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THOUGHTSCAPISM

In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. In order to do these things, I must question my assumptions, RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive MEASURES OF TOXICITY This article is co-written by biologist Iida Ruishalme (yours truly at Thoughtscapism) and neuroscientist Alison Bernstein, aka Mommy PhD from SciMoms. We live amidst a mind-bogglingly rich sea of molecules. Nowadays, we also have astonishingly sophisticated methods of chemical detection at our disposal, and are able to measure smaller and smaller traces of substances in RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: POPULATION RISK DOES NOT EQUALSEE MORE ON

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SEVEN REASONS WHY YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO HAVE MEASLES Immune amnesia – two year reset of the immune system. A 2015 study tracked real world incidence of measles and other infectious disease, and found a profound effect in overall ability to fight disease following a measles infection:. Immunosuppression after measles is known to predispose people to opportunistic infections for a period of several weeks to months. THE ANIMALS OF CHERNOBYL It was a great juxtaposition to see all this natural life so near the reactor sites. The wildlife doesn't care about the thought of the radiation, since its presence at these levels has no practical effect on them. The animals aren't afraid. THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE IN VACCINES If somebody is trying to make you scared of formaldehyde in vaccines, they are disregarding a body of evidence showing the contrary. That is not a encouraging starting point for a rational discussion, but then, scaring parents about vaccine ingredients rarely relies on rational arguments – it is an attempt to make our emotions overrule the use

of reason.

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of reason.

THE ENVIRONMENT

FARMING AND GMOS

Here you will find the pieces I've written and resources I've collected on agriculture, food, and genetically engineered organisms (biotech crops). While learning about biotechnology and its main adversary, the organic movement, I have looked at agricultural methods in general, at what sustainability really means, and how it could best

be attained.

CONTAMINATED CONCEPTS ABOUT CHERNOBYL Visiting Chernobyl is an opportunity to reflect on a tragic piece of history, but also our own risk perceptions. It is not dangerous. It offers a great chance to observe thriving wildlife - no three headed fish or glow-in-the-dark rats among them. COVID-19 VACCINE SUSPENSIONS MAY BE RASH RATHER THAN In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY This, in reality, is the image that most people have. I won’t scoff at it, because I once held it myself. The feeling is, that should anything go wrong with nuclear waste, the problems would be on the scale of making entire countries, perhaps even continents,

uninhabitable.

GMOS AND THE ENVIRONMENT Many people are worried about the impact GMOs could have on the environment. That's a reasonable concern. Are GMOs increasing the profits of farmers and biotech companies at the expense of the environment? As I have learned more about biotechnology and agriculture, contrary to popular fear, I have found that there is actually no scientific evidence NUCLEAR ENERGY IS THE FASTEST AND LOWEST-COST CLEAN ENERGY The only thing that can surpass a big nuclear plant in energy output is a hydropower dam of epic proportions – like the record-breaking Itaipu dam on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, which produces almost 20% worth of Brazil’s entire electricity needs.The biggest dams in the world (Itaipu and Three Gorges) produce only twice as much electricity each as the existing largest nuclear power MYTH: NO STUDIES COMPARE THE HEALTH OF UNVACCINATED AND Vaccinated people are as healthy or healthier in all aspects compared to the unvaccinated. The vaccinated populations studied have less asthma, less heart attacks, better birth outcomes, and higher cognitive scores than their unvaccinated counterparts. SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE IN VACCINES If somebody is trying to make you scared of formaldehyde in vaccines, they are disregarding a body of evidence showing the contrary. That is not a encouraging starting point for a rational discussion, but then, scaring parents about vaccine ingredients rarely relies on rational arguments – it is an attempt to make our emotions overrule the use

of reason.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

crossing

CONTAMINATED CONCEPTS ABOUT CHERNOBYL Contaminated Concepts about Chernobyl. Posted on March 1, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. I’m heading over to shake hands with a plant worker who had been fishing in the nearby cooling water channel when the top of the reactor blasted off. Photo credit: Des. After visiting the town where people had remained despite orders to move, we had spent our MEASURES OF TOXICITY Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the kind of harm which describes classical poisoning effects. People often compare measures of acute toxicity expressed as LD50, which measures lethal effects from a large one-time dose, when trying to place these exposures in context. As the famous quote goes, “the dose makes the poison” (see Dr Cami Ryan RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive ‘TREATMENT-FREE’ BEEKEEPERS GIVE VARROA MITE FREE REIN Infestations rarer among professional beekeepers Hobby beekeeping is very common. A European Bee Health Report found that in many countries, the majority of beekeepers pursue the activity as a hobby. They give Germany as an example: 80% of beekeepers keep just 1–20 colonies, 18% keep 21–50 colonies and only about 2% keep more than

50 colonies.

THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY GMOS AND THE ENVIRONMENT The adoption of GM insect resistant and herbicide tolerant technology has reduced pesticide spraying by 553 million kg (-8.6%) and, as a result, decreased the environmental impact associated with herbicide and insecticide use on these crops (as measured by the indicator the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ)) by 19.1%.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM Welcome to Thoughtscapism. This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. CONTAMINATED CONCEPTS ABOUT CHERNOBYL Contaminated Concepts about Chernobyl. Posted on March 1, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. I’m heading over to shake hands with a plant worker who had been fishing in the nearby cooling water channel when the top of the reactor blasted off. Photo credit: Des. After visiting the town where people had remained despite orders to move, we had spent our THE ANIMALS OF CHERNOBYL The Animals of Chernobyl – Trip Report, Day Three. Posted on February 28, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. On the way to Chernobyl. Photo credit: Des. The single most dangerous moment during our trip to Chernobyl happened on the road on our way in. We were still aways from the checkpoint guarding entry into the heart of the Exclusion Zone,

crossing

MEASURES OF TOXICITY Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the kind of harm which describes classical poisoning effects. People often compare measures of acute toxicity expressed as LD50, which measures lethal effects from a large one-time dose, when trying to place these exposures in context. As the famous quote goes, “the dose makes the poison” (see Dr Cami Ryan RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive 17 QUESTIONS ABOUT GLYPHOSATE Many worry about pesticides for health or environmental reasons, and the most common target of general concern is undoubtedly glyphosate, the active ingredient in the famous weedkiller RoundUp. I find that the best thing to do when something worries me, is to find out more about it. I've delved into the details behind the 17 most common concerns I've encountered. THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY ‘TREATMENT-FREE’ BEEKEEPERS GIVE VARROA MITE FREE REIN Infestations rarer among professional beekeepers Hobby beekeeping is very common. A European Bee Health Report found that in many countries, the majority of beekeepers pursue the activity as a hobby. They give Germany as an example: 80% of beekeepers keep just 1–20 colonies, 18% keep 21–50 colonies and only about 2% keep more than

50 colonies.

WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM Welcome to Thoughtscapism. This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. ABOUT ME | THOUGHTSCAPISM About me. Welcome to Thoughtscapism! This is a blog on science, creativity, environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. My name is Iida Ruishalme. I am a biologist specialising in biomedical research, a science communicator, and a fiction writer. My pieces have been published at Food and Farm

Discussion Lab

FARMING AND GMOS

Farming and GMOs. Here you will find the pieces I’ve written and resources I’ve collected on agriculture, food, and genetically engineered organisms (biotech crops). While learning about biotechnology and its main adversary, the organic movement, I have looked at agricultural methods in general, at what sustainability really means, and how GMOS AND THE ENVIRONMENT The adoption of GM insect resistant and herbicide tolerant technology has reduced pesticide spraying by 553 million kg (-8.6%) and, as a result, decreased the environmental impact associated with herbicide and insecticide use on these crops (as measured by the indicator the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ)) by 19.1%. RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: POPULATION RISK DOES NOT EQUAL Risk In Perspective: Introduction. 1) The difference between hazard and risk is a critical distinction. 2) All hazards are not equal. 3) Zero risk and zero exposure are impossible expectations. 4) Population risk is not the same as individual risk. For more about risk perception, see the introduction to this article series. RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: HAZARDS ARE NOT ALL CREATED EQUAL Risk in Perspective. 1) The difference between hazard and risk is a critical distinction. 2) All hazards are not equal. 3) Zero risk and zero exposure are impossible expectations. 4) Population risk is not the same as individual risk. 17 QUESTIONS ABOUT GLYPHOSATE Many worry about pesticides for health or environmental reasons, and the most common target of general concern is undoubtedly glyphosate, the active ingredient in the famous weedkiller RoundUp. I find that the best thing to do when something worries me, is to find out more about it. I've delved into the details behind the 17 most common concerns I've encountered. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FARMING The Swedish Food Agency (Svenska Livsmedelsverket SLV) recently published a report on a many-faceted breakdown of environmental effects in farming per one kilogram of farming product. This report was also discussed in an opinion piece in the Sweden's largest newspaper, Dagens Nyheter (under the title "Organic farming has never been better for the environment"). SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE IN VACCINES If somebody is trying to make you scared of formaldehyde in vaccines, they are disregarding a body of evidence showing the contrary. That is not a encouraging starting point for a rational discussion, but then, scaring parents about vaccine ingredients rarely relies on rational arguments – it is an attempt to make our emotions overrule the use

