Icosapent

The FDA announced new lead limits in baby food under its Closer to Zero initiative, aiming to reduce lead exposure in children. However, these limits are not legally enforceable, and some experts argue they won't significantly reduce exposure. Advocacy groups call for stronger regulations across all baby foods, emphasizing the need for enforceable national standards and transparency.

In 2024, EPA designated two PFAS as hazardous under CERCLA, set first federal PFAS drinking water standards, and expanded PFAS reporting. FDA raised PFAS concerns in seafood. GSA banned PFAS in federal contractors' cleaning equipment. DOD granted itself a one-year waiver from PFAS-containing AFFF prohibition.

The EPA plans to ban trichloroethylene (TCE) and phase out perchloroethylene (PCE) due to their severe health risks, including cancer and Parkinson's disease. These solvents, used in aerospace and dry cleaning, have contaminated areas like Kennedy Space Center, requiring decades-long cleanups. Efforts face challenges, including high costs and potential industry opposition.

2024 saw significant asbestos and mesothelioma developments: U.S. banned asbestos, FDA approved Keytruda for mesothelioma, Johnson & Johnson attempted bankruptcy for lawsuits, Pennsylvania invested in asbestos school repairs, and immunotherapy showed promise for peritoneal mesothelioma.

2025 may see significant shifts in FDA drug and vaccine approvals if RFK Jr. influences health decisions. The Daubert standard's role in scientific evidence admissibility is pivotal, with cases like Roundup and Zantac highlighting its impact. The Supreme Court's handling of FDA approvals and social media's influence on COVID narratives suggests evolving legal landscapes. AI's challenges to defining humanity and First Amendment rights underscore the law's struggle to keep pace with technology.

As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, MACo highlights major issues, including the Chesapeake Bay's preservation. Despite progress, challenges like climate change, land use changes, and population growth hinder meeting 2025 goals. The Chesapeake Bay Program aims to establish a path forward beyond 2025, focusing on science, restoration, and partnership.

Communities worry about EPA rollbacks under Trump; Rice research suggests ancient Mars could have supported hidden water reservoirs; Trump brings majlis to Mar-a-Lago; Rice partners with Houston Methodist for Digital Health Institute; Greentown Labs receives $4M investment; Rice's space science department and Keith-Weiss Geological Laboratory Building are mentioned; Rice's men's basketball team loses to UNT Dallas; Mexico's 2025 outlook and a new drug synthesis method are highlighted.

Elon Musk's xAI launched Colossus, a supercomputer in Memphis using 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, with plans to expand to 200,000 GPUs. The facility's energy demand is significant, raising environmental concerns over air quality and water usage. Critics argue for renewable energy solutions and transparency in project planning.

EPA is fast-tracking PFAS approval for semiconductor industry while publicly increasing scrutiny of new PFAS, despite health risks. Critics argue EPA prioritizes industry needs over public safety, with unclear safety frameworks and reliance on industry science. PFAS alternatives are slow to develop due to semiconductor production complexity.

The EPA approved California's plan to end gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035, requiring 80% of new cars to be electric. This decision, supported by 11 states, faces opposition from President-elect Trump and automakers, who argue it will limit vehicle choice and increase costs. California aims to reduce emissions and smog, with the Supreme Court set to hear a challenge to the state's emissions rules.