COVID Select Subcommittee Releases Findings: Vaccine Mandates ‘Not Supported by Science,’ Mask Rules Useless

Science and Health

Vaccine mandates were “not supported by science” and did “more harm than good,” according to the final report from the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which has concluded its two-year long investigation into the coronavirus pandemic.
The subcommittee wrapped up its report — described as the “single most thorough review of the pandemic conducted to date” — this week and highlighted key findings on every aspect of the pandemic — from its origins to the response.

A summary of the report shows that the committee concluded that COVID-19 “most likely emerged from a laboratory in Wuhan, China,” and it provided five strong arguments to back the lab leak theory. Those include the facts that the “virus possesses a biological characteristic that is not found in nature” and the fact that “Wuhan is home to China’s foremost SARS research lab, which has a history of conducting gain-of-function research at inadequate biosafety levels.”
The committee highlighted a variety of findings in various sections of the report, and of course, there is a section devoted to the vaccine mandates, which many Americans were subjected to under President Biden. It was only thanks to the Supreme Court that millions of Americans were saved from losing their jobs as the Biden administration attempted to force the vaccine via the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The high court rejected this mandate in January 2022.
A summary of the 520-page report concludes that “contrary to what was promised, the COVID-19 vaccine did not stop the spread or transmission of the virus.”

Further, it notes that the FDA rushed approval of the vaccine in order to meet the Biden administration’s “arbitrary mandate timeline.” They did this despite warnings about the dangers of rushing the process and potential consequences, which include adverse effects of the vaccine.
Additionally, the committee found that the vaccine mandates were not supported by science whatsoever and “caused more harm than good.”
“The Biden Administration coerced healthy Americans into compliance with COVID-19 vaccine mandates that trampled individual freedoms, harmed military readiness, and disregarded medical freedom to force a novel vaccine on millions of Americans without sufficient evidence to support their policy decisions,” the summary reads, noting that public health officials coordinated with each other to deliberately ignore the reality of natural immunity to the virus. In other words, they failed to craft policy with that reality in mind.
Perhaps what is worse, the committee determined that there was mass government failure in the vaccine injury reporting system, which they said “created confusion, failed to properly inform the American public about vaccine injuries, and deteriorated public trust in vaccine safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The government was also “failing to efficiently, fairly, and transparently adjudicate claims for the COVID-19 vaccine injured,” they wrote in the summary.

The investigation also found that mask mandates were wholly ineffective, despite the ongoing demonization against those who refused to wear masks at the time. That demonization of unmasked and unvaccinated Americans was very much encouraged by Biden himself, even suggesting that they were unpatriotic.

Per the report, which detailed the mixed messaging:
Ultimately, a systematic review carried out by Cochrane Collaboration—one of the most highly regarded methodologies in evidence-based healthcare—found that the pooled randomized control trials they analyzed “did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks” and that “[t]here were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.” These results appear to directly contradict public health agencies’ and local governments’ support for broadly requiring masking throughout much of the pandemic.
Despite that, the Biden administration attempted to force masks. But the committee highlighted this finding: “The Biden Administration Exceeded its Authority by Mandating Masks.”
“It is apparent that the CDC and the Biden Administration cherry-picked observational data to fit their narrative that masks are fully effective,” the report reads. “Yet, that is not the role of the CDC.”
“The CDC is an agency meant to protect the American people, and part of that responsibility includes conducting, sponsoring, or at the very least examining clinical trials to actually have the best available research before formulating its guidance,” it added.

Ultimately, Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) said in a letter to Congress that the coronavirus pandemic “highlighted a distrust in leadership.”
“Trust is earned. Accountability, transparency, honesty, and integrity will regain this trust. A future pandemic requires a whole of America response managed by those without personal benefit or bias,” he added. “We can always do better, and for the sake of future generations of Americans, we must. It can be done.”
Read the entire report here.

High School Students Participate in Data Science Competition

Science and Health

Data Science is a growing, much-in-demand field. A knowledge of probability and statistics is crucial, as they are considered the “mathematical back bone” of data analysis, according to Dr. Klobusicky.For graduates of Scranton’s class of 2023, those majoring in data analysis had one of the highest salaries reported ($70,800) in its post-graduate survey.Additional information about undergraduate programs in mathematics at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.Pictured below, from left, are the winners of the doubles division of The University of Scranton’s Data Science Day Competition: placing second, from Scranton Preparatory School, seniors Logan Dixon and Sam DeNaples; and placing first from Mid Valley Secondary Center, sophomores Giada Vagni and Zackary Buza; and Dr. Klobusicky.

Asteroid as big as ‘football stadium’ passing by earth early Wednesday. But ‘don’t worry,’ say scientists

Science and Health

Article contentAn asteroid the “size of a football stadium” is moving at a fast pace toward Earth and will be visible via livestream early Wednesday morning.Article contentThe asteroid will also be visible through an 20-centimetre telescope, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).It will be closest to the earth when it is 2.2 million kilometres away, reports Fast Company.The massive space rock, known as 2020 XR, is moving at about 44,260 kph. It will pass by the earth at 12:27 a.m. ET on Wednesday, according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.Article contentThe asteroid is about 365 metres in diameter — large enough to wipe out a city and has been designated a “near Earth object” or NEO, due to its size and the proximity of its orbit to the sun. According to Science Reference, 2020 XR is categorized as an Apollo-Class Asteroid, an object “whose orbit crosses the orbit of Earth.”NASA defines any object that is larger than 150 metres and within 7,402,980 km of Earth as a “potentially hazardous object.”However, scientists say there’s no need to worry about the asteroid, reports Vice.“When astronomers first discovered 2020 XR, they thought it had a small chance of impacting Earth in 2028,” Juan Luis Cano, coordinator of the ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center, said in a statement. “But by going back and finding the asteroid in older data, they were able to refine its trajectory and rule out any hazard.”Asteroid 2020 XR is expected to bypass Earth again in about four years, but it won’t pass this closely again until at least 2196, when it will be an estimated 18.2 million kilometres away.Recommended from Editorial A spacecraft is on its way to an asteroid ‘crash scene investigation’ ‘We are delighted’: Japan bombs an asteroid 300 million kilometres from Earth Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.Share this article in your social network

Chinese scientists develop biodegradable sponge capable of removing 99.8% of microplastics from water

Science and Health

Differently shaped fibrous sponge Photo: Courtesy of Deng HongbingChinese researchers have developed a biodegradable sponge capable of removing up to 99.8 percent of microplastics from water. Containing low-cost and easily accessible raw materials for producing it, the sponge is expected to be applied widely in efficient microplastic removal from aquatic bodies, a major breakthrough in combating a pervasive environmental problem. According to Deng Hongbing, a professor from the School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, who led the research team, the two raw materials used in making the sponge, squid bone and cotton, are easy to obtain and available at low cost, making the biomass fibrous sponge an effective and cost-efficient solution to address the complex issue of microplastic pollution in water, Deng told the Global Times on Tuesday. The sponge developed by using chitin extracted from squid bone and cotton cellulose can adsorb various common microplastics – small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in length – from food packaging, textiles, and other industrial products.The research has been recently published in the scientific journal Science Advances. The research team evaluated the fibrous foam’s performance using samples from four typical water sources including irrigation water, lake water, seawater, and pond water. They found that the adsorption capacity of the material was basically unaffected by inorganic particles, heavy metals, organic pollutants, or microorganisms in the water, confirming its stability in real aquatic environments. The research demonstrated that the biomass fibrous sponge can remove 99.8 percent microplastics from water during the first adsorption cycle and even maintained a removal efficiency of over 95 percent after five cycles, reflecting excellent reusability.Large-scale production of this sponge is highly feasible, as its raw materials are simple to obtain, and the equipment required for its production, which includes freeze dryers and mechanical stirrers are widely available, Deng said.The team has demonstrated the small-scale production capability in their paper, with approximately one square meter of sponge produced per week in a laboratory environment. If the large-scale production of the biomass fibrous sponge proves to be successful, the sponge is expected to be applied in large-scale water treatment or household water purifiers in the near future, Deng said. According to Deng, due to the alarming volumes of plastic waste exist in the environment, the amount of microplastics entering terrestrial and aquatic habitats are anticipated to continuously increase. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), microplastics have become a matter of growing concern for the environment and human health with their omnipresence as recent evidence indicates that humans constantly inhale and ingest microplastic through contaminated seafood, including fish and shellfish. Microplastics have also been found in tap water, bottled water, and even commonly consumed beverages, such as beer, and salt. Recent research suggests that microplastics may also affect male fertility, according to a NPR report.

UH scientist unveils new human species

Science and Health

Scientists have uncovered evidence of a new human species that lived in eastern Asia between 300,000 and 50,000 years ago. The group, named Homo juluensis or the “large head people,” had distinctive physical features, including relatively large heads with low, wide skulls and sizeable teeth. Paleoanthropologists Christopher Bae from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Xiujie Wu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences identified this new group.
Their research, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggests that eastern Asia was home to multiple distinct human species during the Late Quaternary period. The study found that Homo juluensis fossils have distinct features that cannot be easily classified as belonging to modern humans, Neanderthals, Denisovans, or Homo erectus. Their traits suggest a mix of ancestry among various hominin groups living in Asia at the time.
“Collectively, these fossils represent a new form of large-brained hominin,” wrote Wu and Bae in their study. The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of hominin fossil records from eastern Asia, analyzing cranial, dental, and postcranial remains from various archaeological sites. By examining the physical traits of these fossils, they could distinguish between different human species and trace their potential relationships.
The study identified four distinct human species in eastern Asia: Homo floresiensis, Homo luzonensis, Homo longi, and Homo juluensis.
Eastern Asia’s unique human species
Each species showed unique morphological characteristics, suggesting diverse evolutionary paths.
Anthropologist John Hawks, who did not contribute to the research, acknowledges the significance of Bae and Wu’s findings. He believes the name Juluren serves as a useful reference point for a specific group of fossils and their potential place in the broader network of ancient humans. The identification of new human ancestors has become increasingly complex in recent years, with several new hominin species discovered since 2003.
The various fossils attributed to H. juluensis include parts of the face and jaw, showing Neanderthal-like dental characteristics, along with unique features not seen in other known hominins. “In 2023, scientists discovered a hominin fossil in Hualongdong, China, unlike any other human fossil on record.
It’s not a Denisovan, Neanderthal, or a specimen neatly classified within H. juluensis,” Wu and Bae explained. The study fundamentally challenges previous models of human evolution, demonstrating that human prehistory was far more complex than previously believed, with multiple human species likely interacting and potentially interbreeding.
This research emphasizes the importance of continued archaeological exploration and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding our evolutionary past.

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Farming, science, the Government and collaboration: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth

Science and Health

Certainly, the aspirations could be considered a form of marketing, but when Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed the agricultural businesspeople (farmers and rural professionals from all sectors) at Mystery Creek National Events Centre at the end of November, confidence in the future increased.This was the goal of the event organised by Federated Farmers.The Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour, involving three locations (Hamilton, Ashburton and Gore) allowed Luxon to hear the concerns of farmers and farmers to hear the messages from the Prime Minister and Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay.Several other MPs were also in support, showing the importance to the Government of getting the message through.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.New Zealand is confident when farmers have confidence.Farmers and growers pulled New Zealand through the Covid shutdowns and will power us out of the current economic recession.The Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports cannot be achieved without the agricultural sector.These statements aren’t new, but a year after being elected, the Prime Minister was able to point to the number of changes, many identified by Federated Farmers, aimed at enabling the rural economy to power up.The bottom line is the Government and sector working together to get Wellington out of farming.By this, he meant eliminating the bureaucracy (red tape) that gobbles time in completing paperwork, but which adds no value to the businessThe Government also wants to see more ambition in celebrating being the best in the world, promoting agriculture not as the villain but as part of the solution.This is music to the ears of those who have been singing the same song.Further, encouraging more young people to take up roles along the value chain was urged.“We need people who understand strategy, technology and the markets as well as agriculture”, Luxon said.“We need to increase the positive communications.”Again, some of us have been trying for some time.Having the Government with us, as it was when Jim Anderton (RIP) was Minister for Agriculture, will help.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.In 2007, Anderton was vocal about the fact that the “Labour-Progressive Government” understood the important contribution the primary sectors made to the economy.He also said “they will continue to play that crucial role well into the future”.At the opening of the Primary Industries Summit 2020 in November 2007, he released a new publication from MPI.“Future Focus” identified opportunities and risks facing primary industries over the following ten to fifteen years.The project identified six key drivers of change:Technological advances, demographic changes, water quantity and quality, geopolitical power shifts, energy cost and supply, and climate change.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.A pandemic wasn’t mentioned, but apart from that omission, the topics align with real-life experience and still dominate the thinking.“My message to you,” Anderton said, “is that the Government is prepared to work as a partner with industry in achieving this vision. And there needs to be cooperation within the industry as well”.Plus ça change.Just like Luxon on the Restoring Confidence Tour, Anderton talked about the primary industries being our most science-based, our most research and development-based, and our most innovative industries.“There is as much science in landing a fresh gold kiwifruit or lamb chop in a foreign supermarket as there is in a cell phone”, he said.He lamented the decrease in science funding and indicated a renewed commitment to research and development, warning under-investment becomes apparent only after it’s too late.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.They were good words, but we are still struggling in the science sector for funding.Just like Anderton in 2007, the Prime Minister and Minister Todd McClay talked about the importance of science as the foundation that underpins advances.The next step must be a Restoring Confidence in Science tour so we can recruit youth and enable current scientists to make progress.Some of us have been trying that message for decades, too.New Zealand scientists don’t, however, have an organisation like Federated Farmers, with its record of 125 years of advocacy and leadership.Despite this lack, scientists, rural professionals and farmers can follow Anderton’s advice and work together along the value chain to ensure New Zealand products are what the world continues to want — informed from a foundation of science, adapted by farmers and growers, and meeting the market needs identified by researchers.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Collaboration is key.The Prime Minister and Minister Todd McClay have highlighted the new messages, building on the old.The goal is a true partnership into the future and a focus on efficiency of production rather than reduction.Science is key.And great people in the primary sector.Music to the ears.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.

