How to free an entire prison and help it find new life as a farm

The article discusses the transformation of the Scotland County Correctional facility in Wagram, North Carolina, into a sustainable farm and community resource center by an organization called Growing Change. The program, led by Noran Sanford, aims to prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system by engaging them in agricultural and sustainability projects on the former prison grounds. The facility, which once used inmate labor to build highways, is now a place where local teenagers, especially those at risk, can learn, grow, and contribute to their community. The program boasts a 92% success rate in preventing entry into the adult correctional system. Growing Change also has future plans to repurpose various parts of the prison into community resources and is working on a toolkit to help other communities flip their decommissioned prisons.

How Congress is literally going to the birds!

Tykee James, the Government Affairs Coordinator for the National Audubon Society, uses birdwatching in urban settings like Washington, D.C., to connect people with nature and raise awareness about environmental conservation. He leads nonpartisan birdwalks for Congressional staffers, aiming to foster a deeper concern for birds and conservation. Highlighting the threats to birds from climate change, James also addresses issues of racial injustice in access to green spaces. He co-founded Black Birders Week and is involved with organizations like Amplify the Future and Freedom Birders, which promote diversity in birdwatching and the outdoors. James envisions a future event akin to the civil rights movement's Freedom Rides to challenge racial barriers in birding across the South.

Fighting injustice in the most unlikely surf spot in America

Lou Harris, founder of the East Coast chapter of the Black Surfing Association (BSA), provides free surfing and other activities to the youth in Rockaway Beach, N.Y. Moved by the story of a Brooklyn teenager's destructive act out of boredom, Lou decided to offer productive and healthy outlets for local kids. The BSA, sponsored by companies like Vans and Red Bull, also educates on ocean conservation and provides free equipment to regular attendees. Lou, who has taught over 200 kids, emphasizes inclusivity and the therapeutic nature of the ocean. Following George Floyd's murder, Lou organized a paddle-out in tribute and protest, highlighting the importance of opportunity and hope for the future through surfing.

How drones are fighting fire with fire in the American West

The article discusses the increased risk of wildfires in the American West due to climate change and past fire suppression policies. It highlights the benefits of prescribed burns for ecosystem health and wildfire risk reduction. The piece features insights from Rebecca Miller, a Postdoctoral Scholar at USC-Huntington Institute for the West, on the history and importance of controlled burns. It also introduces Carrick Detweiler, CEO of Drone Amplified and a professor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, who has developed the IGNIS system, a drone technology designed to improve firefighter safety by using drones to conduct prescribed burns. The technology has been used by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in major wildfires. The article emphasizes the need for more active fuel management and policy changes to protect communities from wildfires.

In amazing leap, scientists map the feeling of touch into the brains of subjects with paralysis

Nathan Copeland, who has C5 quadriplegia, has been working with researchers at the University of Pittsburgh for seven years on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. This research involves controlling devices like robotic arms and computers using brain signals. A recent study published in the journal Science demonstrated that adding a sense of touch to a robotic hand allowed Copeland to perform tasks much faster. The BCI system uses Utah arrays implanted in Copeland's brain to record and decode brain activity, enabling him to control a robotic arm and a computer cursor with his thoughts. The research aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with paralysis and explores the potential for BCIs to restore other functions like vision and speech. The field also considers the future of BCIs in augmenting human capabilities beyond medical applications.

How Detroit residents are building their own internet

The article discusses the efforts of the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) in addressing the digital divide in Detroit, where historically 40% of residents lacked home internet access. EII, a collaboration between the Detroit Community Technology Project and community organizations, aims to provide low-cost, high-speed internet to underserved communities, increase digital literacy, and train residents as 'digital stewards.' Over six years, EII has built a significant network, offering training and education on internet usage. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the digital divide, particularly among communities of color and low-income areas. EII's network, supported by 123Net, offers 25mbps speed and is maintained by community digital stewards. EII is also developing resilience plans, including solar charging stations, portable network kits, and a private intranet to ensure community privacy and safety in communication.

How the miracle of robotic surgery can save the lives of Americans no matter where they live

The article discusses the case of Jim Smith, who suffered a heart attack and required immediate medical attention. Due to the lack of a catheterization laboratory (cath lab) at United Hospital in rural West Michigan, he had to be transferred to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, which increased the risk of further complications. Dr. Ryan Madder, an interventional cardiologist at Spectrum Health, is exploring the use of remote robotic systems for cardiac procedures, which could revolutionize access to healthcare, especially in remote areas. Corindus's robotic technology and Dr. Madder's research on telesurgery, including successful experiments in India and across the United States, show promise in overcoming geographical disparities in healthcare access. However, FDA approval, the presence of a doctor on-site, and network security are challenges that need to be addressed before widespread adoption.