Nice Sci_Fi Scenery!  

I sure hope that I can get some certain iRobot Automated Household Cleaners someday!  

It's not quite warp drive, but researchers are hot on the trail of building nuclear fusion impulse engines, complete with real-life dilithium crystals. Read this article by Amanda Kooser on CNET.

The Photosynthetic Colors of Alien Lifeforms on Habitable Worlds in other solar_systems.

I sure can’t wait until Asteroid and Lunar Mining become real_industries someday! 

Sunrise at Stonehenge marks The Longest Day of The Year and The Start of Summer!

Here’s some really good information on Autism_Acceptance to read.  

Autism Is Not a Limitation

Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. Instead of letting this diagnosis limit her, she called upon her individual strengths and talents to find success in her life, and she is encouraging others to do the same.

Grandin recently spoke at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she discussed her activism in connecting Autistic individuals with higher education or careers. Grandin stresses that everyone, including employers, should focus on the unique characteristics and strengths of each person with ASD, and not their perceived limitations. According to Grandin, “There is too much emphasis placed on the deficit, and not enough on the strength”, she continues, “I’m seeing a lot of getting completely hung up on their Autism, caught up in a handicapped mentality”.

Temple Grandin (photo credit: Melanie Rieders)

Autistic children often have the ability to process material visually, as well as the ability to have an incredible focus on subjects of their interest. “Kids on the spectrum tend to get fixated on the things they like,” Grandin states, “so you need to use those fixations to teach kids different subjects.” For example, if a child has a fixation on airplanes, the teacher should incorporate planes in the teaching matter for physics, engineering, math, or even history.

Lastly, Grandin stated that there should be a stronger focus on the transition from childhood to one’s teenage years. In order to prepare them for adulthood, children should be given responsibilities and tasks. A strong foundation needs to be made in order for the child to potentially handle the responsibilities of employment at an older age.

As today marks the start of National Autism Awareness Month, it is important to realize that Autistic individuals need guidance and support in order to accomplish their goals and find confidence in themselves. Mentors are an essential part of the learning process for Autistic children. They can challenge children to learn things out of their comfort zone, while providing the patience and support that the child needs.

As Autism Awareness month continues, ICare4Autism will be sharing inspiring stories, recent news, and significant research findings about Autism. Additionally, we will be highlighting several self-advocates, who despite their diagnosis, have showcased their strengths and incredible gifts. We will also be distinguishing the eye-opening truth from the misconceptions about Autism that are often talked about or misrepresented in pop culture. We are looking forward to using this month as an incredible opportunity to spread awareness about Autism!

The ICare4Autism International Conference will be discussing the Global Autism Workforce Initiative on June 30th in NYC. An esteemed roster of speakers will be discussing the importance of implementing programs that incorporate Autistic individuals in the workplace. For tickets, please click here

The Science of Photosynthetic Lifeforms on Habitable Zone Worlds in other solar_systems.

Climate Changes can possibly harm Human Health.

Climate Change Harms Human Health

Climate change is already making people sicker, according to a deep-dive written by Renee Cho for Columbia University's Earth Institute.

Excerpt:

Climate change is already making people sicker, according to a deep-dive written by Renee Cho for Columbia University’s Earth Institute on Monday.

Cho pointed to the example of doctors in Florida who are noticing that their patients run through prescriptions faster as conditions like asthma worsen due to heat waves.

Indeed, Florida doctors have observed enough instances of climate-related health issues that they’ve banded together to form Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, The Miami Herald reported in February.

“Being in Florida especially, you can’t not realize what’s happening to our climate. I see it right now on a day-to-day basis,” Dr. Cheryl Holder, president of the Florida State Medical Association, told The Herald.

Florida doctors have also noticed that heat waves coincide with more hospital visits due to heart failure, Florida Institute for Health Innovation head Roderick King told The Herald. He hopes to fund a study investigating the link.

In the Earth Institute article, Cho also mentioned the spread of diseases like Lyme disease, which have sickened people in Pennsylvania for the first time.

Cho’s analysis comes a week after an article published in Undark examining the spread of Lyme disease into Canada, where there were more than six times the number of Lyme disease cases reported in 2016 compared to 2009.

Landscape Language

Cinnabar (adj) – a bright red color tinted with orange

Sitka mountain ash (Sorbus sitchensis) is known for its red berries, an important winter food for many birds and animals. However, its fall foliage can also be brightly colored, ranging from yellow to deep red. Or, in this case, cinnabar – a red color tinted with orange. What other unique colors have you seen this fall?

___________ NPS Photo, taken 10/1/18 at Paradise. Description: A cluster of shrubs with red berries and bright red-orange leaves. ~kl