News for Now Update: Week of November 21, 2021

Tomorrow is GivingTuesday. On this global day of support for nonprofits, we ask that you reflect on how you have benefitted from Price-Pottenger during the year, and consider donating to our 70-years long mission to improve public health and well-being.

Ranchers and Riparian Conservationists Protect Endangered Species
Modern cattle ranching is often guilty of placing profit ahead of animal welfare and environmental concerns. Thankfully, there are exceptions—like the one portrayed in this article—where ranchers and riparian conservationists are coming together to protect endangered species in wetland areas of southern Arizona designated as critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more at azcentral.

How Climate Change Is Impacting Food Safety
A new study published in Scientific Reports finds that climate change is negatively impacting our food quality at the base of the food web, resulting in the transferal of toxic methylmercury from water to phytoplankton. Methylmercury is a form of mercury that is easily absorbed in both animals and plant life. Lower concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential for energy and regulating the immune system, were also found in the organisms. “Understanding how mercury and fatty acids in aquatic food webs respond to climate change will tell us about the embedded risks at the top of the food web.” Learn about this in SciTechDaily.

How To Achieve a Healthy Gut Microbiome
We often share information on the importance of a healthy gut microbiome—because proper gut health is essential to a robust immune system! In this informative article, Dr. Frank Lipman discusses not only gut diversity but exactly what to eat (and what not to eat) to achieve microbial diversity and an immune system that is strong enough to fight any battle. Find out more from Frank Lipman MD.

The Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021
Making good on its promise earlier this month, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition introduced historic legislation today that would ban some of the most toxic pesticides used in the country. The Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021, introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), would overhaul the nation’s pesticide laws protecting farmworkers, our children and every one of us. Bravo Sen. Booker! Read about it at the Environmental Working Group.