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In celebration of the announcement of St. Maarten's first elevated sports complex, featuring two pickleball courts, two tennis courts and a padel court, Vie L'Ven launches a limited-edition pickleball paddle with Helios, inspired by the island's vibrant culture. TORONTO , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vie L'Ven Resort & Residences —a luxurious 280-room resort and residences that promises to redefine island living on the shores of Indigo Bay, St. Maarten has revealed an exciting new addition to its sports and activities offerings: the uniquely designed multi-sports court experience offering panoramic views of Indigo Bay and untouched natural reserves. The hotel and residences slated for opening in 2028, will feature two pickleball courts, two tennis courts, and a padel court that are set to transform the concept of sports facilities in the Caribbean . To celebrate the reveal, Vie L'Ven has partnered with Helios, the premium pickleball paddle brand, to create a bespoke, limited-edition pickleball paddle. The custom design paddles exclusive to Vie L'Ven, inspired by the vibrant culture and dynamic energy of St. Maarten , are crafted with carbon surface technology. The paddles are available in a limited quantity for purchase at the Vie L'Ven presentation gallery or included with a purchase of a unit. Explore the renderings and image of the custom paddle . Beyond its new courts, Vie L'Ven's residences are available with an array of spacious one to four-bedroom layouts, spanning from approximately 620 to over 2,003 square feet (58 to over 186 square meters) and lock-off options expanding up to 1,895 square feet (176 square meters). The property features the pinnacle of luxury amenities including a beach club with reserved cabanas and personalized butler service, a dedicated Les Clefs d'Or concierge team, three distinct pools including an adults-only offerings,on-beach water sports, an on-property private yacht dock, 30,000 square foot destination spa, children's playroom and childcare services and a nature reserve. Leading the culinary vision at Vie L'Ven and reinforcing its dedication to exceptional gastronomy, Chef Alain Ducasse—celebrated for his remarkable twenty-one Michelin stars and prestigious three-star rating—will introduce his first dining concept in the Caribbean . Drawing from the island's diverse cultural heritage and vibrant flavors, Chef Ducasse's innovative menu will be inspired by St. Maarten's natural bounty. His signature restaurant and bar will serve as the centerpiece, complemented by two additional distinct dining experiences on the property. Vie L'Ven is the vision of Altree Developments , a leader in the international real estate landscape, rooted in a 70-year multi-generational family legacy in the development industry. Committed to redefining Caribbean luxury, the concept for Vie L'Ven has been brought to life by renowned partners Studio Munge , HKS Architects and Leading Hotels of The World , all of who have been recognized globally for their dedication to creating world-class properties. Vie L'Ven's residences, with sales being led by St. Maarten Sotheby's International Realty , are in high demand. With limited availability remaining, prices have increased and are now in the $900 ,000s (USD) with additional upward price adjustments anticipated. As an added incentive, purchase a suite between December 4th, 2024 , and January 15th, 2025 , and enjoy one year free of Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, along with $10,000 in Resort Credits* for sumptuous dining and rejuvenating spa treatments. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are Artist's Concept. E & O.E. *Incentives are limited time only and subject to select suites. Incentives are subject to change without notice. See a Sales Representative for further details. Explore a virtual tour of the Orient Suite and the Rouge Suites to envision your oasis at Vie L'Ven. Be the first to receive the latest updates by registering at vielven.com . For sales inquiries contact +1-721-544-1545 or visit vielven.com or the presentation gallery on Indigo Bay Boulevard in Indigo Bay, St. Maarten . About Altree Developments Altree Developments is a leader in the international real estate landscape, rooted in a 70-year multi-generational family legacy in the development industry. Under the visionary leadership of Zev Mandelbaum , Altree is redefining urban living by transforming strategic residential and commercial sites into leading destinations. With an admirable portfolio that includes ultra-luxury condominiums and expansive master-planned communities, Altree's influence stretches across some of the most coveted addresses in Canada , America, and now, St. Maarten . Driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and luxury, Altree's projects are designed to stand the test of time, offering unparalleled value, and shaping the future of urban living. For more information, visit altreedevelopments.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Goldstein ashleyg@alabgroup.com 917.890.7940 Ashley Orfus Ashley@alabgroup.com 917.232.7349 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-st-maartens-new-sports-landmark-vie-lvens-multi-court-with-panoramic-views-of-indigo-bay-and-limited-edition-pickleball-paddle-302337595.html SOURCE Vie L'Ven

