Latest news with #SharonKennedy
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Power cut cancels Wicklow school classes but Curiosity Cube saves day
Students who were destined for a day of learning at home were able to become scientists for the day at the Curiosity Cube, which is designed to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) accessible. The retrofitted shipping container came to Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir for the fourth year as part of a Europe-wide tour. The Life Sciences Volunteer team from Merck – the science and technology company driving the Curiosity Cube – reached out to the local community through WhatsApp and social media and invited other local schools, students, families and friends to work alongside Merck employees from Sigma-Aldrich Ltd, the primary centre for cGMP production of commercial and late-stage APIs and advanced intermediates. In total, 130 children from Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, their families and other local primary schools enjoyed an interactive day at the Curiosity Cube. Throughout the visit, students from Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir and other local schools explored real-world science through three interactive experiments focused on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI): image authenticity, pattern recognition and self-driving cars. These hands-on activities were designed to show students how STEM is all around them and to equip them with critical thinking skills needed for future careers. Site administrator for Merck's Sigma-Aldrich Ltd in Arklow, Sharon Kennedy, said: 'We love to have the Curiosity Cube back in Arklow every year, it means an awful lot to our local community and our colleagues that we are here every year visiting the schools. 'For four years and counting, the visit of the mobile science lab has always been making a big difference to not only us on site but also the students and the community in Arklow in general.' Despite the growing demand for STEM professionals, many students struggle to see themselves in these careers. A recent survey funded by Merck found that nearly half (48pc) of middle school students find it difficult to envision themselves as scientists, despite engaging in STEM-related activities every day. In 2024, the Curiosity Cube engaged more than 43,000 students across Europe and North America, visiting 14 countries and hosting 282 events. ADVERTISEMENT This year, the Curiosity Cube embarked on its fourth European tour, aiming to connect with 20,000 students via more than 130 events. Each stop on its tour is supported by employee volunteers who share their passion for science, providing students with real-world insights into STEM careers. 'Every student who walks into the Curiosity Cube walks away with a new way of looking at science,' Curiosity Cube coordinator Stefanie Rammer said. 'That spark of curiosity can make all the difference in shaping the scientists of tomorrow.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Court rules Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care can be enforced amid suits
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a state law prohibiting minors from receiving gender-affirming care can be enforced as court battles proceed over the law's constitutionality. The state's high court granted a request from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) to stay an appellate court ruling from March that blocked the state from enforcing the law, pending full review. The two-sentence Tuesday order was issued by the Republican chief justice, Sharon Kennedy. Republican Justice Pat Fischer and Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner dissented. 'This cause is pending before the court as a jurisdictional appeal. Upon consideration of appellants' emergency motion for stay pending appeal, it is ordered by the court that the motion is granted,' the order read. The Ohio General Assembly, in 2023, passed House Bill 68, banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. The bill was vetoed by the state's Republican governor, but both legislative chambers voted to overturn his veto. The ACLU of Ohio brought a lawsuit on behalf of two transgender minors challenging the legality of the statute. The law has been caught up in the courts for months. 'It is a terrible shame that the Supreme Court of Ohio is permitting the state to evade compliance with the Ohio Constitution. Our clients have suffered tangible and irreparable harm during the eight months that HB 68 has been in place, including being denied essential health care in their home state,' the ACLU of Ohio's legal director, Freda Levenson, said in a Tuesday statement responding to the court order. 'The Court of Appeals was correct that HB 68 violates at least two separate provisions of the Ohio Constitution. We will continue to fight this extreme ban as the case goes ahead before the Supreme Court of Ohio,' Levenson continued. Yost, who is running for Ohio governor, posted on X announcing the court's ruling. In a statement to a Cleveland news outlet, his spokesperson, Bethany McCorkle, said the attorney general's office is pleased that the law 'protecting children from drug-induced gender transitions remains in effect as the case moves forward.' 'We look forward to showing once again that the legislature acted properly in enacting this constitutional law, which protects our children from irreversible medical decisions,' McCorkle continued in the statement. The Hill has reached out to the attorney general's office for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Court rules Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care can be enforced amid suits
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a state law prohibiting minors from receiving gender-affirming care can be enforced as court battles proceed over the law's constitutionality. The state's high court granted a request from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) to stay an appellate court ruling from March that blocked the state from enforcing the law, pending full review. The two-sentence Tuesday order was issued by the Republican chief justice, Sharon Kennedy. Republican Justice Pat Fischer and Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner dissented. 'This cause is pending before the court as a jurisdictional appeal. Upon consideration of appellants' emergency motion for stay pending appeal, it is ordered by the court that the motion is granted,' the order read. The Ohio General Assembly, in 2023, passed House Bill 68, banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. The bill was vetoed by the state's Republican governor, but both legislative chambers voted to overturn his veto. The ACLU of Ohio brought a lawsuit on behalf of two transgender minors challenging the legality of the statute. The law has been caught up in the courts for months. 'It is a terrible shame that the Supreme Court of Ohio is permitting the state to evade compliance with the Ohio Constitution. Our clients have suffered tangible and irreparable harm during the eight months that HB 68 has been in place, including being denied essential health care in their home state,' the ACLU of Ohio's legal director, Freda Levenson, said in a Tuesday statement responding to the court order. 'The Court of Appeals was correct that HB 68 violates at least two separate provisions of the Ohio Constitution. We will continue to fight this extreme ban as the case goes ahead before the Supreme Court of Ohio,' Levenson continued. Yost, who is running for Ohio governor, posted on X announcing the court's ruling. In a statement to a Cleveland news outlet, his spokesperson, Bethany McCorkle, said the attorney general's office is pleased that the law 'protecting children from drug-induced gender transitions remains in effect as the case moves forward.' 'We look forward to showing once again that the legislature acted properly in enacting this constitutional law, which protects our children from irreversible medical decisions,' McCorkle continued in the statement.
