In October 2021, the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports faced severe bottlenecks due to supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather, and labor shortages. Walmart addressed these challenges by hiring its own ships, resulting in significant sales growth during the 2021 holiday season. This move highlights Walmart's influence over global trade and its impact on other retailers. The article also touches on the 2023 United Nations Climate Conference, where food systems were a major focus, and the National ROPS Rebate Program, which faces a funding shortfall despite its success in preventing tractor-related injuries and deaths.

Wellcome's digital platform Mosaic, dedicated to long-form journalism about science and health, was active between 2014 and 2019 and has now closed. The organization expresses gratitude to its supporters and contributors. Some past content remains accessible on the Internet Archive.

The podcast episode from Scrolls & Leaves discusses the historical context of travel restrictions during pandemics, tracing back to the 19th century cholera pandemic and the British Raj's increased surveillance of Indians. It highlights the limited effectiveness and potential negative consequences of travel bans, such as stigma, restricted movement of healthcare supplies, and discouragement from disclosing illness. The episode, featuring surveillance expert Martin French from Concordia University, critiques the use of travel bans and suggests that investments may be better allocated to public health needs.

Tractor rollovers are a leading cause of death in the farming community, and a rebate program for installing Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) has been effective in preventing these accidents. However, the program is at risk due to a lack of funding, as it no longer qualifies for research grants. The NEC, which administers the program, needs at least $125,000 annually to maintain its operations. Advocates, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, support federal funding for the program, ideally through the USDA and the upcoming farm bill. Despite the program's success and support, no legislation has been introduced to secure its future funding.

In India, train collisions have resulted in numerous elephant deaths, particularly in hotspots like West Bengal and Assam. Conservation efforts are underway to mitigate these incidents, including the use of infrared sensors, drones, and devices that broadcast the sound of swarming honeybees to deter elephants. Long-term solutions such as constructing overpasses, underpasses, and fencing are also being considered. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including non-compliance with speed regulations and the potential for increased elephant deaths due to new railway tracks being laid in sensitive areas.

The United States faces a significant issue with opioid overdose deaths, affecting not only adults but also children and adolescents. A study by UCLA pediatric orthopedic surgeons highlights that current methods of educating parents and providing disposal bins for leftover narcotics are insufficient. The study suggests that more accessible disposal options and comprehensive education are needed to prevent opioid misuse among children and teenagers. The authors emphasize the importance of safe opioid use and the need for a multi-pronged approach to narcotic stewardship, including pre-operative education and reminders for parents.

The article explores the pervasive cultural bias towards lighter skin, particularly in India, and the health risks associated with skin-lightening practices. It highlights the efforts of advocacy groups like Women of Worth and campaigns such as Dark is Beautiful to combat this bias. The piece discusses the role of multinational cosmetics brands in perpetuating the demand for skin-lightening products and the dangerous health implications of using such products, including mercury and steroid creams. Personal stories and expert opinions underscore the deep-rooted nature of this issue, which is further complicated by historical, social, and economic factors.

UCLA neurologists, led by Dr. Mai Yamakawa and Dr. Jessica Rexach, have identified elevated levels of CD8 T cells in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a significant role of neuroinflammation in disease progression. Their research, published in Biomedicines, highlights the potential of T cells as a drug target, amidst ongoing debates about their role in neurodegeneration. The study underscores the need for advanced bioinformatics to analyze large datasets and explores the potential of AI in this field. The researchers aim to extend their findings to other neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the importance of bridging clinical and laboratory insights.

The article explores the work of soil scientists like Stephan Mantel, who collect and study soil samples to understand their importance to the Earth's ecosystem. The World Soil Museum in the Netherlands, led by Mantel, houses a vast collection of soil monoliths from around the world, showcasing the diversity and significance of soil. The museum aims to educate the public on the critical role of soil in supporting life, storing carbon, and maintaining biodiversity. Despite its importance, soil is often overlooked and degraded, prompting scientists to advocate for its protection. The article also highlights the aesthetic and artistic value of soil, with artists using it as a medium to connect with the natural world.

In April 1963, Arthur C Clarke, along with diver Mike Wilson and underwater archaeologist Peter Throckmorton, embarked on an expedition to excavate a shipwreck near the Great Basses coral reefs off the coast of Sri Lanka. Despite Clarke's physical limitations due to post-polio syndrome, he observed the underwater operations from the surface. The team unearthed various artifacts, including cannons and anchors, and discovered a significant treasure trove. The detailed account of this expedition is documented in Clarke's book 'The Treasure of the Great Reef' and further explored in Episode 7 of the 'Scrolls & Leaves' podcast.