In the holiday movie The Grinch, makeup artists are reported to have spent several hours each day encasing Jim Carrey's face with prosthetics to create the iconic grumpy, green-furred creature. Such elaborate prosthetics, often made possible by materials like silicone rubbers, may have now found an unexpected yet beneficial biomedical engineering application, according to a new study from Texas A&M University. Published in the journal Scientific Reports , researchers have created realistic, skin -like replicas made of Ecoflex, a type of silicone rubber that can potentially serve as a platform to evaluate risks of bacterial infections from intravenous catheters and test wearable sensors, among other biomedical applications . The study found that EcoFlex-based skin replicas can be engineered to mimic actual skin textures, wettability, and elasticity, simulating the conditions where bacteria grow and adhere. "We think that the material holds tremendous promise for studying infections at the insertion site due to bacteria that are naturally occurring on the skin," said Majed Othman Althumayri, a graduate student in the Texas A&M Department of Biomedical Engineering and primary author of the paper. "Our goal was to create a skin-like material with ingredients that can be purchased off the shelf. Ecoflex is not just easy to use, it can be cured quickly with minimum additional steps, making it very convenient." There are roughly a million bacteria per square centimeter of human skin. The most common of them is Staphylococcus, particularly the species Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is considered a typical resident of the skin microbiome. Infections often happen when there is a cut, break or wound on the skin, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. In fact, a relatively common infection in hospitals comes from surgically inserting tubes or catheters into veins. Each year, around 80,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections happen in intensive care units alone, underscoring its public health significance in the United States. "We have been slow in finding solutions for preventing infections from intravenous catheters," said Althumayri. "A reason could be that we lack good platforms to test new catheter designs or wearable biosensor technologies and train staff so that the number of infections can be reduced." To address this gap, the researchers turned to Ecoflex 00–35, a fast-curing, biocompatible rubber used for various applications, including prosthetics for special effects. First, they created molds of common intravenous insertion sites, such as the elbows, hands and forearms. Then, by pouring Ecoflex into the molds that contained artificial bones and tubes acting as veins, the researchers created skin-like replicas. Next, the researchers tested if the Ecoflex skin replicas had properties that matched that of real skin. They measured the replicas' wettability, bacterial adhesion and mechanical properties, such as elasticity and resilience. The researchers found that the Ecoflex models could replicate human skin roughness within a 7.5% error margin. Further, high-resolution imaging showed that bacteria could adhere to the skin replica and grow on it. Then, in a key experiment, the researchers simulated an intravenous catheter insertion into an Ecoflex hand replica that they created. This artificial hand effectively modeled phases of bacterial growth, showing promise that these replicas can be used for implementing infection control measures and improving the design of medical devices like catheters. However, the researchers noted that their current experiments do not entirely model real-world conditions. "Developing realistic skin models that can mimic the human skin is an important initial step," said Dr. Hatice Ceylan Koydemir, corresponding author on the study and assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering with a research program housed within the Texas A&M University Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems. "But we think that incorporating additional elements, like body fluids and other clinically relevant situations, in future experiments will bolster our findings and further validate Ecoflex's potential for medical applications." Other contributors to the research include Azra Yaprak Tarman, a graduate student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. More information: Majed Othman Althumayri et al, Bioinspired skin-like in vitro model for investigating catheter-related bloodstream infections, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76652-y

