Latest news with #3M
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Science
- Associated Press
3M Young Scientist Challenge Announces 2025 National Finalists
ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2025 /3BL/ - 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge ( #YoungScientist ) top 10 finalists. As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of 'America's Top Young Scientist.' The top 10 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order by last name): 'For 18 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has empowered middle school students to bring science to life,' said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. 'This year, the nation's brightest young minds have once again reimagined what's possible. Congratulations to each of the top 10 finalists! I can't wait to see how you make the world a better place.' To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2025 finalists, visit Challenge detailsThis year's finalists – 10 students ranging in age from 11-14 – identified an everyday problem and submitted a one- to two-minute video on their proposed scientific solution. Their proposals fall under an expanded set of entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology. An esteemed group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. Next stepsEach of the 10 finalists will participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist. These mentors will provide guidance and advice to help advance their finalist's solution. Then, from Oct. 13-14, each finalist will travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., for the final interactive competition. At 3M, each finalist will participate in a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation, and be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will be announced, and they will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America's Top Young Scientist. Previous winnersPrevious challenge finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a wide variety of real-world problems, including cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, food waste, alternative energy sources, energy consumption, air pollution, and transportation efficiency. The 2024 winner – 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia. – created PestiSCAND, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce using a non-destructive method. The innovation employs spectrophotometry, which involves measuring how light of various wavelengths is reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables. A machine-learning model then analyzes this data to determine the presence of pesticides. Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. Former America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's Kid of the Year; featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider; and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more. 'The 3M Young Scientist Challenge exemplifies the power of nurturing student curiosity by preparing students for the future, today. We are delighted to celebrate these young scientists for their commitment to solving real-world problems with innovation, creativity, and ingenuity,' said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms. ### About 3M3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, Pre-K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at ContactsTim Post 3MEmail: [email protected] Grace MaliskaDiscovery EducationEmail: [email protected] Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Discovery Education
Japan Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Japan Today
Toxic threat from 'forever chemicals' sparks resistance in Georgia towns
Sasha Cordle has joined other Georgia landowners in suing local carpet makers over PFAS contamination By Issam AHMED Sasha and Jamie Cordle thought their small farm in rural Georgia would be a ladder out of working-class struggle, and a gift for their children and grandchildren. Instead, it may be poisoning them. Tests show their spring water is laced with toxic "forever chemicals" at levels tens of thousands of times above federal safety guidelines, likely from nearby carpet factories. "It scares us," said Sasha, a 38-year-old dispatcher whose husband drives long hauls across the country. She's worried about their five children, two-year-old granddaughter, and a grandson due in October. PFAS -- or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances -- are a group of more than 10,000 human-made chemicals that repel heat, water, oil, and stains. Developed in the 1940s, they're still used in nonstick pans, firefighting foams and stain-proof carpets, yet are now linked to hormonal disruption, immune suppression and cancers. Their ultra-tough carbon-fluorine bonds take millennia to break down in the environment, linger in bodies for years, and are now found in the blood of nearly every living creature on Earth. Here in Dalton, Georgia, which calls itself the "Carpet Capital of the World," mills run by giants Mohawk Industries and Shaw Industries are widely blamed for making the region one of America's most PFAS-laden. They're accused of spewing the chemicals into the air, flushing them into sewers unequipped to remove them, and indirectly contaminating farmland through sludge byproducts later spread as fertilizer. The Cordles have joined other landowners in suing the carpet makers, seeking damages to "remediate" their properties -- a process they estimate could cost about $1 million per acre -- plus punitive damages. Mohawk, Shaw, and chemical giant 3M declined to comment on the complaint. Chemical maker Chemours, another chemical maker and defendant, says it has no factories in Georgia and denies culpability. In a complex web of lawsuits, Dalton Utilities, which manages the local water system, has also sued the carpet makers, while Mohawk has sued 3M over the same issue. The Biden administration last year enacted the first enforceable national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals. But under President Donald Trump, the federal government has since rolled back limits on four