of reason.

MYTH: NO STUDIES COMPARE THE HEALTH OF UNVACCINATED AND Interestingly, the effect of flu vaccines on the health of babies starts even before birth. Three studies have compared babies of unvaccinated vs vaccinated mothers, and they have found significant health benefits for babies whose mothers took the flu shot when they were pregnant – fewer miscarriages and higher birth weights.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

crossing

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RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive 17 QUESTIONS ABOUT GLYPHOSATE Many worry about pesticides for health or environmental reasons, and the most common target of general concern is undoubtedly glyphosate, the active ingredient in the famous weedkiller RoundUp. I find that the best thing to do when something worries me, is to find out more about it. I've delved into the details behind the 17 most common concerns I've encountered. RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: HAZARDS ARE NOT ALL CREATED EQUALSEE MORE ON

THOUGHTSCAPISM.COM

SEVEN REASONS WHY YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO HAVE MEASLES Seven reasons to make sure you protect yourself and your children from measles: Diarrhea, ear infection, and hearing loss. Common measles complications. Pneumonia. Occurs in about 1 in 20 children, most common cause of death from measles in young children. Encephalitis (swelling of the brain). About 1 out of every 1,000. SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE IN VACCINES If somebody is trying to make you scared of formaldehyde in vaccines, they are disregarding a body of evidence showing the contrary. That is not a encouraging starting point for a rational discussion, but then, scaring parents about vaccine ingredients rarely relies on rational arguments – it is an attempt to make our emotions overrule the use

of reason.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

crossing

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of reason.

FARMING AND GMOS

data-analysis.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Climate, energy, and agriculture are all topics that are closely intertwined with questions of the environment. My articles on diverse environmental issues Environmental Impacts of Farming - A European view into organic vs conventional If You Care About Bees, Look Past Neonicotinoids - On bee health and CCD 'Treatment-free' Beekeepers Give Varroa Mite Free Rein - Many CONTAMINATED CONCEPTS ABOUT CHERNOBYL Contaminated Concepts about Chernobyl. Posted on March 1, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. I’m heading over to shake hands with a plant worker who had been fishing in the nearby cooling water channel when the top of the reactor blasted off. Photo credit: Des. After visiting the town where people had remained despite orders to move, we had spent our RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY The math of herd immunity. The simple math of the concepts for herd immunity is this: vaccines make people immune + majority of people are vaccinated = community is protected from the spread of disease. Saying “there is no herd immunity” or “herd immunity does not work” is a roundabout way of saying either that “vaccines don’t NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY This, in reality, is the image that most people have. I won’t scoff at it, because I once held it myself. The feeling is, that should anything go wrong with nuclear waste, the problems would be on the scale of making entire countries, perhaps even continents,

uninhabitable.

50 colonies.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM Welcome to Thoughtscapism. This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive MEASURES OF TOXICITY Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the kind of harm which describes classical poisoning effects. People often compare measures of acute toxicity expressed as LD50, which measures lethal effects from a large one-time dose, when trying to place these exposures in context. As the famous quote goes, “the dose makes the poison” (see Dr Cami Ryan RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: ZERO RISK IS AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM Risk In Perspective: Zero Risk Is an Impossible Dream. Posted on March 19, 2018 by Thoughtscapism. This series is a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in

detail.

RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: POPULATION RISK DOES NOT EQUALSEE MORE ON

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RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: HAZARDS ARE NOT ALL CREATED EQUALSEE MORE ON

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NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY ‘TREATMENT-FREE’ BEEKEEPERS GIVE VARROA MITE FREE REIN Infestations rarer among professional beekeepers Hobby beekeeping is very common. A European Bee Health Report found that in many countries, the majority of beekeepers pursue the activity as a hobby. They give Germany as an example: 80% of beekeepers keep just 1–20 colonies, 18% keep 21–50 colonies and only about 2% keep more than

50 colonies.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM Welcome to Thoughtscapism. This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. RADIATION AND CANCER RISK In the US, the annual average is about 6.2 mSv (of which 3 mSv from medical imaging), and in Switzerland, about 4 mSv.. In Finland (where I’m from), the annual national average is 3.2 mSv (down from 2004 estimate of 3.7 mSv), but there are large local variations to this number. My family hails from near the city of Tampere, and a particularly posh area there, called Pispala (which we drive MEASURES OF TOXICITY Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the kind of harm which describes classical poisoning effects. People often compare measures of acute toxicity expressed as LD50, which measures lethal effects from a large one-time dose, when trying to place these exposures in context. As the famous quote goes, “the dose makes the poison” (see Dr Cami Ryan RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: ZERO RISK IS AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM Risk In Perspective: Zero Risk Is an Impossible Dream. Posted on March 19, 2018 by Thoughtscapism. This series is a collaboration between neuroscientist Alison Bernstein and biologist Iida Ruishalme. Errors in risk perception are at the core of so many issues in science communication that we think this is a critical topic to explore in

detail.

RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: POPULATION RISK DOES NOT EQUALSEE MORE ON

THOUGHTSCAPISM.COM

RISK IN PERSPECTIVE: HAZARDS ARE NOT ALL CREATED EQUALSEE MORE ON

THOUGHTSCAPISM.COM

50 colonies.

ABOUT THOUGHTSCAPISM About Thoughtscapism. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. In order to do these things, I must question my assumptions, test the limits of my imagination, and strive to express myself in ways that

may

THE ENVIRONMENT

Climate, energy, and agriculture are all topics that are closely intertwined with questions of the environment. My articles on diverse environmental issues Environmental Impacts of Farming - A European view into organic vs conventional If You Care About Bees, Look Past Neonicotinoids - On bee health and CCD 'Treatment-free' Beekeepers Give Varroa Mite Free Rein - Many COVID-19 VACCINE SUSPENSIONS MAY BE RASH RATHER THAN COVID-19 Vaccine Suspensions May Be Rash Rather than Precautionary. In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. CONTAMINATED CONCEPTS ABOUT CHERNOBYL Contaminated Concepts about Chernobyl. Posted on March 1, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. I’m heading over to shake hands with a plant worker who had been fishing in the nearby cooling water channel when the top of the reactor blasted off. Photo credit: Des. After visiting the town where people had remained despite orders to move, we had spent our NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY This, in reality, is the image that most people have. I won’t scoff at it, because I once held it myself. The feeling is, that should anything go wrong with nuclear waste, the problems would be on the scale of making entire countries, perhaps even continents,

uninhabitable.

NUCLEAR ENERGY IS THE FASTEST AND LOWEST-COST CLEAN ENERGY The only thing that can surpass a big nuclear plant in energy output is a hydropower dam of epic proportions – like the record-breaking Itaipu dam on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, which produces almost 20% worth of Brazil’s entire electricity needs.The biggest dams in the world (Itaipu and Three Gorges) produce only twice as much electricity each as the existing largest nuclear power AM I BIASED? ARE YOU? A bias to trust a credible-seeming study with a wide scope (in this case, a meta-analysis) is not one of the worst thing to have. This heuristic is much more dangerous when it comes to our assumptions – these ideas are more fundamental, more pervasive, and at the same time often not very well thought through. “WHAT ABOUT RADIOACTIVE WASTELANDS?” A LOOK AT CHERNOBYL’S “What about Chernobyl?” is a question many people ask whenever nuclear power is discussed. In my first look at that question, in the previous article, I put the World’s Deadliest Energy Accidents in Perspective.But many people will point out that direct human health effects are only a part of the story, and rightly so. 17 QUESTIONS ABOUT GLYPHOSATE Many worry about pesticides for health or environmental reasons, and the most common target of general concern is undoubtedly glyphosate, the active ingredient in the famous weedkiller RoundUp. I find that the best thing to do when something worries me, is to find out more about it. I've delved into the details behind the 17 most common concerns I've encountered. ‘TREATMENT-FREE’ BEEKEEPERS GIVE VARROA MITE FREE REIN Infestations rarer among professional beekeepers Hobby beekeeping is very common. A European Bee Health Report found that in many countries, the majority of beekeepers pursue the activity as a hobby. They give Germany as an example: 80% of beekeepers keep just 1–20 colonies, 18% keep 21–50 colonies and only about 2% keep more than