In 1888, British officer Hamilton Bower discovered an ancient Ayurveda manuscript in the ruins of a Buddhist kingdom in the Taklamakan desert, China. This manuscript, written on birch bark in Sanskrit, links to India's medical traditions and highlights the historical significance of healing plants in trade, exploration, and the pharmaceutical industry. The Scrolls & Leaves podcast episode delves into this discovery and its implications for the history of medicine.

In the 17th century, Hendrik van Rheede, the Dutch governor in Kerala, collaborated with Itty Achuthan, a renowned local physician, to create 'Hortus Malabaricus', a comprehensive record of the region's medicinal plants. This work was significant in the Dutch efforts to dominate European trade in the subcontinent. Centuries later, researchers seeking the original palm leaf manuscripts of Achuthan's family learned of their unknown fate. The Scrolls & Leaves podcast episode 6 explores the role of plants in medicine, exploration, empires, and colonization, featuring immersive audio.

In 1817, British surgeon Robert Tytler identified cholera in Bengal, which rapidly spread across India and beyond, leading to significant fatalities. The British Raj implemented strict measures to control the disease, reflecting colonial attitudes. The article draws parallels between the cholera pandemic and Covid-19, highlighting similar policies and inequalities, particularly in vaccine distribution. The 'Scrolls & Leaves' podcast episode explores these historical connections, emphasizing the colonial roots of many current health policies.

Residents of Pattanam, Kerala, including Sukumaran K S, have discovered significant historical artifacts that suggest the village may be the site of the ancient port of Muziris, a crucial hub in the spice trade network with the Roman Empire. The Scrolls & Leaves podcast, hosted by Mary-Rose Abraham and Gayathri Vaidyanathan, explores these findings and other stories of trade and migration across the Indian Ocean, using immersive 3D sound to bring history to life.

Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Bangalore leverages the cultural norm of family support in India to enhance patient care through the Care Companion Program. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Noora Health, trains family members to assist in medical care, resulting in reduced readmissions and complications. The program has trained nearly 220,000 family members across three Indian states, demonstrating significant improvements in patient outcomes and easing the burden on the healthcare system.

The Neelakurinji flower, native to Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, India, and blooming only once every 12 years, faces threats from agriculture, eucalyptus and acacia plantations, and tourism. The flower's habitat in the Western Ghats has significantly diminished, with a study showing a 66 percent reduction in grasslands over 40 years. Conservationists like G. Rajkumar from the Save Kurinji Campaign Council and academics like Jomy Augustine are raising awareness and calling for action to preserve this unique species and its environment.

Kerala's fishing communities are grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi, which caused significant loss of life and property. The cyclone, intensified by climate change, has introduced fear and uncertainty among fishermen and their families. Scientists predict more frequent severe storms due to warming ocean waters, impacting fish stocks and the local economy. Coastal erosion, exacerbated by development projects, further threatens these communities. Local activists and organizations are working to mitigate these impacts and educate the public on climate change.

The article explores the cultural obsession with lighter skin, highlighting the health risks associated with skin-lightening products and procedures. It discusses the deep-rooted biases and societal pressures that drive the demand for such products, particularly in India and other regions. The piece also examines the role of multinational cosmetics brands in perpetuating these ideals and the efforts of activists and organizations to combat colorism. Despite some progress in changing attitudes, the market for skin-lightening treatments remains strong, fueled by longstanding cultural preferences and societal expectations.

The article explores the widespread cultural obsession with lighter skin, particularly in India and other parts of Asia and Africa. It highlights the health risks associated with various skin-lightening treatments, including creams, chemical peels, and injections. The piece discusses the deep-rooted biases and racism that drive the demand for lighter skin, tracing their origins to colonialism and social hierarchies. Activists and dermatologists are working to combat these biases and educate the public on the dangers of skin-lightening products. Despite regulatory efforts, the market for these treatments continues to grow, fueled by societal pressures and beauty standards.