of the chemicals and delayed the compliance deadline for the remaining two. Test cases Meanwhile, the Cordles have seen alarming signs, in both humans and animals. Sasha, who moved to the property after marrying Jamie in 2020, soon developed two autoimmune conditions, as well as high blood pressure and chronic fatigue. "Sometimes getting out of bed, I feel like I'm 80," she said. Her grown children also report various ailments -- and some goat kids didn't survive their birth defects. Attorney Ben Finley is leading a wave of damages claims, recruiting new clients at buoyant town halls. So far, his firm has filed suits for 18 lead plaintiffs. "We're drawing a direct line between contamination, lost property value and cleanup cost," Finley said. Entering the food web While the lawyers work the crowds, water expert Bob Bowcock takes water, soil and dust samples to help build the scientific case behind the legal one. "We've got springs emitting into ponds that are discharging to creeks at over 180,000 parts per trillion," he said. The national guideline for drinking water is just four parts per trillion, and local creeks are often seen frothing with pollution. PFAS in the soil move up the protein chain and into the food web -- contaminating eggs, milk, beef, and leafy greens that find themselves on store shelves nationwide. The carpet makers are the area's main economic lifeline, yet many are now turning against them. Mary Janet Clark, 62, toiled for the carpet makers, had her ovaries removed after cancer, and now has a tumor in her brain. "We helped them build their business and make all that money," said her son, David Wray, 40. "It's just cruel." Lost dreams Others share similar grief. Human-resources manager Teresa Ensley, 57, lost her brother, father and husband to cancer in just a few years. Studies have linked PFAS to elevated colon cancer rates, the disease that killed her brother and husband. She and her 81-year-old mother both suffer severe thyroid problems and have had hysterectomies. Even for those not yet sick, the toll is palpable. Greg and Sharon Eads hoped to retire on farmland they bought in 2019, but it has since tested hot for PFAS, unraveling their dream. They own $50,000 worth of cattle now off-limits for milk or meat. It's become "basically a petting zoo," said Greg. "I can't do anything with them, not in good conscience." During a recent visit, the couple led AFP through bucolic pastures where the herd huddled around a healthy newborn calf -- a welcome moment of hope after several others were lost to deformities. © 2025 AFP
West Australian
3 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
Warning as guide for toxic chemicals in water updated
A vast majority of Australia's drinking water supplies meet new "forever chemicals" safety limits, but an expert warns more research needs to be done to understand true safe levels. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly, including in humans. Emerging evidence has linked some of the chemicals to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council on Wednesday updated its guidelines, limiting perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at 200 nanograms/litre, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) at 8ng/L, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) at 30ng/L and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) at 1000ng/L. The final values are the same as its draft guidelines except PFOS, which changed its limit from 4ng/L to 8ng/L. Industry body Water Services Association of Australia described the new guidelines as very conservative, erring on the side of safety and reflecting the latest evidence, saying recent national testing showed a "vast majority" of treated water sources would meet the new limits. Executive Director Adam Lovell said the water sector is highly regulated, and water utilities will continue to test and take immediate action to isolate, treat and protect drinking water supplies if they are near or exceed the guidelines. Chemical levels have been scrutinised in the past year after their discovery in the drinking water in Sydney's world-heritage listed Blue Mountains, home to 30,000, and at a national park downstream of a former quarry used by manufacturer 3M. Ian Wright, an environmental science professor at Western Sydney University, said data is still lacking to indicate a safe level of PFOS in Australian drinking water. "These guidelines, I can accept that they are reasonable at this point, but I don't think we've done enough research to know without doubt what the safe level is," Dr Wright told AAP. The associate professor, who is working with the Blue Mountains community, said authorities won't understand the true risks unless they study people impacted in detail. Blue Mountains anti-PFAS campaigner Jon Dee labelled the new guidelines a "national disgrace", saying Australia's standards were up to 50 times higher than the American equivalents. "This decision makes Australia a global outlier on PFAS," Mr Dee said. "Our health authorities are putting water utility convenience ahead of public health." The NSW government has confirmed all public drinking water supplied across metropolitan and regional areas meets the updated guidelines, and it is working with suppliers to equip them with long-term solutions to manage risks from the chemicals.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Warning as guide for toxic chemicals in water updated
