Latest news with #ElizabethHunter
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
World's first forensic jeweler IDs disaster zone victims through jewelry
By Elizabeth Hunter A former jewelry designer has become the world's first forensic jeweler, who IDs bodies in disaster zones through their rings, necklaces and earrings. Dr. Maria Maclennan, 36, analyzes victim's bracelets, gemstones, pendants and trinkets for clues to help emergency crews, investigators and families. She first studied jewelry design at the university, then realized she wanted to use her talents to help people instead. The Dundee-based forensic jeweler has since been drafted in to aid identification in disasters and mass fatalities around the world. She helped identify victims of the 2015 Tunisia terror attacks, worked on Grenfell, the Germanwings plane crash in France in 2015 and the Mozambican airliner disaster in Namibia in 2013. She's also helped ID the bodies of migrants lost in sea crossings. Maria says the "holy trinity of primary methods," teeth, fingerprint, DNA – are the still the foremost ways to establish who the bodies are. But she realized jewelry can hold vitals clues to discovering who a deceased person is - which can help remains be reunited with loved ones. Maria joined a project led by Interpol when she was a master's student at the University of Dundee. It was designed to improve practices around victim identification in disasters, which sparked her interest in the relationship between forensics and personal effects. She said: ''It was a project that was spearheaded by Interpol and a number of other international project partners, looking at how we could improve practices around disaster victim identification. "They were looking at the usual scientific method - DNA, fingerprinting, dental records - but they were also expanding into what we call secondary methods. "They were looking at clothing, personal effects, body modification, tattoos, and jewelry. "That was my background - I was a jewelry designer by trade. "A lot of pieces are very traceable. The might have some kind of mark, a serial number, a hallmark. "A lot are very personalized, they can connect to a manufacturer, a designer, a maker and we can trace something back to the place of purchase. "Distinctive pieces are recognized, they're memorable. Something that has been worn often or for a long time can be a physical repository for DNA. "They might have been gifted between family members - they might symbolize a very significant relationship, they may have been passed down through generations or they could be really important spiritual, religious or cultural items.'' She added: "I was never as interested in designing as a lot of my peers and colleagues. ''I didn't actually enjoy sitting down at the bench and designing and making quite as much as I did the research and studying. "It was all the stories, the histories, the meanings that I was interested in - why people wear jewelry, why they don't wear jewelry, when they decide to take it off or keep it with them, and what it symbolized. "I was living with a medical student, one of my friends, and there was probably a bit of me that saw her go off and thought 'she's really going to save lives and help people.' "As a jeweler, we design wedding and engagement or memorial pieces, and we really have to understand their personality, their identity and relationships. ''It's very much an important job - but the opportunity to get involved in that project made me think there could be some way to really improve or contribute to people's lives. "It really opened up my thinking to this whole new world that I hadn't really been exposed to before. "I loved the idea that I could use my skills and knowledge as a jewelry designer in this completely new way to really help people." Maria and her team worked on a jewelry classification system, which has since been incorporated into Interpol's current disaster victim identification practices. Maria, who has a PhD in Forensic Jewelry, said: "I was working mostly in forensic imaging, so any kind of visual evidence, whether that was photography, fingerprints, footwear, patterns, 360 panoramic views of scenes, and I was carrying on my own research alongside that. "I was starting to deploy to international incidents - aviation crashes mainly, but also natural disasters and terror incidents too. There was a lot of international mass fatality work. "Once I started doing the work, I realized that it wasn't just about studying these objects, analyzing them, trying to trace them, trying to identify people. "I think especially in the mass fatality context, where very sadly, many families and next of kin don't have a dedicated place to go to say goodbye, to visit. "They maybe don't always even receive the remains of their loved ones, they depending on the condition. Very sadly, it might not be possible to repatriate an entire body. "I think this is where it goes back to my initial training and love of jewelry, and all the personal stories and the sentimental value. "I actually drew quite a few parallels with the designing and making that we do in the jewelry world and the return and the repatriation of objects to next of kin, because these little objects, they're very often seen as an extension of us and of our identities, especially if they've got that really personal element. "To receive those back after often quite traumatic incidents and events really means a lot to the families, and that part of the process is not to be underestimated. "We try and treat the objects with the same amount of dignity and respect as we would the person themselves. "That includes everything - ensuring that the families have an opportunity to view the object. "They can choose whether they would like the items returned in their current state, even if they've been damaged or melted or burned, or whether they would like them to be repaired or fully reconstructed. "We give families that option, and we also try to put just as much care into how we package and gift those items. "The care that needs to go into that is just as much an important factor, because that's the first impression that families will often get - it's the first thing they'll see. "Also, many of them may not be quite ready to open that package and confront these items. "For many of them, they may choose to keep them in storage or only revisit them a number of months or years later, so we have to really think about that whole process." Maria has begun teaching - lecturing at Edinburgh College of Art, and traveling the world to train law enforcement and investigators based on her research. "Over the last few years, I've become more involved in training and upskilling law enforcement and investigative agencies on the value of jewelry and personal effects and trying to create practical, hands on training programs, things that will be useful for them in their day to day life," she