WASHINGTON , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With a look back at 2024, NASA is celebrating its many innovative and inspiring accomplishments this year including for the first time, landing new science and technology on the Moon with an American company, pushing the boundaries of exploration by launching a new mission to study Jupiter's icy moon Europa; maintaining 24 years of continuous human exploration off the Earth aboard the International Space Station, and unveiling the first look at its supersonic quiet aircraft for the benefit of humanity. The agency also shared the wonder of a total eclipse with millions of Americans, conducted the final flight of its Ingenuity helicopter on the Red Planet, demonstrated the first laser communications capability in deep space, tested the next generation solar sail in space, made new scientific discoveries with its James Webb Space Telescope, completed a year-long Mars simulation on Earth with crew, announced the newest class of Artemis Generation astronauts, and much more. "In 2024, NASA made leap after giant leap to explore, discover, and inspire – all while bringing real, tangible, and substantial benefits to the American people and to all of humanity," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson . "We deepened the commercial and international partnerships that will help NASA lead humanity back to the Moon and then to the red sands of Mars. We launched new missions to study our solar system and our universe in captivating new ways. We observed our changing Earth through our eyes in the sky – our ever-growing fleet of satellites and instruments – and shared that data with all of humanity. And we opened the doors to new possibilities in aviation, new breakthroughs on the International Space Station, and new wonders in space travel." Through its Moon to Mars exploration approach, the agency continued moving forward with its Artemis campaign, including progress toward its first mission around the Moon with crew in more than 50 years and advancing plans to explore more of the Moon than ever before. So far in 2024, 15 countries signed the Artemis Accords, committing to the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of space with the United States . As part of efforts to monitor climate change, the agency launched multiple satellites to study our changing planet and opened its second Earth Information Center to provide data to a wider audience. With the release of its latest Economic Impact Report , NASA underscored the agency's $75.6 billion impact on the U.S. economy, value to society, and return on investment for taxpayers. "To invest in NASA is to invest in American workers, American innovation, the American economy, and American economic competitiveness. Through continued investments in our workforce and our infrastructure, NASA will continue to propel American leadership on Earth, in the skies, and in the stars," said Nelson. Key 2024 agency highlights across its mission areas include: Preparing for Moon, Mars This year, NASA made strides toward the Artemis Generation of scientific discovery at the Moon while validating operations and systems to prepare for human missions to Mars. The agency advanced toward Artemis II, the first crewed flight under Artemis: Observing, Learning About Earth NASA collects data about our home planet from space and on land, helping understand how our climate on Earth is changing. Some of the agency's key accomplishments in Earth science this year include: Exploring Our Solar System, Universe NASA's Europa Clipper embarked Oct. 14 on its long voyage to Jupiter , where it will investigate Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface ocean that may have conditions to support life. NASA collaborated with multiple partners on content and social media related to the launch, including engagements with the National Hockey League, U.S. Figure Skating, 7-Eleven, e.l.f., Girl Scouts, Crayola, Library of Congress, and others. NASA's 2024 space exploration milestones also include: Living, Conducting Research in Space In 2024, a total of 25 people lived and worked aboard the International Space Station, helping to complete science for the benefit of humanity, open access to space to more people, and support exploration to the Moon in preparation for Mars. A total of 14 spacecraft visited the microgravity laboratory in 2024, including eight commercial resupply missions from Northrop Grumman and SpaceX, as well as international partner missions, delivering more than 40,000 pounds of science investigations, tools, and critical supplies to the space station. NASA also helped safely return the uncrewed Boeing Starliner spacecraft to Earth, concluding a three-month flight test to the International Space Station. In addition: Imagining Future Flight NASA researchers worked to advance innovations that will transform U.S. aviation, furthering the Sustainable Flight National Partnership and other efforts to help the country reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. NASA also unveiled its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft, the centerpiece of its Quesst mission to make quiet overland supersonic flight a reality. NASA aeronautics initiatives also worked to bring air taxis, delivery drones, and other revolutionary technology closer to deployment to benefit the U.S. public and industry. Over the past year, the agency: Improving Life on Earth, in Space with Technology NASA develops essential technologies to drive exploration and the space economy. In 2024, NASA leveraged partnerships to advance technologies and test new capabilities to help the agency develop a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and beyond, while