A vast majority of Australia's drinking water supplies meet new "forever chemicals" safety limits, but an expert warns more research needs to be done to understand true safe levels. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly, including in humans. Emerging evidence has linked some of the chemicals to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council on Wednesday updated its guidelines, limiting perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at 200 nanograms/litre, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) at 8ng/L, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) at 30ng/L and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) at 1000ng/L. The final values are the same as its draft guidelines except PFOS, which changed its limit from 4ng/L to 8ng/L. Industry body Water Services Association of Australia described the new guidelines as very conservative, erring on the side of safety and reflecting the latest evidence, saying recent national testing showed a "vast majority" of treated water sources would meet the new limits. Executive Director Adam Lovell said the water sector is highly regulated, and water utilities will continue to test and take immediate action to isolate, treat and protect drinking water supplies if they are near or exceed the guidelines. Chemical levels have been scrutinised in the past year after their discovery in the drinking water in Sydney's world-heritage listed Blue Mountains, home to 30,000, and at a national park downstream of a former quarry used by manufacturer 3M. Ian Wright, an environmental science professor at Western Sydney University, said data is still lacking to indicate a safe level of PFOS in Australian drinking water. "These guidelines, I can accept that they are reasonable at this point, but I don't think we've done enough research to know without doubt what the safe level is," Dr Wright told AAP. The associate professor, who is working with the Blue Mountains community, said authorities won't understand the true risks unless they study people impacted in detail. Blue Mountains anti-PFAS campaigner Jon Dee labelled the new guidelines a "national disgrace", saying Australia's standards were up to 50 times higher than the American equivalents. "This decision makes Australia a global outlier on PFAS," Mr Dee said. "Our health authorities are putting water utility convenience ahead of public health." The NSW government has confirmed all public drinking water supplied across metropolitan and regional areas meets the updated guidelines, and it is working with suppliers to equip them with long-term solutions to manage risks from the chemicals.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Wisconsin Supreme Court delivers win for environmentalists in fight over ‘forever chemicals'
The Wisconsin Supreme Court delivered a victory for environmentalists on Tuesday in the fight over 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS. The liberal-controlled court ruled that state regulators can force landowners to clean up emerging pollutants such as PFAS before they are officially designated as hazardous substances. The 5-2 ruling is a defeat for the state's powerful group representing businesses and manufacturers, which had argued the state couldn't enforce regulations on substances before they were officially designated as hazardous. It is the latest development in a yearslong battle in Wisconsin and nationally involving regulators, environmentalists, politicians and businesses over how to deal with PFAS contamination. The PFAS problem Cities large and small across Wisconsin, from Madison to Marinette and La Crosse to Wausau, are grappling with PFAS contamination. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that at least 45% of the nation's tap water is contaminated with PFAS. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation's air, water and soil. They were manufactured by companies such as 3M, Chemours and others because they were incredibly useful. They helped eggs slide across nonstick frying pans, ensured that firefighting foam suffocates flames and helped clothes withstand the rain and keep people dry. The chemicals resist breaking down, however, which means they stay around in the environment and have a hard time breaking down in the body. There is a wide range of health harms now associated with exposure to certain PFAS, including low birth weight, cancer and liver disease. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislators have been at odds over how to address the problem for years, with both sides blaming the other for not earmarking more money for clean up efforts. The Wisconsin case The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in a case brought by the state's largest business group, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, which sued the DNR in 2021 on behalf of Leather Rich, a dry cleaning business in Oconomowoc. Leather Rich became aware of PFAS contamination in 2018 and was working on cleaning it up when the DNR posted a message online in 2019 saying it now considered PFAS chemicals a hazardous substance. The agency ordered the dry cleaner to test its groundwater for PFAS but didn't tell the business which compounds it needed to test for or what levels would be considered dangerous. They argued the DNR can't force businesses to test and clean up contamination from emerging pollutants like PFAS without first designating them as hazardous substances. That process can take years and requires approval from the Legislature. A Waukesha County judge and the state appeals court sided with Leather Rich. The DNR appealed, arguing that it could unilaterally force testing because state law gives the agency broad authority to protect the environment. It also argued that the lower court's ruling would neuter the state's 'spills law,' which was designed to confront pollution. That law, enacted about 50 years ago, requires anyone who causes, possesses or controls a hazardous substance that's been released into the environment to clean it up. Fight over PFAS regulation Since the lawsuit was filed, additional state and federal regulations of PFAS have been put in place. Federal regulators placed the first-ever national standards on PFAS in drinking water last year, but the Trump administration said in May that it planned to weaken those limits. The state has imposed less restrictive limits on PFAS in surface and drinking water, defined as piped water delivered through public systems and noncommunity systems that serve places such as factories, schools and hotels. But it has not implemented PFAS standards for groundwater, the source of drinking water for about two-thirds of Wisconsin residents. The agency stopped efforts to draft them in 2023 after determining that compliance would be too expensive.
