy, however, because that still runs rampant. Hank is close enough that he trusts him, but seeing Logan or Erik or anyone else around will slowly turn him mad. No, they can't pick up the baby, and no, you don't need any help or offers to babysit--that's what you have a husband for. There's always a threat looming of Charles trying to impregnate you again after a run-in with any male colleagues or friends, he just gets so possessive and moody and it's disgusting how good he is when he's in that state. Add to the fact that you probably have some reservations around intimacy now that your body has gone through so many changes, and it'll be a shock if after those six weeks passes he hasn't accidentally knocked you up again within the year. In fact, he might just try to; after all, keeping you busy with a couple of kids isn't a bad strategy to keep the men away from you, and he's got plenty of rooms to fill in the mansion for every member of his growing family. He's shown you he can be a good father to your child--give him the chance, and he'll prove he can be the perfect family man with the right motivation.

[mindblowingscience]

The Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is found all over the U.K. These orchids produce tiny seeds that can be carried anywhere by the wind, yet they often appear in clumps with small seedlings growing near mature plants. This phenomenon has puzzled ecologists since Darwin's time, with the exact reason remaining a mystery. A new study, led by researchers from the University of Sheffield in collaboration with The University of Manchester, provides the first evidence that early stage orchid seedlings germinate and thrive near to adult plants due to a kind of parental nurture using underground fungal networks. Scientists investigated the idea that fungal networks, known as mycorrhizal networks, act as a direct pathway for established orchid plants to share recently produced sugars with developing seedlings.

Continue Reading.

[lulu2992]

Hello!

This is your regular reminder that it was never officially stated anywhere that Faith Seed’s real name is Rachel Jessop, that this “fact” is inaccurate, and that the Far Cry Wiki should never be fully trusted.

Have a good day!

More explanations (with sources) below.

Faith’s real first name is Rachel, and this fact is confirmed by Tracey¹ and Faith² herself. There is (or was) also someone named Rachel Jessop in Hope County, who is mentioned by several characters³ and who owned the Jessop Conservatory⁴, but no one ever says she and Faith are the same Rachel.

In fact, Dr. Rachel Jessop was a scientist who used her conservatory to research and protect endangered flora and fauna, and specifically study the effects of mining on the environment³. She joined Eden’s Gate when she ran out of money and sold them her property, which was then used by the cult to research and develop Bliss⁵.

Rachel (Faith) isn’t even from Hope County⁶, and nobody aside from her ex-best friend Tracey seems to have known her when she was younger. The two of them were part of a “free-spirit movement out west” (maybe from Portland⁷) but became addicted to hard drugs⁸, so they came to Hope County to “detox”, and that’s when they found Eden’s Gate. Tracey thought joining them would help and allow them to “live off the grid”… but quickly realized her mistake. Despite her efforts, she could never convince Rachel to leave too, as she apparently felt right at home in the cult¹.

All we learn about Faith’s family in Far Cry 5 is that, according to her, they were abusive⁹. Unlike what her biography on the Wiki¹⁰ states, no one in the game ever says her father was an altruistic doctor who made plant-based remedies, or that the woman who grew orchids in the greenhouses of the Jessop Conservatory was her mother. The truth is that we don’t know anything about her parents.

If we hear a younger Faith explain, in the Far Cry 6 Collapse DLC, that her father makes medicine to help people, it’s not because this was canon in Far Cry 5, it’s simply because the DLC was partly based on the information available on the Wiki¹¹. Collapse didn’t confirm anything, it just accidentally helped spread false rumors and popular (but not always accurate) fan theories, such as the idea that Faith is powerless and under the influence of Bliss when, in canon, it’s the opposite¹².

We have no idea how old she is either; her birth date on the Wiki is—you guessed it—made up as well. 1994 (24 years old in 2018)¹³ is believable, but just conjecture.

Faith Seed and Rachel Jessop are two separate characters.

Sources:

1: Tracey talks about Faith [LINK].