benefiting life on our home planet and in low Earth orbit. The following are 2024 space technology advancements: Growing Global Partnerships Through the Artemis Accords , almost 50 nations have joined the United States , led by NASA with the U.S. State Department, in a voluntary commitment to engage in the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Artemis Accords represent a robust and diverse group of nation states, representing all regions of the world, working together for the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond with NASA. More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the weeks and months ahead. Celebrating Total Solar Eclipse During the total solar eclipse on April 8 , NASA helped the nation enjoy the event safely and engaged millions of people with in-person events, live online coverage, and citizen science opportunities. NASA also funded scientists around North America to take advantage of this unique position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth to learn more about the Sun and its connection to our home planet. Highlights of the solar celebration include: Building Low Earth Orbit Economy In August, NASA announced the development of its low Earth orbit microgravity strategy by releasing 42 objectives for stakeholder feedback. The strategy helps to guide the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit and advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration. NASA is refining the objectives with collected input and will finalize the strategy before the end of the year. Additional advancements include: Inspiring Artemis Generation of STEM Students NASA continues to offer a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives and activities, reaching and engaging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. The agency's STEM engagements are enhanced through collaborations with partner organizations, the distribution of various grants, and additional strategic activities. Key 2024 STEM highlights include:

(The Center Square) – Legislators in Washington, D.C., have taken a number of steps over the past few days to push for insurance and pharmaceutical reforms to be passed before the end of the year. On Wednesday, a bicameral group of Republican and Democrat lawmakers held a press conference discussing the need for pharmacy benefit manager reform to protect small pharmacies across the country and “save lives.” “Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or an independent, we all want the same thing. We want accessible, affordable, quality health care,” said Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga. “We’re not here today to just discuss one bill or to discuss just one patient’s story. We're here because there's broad, bipartisan pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, reform that is needed to save lives.” Pharmacy benefit managers are the middlemen responsible for managing the drug prices covered by health insurance plans. According to the Harvard Political Review , the problem with pharmacy benefit managers is that they “have vertically integrated with pharmacy chains and health insurers through massive conglomerates.” That then allows them to abuse their power to cut out small pharmacies and increase prices. Carter also signed a letter that was released last week calling on the Department of Justice to dig into the role pharmacy benefit managers played in the opioid epidemic. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., Deborah Ross, D-N.C., and Cliff Benz, R-Ore., all joined him in signing that letter. “The opioid crisis has devastated communities in North Carolina and across the country, and PBMs may have fueled it by prioritizing profits over people,” Ross said on social media . “That’s why I joined a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate their role and hold these bad actors accountable.” The letter looked at recent reports on the largest pharmacy benefit managers, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx which state that they “colluded and conspired to steer patients towards OxyContin in exchange for $400 million.” OxyContin is a trade name for the narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, a painkiller available by prescription only. This and the general “lack of transparency” is just one of the many complaints that legislators aired on Wednesday. “My colleagues who are joining me today, Democrats and Republicans ... all recognize that PBMs are decreasing the accessibility, the affordability, and therefore the quality of health care in America,” Carter said. “We have an opportunity, right now, to advance bipartisan legislation that increases reporting requirements, which would heighten transparency and shine a light on the opaque practices of these PBMs.” Carter was also joined by Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who is leading the effort to get legislation passed in the U.S. Senate. “This year, we're losing about one pharmacy a day in America,” Lankford said. “We want leadership to be able to take this up and to bring it up in the end-of-year package ... Stop holding up legislation that is bipartisan, bicameral, and solving a problem that Americans need solved.”

