Science, Health, Tech

A spring survey showed a decline in the number of red knots stopping along the Delaware Bay during their annual migration.

Some see that decline as troubling and seek stronger measures to protect the shorebird and horseshoe crabs that provide the eggs they feed on.

But contributor Jon Hurdle reports not everyone sees this latest data as reason to act.

Cicadas are back this year.

The last time they appeared 17 years ago Lance Armstrong won his 6th Tour de France and Ruth Ann Minner was Delaware’s Governor.

Now the bugs have returned and are making noise in the northern part of the state - at least for a little while longer.

Delaware Public Media’s Nick Ciolino spoke with University of Delaware entomology specialist David Owens about cicada Brood X.

A few years ago, we brought you a story on a tool to help fishers avoid accidentally catching the endangered Atlantic sturgeon.

This week, we have an update on the locally developed technology.

Delaware Public Media’s Sophia Schmidt talks with University of Delaware postdoctoral researcher Matthew Breece and UD College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment professor Matthew Oliver about how the tool is used—and how it’s evolved since it was first released. 

Results are in for two multi-year air quality studies examining complaints from Delaware residents in industrial areas. 

The state and City of Lewes are seeking public input on the environmental issues facing the town.  The goal is to make the town more resilient.

More money will be available for residents and local governments recovering from a hurricane last year. This round will help prepare the state for future storms.

Hurricane season is officially underway. Delaware once again ranks last for preparedness through building codes—according to an analysis by an insurance research nonprofit.  

Members of Delaware’s Congressional delegation highlight the impact of the recently opened VA community based care center in Dover.

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is here. And officials say it’s never too early to start preparing for a potential storm.

State health officials continue to keep an eye on the spread of COVID variants in Delaware.

Anxiety amongst kids and teens dramatically increased during the pandemic, and experts say it’s important for parents to know the signs. Schools are expected to reopen come fall, and mental health evaluation is going to be essential before and during students’ return.

A public-private partnership to help ensure migrating shorebirds have a permanently protected place to rest and feed along the First State coast is nearing the finish line.

A recently completed transfer of land at Mispillion Harbor is the final major piece of the process.  And this week, contributor Jon Hurdle details that move and what it means.

The pandemic has been tough for kids like 12-year-old Neia Evans. 

Telehealth is reaching an all-new level of accessibility for Western Sussex residents. A social service kiosk open for business at the Laurel, Seaford and Milford public libraries now offers the service.

Delaware’s largest pediatric health care provider is rebranding itself. Nemours Children’s Health System will now be simply known as Nemours Children’s Health.

The First State is seeing more enrollment for Affordable Care Act healthcare coverage. 

Delawareans, like others nationwide, are taking advantage of added time to sign up. 

Every ten years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) puts out new climate “normals.” The ones released Tuesday reinforce that Delaware is getting warmer and wetter.

Coastal wetlands are considered key to mitigating climate change, because their plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it in soil even faster than forests do. But research at a salt marsh near Dover raises questions about how much of a carbon “sink” tidal wetlands really are, and if that’s changing as the climate warms.

The First State is a step closer to seeing stronger regulation of so-called “forever chemicals” in its drinking water. 

Health officials in Delaware are applauding the Biden administration’s move to deregulate the opioid use disorder treatment medication buprenorphine.

The latest data on the First State’s air quality shows mixed results.

Delaware’s largest health system and one of the largest health insurers in the region announced the start of a new joint venture company Wednesday. Leadership at ChristianaCare and Highmark Health are touting the new partnership as a “seismic shift” in health care.

Two hospital systems are collaborating to bring top quality pediatric care to the state of the art Bayhealth Sussex Campus in Milford.

Nemours is looking at vaccinating healthy young people aged 16 and up, after starting with high-risk teens a few weeks ago. 

State officials say the federal pause of Johnson & Johnson vaccine use will have only a marginal effect on vaccine distribution locally—if it is not an extended pause.

Delmarva Power is giving away free trees ahead of Arbor Day later this month.