Years ago, SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused 775 and more than 850 deaths, respectively. Scientists were shocked by the severity of RNA virus infection, and through genetic analysis, they were able to understand the mechanism by which the virus infects cells. However, compared with DNA research, which is the focus of research, the lack of research on RNA characteristics means that the research on the biological principles and processes related to these infections is still in its infancy. Currently, there is a lack of rapid and cost-controllable methods for the identification and characterization of any RNA virus. However, the new crown epidemic has facilitated this type of research. Studies have found that when an RNA virus infects a host cell, the viral RNA will surround and control the molecular mechanism of the infected cell, and begin to produce its own virus molecules, eventually defeat the cell, and release new virus molecules to infect other cells in the system .
Debate on American abortion rights
United States “The New Yorker” September 27
A hypothesis that abortion is an unnecessary minority behavior has recently emerged in the United States. New Texas law prohibits abortion of fetuses that are more than six weeks old, even pregnancy caused by rape. The facts and judgments contained in this condescending view contain surprising errors. Pregnancy is about the right to health, personal economic development and the need for children. In the early 1970s, women’s labor rights and public participation made progress. At the same time, abortion is legal. Therefore, the two may promote each other. This proves that in a society where everyone has equal reproductive rights, people have the right to whether and when to have children. In the near future, the Supreme Court will study whether Mississippi’s law prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks is unconstitutional.
How to prevent the emergence of child labor?
British “The Economist” September 11-17
According to statistics, from 2000 to 2016, the number of children working in factories, farms, and mines worldwide dropped by nearly 94 million, but there were still 152 million illegal child laborers. However, in the following four years, the number has rebounded, adding 8 million illegal child laborers, of which about 6.5 million children are engaged in dangerous jobs. These increases have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. The International Labor Organization and UNICEF predict that by the end of next year, the economic recession caused by the new crown epidemic may force nearly 9 million children into the labor force. The temporary suspension of classes implemented by various countries to prevent and control the spread of the new crown virus means that many children have already bid farewell to schools. Poverty is the main reason why parents prevent their children from going to school. Most of the children involved in labor are not enslaved or taken away by strangers, but to work hard with their families on small farms or small fishing boats.
Climatologists say: it’s time to act
United States “Science” September 17
For more than 30 years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been evaluating the scientific nature of climate change. The sixth assessment report released this year reflects the increasing understanding of the physics of climate change. This has prompted scientists to gain insight into the evolution of climate change phenomena such as heat waves, heavy rains, floods, droughts, and wildfires. One notable discovery is worth noting: the ocean and the Arctic are undergoing irreversible changes. The ways to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C are rapidly shrinking. This urgently needs to strengthen the courage to deal with global warming. Each way to reduce emissions is particularly important. This is not a crisis that can be resolved by a single country. It requires international unity. Now is the time for countries, especially major economic powers, to act boldly.
Time to return to the workplace
US “Harvard Business Review” September-October
In June of this year, Amazon announced that it would expand its “return to work” program to hire 1,000 professionals who have returned to work. The economic recession triggered by the epidemic has made similar plans particularly in demand. This recession has obvious industry characteristics. Many companies have closed down or reduced their scale, but industries such as technology, finance, and e-commerce have set growth records instead. This has also created a demand for specific talents. At the same time, research by the National Women’s Law Center in the United States shows that since February last year, about 1.79 million women and 1.75 million men have been completely separated from the labor market, many of whom have returned to take care of their families when the operations of schools and other institutions were suspended. It is estimated that these people will resume full-time work by then.
Popit toys are popular on British campuses
British “New Statesman” September 17-23
Popit is a colorful plastic bubble film. When under pressure, it will make a noise. And when the bubbles on one side are poked, you can turn it over and poked on the other side. Popit is touted for its decompression and anxiety treatment effects. This year, more than 12 million Popit have been sold in the UK. In previous years, the most popular toys were machines, animals or cartoon characters. Now, children prefer toys that can make sounds, and children all over the world are keen to buy “irritable” toys such as Popit, pressure ball or Rubik’s Cube. Such decompression toys mainly rely on social media to achieve rapid marketing. On TikTok, videos with related tags have more than 10 billion views. According to industry insiders, the current global toy market is worth 95 billion U.S. dollars, and the biggest toy boom in history is approaching.
