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Manny Berhanu

NASA Reveal New SLS Moon Rocket

NASA Reveal New SLS Moon Rocket

NASA‘s highly-anticipated Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket has been revealed to the public for the first time since its construction.

On Thursday, the 5.75 million-ton megarocket began its slow-motion journey out of its assembly plant towards the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a test run of a countdown and live launch. The dummy rehearsal, known as a “wet dress rehearsal” is likely to occur on April 3rd.

If the dress rehearsal goes well, a mission titled Artemis 1, an uncrewed 26-day long trip around the moon, could occur within the next couple of months assuming there are not any further delays. Towards the end of May could be seen as a possibility however a more likely date would be either in June or July. This is part of NASA’s Artemis programme which aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024 and in the long term prepare the way for humans to launch missions to Mars.

‘humanity’s giant leap’

Agency Administrator, Bill Nelson, said: “The Artemis generation is preparing to reach new frontiers,” he told the spectator crowds gathered at Kennedy.

“This generation will return astronauts to the Moon and this time, we will land the first woman and the first person of colour on the surface, to conduct ground-breaking science.

“Nasa’s Artemis programme will pave the way for humanity’s giant leap (to) future missions to Mars.”

SLS cost approximately $37 billion to develop therefore many hope that the reveal of this long-awaited rocket will boost NASA’s hopes of launching humans into areas of space that have not yet been visited before. However, due to the size of the rocket, SLS will also have the capabilities to not only send astronauts far beyond Earth but additionally send much equipment and cargo to crews that could remain up in space for extended periods.

While NASA is progressing the SLS, entrepreneur Elon Musk is assembling an even larger vehicle at his R&D facility in Texas. He titles his rocket, the Starship.

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Tom Brady Announces NFL Return After Six Week Retirement

Tom Brady Announces NFL Return After Six Week Retirement

NFL great, Tom Brady has revealed that he will be returning to the sport for a 23rd season just 40 days after announcing his retirement.

The 44-year-old is one of the greatest players the sport of NFL has ever seen, and he has won the Super Bowl seven time, six of which were with the New England Patriots and his latest win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. But Brady declared there was “unfinished business” when he released the news to the world on Twitter on Sunday.

“These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” he said. “That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa.”

As well as the multiple Super Bowl victories, Brady also tops the all-time NFL charts for passing yards and passing touchdowns and has been awarded with five Super Bowl MVP awards and three league MVP awards.

However, his final game of the 2021 season did not go to plan after the Bucs couldn’t pull off magnificent comeback against the eventual winners, the LA Rams, after they came back from 27-3 down but in the end lost 30-27.

Brady was recently seen in attendance in Manchester, England at Old Trafford, the home of soccer team Manchester United to witness the Red Devils beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a classic which saw Cristiano Ronaldo score a hat-trick. At the end of the game, the two sporting legends were seen having a chat with each other.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Arians was delighted to learn that Brady would be making his return.

“Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around,” said Arians. “As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field.

“He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season. We are ecstatic that he decided to continue playing and working toward winning another championship.”

Brady will look to bounce back from the disappointment of last season and return to the pitch to once again lead the Bucs to more NFL glory.

SEE ALSO: LA Rams Come From Behind to Clinch Dramatic Super Bowl LVI

LA Rams Come From Behind to Clinch Dramatic Super Bowl LVI

LA Rams Come From Behind to Clinch Dramatic Super Bowl LVI

The Los Angeles Rams scored secured their second Super Bowl title after coming from behind to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 becoming only the second team to ever lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy at their home ground.

The Bengals were minutes away from claiming their first ever Super Bowl triumph but the Rams’ stellar lineup led by Matthew Stafford showed their quality after the quarterback led a match-winning 15-play drive followed by wide receiver Cooper Kupp who provided the touchdown that all but secured their second Super Bowl title after the Rams were piling on the Bengals with just under two minutes to go in the game.

The victory also justified their decision to return to Los Angeles from St Louis six years ago, a decision made by owner Stan Kroenke. Talking after the game he said: “I’m really proud of this group, all the guys, I’m so happy for them. These players unbelievable and they just hung in there. It was a tough game and I’m so proud of them executing it like they did.

“As far as building this stadium, it’s turned out alright. Thanks to the great fans of Los Angeles – their first Super Bowl trophy in Rams house.”

The Rams were behind for the majority of the game despite coming out of the blocks with lightning speed, flying into a 10-point lead in the early stages of second quarter. The Bengals then showed their resilience pulling into within three points just before half time when wide receiver Tee Higgins caught a pass from Joe Mixon. The momentum remained with the Bengals as they took the lead after the break when Burrow found Higgins with a long ball down the left sideline for a 75-yard touchdown making it 20-13 during the third quarter.

However, as the match looked like it was fading away from the Rams, Stafford and co stepped up to the plate after he linked up with Kupp with a simple one-yard touchdown to triumph in Super Bowl LVI.