said. "Most recently, I was over in Brazil, working with the Brazilian Federal Police and running a training program for them - they're kind of forensic gemologists. "They have quite a large criminal investigative department over in Brazil, because they deal a lot with gem crime and trafficking and smuggling of gemstones and other artifacts across borders. "I've developed a lot of training, and now being an educator myself, that's something I'm very passionate about, is trying to share the knowledge I've learned. "I still work on some live cases, but these days, it's more about kind of helping others to help themselves, rather than me doing the work personally." The project closest to her heart today is a humanitarian project called Identifying the Displaced, which seeks to use personal effects to identify people lost while migrating across the Aegean Sea. Maria and her team have recovered over 500 personal objects, belonging to migrants who lost their lives while attempting to cross the "River of Death," which has claimed the life of over 2,500 people between 2014 and 2024. "We're looking to try and study and analyze the objects, the jewelry, the personal effects that were carried with people on the move," she said. "Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, as they make these journeys to try and gain entry into Europe, a lot of them, very sadly, lose their lives. "By collaborating with the local pathologists and people who work in that industry over in Greece, we've designed a database that we're trying to use to collaborate with different communities to raise more awareness of the migrant crisis, to hopefully generate new investigative insight around the objects.'' The post World's first forensic jeweler IDs disaster zone victims through jewelry appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
UK launches bid to build spaceship to clean up space junk
By Elizabeth Hunter The UK has launched a £75.6 million bid to build a spaceship to clear space debris, including satellites. Officials say the major new procurement process will tackle the growing threat of defunct man-made items from orbit. The UK Space Agency is initiating a £75.6 million tender for the nation's first mission to actively remove defunct satellites from space. They say it marks a pivotal step in the UK's efforts to protect vital space infrastructure and ensure the long-term safety of the orbital environment. At the heart of the proposed Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission, a specially designed spacecraft, equipped with cutting-edge British robotic and autonomous navigation technology, will capture and safely de-orbit two non-functioning UK-licensed satellites from low Earth orbit. The spacecraft will guide the defunct satellites into Earth's atmosphere, where they will burn up-eliminating potential threats to the satellite networks that power essential services such as GPS, weather forecasting, and emergency communications. There are an estimated 140 million pieces of space debris smaller than 1cm, and over 54,000 tracked objects larger than 10cm currently orbiting Earth. Even tiny fragments can cause catastrophic damage to satellites. This mission is a critical step in addressing the threat of space debris, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations and protecting the infrastructure that underpins modern life. Minister for Space, Sir Chris Bryant, said: "This mission is a direct example of our Plan for Change in action, delivering innovation, sustainability and economic opportunity through bold investment in future technologies. "By tackling the growing threat of space debris head-on, we are protecting the infrastructure that supports everything from national security to everyday connectivity whilst also creating high-skilled jobs and securing the UK's leadership in the growing space economy." The tender process secures home-grown expertise and strengthens the UK's leadership in the rapidly advancing field of In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM). It supports the ambitions of the Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, a 10-year plan to grow future industries, attract private investment, and establish the UK as a global innovation leader. Through this tender, the UK Space Agency is targeting funding on one of the five priority capabilities highlighted for investment in the space chapter of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. This also represents a shift in the UK Space Agency's approach, from traditional grants to competitive contracts, designed to stimulate private investment and create high-skilled jobs across the country. Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: "Actively clearing space debris is a bold step toward a safer, more sustainable orbital environment." "This mission showcases the UK's technical excellence and our commitment to protecting the space systems that modern life depends on. ''It's about securing the future of space for everyone, delivering tangible benefits here on Earth, and positioning the UK at the forefront of the in-orbit services market." The UK Space Agency is now seeking a single supplier to deliver the five-year research and development contract, with the mission targeted for launch by the end of 2028. This follows £11 million already invested since 2021 in feasibility studies and design work, underscoring the government's long-term commitment to becoming a clean space superpower. Joanne Wheeler, Director of the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative, said: "ESSI is very encouraged by this announcement. ''For the past three years, we have been developing sets of Space Sustainability Principles that will facilitate the establishment of the Space Sustainability Standards to ultimately ensure the sustainable use of outer space, covering the lifecycle of a satellite – from launch to decommissioning. ''The proposed ADR mission is a significant step in the right direction to achieving such sustainability and governance of ISAM activities, which the UK can lead on." UK businesses, researchers, and satellite users stand to benefit from this ambitious initiative, which will strengthen international partnerships, drive economic growth, and help establish global standards for sustainable space operations. Colin Baldwin, Executive Director at UKspace, said, "Debris is one of the key factors in planning the future of low Earth orbit. The UK leads in the development of solutions to address this critical market enabler. ''A number of our members are engaged in this exciting new market, which is developing rapidly. ''We welcome the UK Space Agency's ongoing commitment to growing the UK's capabilities through the launch of this new procurement." Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, says: "Sustainability is no longer solely an Earth-bound mission. ''The space economy is growing at pace and at scale, therefore as we build the foundations to become multiplanetary, it's critical we carry lessons of stewardship to the stars. ''We applaud the UK Space Agency's leadership in addressing the issue of space debris." The post UK launches bid to build spaceship to clean up space junk appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