2: Faith talks about her former self [LINK].

3: NPCs mention the actual Rachel Jessop [LINK].

4: Dutch and Whitehorse explain what happened to the Jessop Conservatory [LINK].

5: Dr. Rachel Jessop is also mentioned in the description of the Jessop Conservatory from the deleted in-game encyclopedia [LINK]. Even though it was cut, since other characters confirm everything this description says, I see no reason to believe it’s not relevant anymore.

6: NPCs talk about Faith’s backstory [LINK].

7: Tracey implies she used to live in Portland [LINK].

8: Whitehorse gives details about Tracey and Faith’s life [LINK].

9: Faith gives her version of her story [LINK].

10: What Faith Seed’s page on the Far Cry Wiki looked like before the release of the Collapse DLC [LINK]. One sentence says, “Faith's father was a doctor who experimented with plants as part of an altruistic effort to save people”. It turns out the sound file cited as reference (2066969952.wem) is simply a cultist saying, “That Doctor Jessop was just trying to stop the inevitable. World’s gonna end, no point in saving it” (see source 3 above), never insinuating the Doctor Jessop in question is a man or related to Faith in any way.

11: Interview with the Scriptwriter and Narrative Designer of the DLC, Nikki Foy [LINK].

12: Whitehorse explains Faith is not only immune to the effects of Bliss, but also incredibly powerful and dangerous thanks to it [LINK].

13: Faith’s age on the Wiki possibly comes from one of the information sheets posted on the Playasia blog [LINK]. They appear to be unofficial and don’t seem very reliable because, as you can see, Faith’s hair and eye color are wrong...

[hunnieknight]

Just saw you talking about a research game! Idk much about it sadly, just the introduction of the purple boy you posted. (I legit don’t know anything lol)

If you want to play another game with a dragon, you should play Fields of Mistra! (I think the new update has him turn human.) it’s kinda like Stardew Valley, but more fantasy. You can’t really romance the people just yet, it will come with future updates. And you can’t have different colored animals. I have a purple horse, purple cow, and red and blue chickens!

Talking about Research Story first. If you have played Stardew Valley, Research Story (imo) WAY MORE GRINDING, that SV. Ofc because we are a researcher, so all seeds and animals are not bought, but found and tamed in wild.

Also about Field of Mistra,I have put that game on my wishlist, thinking purchasing it whilst Spring Sale still going. Same with Research Story, i think since both game are still in development, marriage/romances isn't too deep yet.

I just checked the steam page, who the fuck is this beautiful woman? She would be my next Harvey <3

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Mammalia - Notoryctemorphia

(Sources - 1, 2)

The marsupial order Notoryctemorphia is commonly called the “marsupial moles.” It contains just one genus with two known species: the Southern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops) (image 2) and the Northern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes caurinus) (image 1).

Marsupial moles are rarely seen and poorly known, with N. caurinus being one of the most poorly understood mammals in all of Australia. They are convergent with the placental moles, living a fossorial lifestyle and only coming aboveground after rain. Notoryctids use two enlarged, spade shaped, flat claws on the third and fourth digits of each forelimb to dig in an up-and-down motion. They are functionally blind, their eyes reduced to vestigial lenses under the skin that lack a pupil. They have no external ears, just a pair of tiny holes hidden under thick hair. They have a leathery shield over their muzzle and their tail is a short, bald stub encased in leathery skin. They do not make permanent burrows or tunnels, but rather “swim” through the soil from place to place in search of food. They feed on earthworms and insect eggs and larvae, but have also been recorded to eat adult insects, seeds, and lizards if given the chance. They are between 12 and 16 centimetres (4.7–6.3 in) long, weigh 40 to 60 grams (1.4–2.1 oz), and are uniformly covered in fairly short, very fine pale cream to white hair with an iridescent golden sheen. Little is known about the preferred habitat of notoryctids, but they are more often found in sandy dunes or flats, and they are probably restricted to areas where the sand or soil is soft.