“I’m so proud of this team,” said Rams quarterback Stafford. “There are so many guys on our team who deserve this – so many great players, guys who have given their heart and soul to this team.

“That game today is the story of our season. It is up and down, but we showed up late and got it done. I’m excited!

“We care for each other, and that starts from the top down. Sean does an unbelievable job, connecting with us as players. We follow his lead and we’re here now.”

Rams’ head coach, Seam McVay, said: “It feels outstanding, you talk about a resilient team, coaches, players, I’m so proud of this group, proud to be associated with it.

“We talk about competitive greatness all the time, being the best required, on offense we had to find a way and then for Aaron [Donald] to be able to finish it off, it’s poetic.”

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

SEE ALSO: Trump Spread a ‘web of lies’: One Year on From Capitol Riots

How Clean is the Air at Your College?

Schools vs. Smog: How Clean is the Air at Your College?

It can be a real struggle deciding which college is the best for you. There are a wide range of variables to consider such as reputation, location, tuition fees, supportive community just to name a few. However, not many students seem to take into account air quality as an important variable to look at.

Various studies have linked air pollution with poorer cognitive performance, impaired memory, reduced attention span, anxiety, and depression.

Professor Xi Chen from the Yale School of Public Health, states: “Polluted air can cause everyone to reduce their level of education by one year, which is huge.”Researchers have linked high levels of pollution with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.

A new study from HouseFresh analyzed Air Quality values of the areas around every college in the country to find which college campuses have the best air quality. The tool to measure air quality is known as AQI and is used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

AQI levels

  • An AQI value between 0 – 50 is classed as ‘good’. Air quality within this range is satisfactory, and the air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • An AQI value between 51 – 100 is classed as ‘moderate’. This range is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
  • An AQI value between 101 – 150 is classed as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
  • An AQI value between 151 – 200 is classed as ‘unhealthy’. Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups my experience more serious health issues.
  • An AQI value between 201 – 300 is classed as ‘very unhealthy’. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
  • An AQI value over 301 is classed as ‘hazardous’. Everyone is more likely to be affected and therefore a health warning of emergency conditions will be established.

Find out which colleges across every area in the U.S. have the best air quality:

How Clean is the Air at Your College?

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US Man Receives Pig Heart in “game-changing” Transplant

U.S. Man Receives Pig Heart in “game-changing” Transplant

A terminally ill man in the U.S. has become the first person in the world to receive a heart from a genetically modified pig during a transplant.

Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Centre removed the diseased heart from 57-year-old Maryland resident David Bennett and replaced it with the pig’s organ in a transplant that was expressed as Mr Bennett’s last hope of survival. Doctors say the recipient is doing well three days after the seven-hour long procedure.

Surgeon Bartley Griffith (L) with transplant patient David Bennett. Images: University of Maryland Medical Center

Despite the initial success of the surgery, it is still unclear what his long-term chances of survival are, however, it signifies a big step forward following the intense research undertaken by scientists on the possible use of animal organs to save lives due to the lack of human organs for transplant.

The operation, scientifically known as xenotransplantation, used a genetically modified pig’s heart to prevent Mr Bennett’s body from rejecting the animal’s organ.

A day before the transplant, Mr Bennett said: “It was either die or do this transplant. I want to live. I know it’s a shot in the dark, but it’s my last choice.”

Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center were granted a special dispensation by the US medical regulator to execute the operation, on the basis that Mr Bennett would otherwise have died.

Breakthrough

In a statement released by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, surgeon Bartley Griffiths affirmed that it was “a breakthrough surgery and brings us one step closer to solving the organ shortage crisis.”

A scientific advisor at the University, Dr Muhammad Mohiuddin, said: “If this works, there will be an endless supply of these organs for patients who are suffering.”

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), in 2021, there were over 3,800 heart transplants in the U.S., a record high.

A significant breakthrough was made in October 2021, when surgeons in New York announced they had successfully undertaken an operation, transplanting a pig’s kidney into a person. But this was carried out on a person who was brain dead and had no hope of recovery.

On March 9th, David Bennett passed away two month s after the surgery took place. Bennett knew the risks of the surgery and acknowledged that the procedure was “a shot in the dark”. Nevertheless, the surgery is a landmark moment and the results received regarding the cause of his death will tell us how close we are to using modified pigs organs successfully in the future.

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Trump Spread a ‘web of lies’: One Year on From Capitol Riots

Trump Spread a ‘web of lies’: One Year on From Capitol Riots

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the violent capitol riots and US President, Joe Biden, has marked this anniversary by addressing the nation on the Capitol Hill, criticizing the nature of the violence that occurred and the attacking former President, Donald Trump.