50 colonies.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM Welcome to Thoughtscapism. This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. MEASURES OF TOXICITY Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the kind of harm which describes classical poisoning effects. People often compare measures of acute toxicity expressed as LD50, which measures lethal effects from a large one-time dose, when trying to place these exposures in context. As the famous quote goes, “the dose makes the poison” (see Dr Cami Ryan THE ANIMALS OF CHERNOBYL The Animals of Chernobyl – Trip Report, Day Three. Posted on February 28, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. On the way to Chernobyl. Photo credit: Des. The single most dangerous moment during our trip to Chernobyl happened on the road on our way in. We were still aways from the checkpoint guarding entry into the heart of the Exclusion Zone,

crossing

THOUGHTSCAPISM.COM

THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE IN VACCINES If somebody is trying to make you scared of formaldehyde in vaccines, they are disregarding a body of evidence showing the contrary. That is not a encouraging starting point for a rational discussion, but then, scaring parents about vaccine ingredients rarely relies on rational arguments – it is an attempt to make our emotions overrule the use

of reason.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

In the past month, two adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19, developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, have been temporarily suspended in 18 countries in Europe, South Africa, and the US pending a review on very rare incidence of specific type of blood clots. Most countries restarted them again soon after. I fear there is a potential for these hasty vaccine suspensions having WELCOME TO THOUGHTSCAPISM Welcome to Thoughtscapism. This is a blog on science, creativity, the environment, health, fiction, and other various landscapes of my thoughts. I want to understand the world, which makes me passionate about science. I wish to express and explore the human condition through language, which makes me passionate about writing. MEASURES OF TOXICITY Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is the kind of harm which describes classical poisoning effects. People often compare measures of acute toxicity expressed as LD50, which measures lethal effects from a large one-time dose, when trying to place these exposures in context. As the famous quote goes, “the dose makes the poison” (see Dr Cami Ryan THE ANIMALS OF CHERNOBYL The Animals of Chernobyl – Trip Report, Day Three. Posted on February 28, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. On the way to Chernobyl. Photo credit: Des. The single most dangerous moment during our trip to Chernobyl happened on the road on our way in. We were still aways from the checkpoint guarding entry into the heart of the Exclusion Zone,

crossing

THOUGHTSCAPISM.COM

of reason.

FARMING AND GMOS

data-analysis.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Climate, energy, and agriculture are all topics that are closely intertwined with questions of the environment. My articles on diverse environmental issues Environmental Impacts of Farming - A European view into organic vs conventional If You Care About Bees, Look Past Neonicotinoids - On bee health and CCD 'Treatment-free' Beekeepers Give Varroa Mite Free Rein - Many CONTAMINATED CONCEPTS ABOUT CHERNOBYL Contaminated Concepts about Chernobyl. Posted on March 1, 2021 by Thoughtscapism. I’m heading over to shake hands with a plant worker who had been fishing in the nearby cooling water channel when the top of the reactor blasted off. Photo credit: Des. After visiting the town where people had remained despite orders to move, we had spent our THE SIMPLE MATH OF HERD IMMUNITY The math of herd immunity. The simple math of the concepts for herd immunity is this: vaccines make people immune + majority of people are vaccinated = community is protected from the spread of disease. Saying “there is no herd immunity” or “herd immunity does not work” is a roundabout way of saying either that “vaccines don’t 7.-12. GLYPHOSATE IN WIND, RAIN; DOWN THE DRAIN Series 17 Questions about Glyphosate questions 7.-11. I go through the evidence for whether glyphosate can be detected, and if so then in which quantities, in each of the following: air and rainwater, urine, breastmilk, wine, and wheat. I have also added extra sections on glyphosate in honey, vaccines, and tampons. Question 12. delves into

the common

NUCLEAR WASTE: IDEAS VS REALITY This, in reality, is the image that most people have. I won’t scoff at it, because I once held it myself. The feeling is, that should anything go wrong with nuclear waste, the problems would be on the scale of making entire countries, perhaps even continents,

uninhabitable.

50 colonies.