IT consultant Nima Momeni was found guilty of second-degree murder on Tuesday for the 2023 killing of technology founder Tom Lee . What Happened: A San Francisco jury found Momeni guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of the Cash App founder in April 2023, according to NBC News. The jury unanimously rejected the prosecutors’ charge of first-degree murder. Momeni faces 16 years to life in prison. Lee was known for his contributions to Android at Google and his role as Chief Technology Officer at Square , where he helped create Cash App. The fatal stabbing occurred after an argument between Momeni and Lee regarding Momeni's sister. Lee was attacked in the early morning and collapsed on a San Francisco street, attempting to flag down help before succumbing to his injuries. Momeni, a tech entrepreneur, had a minor criminal history and had been charged with carrying a switchblade in 2011, though the case was dismissed. The case provoked controversy when billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk blamed the killing on “repeat violent offenders” within the city and alleged that the San Francisco police released attackers “immediately.” These assertions were proven to be incorrect following the investigation. Now Read: Biden Backs Congressional Stock Trading Ban: ‘Inside Track’ To Wealth Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

DK Metcalf is happy to block as Seahawks ride streak into Sunday night matchup with PackersStock market today: Wall Street edges higher as it heads for a winning weekNone

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minorsGateway Fiber Connects First Massachusetts Home Internet Customers in Northampton

Las Vegas-area homebuyers are invited to the grand opening of a new phase of homesites at Trilogy Sunstone, an age-qualified community, within the Sunstone master plan in the northwest valley. Located near Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston and Lee Canyon, the award-winning resort-style Trilogy community provides convenient access to outdoor recreation and the famed Strip. The next selection of homes includes some of the community’s premium homesites with views of the Spring Mountains. The new homesites will fit floor plans from the popular Freedom Collection, which range from 1,507 square feet to 2,579 square feet with two to four bedrooms and two to 31⁄2 baths. All homes are single-story, detached homes priced from $450,990. The homes have open floor plans with spacious great rooms, chef-designed kitchens, primary suites with spa-like baths and en suite baths and covered outdoor living areas. Resort Club expands At the center of the Trilogy Sunstone community is the award-wining Cabochon Club, home to a fully equipped fitness center, resort-style pool, coffeehouse and wine bar, culinary studio, pickle ball and bocce courts. The build-out of the private Resort Club’s second phase is underway and will include a full-service signature restaurant and bar, an events center, outdoor game and event patio, and more amenities slated to open fall of 2025. People choose Trilogy lifestyle communities because they want to meet new and interesting people during this vibrant chapter of their lives. They’re excited to try sports and activities they’ve never tried before and find new hobbies — or pick up long-forgotten ones. Members are eager to plan their next great adventures, and they take full advantage of the curated events, experiences and group travel organized by the professional lifestyle team. Variety of home designs available Two quick move-in homes include financial incentives and upgrades. The community has 11 model homes open daily and 16 total single-family detached, duplex and triplex floor plans ranging from 1,312 square feet to 2,758 square feet. Shea Homes designs embrace open-concept and outdoor living and offer a variety of features and options to suit many different lifestyles. Schedule a private tourWASHINGTON , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With a look back at 2024, NASA is celebrating its many innovative and inspiring accomplishments this year including for the first time, landing new science and technology on the Moon with an American company, pushing the boundaries of exploration by launching a new mission to study Jupiter's icy moon Europa; maintaining 24 years of continuous human exploration off the Earth aboard the International Space Station, and unveiling the first look at its supersonic quiet aircraft for the benefit of humanity. The agency also shared the wonder of a total eclipse with millions of Americans, conducted the final flight of its Ingenuity helicopter on the Red Planet, demonstrated the first laser communications capability in deep space, tested the next generation solar sail in space, made new scientific discoveries with its James Webb Space Telescope, completed a year-long Mars simulation on Earth with crew, announced the newest class of Artemis Generation astronauts, and much more. "In 2024, NASA made leap after giant leap to explore, discover, and inspire – all while bringing real, tangible, and substantial benefits to the American people and to all of humanity," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson . "We deepened the commercial and international partnerships that will help NASA lead humanity back to the Moon and then to the red sands of Mars. We launched new missions to study our solar system and our universe in captivating new ways. We observed our changing Earth through our eyes in the sky – our ever-growing fleet of satellites and instruments – and shared that data with all of humanity. And we opened the doors to new possibilities in aviation, new breakthroughs on the International Space Station, and new wonders in space travel." Through its Moon to Mars exploration approach, the agency continued moving forward with its Artemis campaign, including progress toward its first mission around the Moon with crew in more than 50 years and advancing plans to explore more of the Moon than ever before. So far in 2024, 15 countries signed the Artemis Accords, committing to