California has introduced Senate Bill 1383, mandating food waste recycling and salvaging of edible food waste to combat climate change and food insecurity. The law, effective from 2022, aims to reduce food waste in landfills by 75% by 2025 and mandates a 20% reduction in edible waste. Cal Recycle is leading the initiative, providing grants and education to facilitate compliance. The law is expected to serve as a model for other states. Residents and small business owners are adjusting to the changes, with some expressing support and others needing more guidance.

Breakdancing, combining gymnastics, dance, and strength, will debut at the 2024 Olympic Games, reflecting the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) efforts to include more popular and diverse sports. The decision aligns with the IOC's recent trend of introducing sports like skateboarding and surfing to appeal to younger generations and promote urban sports. Advocates highlight breakdancing's roots in Black and Latino cultures and its accessibility. While some traditional sports will be downsized to increase gender parity, breakdancing's inclusion aims to celebrate its artistic and athletic elements. The community hopes the sport will be appreciated for its unique qualities without being forced to conform to traditional Olympic standards.

The article discusses the privacy and security concerns surrounding Amazon's Ring doorbell, highlighting issues such as facial recognition, data sharing, and hacking vulnerabilities. Experts like Anne Cavoukian and Lisa Kearney express worries about the erosion of privacy and the company's privacy policies. The U.S. Senate has raised national security concerns, and cybersecurity experts recommend measures like updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to mitigate risks.

Buddhism, traditionally associated with peace, is increasingly linked to violence and persecution in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, driven by nationalist sentiments. Key figures like Ashin Wirathu and Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara have used social media to spread their messages, leading to increased violence against minorities, particularly Muslims. Despite efforts by platforms like Facebook to curb hate speech, the problem persists. Experts suggest that moderate Buddhists and political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, need to speak out against this extremism to prevent further violence and displacement.

Lyme disease is increasingly being recognized as a global health concern, with cases rising significantly in North America and worldwide. Experts, including investigative journalist Mary Beth Pfeiffer, are calling it a pandemic due to its widespread nature. The disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by ticks, can lead to severe health issues if not treated early. Diagnosis is challenging due to insensitive tests, and there is a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the spread of Lyme disease. Prevention through education and protective measures is emphasized as the best approach until more research and treatment options become available.

The fashion industry, valued at $3 trillion, is addressing its significant environmental and ethical issues, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and ethical fashion. Fast fashion, characterized by rapid production cycles and low costs, has been criticized for poor working conditions and environmental damage. The industry is now shifting towards more sustainable practices, with companies like Frank And Oak and H&M leading the way. Organizations such as Greenpeace and the United Nations highlight the industry's global impact, while researchers and bloggers note increasing consumer interest in ethical fashion.

Carbon capture and storage is a method to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, crucial for combating climate change. The process involves capturing CO2 from emitters like power plants and storing it underground. Experts like Stuart Haszeldine and organizations such as the Global CCS Institute advocate for its safety and necessity, while Greenpeace raises concerns about its risks. Various methods, including pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxyfuel, are used globally. Innovations like the Allam cycle and direct air capture are emerging, with companies like Carbon Engineering leading in turning captured CO2 into fuel.

In late 2018, Jiankui He, a scientist from Southern University of Science and Technology in China, claimed to have created the world's first gene-edited babies using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This announcement sparked global controversy and ethical debates within the scientific community. Experts like Sarion Bowers and John Bergeron criticized the move as unethical and scientifically premature. CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool, has significant potential beyond designer babies, including applications in agriculture and cancer treatment. The incident has prompted important discussions about the responsible use of gene-editing technologies.

Canada is pioneering wood-based high-rise construction with projects like Brock Commons at the University of British Columbia, the world's first 18-storey building made almost entirely of wood. Innovations in mass timber, a strong and sustainable wood product, have enabled faster and more cost-effective construction. Experts like architect Michael Green and engineer Mohammad Mohammad advocate for wood as a safer, more sustainable alternative to steel and concrete. The Canadian government supports this shift with incentives, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote green building materials. This positions Canada as a global leader in sustainable construction.

The article discusses the Okryu-Gwan chain of North Korean restaurants located around the world, which serve as a combination of a cultural experience and a source of foreign currency for North Korea. These restaurants are staffed by North Koreans and feature traditional decor, and they are expected to earn a significant amount of money annually. The author describes a personal visit to the Okryu-Gwan in Dubai, detailing the strict rules about photography, the interaction with the North Korean staff, and the atmosphere of the restaurant, which includes singing and dancing to propaganda songs. The experience is portrayed as surreal and unique, offering a glimpse into North Korean culture without having to visit the country itself.