06-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
This countryside cottage is being auctioned off for just over $1
By Elizabeth Hunter A derelict cottage nestled in the countryside is up for auction, with a price tag of just £1 (just over $1). The two-bedroom home named Bwthyn Cariad - or Love Cottage - is located in Pembrokeshire in Wales, but is in need of a total revamp. Auctioneers at Paul Fosh Auctions hope the price tag of just £1 will attract investors who are up for the challenge of renovation. Sean Roper, senior auction valuer, believes there could be handsome rewards if an investor is willing to show the cottage some much-needed love. "The mid terraced property has certainly seen much better days," he said. "But there is plenty of scope presented by what is there and added to that, the property has a very large garden which could also be exploited - and an auction guide price of just £1! "Currently, Bwthyn Cariad has two lower ground floor rooms with two bedrooms upstairs, with the expansive garden which extends down the rear of Meyrick Street. "It would seem that the lot offers a number of development opportunities, subject to obtaining planning permission. "The first could be to renovate and refurbish to a high standard for holiday lets due to its proximity to many of Pembrokeshire top tourist areas. "Typically, a refurbished two-bedroom cottage would generate in the region of 28k per annum net as a holiday let. "A second option could be to renovate and refurbish to a high standard as a long term let. "There could be a high demand for this kind of refurbished property from young professionals and local workers and could achieve a monthly rental of some £900 pcm. "Another idea could be to renovate and refurbish to a high standard and sell on the open market. "Renovated, a typical, two-bedroom high-standard property in this area could sell for between $160,000 and $185,000. "There is also an option to renovate and sell the garden space that runs up Meyrick Street, that's with the property. "Parcels of land could be sold to individual houses along Meyrick Street and then retain the house with a portion of the remaining garden space. "The property is located within close proximity of the main shopping area of Pembroke Dock. "Pembroke Dock itself is a town located some three miles north west of Pembroke and seven miles south of Haverfordwest, with good road links provided by the A47,7 which links to the A40 at Johnstown. "Pembroke Dock provides a comprehensive range of shopping and recreational pursuits also it benefits from a rail station Northwest of the property, providing further transport links. "The A477 also leads north via the Cleddau Bridge crossing Milford Haven through to Honeyborough and also providing access to the heart of Milford Haven Centre." Bwthyn Cariad is one of some eighty-plus lots which will be sold online at Paul Fosh Auctions, which starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 24 and ends from 5 pm on Thursday, June 26. The post This countryside cottage is being auctioned off for just over $1 appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Changes to Tricare claims process cause trouble for local mental health providers, military families
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Recent changes to the claims process for Tricare, the health insurance program for military members and their families, has impacted mental health clinics in Hampton Roads. On Jan.1, a company named for the Tricare East Region. However, a spokesperson for Humana Military, the regional contractor for the East Region, told NBC News that a 'small percentage' of provider records in the claims administration system had outdated or incorrect data that prevented claims from being processed in January. As a result of this, some local providers told 10 On Your Side they haven't been paid by Tricare since the beginning of the year. About 25% of clients that Lighthouse Counseling in Virginia Beach serve use Tricare. The practice said some of their counselors aren't getting paid for the service they provide to those clients. Elizabeth Hunter, a licensed professional counselor at Lighthouse Counseling, said she has not been paid by Tricare since January. She estimates she is owed around $6,000. 'When Tricare switched claims processing companies, that data migration didn't happen well and data was lost, and my credentialing was lost in that process,' Hunter said. Hunter explained that because she is a licensed professional counselor, her Tricare patients now have to get a referral through their primary care manager to continue to see her or it won't be covered. 'My last client of the day told me [that] 'to get a physician's referral will take me three months. I cannot pay out of pocket, and I don't know what to do,'' Hunter said. Months after the claims change, Meichell Worthing, Lighthouse Counseling owner, said the situation is continuing to impact her business. 'Tricare represents roughly $25,000 a month for our practice,' Worthing said. 'And so, we're at three months in, that's about $75,000 that we are out of on some level. They did give us a prepayment in January for some money to help the transition, but then haven't really helped since then, and we're still in the scenario where many of our counselors have not been paid for the services they've already provided.' Meanwhile, Lighthouse Counseling clients that use Tricare such as Alex Arnold are trying to figure out what to do next. 'I don't have a [primary care manager] to monitor my health, because nobody's taking me in the time that the Navy has me here, which is only eight months,' Arnold said. 'I don't have many necessities healthcare-wise, [but] I would almost rather go with a broken arm for eight months than [going] without counseling for eight months.' Going forward, Lighthouse Counseling offered its Tricare clients a new system where they will prepay for their services and the practice will reimburse them once Tricare pays them. 'Our servicemen and women and their families deserve better,' Hunter said. 'They should not be having to go through this. They struggle enough, they have sacrificed enough and they should not have to sacrifice their mental health care because of some glitch in the system. Fix it sooner [rather] than later. Stop trying to deny it, stop trying to give misinformation. Figure out what the left hand is doing and what the right hand is doing and make it right.' 10 On Your Side has reached out to Humana Military for comment on this story and has not received a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