THOUGHTSCAPISM

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CHEMICAL EXPOSURES: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE TINY Posted on June 12, 2019

by Thoughtscapism

I have often written about the lack of perspective on chemical scares, which is why I was happy to find out that Swedish Professor Emeritus in toxicology, Lennart Dencker, has written a book on this topic called “Not as dangerous as many might think.” Prof Denck interviewed at the Swedish magazine Research and Progress

about

his book.

In the Uppsala University press release he elaborates that with his book he wants to give the public, particularly teachers, better tools to assess the many alarm-inducing headlines we see about chemicals. He feels a responsibility to share the knowledge he has accumulated during his research career, and wants to help give the younger generation a better chance at developing a reasonable view of the situation pertaining to risk and toxicology. > Our environment has never been as ‘clean’ as it is today in

> Sweden,

he says in an interview to the Swedish magazine Research and Progress

,

pointing out how significant toxic exposures like indoor smoking, leaded gasoline, and older generation pesticides have all but disappeared within his own life-time. Continue reading →

Posted in biology ,

chemistry ,

environment , health

, nutrition

, science

communication

| Tagged

cancer , pesticides

, risk

, Sweden

| 4 Comments

APPRECIATING STORIES – AS A SCIENTIST, WRITER, AND HUMAN Posted on June 6, 2019

by Thoughtscapism

When things get difficult, I seek comfort in stories. This might not be so surprising, after all, stories are the fundamental building blocks of human reality. Evolution is one of the most fascinating stories of reality. We view the world through our identity, the story of who we are

, and we

weave in new information into our worldview in the form of stories, too. All too easily we may reject information if we feel it does not fit into the narratives important to us. Science, for me, is the idea that the story of the universe is so incredible and so valuable, that it is worth it to keep our narratives open so that we may consider new plot twists carefully even if they may at first confuse or surprise us. Real things in the world matter, and our stories should strive to align with that reality. Often enough reality is indeed stranger than our fictions. That’s not to downplay the role of fiction, fantasy, and imagination in our lives. Continue reading → Posted in literature

, meta

, psychology

, society

| Tagged Daniel Dennett

, empathy

, thinking

| Leave a comment

WORLD’S WORST ENERGY ACCIDENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE Posted on May 8, 2019

by Thoughtscapism

I began my three-part series on energy accidents to answer the question: “What about Chernobyl?” This type of concern invariably comes up whenever nuclear power is discussed, as fear of nuclear accidents is something that is cemented into our cultural consciousness. I wanted to help put these concerns into perspective. In my first look at that question I put the World’s Deadliest Energy Accidents in Perspective

.

I dedicated the next piece to environmental concerns: “What About Radioactive Wastelands?” A Look at Chernobyl’s Effects on Nature

,

assessing the idea (which I also used to hold) that nuclear accidents could make large swaths of land uninhabitable for humans and nature. I noted that nature was notably impacted by the radioactive contamination in about 40 square km (15 square miles) area around the power plant, or about 1-2% of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, including dead and stunted trees and rodent and invertebrate deaths. Most of the areas quickly recovered, however. Read more in: “What About Radioactive Wastelands?” A Look at Chernobyl’s Effects on Nature The absence of people in the Zone lead to a increase in wildlife numbers. Undeterred by radiation, thriving populations were established of more than 400 vertebrates, including many protected species. As the WHO put it: “A UNIQUE SANCTUARY FOR BIODIVERSITY”

was created.

It appears then, that common idea of an uninhabitable wasteland as consequence of the Chernobyl accident is misleading, and large camera trap surveys have found no evidence

to

support the idea that animal populations would be suppressed in highly

contaminated areas.

Now for the last part of this three-part series: how do these environmental impacts compare to the effects of other energy accidents? Continue reading →

Posted in biology ,

climate , energy

, environment

, history

, nuclear

, renewables

, society

| Tagged biodiversity

, Chernobyl

, UN

, WHO

| 4 Comments

“WHAT ABOUT RADIOACTIVE WASTELANDS?” A LOOK AT CHERNOBYL’S

EFFECTS ON NATURE

Posted on May 8, 2019

by Thoughtscapism

“What about Chernobyl?” is a question many people ask whenever nuclear power is discussed. In my first look at that question, in the previous article, I put the World’s Deadliest Energy Accidents in

Perspective

.

