Researcher, Saul Justin Newman, was given an Ig Nobel Prize on Sept. 12 for his work on debunking “blue zones.” He found the phenomenon is actually based on fraudulent birth certificates, bad data and unscientific measurements.  The concept of blue zones had given people the idea that to live a healthier life, they must eat…

In 1945, the U.S. dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan to bring an end to World War II. For Jeff Eerkens, the military operation did more than end the war — it saved his life. Eerkens was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp in the Pacific when the bombings helped secured his release. The nuclear…

U.S.-Arab relations in the Persian Gulf have historically tried to balance conflicting political interests against shared economic interests. As globalization declines and economic “friend-shoring” becomes the default, that delicate balance may become jeopardized. How will U.S.-Arab relations, and specifically U.S.-Saudi relations, evolve and adapt to these new conditions? Watch the above video as Straight Arrow…

The Japanese giant salamander, a species that has inhabited Earth for approximately 23 million years, is now facing the threat of extinction. Conservationists are raising concerns about new solar energy developments encroaching on its natural habitat. A proposed mega-solar farm on the small island of Hokkaido in northern Japan has sparked protests from local officials…

The looming possibility of a Chinese military invasion of Taiwan has raised fears about a global disruption of advanced semiconductor chips, many of which are produced in and then exported from Taiwan. Some companies are attempting to catch up to Taiwan’s advanced chip production by scaling up production in the U.S. or elsewhere, but it…

A rescue off Canada’s Pacific coast has given one humpback whale a second chance at life. After being entangled in fishing gear for months, a 36-foot humpback whale has finally been freed after four days of rescue efforts. Video from The Associated Press showed ropes tightly wrapped around the whale’s body. Ropes can be seen…

Colorado voters will soon decide the fate of a new ballot initiative that seeks to ban the hunting of the state’s wild big cats, including bobcats, lynx and mountain lions. While Proposition 127 gained enough signatures to appear on the November ballot, it sparked a debate between wildlife advocates and critics who fear it could…

North Korea resumed its missile program Thursday, Sept. 12, launching several short-range ballistic missiles from Pyongyang that traveled 220 miles toward the East Sea, landing outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. This series of launches marks North Korea’s return to missile testing after a two-month break. The missile tests followed an unusual incident in which North…

It is China week in the House of Representatives and members are voting on dozens of bills related to U.S.-China policy. The legislation covering economics, military, education and more has received extraordinary bipartisan support.  Here are a few examples of legislation:  The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office certification Act passed 413-3.  A motion recognizing…

China is giving Cambodia two warships. The gifts are seen more as a payment by most in the international community though — payment to Cambodia for letting the Chinese navy set up shop in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the official name of China’s naval forces, would…