environment

FDA Approves Use Of Gene Edited Pigs For Food Source

Sausages made from gene-edited pigs have paved the way for a potential shift in the human food chain. A team of researchers at Washington State University cooked up sausages from five 2-year-old genetically edited pigs as part of a successful test case. 

Professor Jon Oatley, from the college’s School of Molecular Biosciences, led the study and obtained FDA food-use authorization for the pigs, demonstrating the safety of consuming food derived from animals edited using CRISPR technology.

The researchers aim to enhance desirable traits for improved food production and meat quality, addressing the global challenge of feeding a growing population. Although research on other livestock species, including cattle, goats, and sheep, is also ongoing, progress has been faster with pigs due to their shorter generation interval and larger litters.

While the FDA authorization currently applies only to Oatley’s research, the team plans to pursue food-use authorization for other species in the future. The breakthrough holds significant implications for protein sources, particularly in developing nations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Blue Water Area YMCA And McMorran Plaza Team Up For Health And Fitness

Fitness enthusiasts in Port Huron can now enjoy free exercise programs this summer at McMorran Plaza, thanks to a partnership between the City of Port Huron and the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. The initiative aims to promote health and wellness within the community.

Residents can choose from a variety of exercise programs instructed by the knowledgeable staff of the YMCA. Whether it’s cardio, strength training, or yoga, participants can browse or register for their preferred program which will commence on June 1st.

A YMCA membership is not required to participate in these free programs. This inclusive approach ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can take advantage of the opportunity to improve their fitness levels.

Being a nonprofit organization, the Blue Water Area YMCA and their Open Arms Campaign rely on the members of the community to help sponsor these programs for all to enjoy. If you would like to donate or support the YMCA, visit: bluewaterymca.com. 

Photo: Sheila Potrykus-Volker

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join Friends Of The St. Clair River For the 2023 Sturgeon Fest

On Saturday, June 3rd, Friends of the St. Clair River welcomes you to the highly anticipated 10th annual Sturgeon Festival will captivate visitors with an up-close encounter with Michigan’s majestic lake sturgeon, the gentle giant of the Great Lakes. This event serves as a vital platform to raise awareness and promote the restoration efforts surrounding this threatened species.

Take a ride aboard the Huron Lady Sturgeon Cruise, offering a unique opportunity to witness biologists in action as they catch, tag, measure, and release these magnificent creatures. The cruise will take you beneath the iconic Blue Water Bridges, providing an unforgettable experience.

Tickets are $35 and available for two time slots: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Don’t miss this rare chance to connect with these remarkable fish and the dedicated biologists working tirelessly for their conservation.

For more information, visit: huronlady.com/cruises.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Make A Splash With The Blue Water YMCA Swimming Programs

Swimming is known for helping to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. The Blue Water Area YMCA offers a variety of swimming programs for all ages to ensure you and your family have a safe summer as you participate in water related activities.

The Blue Water YMCA’s swimming program instills vital life skills such as water safety and rescue techniques. 

YMCA Lifeguard, A.J Coody can vouch for the skills the program has taught her. Coody had a bad experience as a child that made her feel swimming was not the activity for her. She now helps other young kids obtain the confidence and skills necessary for proper water safety. 

“I’ll take kids with the most experience and pair them with ones who have less, which helps them build up their confidence,” says Coody. 

If you would like to help support the swimming programs, or other programs  at the Blue Water YMCA through their Open Arms Campaign, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Dirty Nirty” Gardening Workshop Excitement With Seed & Soul Society

The Seed & Soul Society invites gardening enthusiasts to its “Dirty Nirty” workshop that promises to unlock the secrets of soil and plant nutrition. 

Ben Krenke, the gardening rockstar and soil guru, will lead the workshop on May 20th, from 10:00am to 11:30am at Soulstice Garden located at 2401 North Blvd, Port Huron. 

Participants will learn how to take their gardening game to the next level using techniques straight from the pros. The workshop will offer participants an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of soil and plant nutrition.

The first 30 people to register will receive a surprise gift from Ventana Plant Science. These special gifts promise to put a smile on the faces of participants and give their gardening endeavors an extra boost.

RSVP and find out more here: https://s3ph.norby.live/event/6db20c20-099d-400a-93e7-250399e3a383

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron’s 7th & 10th Street Bridges Undergoing Maintenance

The City of Port Huron’s Streets Division has announced the annual maintenance washing of the 10th and 7th Street Bridges beginning Monday, May 8th at 11:00 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 12th at 6:00 a.m.

During this period, the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, but motorists can expect periodic lane closures in both directions. The work will be carried out at night to minimize the impact on the public.

The City of Port Huron apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and encourages motorists to exercise caution while driving through the work zones. If there are any further questions regarding this matter, residents are advised to contact the Department of Public Works.

The maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges is a routine procedure carried out every year to ensure the safety of the structures and maintain their longevity. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell