One million PC owners combine their GPU power to fight COVID-19
Volunteers have donated over one exaflop of processing power to Folding@Home, making it the world’s fastest supercomputer.
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Wales announces plans to ban single-use plastics by 2021
Plans to ban a wide range of single-use plastics have been confirmed by the Welsh Government. Plastic straws, cotton buds and balloon sticks are among the items set to be outlawed or restricted by 2021
Iranian government makes medical services free for all COVID-19 patients
The Iranian Health Minister said that uninsured and underprivileged patients should not pay for the healthcare services and the costs will be compensated by the national health insurance system.
Portugal grants migrants and asylum-seekers citizenship rights during pandemic
Portugal has temporarily given all migrants and asylum seekers full citizenship rights, granting them full access to the country’s healthcare until at least June 30.
New coronavirus test provides results in as little as 5 minutes
The new point-of-care test, having just received an emergency-use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begins shipping today, April 1.
Seychelles extends marine protection area to twice the size of Great Britain
The move fulfills the country’s long-standing pledge to safeguard 30% of its marine waters.
MIT to publish plans for an emergency ventilator that can be built for $400
The ventilator shortage is a key barrier worldwide to effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Now, teams around the world can use MIT’s plans to make them for less than $500.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe prevails as federal judge strikes down DAPL permits
The Court found the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it affirmed federal permits for the pipeline originally issued in 2016.
Coronavirus home testing to be made available to millions in the U.K.
Millions of 15-minute home coronavirus tests are set to be available for delivery to people self-isolating, according to Public Health England, in a move that could restore many people’s lives to a semblance of normality.
Global efforts on ozone help reverse southern jet stream damage
Up until about 2000 it had been moving southwards towards the Antarctic, affecting storm tracks and rainfall over South America, east Africa and Australia.