Teens Invent a Straw that Detects Date Rape Drugs in Drinks
Monday, September 11, 2017

Three high school students won first place in the Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge with their invention: a “Smart Straw” that can detect roofies, GHB, and Ketamine (three drugs that are commonly associated with sexual assault). The straw turns blue to show if your drink has been tampered with. The girls got the idea after learning about date rape drugs at school and wanted to help reduce the number of women and men affected by these drugs each year. Whenever you are out with other people, you should always pour your own drink and keep a careful watch over it. .. read more..

Hurricane Irma Hits Florida, Wildfire Burns in the West
Monday, September 11, 2017

As Texas recovers from Hurricane Harvey, other parts of North America are experiencing extreme weather events. A huge earthquake struck southern Mexico on September 9, the strongest on record in a century. A day later, Hurricane Irma tore through Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean before moving on to the Florida Keys and the state’s west coast. And firefighters continue to battle catastrophic wildfires in western Canada and at least six U.S. states, including California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Montana. Recovering from a natural disaster can be extremely challenging, especially for your emotional and mental health. Many people develop PTSD, a stressed reaction to a traumatic event. Even if you’re not directly involved, you may feel overwhelmed by news stories and social media updates. No matter how these events affect you, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with grief and stress. .. read more..

Social Media Plays a Key Role in Hurricane Harvey Relief
Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas Gulf Coast last weekend. It’s now being called one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. When emergency responders were overloaded with calls, people turned to Twitter and Facebook to ask for help and locate their friends and family. Although social media can be a great resource during emergencies, it’s important to stay on top of things and use caution when sharing your personal information. Unfortunately, some people are using Hurricane Harvey to prey upon people who want to help. Watch out for phishing emails and charity scams, and do some research before you donate money. Look for groups that have an established reputation, such as the Red Cross or the Houston Food Bank, and consider using PayPal or a credit card so your donation is protected. .. read more..