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Month: May 2021

Ricin Fast Facts

Here’s a look at ricin, a natural, highly toxic compound that is extracted from castor beans. Facts About one million tons of castor beans are processed every year, worldwide. Ricin is part of the waste from the beans when castor oil is made. Sometimes this is called “mash.” Less than a pinpoint can kill a

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Obesity in the US Fast Facts

Here’s a look at obesity in the United States. A person is considered to be obese when he or she reaches a particular body mass index (BMI). Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while adults with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. Obesity can increase the risk

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Mars Exploration Fast Facts

Here’s some background information about Mars exploration. The United States and the Soviet Union are the only two countries to land a spacecraft on Mars. Facts There have been nine successful US Mars landings: Viking 1 and Viking 2 (both 1976), Pathfinder (1997), Spirit and Opportunity (both 2004), Phoenix (2008), Curiosity (2012), InSight (2018) and

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Autism Fast Facts

Here is a look at autism. Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incorporates a group of neurodevelopmental disorders causing impaired communication skills and social skills. ASD generally starts before three years of age and lasts a lifetime, but early intervention plays a role in treatment and progress. ASD is about four times more common among

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Zika Virus Infection Fast Facts

Here’s a look at Zika virus, an illness spread through mosquito bites that can cause birth defects and other neurological defects. Facts Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and CNN Zika virus is a flavivirus, part of the same family as yellow fever, West Nile, chikungunya and dengue fever.

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Top Biden adviser attacks GOP infrastructure opposition and seeks to rally Democratic support in internal memo

One of President Joe Biden’s closest advisers is rallying allies to embrace White House proposals that have come under sharp criticism from Republicans as the President moves to put the spotlight back on his sweeping economic agenda Thursday. With a group of Senate Republicans set to unveil their latest infrastructure counter-proposal Thursday morning, Mike Donilon,

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