The article explores the deep-rooted cultural obsession with lighter skin in India and other regions, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by dermatologists. It discusses the multibillion-dollar skin-lightening industry, the historical and social factors contributing to colorism, and the health risks associated with various skin-lightening treatments. Activists and organizations are working to change mindsets and promote inclusivity, but the demand for lighter skin persists, driven by societal pressures and beauty standards.

The article explores India's deep-rooted obsession with fair skin, highlighting the cultural, historical, and modern influences that perpetuate this bias. It discusses the multibillion-dollar industry of skin-lightening products and treatments, the health risks associated with them, and the societal pressures that drive their use. The piece features insights from various stakeholders, including activists, dermatologists, and individuals affected by skin color bias. It also touches on global influences and efforts to combat colorism, such as advocacy campaigns and regulatory actions.

The article discusses the pervasive issue of colorism and the global obsession with lighter skin, highlighting the efforts of activists and organizations like Women of Worth to combat this bias. It explores the historical roots of colorism, its reinforcement through colonialism, and its perpetuation by modern globalization and the beauty industry. The piece also examines the harmful effects of skin-lightening products and treatments, both medically and socially, and shares personal stories of those affected by colorism. Despite the deep-rooted nature of this bias, there are signs of changing attitudes, particularly among younger generations and through educational campaigns.

The global obsession with skin lightening, driven by deep-rooted racial prejudices and cultural biases, has spawned a multibillion-dollar industry. This industry includes cosmetic creams, invasive procedures, and supplements, all of which carry significant health risks. Advocacy groups like Women of Worth and campaigns such as Dark is Beautiful are challenging these biases, promoting inclusivity and self-worth. Despite regulatory efforts, the market for skin-lightening products continues to thrive, perpetuated by societal norms and media portrayals. Dermatologists and activists are working to educate the public and regulate harmful treatments, but changing long-standing cultural attitudes remains a significant challenge.

The article explores the cultural obsession with lighter skin, particularly in India, and its dangerous implications. It highlights the efforts of activists like Kavitha Emmanuel and campaigns such as Dark is Beautiful to combat skin color bias. The piece discusses the multibillion-dollar skin-lightening industry, the role of colonialism and globalization in perpetuating fair skin ideals, and the health risks associated with various skin-lightening treatments. Personal stories and expert opinions underscore the deep-rooted nature of this bias and the ongoing struggle to change societal attitudes.

The article announces the closure of Mosaic, Wellcome's digital platform dedicated to long-form journalism about science and health, which was active from 2014 to 2019. The author expresses gratitude to the readers and contributors, including writers, editors, artists, photographers, and fact-checkers. While Mosaic has ceased operations, the article informs readers that some of its content remains accessible through the Internet Archive. Additionally, it directs readers to the news and reports section of the Wellcome website for ongoing stories and insights related to the organization's interests and funded research.

The global obsession with skin lightening, driven by deep-rooted racial prejudices and cultural biases, has spawned a multibillion-dollar industry. This industry includes cosmetic creams, invasive procedures, and supplements, all of which carry significant health risks. Activists and organizations like Women of Worth are fighting against these biases, promoting inclusivity and self-worth. Despite regulatory efforts, the market for skin-lightening products continues to grow, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific and Nigeria. The article highlights personal stories and expert opinions, emphasizing the need for a societal shift in beauty standards.

In Bangalore, a team from the NGO Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) works to catch, sterilize, and vaccinate stray dogs to combat rabies, a disease that causes significant fatalities in India. Despite efforts, rabies remains a major public health issue, with inadequate reporting and treatment exacerbating the problem. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate rabies in South-East Asia by 2020, but India faces challenges due to underreporting and lack of comprehensive control programs. Experts emphasize the need for education and vaccination to effectively combat the disease, highlighting the importance of both human and animal health in this ongoing battle.

In Bangalore, a team from the NGO Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) works to catch, sterilize, and vaccinate stray dogs to combat rabies, a disease that causes around 20,847 deaths annually in India. Despite efforts, India struggles with rabies control due to underreporting, lack of proper treatment, and insufficient vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate rabies in South-East Asia by 2020, but India faces significant challenges, including high costs and limited production of rabies immunoglobulin. Effective rabies control requires a holistic approach, including better monitoring of animal infections and increased public awareness and vaccination efforts.