On 6th January 2021, a violent mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Building violating American democracy, in an attempt to prevent the confirmation of Biden’s victory. This left 5 people dead, 15 police officers in hospital and caused significant damage worth millions of dollars.

In his speech earlier today, Biden went on a fierce attack on the former president claiming that he had “spread a web of lies” to American citizens leading up to the election in 2020.

‘he refused to accept the results’

“He’s done so because he values power over principle,” said President Biden.

After the riots occurred, many accused Trump of motivating his supporters to march after he claimed that the election was “stolen”.

Biden has condemned Trump for his role which has since raised serious discussions regarding the future of democracy within America.

“He sees his own interest as more important than his country’s interest and America’s interest. And because his bruised ego matters more to him than our democracy or our constitution,” he continued.

“He can accept he lost.

“Even though that’s what 93 United States senators, his own attorney general, his own vice president, Governors and state officials in every battleground state have all said… he lost. That’s what 81 million of you did as you voted for a new way forward.

“He has done what no president in American history has ever, ever done. He refused to accept the results of an election.”

During his address, Biden also pictured the scene of the harrowing attacks touching upon how the police were attacked, the threatening of the House speaker and the vice-president.

“Here is God’s truth about 6 January 2021,” President Biden said. “They were looking to subvert the Constitution.”

Trump claps back

Donald Trump has since responded to the address, releasing a statement claiming that President Biden is using his name “to try to further divide America.”

Trump said that Biden “is destroying our Nation with insane policies of open borders, corrupt elections, disastrous energy policies, unconstitutional mandates, and devastating school closures”.

“This political theatre is all just a distraction for the fact Biden has completely and totally failed,” he added.

“Our country no longer has borders, has totally and completely lost control of COVID (record numbers!), is no longer energy independent, inflation is rampant, our military is in chaos, and our exit, or surrender, from Afghanistan, was perhaps the most embarrassing day in the long and distinguished history of the United States – and so much more.”

A number of remembrance events will be taking place and will see various Democrats present throughout the day. However, the majority of Republicans will be missing which emphasizes the significant divide between the two nationally-recognized parties.

SEE ALSO: Biden Pledges to do ‘whatever it takes’ to Support Tornado Victims

 

Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Faces Deportation from Australia

Tennis Star Djokovic Faces Deportation from Australia

Men’s world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic is at risk of being deported from Australia days before the beginning of the Australian Open after he had his visa revoked at a Melbourne airport on Thursday.

The Serbian had his visa application cancelled despite the fact he thought he had a medical exemption to avoid COVID-19 vaccination which would permit him to enter Australia and bypass the strict restrictions the country has currently in place.

Organizers of the tournament had granted him exemption by two independent medical panels organized by Tennis Australia and Victoria state.

‘Failed to provide appropriate evidence’

But in a statement, the Australian Border Force stated that Djokovic “failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.” It added: “Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia.”

The 34-year-old, who is currently staying in a government detention hotel, will now have to wait until Monday to learn whether he will be able to take part in the Australian Open and defend his title.

Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister dismissed the idea that Djokovic was being treated unfairly and said that nobody was above the rules. But, said that the unclear nature of his vaccination status was focused on.

“When you get people making public statements – of what they say they have, and what they are going to do, and what their claims are – well they draw significant attention to themselves,” Mr Morrison affirmed to reporters.

“All I can say is that the evidence (for) medical exemption that was provided was found to be insufficient.”

Djokovic has kept hidden his vaccination status, however, has previously stated that he was “opposed to vaccination”.

‘Serbia will fight for Novak’

Aleksander Vucic, Serbia’s Prime Minister has heavily criticized the treatment of Djokovic claiming that he was a victim of “harassment” and that “the whole of Serbia” was by his side. He also stated that he has been in contact with the world number one to offer support.

“I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end immediately”, he stated.

“In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know.”

Former director of the Australian Open, Paul McNamee, has given his opinion saying: “He played by the rules, he got his exemption, he’s a nine-time champion, whether people like it or not he’s entitled to fair play. He doesn’t make the rules. He deserves his day on court, not in court in my opinion.”

SEE ALSO: U.S. Announce Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

Apple Becomes World’s First Company to Hit $3tn Market Value

Apple Becomes World’s First Company to Hit $3tn Market Value

Technological giants Apple have become the first company in the world to hit a stock market valuation of $3tn, tripling in value in four years.

On the first day of trading of the new year, the company’s shares for a little while managed to hit $182.88 around midday on Monday however dipped slightly towards the end of the day.

Apple share price has grown by approximately 5,800% since co-founder and former chief executive Steve Jobs released the first ever IPhone in 2007. However, under current chief executive, Tim Cook, the share price has grown sharply with help from the emergence of music and video streaming.

The Silicon Valley-based giants alone are worth more than Disney, Boeing, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Walmart, Netflix and Exxon-Mobil combined emphasising the sheer size of the company’s valuation.