Scientists unveil toolkit to tackle global nitrogen pollution and costs

Science and Health

In brief:Scientists have outlined 150 actionable measures to reduce nitrogen pollution across sectors, addressing environmental damage while delivering significant economic savings.A new toolkit and guidance document have provided policymakers with detailed steps for implementing sustainable nitrogen management practices tailored to specific needs.Researchers have highlighted the critical role of a circular nitrogen economy in achieving global sustainability goals and mitigating climate change impacts.In detail:A comprehensive scientific review unveiled in September has offered comprehensive solutions to mitigate the global nitrogen crisis, an issue that costs the global economy up to $300 billion annually while wreaking havoc on ecosystems. The report, titled ‘Nitrogen Mitigation’ and developed by 50 international experts led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), has proposed 150 “win-win” measures designed to cut nitrogen pollution while delivering substantial economic and environmental benefits.  Lead author Dr Will Brownlie, said: “Improving nitrogen management offers a remarkable opportunity to not only enhance environmental health but also strengthen the global economy.”Nitrogen, vital for life, is also a source of pollution due to apparent inefficient use across sectors like agriculture, wastewater treatment, and transport. Approximately 80% of reactive nitrogen resources – forms such as ammonia and nitrous oxide – escape into the environment, where they degrade air quality, contribute to climate change, and create toxic algal blooms in water bodies.  The review was part of a United Nations initiative to address these challenges, combining a global guidance document with a Nitrogen Measures Database. The database provides detailed steps for implementing each measure, alongside assessments of costs, benefits, and potential risks.  The proposed solutions encompassed sustainable farming, improved wastewater treatment, and clean transport technologies. Recommendations included:  Fertiliser efficiency: Enhancing the storage and application of fertilisers reduces energy consumption and farmer expenses while minimising emissions.  Dietary shifts: Lowering consumption of high-nitrogen foods and reducing waste could substantially reduce nitrogen footprints.  Natural filters: Constructing wetlands offers a cost-effective way to filter nitrogen from water systems.  The guidance outlines a sector-wide approach, addressing synergies and trade-offs while showcasing successful case studies. For example, utilising nutrient-rich sludge from fish farms as fertiliser integrates waste management with agricultural productivity.  The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Isabelle van der Beck, noted: “INMS is highlighting the importance of nitrogen as a multi-dimensional challenge that links all economic sectors.“We see this as a way to mobilise efforts to reduce international water pollution, so we can simultaneously benefit air, climate, biodiversity, and the economy.”  The report underscored the potential of a circular nitrogen economy, where data technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite monitoring could offer site-specific management solutions.  UKCEH’s Professor Mark Sutton said: “We are delivering innovative science-based guidance for the UN to accelerate uptake globally.”He added: “Our vision is for a circular nitrogen economy that wastes less of this precious resource, reducing the costs to governments, farmers, and wastewater companies while boosting farmers’ incomes.”  Sign up to the daily bulletin for more news and insights from AWE International > >  join here