LOCAL
Comments wanted for DNR’s deer plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for public comments for their new deer management plan. The plan sets a statewide harvest target of 200,000 deer, increases citizen participation in deer management, and outlines ways to keep the population and habitat healthy.
The public can submit their comments to the plan online through May 9th. They will also have a chance to provide input in 35 public meetings held throughout the state in April.
The ultimate goal of the plan is to encourage more dialogue among stakeholders, the public and DNR staff, and to maintain sustainable, healthy deer populations throughout Minnesota.
NATIONAL
No more bottled water for Flint residents
The state of Michigan has decided to close the PODS sites that have delivered free bottled water to the residents of Flint, MI since January 2016. The decision is based on the testing of lead and copper quantities in the city’s drinking water which show continued decrease in the quantities over a period of two years.
Despite of the closure of the free water delivery sites, the state will continue paying for water filters for the residents.
Karen Weaver, the Mayor of Flint, expressed her concerns over the discontinuation and stated that the state should provide adequate resources until all the lead and galvanized pipes have been replaced.
INTERNATIONAL
Research reveals a new threat in food packaging materials
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP), which may be present in food packaging materials such as can liners, have found to affect nutrient absorption in an in vitro model.
The results show that there is a 75% decrease in Fe transport and a 30% decrease in glucose transport following ZnO NP exposure. Also, there is evidence of reduced amounts of microvilli of the intestinal cells, therefore reducing the amount of surface area available to absorb nutrients.
One serving of canned food can have more zinc in nanoparticle form than the recommended dietary allowance. Regulations on the use of nanoparticles in the food industry are rare which makes research on the potential toxic effects of nanoparticles important for consumer safety.