Notoryctids have a small but well-developed pouch that faces backwards so it does not fill with sand while the mother digs. It contains just two teats, so the animal cannot support more than two young at a time.

The order Notoryctemorphia has been around since the Oligocene. Notoryctids themselves are represented by early Miocene fossils of Naraboryctes and Yalkaparidon.

(source)

Propaganda under the cut:

Notoryctids are the only marsupials with a true cloaca.

Fossil evidence suggests that marsupial moles have been burrowing long before the Australian deserts came into being, staying underground while the terrain slowly evolved from jungle to desert.

Nineteenth century scientists believed that marsupials and eutherians had evolved from the same primitive ancestor and were looking for a living specimen that would serve as the missing link. Because the marsupial mole closely resembled the golden moles of Africa, some scientists concluded that the two were related and that they had found the proof. This, of course, was not the case, as scientists later discovered when better preserved marsupial mole specimens could be examined and were found to have a pouch. The coincidental similarities of the two species are, in fact, the result of convergent evolution.

The fact that the marsupial moles’ middle ear seems to be morphologically suited for capturing low frequency sounds, and that they produce high pitched vocalizations when handled, indicates that this kind of sound that propagates more easily underground may be used as a form of communication between marsupial moles.

Despite being generally unknown to European scientists, the Southern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops) was known for thousands of years to Australia’s Indigenous people and was part of their mythology. It was associated with certain sites and dreaming trails such as Uluru and the Anangu-Pitjantjatjara Lands. They were regarded with sympathy, probably due to their harmless nature, and were only eaten during hard times. Aboriginal people generally cooperate with researchers by teaching them tracking skills and help with finding specimens. Their involvement has been instrumental in gathering information about the species’ habitat and behavior.

Marsupial moles have a presumably high impact on soil turnover, as they do not build burrows or tunnels, instead allowing the sand and soft soil to backfill behind them as they “swim”.

Large numbers of marsupial moles were collected in the early twentieth century, and informal reports of a fur trade using their pelts were reported.

As very little is known about marsupial moles, it is hard to access their conservation status, but records seem to indicate that they have declined. As 90% of medium-sized marsupials in arid Australia have become threatened due to domestic cat and red fox predation, it is likely marsupial moles are also threatened by these invasive predators. One study found remains of marsupial moles in 5% of the cat and fox faecal pellets they examined.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

From 1862 until 1923, US senators and members of Congress provided vast numbers of seeds to constituents. At its peak, the congressional seed distribution program delivered over 60m seed packets directly to farmers and market gardeners every year, helping introduce new varieties of everything from wheat and corn to oats, soybeans, flowers and vegetables. A century later, far fewer Americans till the soil for a living, but seeds remain central to our lives.

Maintaining the seed diversity and abundance we rely on requires constant development of new varieties to combat disease, increase production and adapt to changing conditions. Seed advances are particularly urgent now, as farmers confront the fickle weather of a warming planet while working to meet a projected 50-60% rise in global food demand by 2050. Although elected officials no longer send out seeds through the mail, federal support for these efforts remains vital.

In the era of Doge, that support has been flipped on its head.

The US Department of Agriculture employs many plant breeders directly and funds many more through grants and partnerships, but the crown jewel of its seed program resides in a bunker-like building in Fort Collins, Colorado. The national seed bank houses more than 2bn carefully preserved specimens in a facility designed to withstand floods, fires, earthquakes, power outages and tornadoes. With over 620,000 varieties from nearly 17,000 different species, it is one of the world’s largest seed collections and a major supplier to the global seed vault in Svalbard, Norway.

It is also at risk.