India faces a severe rabies crisis, with over 20,000 deaths annually, primarily due to rabid street dogs. Efforts by NGOs like Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) focus on catching, sterilizing, and vaccinating stray dogs, but challenges persist due to inadequate reporting, lack of widespread vaccination, and high costs of treatment. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive national strategy, similar to the polio eradication effort, to control rabies effectively. The World Health Organization's goal to eliminate rabies in South-East Asia by 2020 appears unlikely to be met. The article highlights the critical need for education, vaccination, and a united effort between medical and veterinary communities to combat this deadly disease.

India faces a severe rabies problem, accounting for over one-third of the world's rabies deaths. Efforts to control the disease include catching, sterilizing, and vaccinating stray dogs, primarily carried out by NGOs like Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA). Despite these efforts, rabies remains widespread due to inadequate reporting, lack of comprehensive national programs, and limited access to crucial treatments like rabies immunoglobulin. Public health experts doubt India will meet the WHO's goal to eliminate rabies in Asia by 2020. The article highlights the challenges faced by victims, the high cost of treatment, and the need for more effective and widespread vaccination and sterilization programs.

India faces a severe rabies problem, accounting for over one-third of the world's rabies deaths. Efforts to control the disease include catching, sterilizing, and vaccinating stray dogs, primarily carried out by NGOs like Compassion Unlimited Plus Action. Despite these efforts, rabies remains widespread due to inadequate reporting, lack of national programs, and insufficient vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate rabies in Asia by 2020, a goal India is unlikely to meet. The article highlights the challenges faced by public health experts and the dire need for more comprehensive and coordinated efforts to control rabies in India.

India faces a significant rabies problem, with over 20,000 deaths annually, primarily due to dog bites. Efforts to control the disease include catching, sterilizing, and vaccinating stray dogs, led by NGOs like Compassion Unlimited Plus Action. Despite these efforts, the country struggles with inadequate reporting, lack of widespread vaccination, and high costs of treatment. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive national program similar to the polio eradication effort. Vaccinating 70% of the dog population is crucial to containing the virus, but current efforts are fragmented and insufficient.

Selena Gomez reflects on the pressures of her career and the need for personal time away from the spotlight. Despite her success from a young age, she seeks privacy and understanding from the public as she evolves beyond her Disney persona. Her recent trip to Nepal as a UNICEF Ambassador provided her with a new perspective, contrasting her life in the entertainment industry with the realities of those living in developing countries. Gomez is currently focusing on her career and has started piano lessons to improve her musical skills.

Nancy Silverton, an award-winning Los Angeles-based chef, was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as this year's Outstanding Chef in the United States, becoming the first West Coast chef to win since 1998 and only the fourth woman. Silverton, who was a pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and co-founded La Brea Bakery, is known for her simple, fresh, and inventive cooking. Her culinary empire includes several restaurants named Mozza in California and Singapore. Silverton emphasizes the importance of both pizza crust and toppings, and she enjoys cooking for enthusiastic eaters, although she admits feeling nervous when fellow chefs dine at her restaurants.

Hulk Hogan will host WrestleMania 30 on April 6 in New Orleans, marking his return to WWE and three decades since becoming WWE Champion. Hogan, who has had nine back surgeries, will not wrestle but will host and appear in storylines. He may induct Mr. T into the WWE Hall of Fame, acknowledging Mr. T's role in transitioning WWE to entertainment. Hogan reflects on his career, including his reality TV show, and expresses a desire to be remembered as a good man.

Jo Frost, known as the 'Supernanny,' discusses her seventh book on parenting, 'Jo Frost's Toddler Rules,' which focuses on managing toddlers, particularly during tantrums. Drawing from 25 years of experience and an incident on a Jet Blue flight, Frost categorizes tantrums into mock, situational, and emotional, and introduces the 'S.O.S.' method: Step back, Observe, and Step In. She emphasizes the importance of discipline in parenting, the need to honor and respect children, and the value of seeing the world through their eyes.

Al Jaffee, a cartoonist for MAD Magazine, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his iconic fold-in feature. He began his career working with Stan Lee at the company that became Marvel Comics. Jaffee's childhood in Lithuania, marked by hardship, influenced his creative work. Despite being well past retirement age, he continues to work, finding pleasure in creating and knowing his work brings joy to readers.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, renowned basketball legend and star of ABC's 'Splash,' reflects on his multifaceted career post-basketball, which includes being an author, filmmaker, and cultural ambassador. Abdul-Jabbar, who still holds the NBA's top career scoring record, was named the greatest college basketball player by Sports Illustrated. He emphasizes the importance of a healthy athletic lifestyle at any age and values his achievements both as an athlete and in his personal life, such as raising his children and helping them attend college.

