News at a glance: Long Covid defined, x-rayed atoms, and a tally of deep-sea biodiversity

WATER POLICY U.S. wetland protections curtailed In a decision that reduces federal protections for wetlands, the U.S. Supreme Court last week narrowed the definition of marshy areas covered by the Clean Water Act. A five-justice majority led by Justice Samuel Alito ruled the law applies only to wetlands that have a “continuous surface connection” to nearby regulated waters, rejecting an approach currently used by federal agencies that wetlands require only a “significant nexus.” Four justices led by Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued the new standard is too narrow, ignores the law’s intent to protect wetlands “adjacent” to waterways, and will undermine efforts to prevent pollution and habitat destruction. Researchers filed amicus briefs in favor of the current standard; some estimate the ruling will end federal regulation of some 18 million hectares of wetlands, or about half of the previously protected area. Many scientists blasted the decision, saying it ignores the complexity of wetland hydrology. President Joe Biden said it “defies the science.” COVID-19 Defining Long Covid A team of scientists says it has nailed down the major symptoms of Long Covid, a condition that has disabled millions of people who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Analyzing reports from about 2000 people with Long Covid, as well as more than 7000 without—most of whom were also previously infected by the coronavirus—the research...
Source: Science of Aging Knowledge Environment - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research