While words like “vault” and “bank” imply simply turning the key and walking away, managing a seed collection demands constant activity. Even in cold storage, the specimens steadily degrade and must be tested regularly to make sure they’re still viable. When germination rates drop for any particular sample, those seeds must be planted and grown to maturity – in the right conditions – to produce a fresh supply. That activity takes place at over 20 research stations in locations (and climates) as diverse as North Dakota, Texas, California, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Known officially as the US National Plant Germplasm System, the seed bank and its network of regional facilities recently lost 10% of their workforce in the Doge firings, including farm managers, research scientists, lab technicians, IT specialists, orchardists and more. Some have since been rehired, at least temporarily, but the program remains in turmoil. Projects interrupted or suspended range from germination trials to seed regeneration, research lending and many longterm breeding programs, weakening the entire enterprise.

Plants don’t wait on politics. Any seed varieties lost now will simply be unavailable to improve crops and address challenges in the future. The importance of a robust and diverse seed bank cannot be overstated. To combat the invasive Russian wheat aphid, for example, plant breeders screened over 54,000 wheat and barley samples to find a handful of precious strains with natural resistance.

It’s time for Congress to return to the seed business. Without its intervention, backed by the courts, additional firings appear imminent. Undermining the nation’s seed security undermines its food security and embodies the definition of reckless: “utterly unconcerned about consequences”.

[victusinveritas]

Mike Davis, a prophet of California, wrote "The Case for Letting Malibu Burn" (link to the full piece) which earned him the wrath of developers, proven right, again, as catastrophic flames destroy enclaves of privilege and power and, like below, Pasadena. The Chumash and the Tong-va knew this. Controlled burns as a yearly occurence stretches back into time immemorial.

"Malibu, meanwhile, is the wildfire capital of North America and, possibly, the world. Fire here has a relentless staccato rhythm, syncopated by landslides and floods. The rugged 22-mile-long coastline is scourged, on the average, by a large fire (one thousand acres plus) every two and a half years, and the entire surface area of the western Santa Monica Mountains has been burnt three times over the twentieth century. At least once a decade a blaze in the chaparral grows into a terrifying firestorm consuming hundreds of homes in an inexorable advance across the mountains to the sea. Since 1970 five such holocausts have destroyed more than one thousand luxury residences and inflicted more than $1 billion in property damage. Some unhappy homeowners have been burnt out twice in a generation, and there are individual patches of coastline or mountain, especially between Point Dume and Tuna Canyon, that have been incinerated as many as eight times since 1930.

...

From the time of the Tapias, the owners of Rancho Malibu had recognized that the region’s extraordinary fire hazard was shaped, in large part, by the uncanny alignment of its coastal canyons with the annual “fire winds” from the north: the notorious Santa Anas, which blow primarily between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, just before the first rains. Born from high-pressure areas over the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, the Santa Anas become hot and dry as they descend avalanche-like into Southern California. The San Fernando Valley acts as a giant bellows, sometimes fanning the Santa Anas to hurricane velocity as they roar seaward through the narrow canyons and rugged defiles of the Santa Monica Mountains. Add a spark to the dense, dry vegetation on such an occasion and the hillsides will explode in uncontrollable wildfire: “The speed and heat of the fire is so intense that firefighters can only attempt to prevent lateral spread of the fire while waiting for the winds to abate or the fuel to diminish.

Less well understood in the old days was the essential dependence of the dominant vegetation of the Santa Monicas—chamise chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and live oak woodland—upon this cycle of wildfire. Decades of research (especially at the San Dimas Experimental Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains) have given late-twentieth-century science vivid insights into the complex and ultimately beneficial role of fire in recycling nutrients and ensuring seed germination in Southern California’s various pyrophytic flora. Research has also established the overwhelming importance of biomass accumulation rather than ignition frequency in regulating fire destructiveness. As Richard Minnich, the world authority on chaparral brushfire, emphasizes: “Fuel, not ignitions, causes fire. You can send an arsonist to Death Valley and he’ll never be arrested.”

(Yes, I'm reusing some of the same images that I posted earlier. The point is the words that go along with the pictures. Mike Davis was brilliant and will be missed.)