These 11 Genes May Help Us Better Understand Forever Chemicals’ Effects On The Brain
January 8, 2025, University of Buffalo
PFAS earn their “forever chemical” moniker by persisting in water, soil and even the human brain. This unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue makes PFAS particularly concerning. The underlying mechanism of their neurotoxicity needs to be studied further. To that end, a new study by University of Buffalo researchers has identified 11 genes that may hold the key to understanding the brain’s response to these pervasive chemicals commonly found in everyday items.
Powering Through The Rules: A Guide To E-Bike And E-Scooter Regulation In New York
January 3, 2025, Crowell
Those who live in New York City are likely familiar with the many e-bikes and e-scooters that are transforming transportation across the city. They have become a major staple of current city life. So, people may ask, are there any rules surrounding these vehicles? Well, as with many things, the rise in popularity is leading to new laws for e-bikes and e-scooters, frequently at highly localized levels. Here is a guide for those wanting to better understand the rules that apply to e-bike and e-scooter manufacturing, and the products’ use in New York.
How Founders Can Avoid The Deception Trap
January 8, 2025, Harvard Business Review
Entrepreneurs walk a razor-thin line between telling compelling stories and peddling lies — what the authors call the “deception trap.” It starts when entrepreneurs establish their identities, promote their visions, and set expectations for themselves and their stakeholders. Entrepreneurs should take a few steps to protect themselves: 1) set realistic stretch goals and keep stakeholders informed of the risks, 2) understand the “fail” in “fail fast” as rapid experimentation to identify promising alternatives, not a license to take poorly conceived risks, and 3) be realistic when creating early prototypes and reporting on milestones.
Keep It Cool: Slips And Falls Aren’t The Only Health Hazards Posed By Winter
January 5, 2025, ToledoBlade.com
In winter, muscles have a tendency to become nearly as inflexible as a plaster cast. That can result in an increased chance for injuries. States with freezing temperatures have three times more emergency room visits during the winter season than those with milder climates, according to Truveta Research. FEMA points out that as more natural disasters are occurring, increasing numbers of people are turning to portable generators, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission concludes that portable generators are associated with 40 percent of carbon monoxide deaths related to consumer products since 2009.
Deaths Prompt Recommendation For Clothing Donation Bin Safety Standards In Alberta
January 5, 2025, Calgary Herald
Canadian Justice Jayme Williams reviewed the accidental deaths that happened in southern Alberta between 2017 and 2019. Justice Williams recommended the province consult with bin manufacturers, charities and non-profit organizations with donation bin programs about potential regulations and safety standards. Action taken after 3 people got stuck trying to get inside and died.
More Than 200,000 Sig Sauer Red Dot Firearm Sights Recalled: Here’s Why
January 9, 2025, ABC 25 WHTN
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of more than 200,000 red dot firearm sights due to an ingestion hazard. According to CPSC, about 230,000 SIG SAUER ROMEO5 Red Dot Sights have been recalled because the product contains a button cell battery which is not in child-resistant packaging as required by Reese’s Law. Additionally, the recalled firearm sights do not bear the required warnings.
New Product Liability Directive 2024/2853: New Product Liability Risks For Products In The EU
January 6, 2025, Taylor Wessing
The New Product Liability Directive aims to modernize the product liability rules to bring them up to speed with advancing technologies, the circular economy business models and globalization of supply chains. It is also designed to remove obstacles for consumers wanting to seek compensation in respect of defective products. The New Product Liability Directive therefore changes the current product liability risk landscape for companies selling products in the EU significantly. Below we provide an overview of what companies selling products into the EU should know about the new product liability rules and how they can prepare in 2025 to mitigate increasing product liability risks.
Year In Review: 2024 Federal PFAS Roundup
January 8, 2025, Faegredrinker.com
For the second year in a row, 2024 was a banner year for the regulation of PFAS)at the federal level. Various federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Agriculture (USDA), undertook actions related to PFAS.
Three Management Skills To Develop In 2025
January 8, 2025, Columbia Business School
The workplace is rapidly evolving, thanks to new challenges and opportunities unearthed by the rise of AI, as well as shifting currents in workplace engagement and culture. Addressing these challenges and taking advantage of new opportunities requires honing your management skills and aligning your goals across your team or organization. With the start of a new year, now is a perfect time for refocusing — and taking action — to navigate these new demands in 2025. That action begins with understanding what is driving these workplace trends and from where challenges are originating. This, along with relevant skill building, can lead you to a more productive, more creative, and more agile year in management.
Chicago Sees Record 10+ Million Shared Bike And Scooter Trips In 2024
January 8, 2025, Chicago Transportation
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that more than 10 million trips were taken on shared bikes and e-scooters in 2024, a new annual record. According to CDOT, this milestone reflects a growing demand for sustainable and convenient transportation options, supported by CDOT’s investments in micromobility infrastructure and the continued expansion of the Divvy bikeshare system. “Chicago’s record-breaking ridership on bikes and scooters highlights our collective commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more connected city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. The more than 10 million rides include Divvy bike and scooter trips, alongside rides on Lime and Spin, which operate under scooter-sharing business licenses in Chicago. Divvy, the City’s bikeshare system operated by Lyft, has achieved record ridership for four consecutive years.
US Introduces Cyber Trust Mark Initiative For Smart Devices And IoT Security
January 8, 2025, Tech Monitor
The White House has introduced the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a voluntary cybersecurity labelling program to enhance the safety of wireless smart devices and Internet of Things (IoT) products. The initiative is intended to help consumers identify devices that meet cybersecurity standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It applies to products such as fitness trackers, smart appliances, and voice-activated assistants and is set to roll out fully this year. Certified IoT devices will bear a shield logo as a visible indicator of compliance with cybersecurity requirements. “Major electronics, appliance, and consumer product manufacturers, as well as retailers and trade associations, have been working to increase cybersecurity for the products they sell,” the White House stated. “The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program allows them to test products against established cybersecurity criteria from NIST via compliance testing by accredited labs.”
