US: Gulf Health Problems Blamed on Dispersed Oil

Dahr Jamail DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama, Aug 12 2010 (IPS) – BP says it is no longer using toxic dispersants to break up the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Gulf Coast residents claim otherwise, and say they have the sicknesses to prove it. On Aug. 5, Donny Mastler, a commercial fisherman who also works on boats, … Read more

Androids in Human Populations

TOPIO (“TOSY Ping Pong Playing Robot”) is a bipedal humanoid robot designed to play table tennis against a human being. Photo: . license. PORTLAND, USA, Jul 4 2022 (IPS) – It is time for countries, especially those with and human populations, to welcome , i.e., with human-like appearance and behavior, including speech, sight, hearing, mobility, … Read more

Checkmate! China’s Coronavirus Connection

Dr Simi Mehta is the CEO and Editorial Director of Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi. She can be reached at . Handover ceremony at UN compound in Beijing for donation of critical medical supplies to the Chinese government. Credit: UNDP China NEW DELHI, May 20 2020 (IPS) – Coronavirus outbreaks in China … Read more

1980s’ Redux? New context, Old Threats

SYDNEY and KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 6 2022 (IPS) – As rich countries raise interest rates in double-edged efforts to address inflation, developing countries are struggling to cope with slowdowns, inflation, higher interest rates and other costs, plus growing debt distress. Rich countries’ interest rate hikes have triggered capital outflows, currency depreciations and higher debt servicing … Read more

People at Risk Need Protection Before Another Hot Summer

Jonas Bull is with the disability rights division at Human Rights Watch. Last summer Spain recorded four heat waves, with a total of 24 days of extreme heat. Credit: Shutterstock BRUSSELS, May 29 2024 (IPS) – Spring has traditionally brought a welcome new beginning: daylight increases, flowers bloom and temperatures are pleasantly warm. However, in … Read more