the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of space with the United States . As part of efforts to monitor climate change, the agency launched multiple satellites to study our changing planet and opened its second Earth Information Center to provide data to a wider audience. With the release of its latest Economic Impact Report , NASA underscored the agency's $75.6 billion impact on the U.S. economy, value to society, and return on investment for taxpayers. "To invest in NASA is to invest in American workers, American innovation, the American economy, and American economic competitiveness. Through continued investments in our workforce and our infrastructure, NASA will continue to propel American leadership on Earth, in the skies, and in the stars," said Nelson. Key 2024 agency highlights across its mission areas include: Preparing for Moon, Mars This year, NASA made strides toward the Artemis Generation of scientific discovery at the Moon while validating operations and systems to prepare for human missions to Mars. The agency advanced toward Artemis II, the first crewed flight under Artemis: Observing, Learning About Earth NASA collects data about our home planet from space and on land, helping understand how our climate on Earth is changing. Some of the agency's key accomplishments in Earth science this year include: Exploring Our Solar System, Universe NASA's Europa Clipper embarked Oct. 14 on its long voyage to Jupiter , where it will investigate Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface ocean that may have conditions to support life. NASA collaborated with multiple partners on content and social media related to the launch, including engagements with the National Hockey League, U.S. Figure Skating, 7-Eleven, e.l.f., Girl Scouts, Crayola, Library of Congress, and others. NASA's 2024 space exploration milestones also include: Living, Conducting Research in Space In 2024, a total of 25 people lived and worked aboard the International Space Station, helping to complete science for the benefit of humanity, open access to space to more people, and support exploration to the Moon in preparation for Mars. A total of 14 spacecraft visited the microgravity laboratory in 2024, including eight commercial resupply missions from Northrop Grumman and SpaceX, as well as international partner missions, delivering more than 40,000 pounds of science investigations, tools, and critical supplies to the space station. NASA also helped safely return the uncrewed Boeing Starliner spacecraft to Earth, concluding a three-month flight test to the International Space Station. In addition: Imagining Future Flight NASA researchers worked to advance innovations that will transform U.S. aviation, furthering the Sustainable Flight National Partnership and other efforts to help the country reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. NASA also unveiled its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft, the centerpiece of its Quesst mission to make quiet overland supersonic flight a reality. NASA aeronautics initiatives also worked to bring air taxis, delivery drones, and other revolutionary technology closer to deployment to benefit the U.S. public and industry. Over the past year, the agency: Improving Life on Earth, in Space with Technology NASA develops essential technologies to drive exploration and the space economy. In 2024, NASA leveraged partnerships to advance technologies and test new capabilities to help the agency develop a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and beyond, while benefiting life on our home planet and in low Earth orbit. The following are 2024 space technology advancements: Growing Global Partnerships Through the Artemis Accords , almost 50 nations have joined the United States , led by NASA with the U.S. State Department, in a voluntary commitment to engage in the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Artemis Accords represent a robust and diverse group of nation states, representing all regions of the world, working together for the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond with NASA. More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the weeks and months ahead. Celebrating Total Solar Eclipse During the total solar eclipse on April 8 , NASA helped the nation enjoy the event safely and engaged millions of people with in-person events, live online coverage, and citizen science opportunities. NASA also funded scientists around North America to take advantage of this unique position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth to learn more about the Sun and its connection to our home planet. Highlights of the solar celebration include: Building Low Earth Orbit Economy In August, NASA announced the development of its low Earth orbit microgravity strategy by releasing 42 objectives for stakeholder feedback. The strategy helps to guide the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit and advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration. NASA is refining the objectives with collected input and will finalize the strategy before the end of the year. Additional advancements include: Inspiring Artemis Generation of STEM Students NASA continues to offer a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives and activities, reaching and engaging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. The agency's STEM engagements are enhanced through collaborations with partner organizations, the distribution of various grants, and additional strategic activities. Key 2024 STEM highlights include:Is the NORAD Santa tracker safe from a government shutdown?

Oregon Tech’s storied athletic history came to life recently when five former standouts were added to the Howard Morris Athletic Hall of Fame. “This is a chance for us to share our history, and we have coaches now who are on the shoulders of what others did before them,” athletic director John VanDyke said before a packed house for the induction ceremonies. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

USRA Mourns the Loss of Dr. Berrien Moore III, a Distinguished Member of the Board of Trustees