Rick Rosas and Brad Oltmanns, accountants at PricewaterhouseCoopers, are the only two individuals who know the winners of the Academy Awards before the official announcement. They have been responsible for counting the ballots, a task PwC has performed for 79 years. The process involves high security and secrecy, with the final tallies sometimes being decided by a single vote. Rosas and Oltmanns have their own rituals and experiences with celebrities during the event, and they are the only ones who know the almost-winners of each category.

Nailah Lymus, a Muslim fashion designer, is promoting modest fashion through her work and her modeling agency, UnderWraps Agency, which recruits Muslim women as models. Lymus aims to merge fashion with Islamic principles, challenging stereotypes about Muslim women. Her agency has successfully booked jobs for its models, emphasizing that modesty and fashion can coexist. The article highlights the positive impact of Lymus's efforts on the perception of Muslim women in the fashion industry.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed the 'Storm of the Century', has caused a rising death toll, catastrophic flooding, destruction of neighborhoods, and billions in property damage in the United States and the Caribbean. Extreme weather events like floods, droughts, heat waves, and storms are expected to worsen globally, with every region facing deadlier and costlier disasters. This year, severe weather has impacted Africa with droughts and floods, the United States with the worst drought in 25 years, and Southeast Asia with Typhoon Son-Tinh. The IPCC attributes these events to human-caused global warming, population shifts, and poverty. Despite political debates, a majority of Americans now acknowledge the science behind climate change. Christiane speaks with Michael Oppenheimer, a Princeton professor and IPCC report author, about these weather extremes.

The global refugee crisis has reached alarming levels, with 42 million people displaced due to war, persecution, and natural disasters. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been pivotal in providing assistance, with its head, Antonio Guterres, noting a significant increase in refugees due to new emergencies. The situation is particularly severe in Syria, where conflicts have displaced a million people, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Africa also faces large-scale displacements in countries like Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States plays a crucial role, being the largest financial donor to the UNHCR and resettling more refugees than any other country. Christiane Amanpour discusses these crises with UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming.

UNESCO's World Heritage List, which includes significant cultural, natural, and historic landmarks, faces threats from pollution, natural disasters, urbanization, tourism, and conflict. Notable sites like Aleppo in Syria and Timbuktu in Mali are in danger. The Great Barrier Reef has lost significant coral. UNESCO's work is jeopardized by U.S. funding cuts following Palestine's admission to the UN. Christiane Amanpour interviews Kishore Rao, director of UNESCO's World Heritage Center, on the importance of these sites.

El Salvador, plagued by one of the highest murder rates globally, saw a temporary 30% drop in killings when its two major gangs, including MS-13, declared a truce. However, the peace was short-lived, with recent violent incidents highlighting the ongoing threat. MS-13, originally from Los Angeles, has spread across the U.S. and Central America, contributing significantly to violent crime. Christiane Amanpour discusses these threats with Martin Licciardo of the FBI's National Gang Task Force, emphasizing the transnational nature of these gangs and their impact on both regions.

Nathan Haug, a high school student from Alpine, Utah, struggled with an addiction to online pornography starting at a young age. Despite his achievements and active participation in the Mormon church, his addiction led to feelings of incompleteness and isolation. The article highlights the growing concern of pornography addiction among school-aged children, noting that exposure can begin as early as 8 years old. While the American Psychological Association has not officially classified pornography as an addiction, professionals like psychotherapist Matt Bulkley treat it as such, emphasizing its role as a coping mechanism for negative emotions.

Officer Thomas Dye of the airport police has been organizing honor guards for fallen soldiers at Los Angeles International Airport since 2004. The ceremony, which is unique to most airports, ensures that every flag-draped casket arriving at the airport is met with respect. The initiative began after a fallen soldier's remains were returned without dignity, and was further inspired by the death of LAX police officer Tommy Scott. Dye, with 28 years of experience in the U.S. Navy and Army Corps of Engineers, trained his fellow officers in ceremonial and escort duties. The honor guard includes TSA officers, Army soldiers, airport police, LAPD officers, and FBI agents. Southwest Airlines and other airlines have become more vigilant in notifying Dye when transporting fallen soldiers' remains.