Apple passed the $1tn mark in August 2018, making it the first company to reach that mark and only 18 months later, in 2020, passed the $2tn mark due to the high demand computers, laptops and tablets had during the lockdowns across the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore showing that Apple were one of the big winners of a pandemic which saw a lot of major company’s heavily affected.

‘Fantastic Accomplishment’

Chief executive officer of Longbow Asset Management, Jake Dollarhide, said: “It’s a fantastic accomplishment and certainly worthy to be celebrated.

It just shows you how far Apple has come, and how dominant it is seen as in the majority of investors’ eyes.”

Senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo, Scott Wren, said: “The market is rewarding companies that have strong fundamentals and balance sheets, and the companies that are hitting these sort of huge market caps have proven they are strong businesses and not speculation.”

According to Bloomberg, in 2022 it is expected that Apple’s next significant launches will include the iPhone 14, upgraded AirPods and possibly a virtual reality headset.

SEE ALSO: U.S. Announce Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

Biden Pledges to do ‘whatever it takes’ to Support Tornado Victims

Biden Pledges to do ‘whatever it takes’ to Support Tornado Victims

President Joe Biden has assured to do “whatever it takes, as long as it takes” to aid those who suffered from the tornadoes that tore through the state of Kentucky as well as neighbouring states over the weekend, killing 88 people.

The storm, constructing of over 30 tornadoes, hit Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee and was described by Biden as “one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history” and left many communities within the four states without power and others homeless.

Biden visited the city of Mayfield in Kentucky, which houses approximately 10,000 residents and was one of the worst hit areas. He witnessed the devastation caused by the tornadoes. The president walked past piles of debris, roofs detached from homes and fragmented bits of furniture. After the tour around the area, he stated that destruction caused was some of the worst he had ever seen and pledged to residents that he would “make sure the federal government does what’s needed.”

“I intend to do whatever it takes as long as it takes to support your state, your local leaders, as you recover and rebuild – and you will recover and rebuild.”

The president was alongside Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Maryorkas and federal disaster agency head, Deanne Criswell.

There was an immediate response following the strom as The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) immediately sent out response teams to Kentucky to help those in need of assistance. In addition, the agency sent out 135,000 gallons of water, 74,000 meals and thousands of bits of clothing.

Not for the first time

This is the not the only time there has been an extreme weather event since his inauguration. There have been a number of occurrences which scientists claim has been mainly down to climate change.

Only a month into his term, Biden affirmed a major disaster in Texas due to the winter storms which caused freeing temperatures. During the summer, Biden visited Idaho, Colorado and California to witness damage caused by the vigorous wildfires. It does not end there as he also went to Louisiana to view the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida as well as New York and New Jersey.

These events have indicated why the president is extremely focused on battling against the challenge of climate change.

Last month, Biden signed off a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill  that aims to build stronger defences against similar extreme weather events and natural disasters.

SEE ALSO: U.S. Announce Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

U.S. Announce Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

U.S. Announce Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

The White House have confirmed that they will perform a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic games due to the “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang”.

Earlier in the month, President Biden stated a boycott was something that his administration was “considering” but now the move has been committed and was announced by White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

“The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games”, she affirmed.

“We have a fundamental commitment to promoting human rights. And we feel strongly in our position and we will continue to take actions to advance human rights in China and beyond”.

This announcement comes two months before the winter games are set to begin. However, despite this announcement, which aims to put a serious foot down against the Chinese and their human rights record, American athletes will still be able to compete in the games with the same also applying for the Paralympic games, saying that they have their “full support and that their involvement is “beyond politics”. So is the proclamation that U.S. politicians won’t be attending the games a serious stamp of authority?

Pressure had been mounting on the Biden administration by members of congress as well as human rights activists to officially pull out of the games due to the China’s poor human rights record.

The similar boycott was staged by the U.S. back in 1980, during the Cold War. Then President Jimmy Carter boycotted the Moscow Summer Games due to the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan the year before. However, the key difference is that in 1980, the United States were in company with 64 other nations across the world.

Robert Menendez, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, described the boycott as “a necessary step to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to human rights in the face of the Chinese government’s unconscionable abuses”.

Only hours before the announcement, China had stated that a boycott of their winter games would be “a stain on the spirit of the Olympic charter” and “sensationalist and politically manipulative”.

Once the announcement was made, China dismissed the boycott claiming the announcement was “a pretentious act” and a “political manipulation”.

Zhao Lijian, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, accused Washington of “hyping a ‘diplomatic boycott’ without even being invited to the Games”.

“I want to stress that the Winter Olympic Games is not a stage for political posturing and manipulation,” Zhao voiced. “It is a grave travesty of the spirit of the Olympic charter, a blatant political provocation and a serious affront to the 1.4 billion Chinese people.”

So will this boycott make that much of a statement or a difference?

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