But many people will point out that direct human health effects are only a part of the story, and rightly so. What about the risk of making large swaths of land uninhabitable for humans or nature? This is probably the most iconic of our fears when it comes to nuclear accidents, and it also used to be my main concern with nuclear power. As I wrote in Nuclear Waste: Ideas vs Reality

:

> How could we justify producing any amount of energy if – bear with > me – that meant risking that large areas of the earth become > barren wastelands, should anything go wrong? Continue reading →

Posted in biology ,

energy , environment

, history

, nuclear

, psychology

, society

| Tagged biodiversity

, Chernobyl

, radiation

, WHO

| 11 Comments

“WHAT ABOUT CHERNOBYL?” WORLD’S DEADLIEST ENERGY ACCIDENTS

IN PERSPECTIVE

Posted on April 11, 2019

by Thoughtscapism

Whenever nuclear power comes up in discussions online, more often than not someone declares that all anyone needs to know can be said with one word: Chernobyl. This name evokes a chilling reaction in most of us, and the idea is that this should conclude the conversation. There can be no argument heavier than “What about Chernobyl?” A ‘radioactive’ sign hangs on barbed wire outside a café in the ghost-town of Pripyat near

Chernobyl.

Can there?

I’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand the impacts of Chernobyl nuclear disaster, as well as the overall effects of different energy forms on human health and the environment. I often try to make the argument that we should look at the big picture, the totality of the effects, at first hand. But the big picture is vague, grey, and complex. The name of _that place – _Chernobyl_ –_ and the accident it’s irrevocably linked with, burns with a bright red focus in people’s minds. Chernobyl disaster might be the most famous accident in the world. It would definitely be wrong to sweep its effects aside – the tragedy of lives and homes lost is real, painful, and unforgettable. But here we arrive at an odds. Do the lives of the people affected by the Chernobyl accident weigh more than the lives of people struck by man-made disasters elsewhere? Should we respect the memory of the victims of Chernobyl _more_ than those who died as the result of the failures of other energy forms? Continue reading →

Posted in energy ,

environment , health

, nuclear

, renewables

| Tagged cancer

, WHO

| 12 Comments

RADIATION EXPOSURES AT A GLANCE Posted on December 17, 2018

by Thoughtscapism

Inspired by a risk conference I attended, I decided to try my hand at visual demonstrations of toxicological safety limits and pesticide exposures. It struck me that the same kind of visualisation might work well for a demonstrating radiation dosages. I have written earlier about Radiation and Cancer Risk

,

after I visited Switzerland’s interim repository for nuclear waste

,

ZWILAG. While in the heart of the place – the dry cask storage hall which houses the spent nuclear fuel – we crossed a line with a sign that read: “HIGH RADIATION AREA No unnecessary stay !!!” This left me curious. I wanted to know how dangerous a “high radiation area” was, and after a dive into the evidence

,

I got my answer. But much of what I wrote there could also be effectively summarised with an infographic. Continue reading →

Posted in biology ,

health , nuclear

| Tagged cancer

, radiation

, risk

| 8 Comments

TOWARD MORE INTUITIVE TOXICOLOGY INFORMATION Posted on December 13, 2018

by Thoughtscapism

Our presentation was titled: “Navigating the Risk Landscape” by Alison Bernstein, PhD & Iida Ruishalme, MSc Last week I had the privilege to attend a conference on risk science in New Orleans, and hold a roundtable together with neuroscientist Alison Bernstein from SciMoms . We were kindly invited to talk about our approach to risk communication by Center for Food Integrity

.

This was awesome! Not only did I and Alison finally get to meet face to face, we also got to present what we had learned about messages that work on social media (see our series: Risk In Perspective

), as well

as ones that don’t. In between many interesting sessions, on everything from food fears to radiological risk to supplements and climate change mitigation, Alison also introduced me to fresh beignets, fried green tomatoes and other New Orleans essentials. For our presentation, one of the things we talked about was the varied success of our infographics for the piece Measures of Toxicity

. In the

article, we underlined the distinction that acute toxicity info (like LD50) is mostly relevant to accidents, murders and suicides, whereas what the public is often most concerned about are the gradual chronic effects. These are more appropriately reflected by the chronic intake limits, which are set in a way to try hard to avoid such effects. Continue reading → Posted in agriculture

, chemistry

, health

, science communication

| Tagged

pesticides , risk

| 11 Comments

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