Vol. 10, No. 8
August 2018
Inspired work removes tons of trash from river

Iowa Project AWARE is not for the faint of heart. It’s usually hot. Folks get muddy. Lifting parts of appliances, tires and other trash weighed down by water and mud tests muscles and patience.

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Teachers association honors Project AWARE

The Iowa Science Teachers Section (ISTS) of the Iowa Academy of Science announced on Aug. 8 that it selected Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) as a recipient of its prestigious Friend of Science Award.

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Water testing, treatment focus of symposium

On Sept. 27, the State Hygienic Laboratory will present the 2018 Laboratory Symposium at its Coralville headquarters on the University of Iowa Research Park Campus. For more than 50 years, SHL has hosted the symposium for laboratory personnel across the state who test and monitor drinking water and wastewater for municipal water systems, commercial labs and industries.

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West Nile virus cases double

The number of West Nile virus cases in Iowa has doubled from nine on Aug. 21 to 18 as of Aug. 30. Sixteen others are under investigation. There have been two deaths attributed to West Nile virus this season.

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Case counts rise in foodborne outbreaks

The number of cases of intestinal illnesses caused by two foodborne outbreaks identified in July continue to climb in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced on Aug. 23 that, although the number has slowed, there have been newly identified cases of Cyclospora and Salmonella reported in Iowa.

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1918 influenza takes heavy toll on U.S.

True or false: The influenza epidemic of 1918 killed more people than died in World War I. Hard as it is to believe, the answer is true.

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Photo feature: Project AWARE river clean-up

Nearly 400 participants removed more than 40,000 pounds of trash from eastern Iowa’s Maquoketa River during the 16th annual Project AWARE , July 8 – 13. Lab Link takes a look at the comradery, hard work and fun so apparent during the annual event.

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