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DARPA Holding Subterranean Challenge Competitors Day This Week

The goal of this Challenge is to discover innovative solutions to rapidly and remotely map, navigate, and search complex underground environments, including human-made tunnel systems, urban and municipal underground infrastructure, and natural cave networks.

NFPA Offers Fire Safety Tips Amid Massachusetts Gas Cutoff

Authorities are distributing 24,000 space heaters and 7,000 hotplates to residents of three communities whose natural gas service may be shut off until Nov. 19. Columbia Gas is replacing 48 miles of pipeline following a series of Sept. 13 gas explosions.

Life Sciences Glovebox Heading to Space Station

"The Life Sciences Glovebox is on its way to the space station to enable a host of biological and physiological studies, including new research into microgravity's long-term impact on the human body," asid Yancy Young, project manager of the glovebox at Marshall Space Flight Center.



72,000 Insect Zappers Recalled for Shock Hazard

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Stinger Insect Zappers, unplug them, and contact Kaz to return the product for a full refund. The company has received three reports of units exhibiting internal grid detachment, but no injuries have been reported.

Application Deadline Extended for Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvement Grants

"These CRISI grants will help make rail systems safer and more efficient for local communities throughout the country," said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory.

Modern data centers are energy-hungry, and competition for efficiency and reliability is fierce.

Arc Flash and Power Protection Lessons Learned from Data Centers

An energy-intensive data center requires multiple high capacity sources to function. When there is a failure, the arc flash energies are also notably greater than a small industry network.

John Hancock Adding Wellness Component to All Life Insurance Policies

"We have smart phones, smart cars, and smart homes. It's time for smart life insurance that meets the changing needs of consumers. We believe offering Vitality on all life insurance policies, at no additional cost, is the right thing to do for our customers, our business, and society," said Brooks Tingle, president and CEO of John Hancock Insurance.

'Boston Med' Filming Results in HIPAA Settlements

Three health care organizations are paying $999,000 in this case, which is the second HIPAA case involving an ABC medical documentary television series. OCR reached a settlement in April 2016 with New York-Presbyterian Hospital in association with the filming of "NY Med."

HHS Agencies Award $1 Billion in Opioid Grants

"Addressing the opioid crisis with all the resources possible and the best science we have is a top priority for President Trump and for everyone at HHS," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "The more than $1 billion in additional funding that we provided this week will build on progress we have seen in tackling this epidemic through empowering communities and families on the front lines."

Two States Investigating Outbreak of Psittacosis at Poultry Plants

According to CDC, the latest data suggest the outbreak is only affecting people who work at the identified poultry slaughter plants, but public health officials are investigating whether other people exposed to chickens that were shipped to the affected plants got sick.

IAEA's Third Robotics Challenge Under Way

"Robots have a multitude of game-changing applications across industry, and there are major safety, productivity and efficiency gains to be made from adopting them," said Alberto Elfes, chief research scientist and group leader for robotics at CSIRO's Data61.

L&I Proposes 5 Percent Reduction in 2019 Comp Rates

"We've seen a big drop in injuries at work in our state since 2012. And that's great news because preventing injuries and making workplaces safe is our number one goal," said L&I Director Joel Sacks.

Caltrans Maintenance Worker Dies in Fall

William Casdorph is the 189th Caltrans employee to lose his life on the job, according to a statement from Gov. Jerry Brown. Casdorph was based at the Kearny Mesa Maintenance facility in San Diego and was a 19-year veteran of Caltrans.

Wisconsin Reports 16 More Cases of Severe Bleeding from Synthetic Cannabinoids

The cases have ranged in age from 16 to older than 50, and there has been one death in Wisconsin associated with the outbreak. "Synthetic cannabinoids are not safe, and we urge people not to use them," said Karen McKeown, State Health Officer. "This outbreak shows how hazardous they can be to your health."

NRC Renews Two Indian Point Units' Licenses

Last year, Entergy Nuclear Operations Inc., the state of New York, and the environmental group Riverkeeper announced an agreement that called for Entergy to permanently close the plants no later than 2024 and 2025.

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