🔬 30% Rate K12 STEM Above Average. Plant-Based Meats. Tuberculosis Incidence.

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US plant-based meat sales increased during the pandemic but declined between 2021 and 2023 due to high prices and taste concerns. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the highest number of tuberculosis cases in the US in 2023, with over 40 states experiencing a 16% increase since 2013.

Today's Topics

🔬 STEM Education. Over 60% of US adults rate K-12 STEM education as average or better
🥩 Plant-Based Meats. Two-thirds of consumers opt for plant-based meat from stores over restaurants
😷 Chronic Disease Management. Southeast Asia and Africa report Tuberculosis incidence

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🔬 60% of US Adults Rate K-12 STEM Education as Average or Better

A recent survey of US adults revealed a range of opinions regarding the nation's K-12 STEM education system compared to other countries. Approximately one-third (33%) of respondents rated the system as average, while 28.5% rated it as the best or above average. Conversely, 32% rated it below average or the worst, and a relatively high percentage (6.5%) were unsure of their opinion, highlighting a potential knowledge gap.

This lack of consensus aligns with the US's middling performance in international rankings, where it ranked 13th in Mathematics and 31st in Science. The data suggests a difference in perception, with Asians ranking K-12 STEM education more positively than Blacks and Hispanics, while individuals with higher education tend to view the system more favorably. The US faces a projected shortage of STEM professionals, with over 1 million jobs expected to go unfilled by 2025. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based improvements and innovation to ensure global competitiveness in these critical fields.

🥩 Two-thirds of Consumers Opt for Plant-Based Meat From Stores Over Restaurants

The United States has witnessed a notable rise in the consumption of plant-based foods in 2020, with over 70% of the population embracing this trend due to growing concerns about the environment and personal health. Within the retail landscape, grocery stores and mass retail channels emerged as the primary destinations for purchasing plant-based meats, aligning with conventional shopping patterns. Despite the widespread adoption of plant-based diets, table service restaurants experienced a relatively lower proportion of consumers opting for plant-based meats. This trend was predominantly attributed to the higher costs associated with these meals, prompting consumers to favor grocery shopping over dining out at table service establishments for their plant-based protein needs.

😷 Tuberculosis Incidence Highest in Southeast Asia and Africa Report

Southeast Asia exhibits a tuberculosis (TB) rate of 234 per hundred thousand of its population, which is more than 9 times higher than Europe's rate of 25, indicating a pronounced disparity. The region's economic growth has coincided with an increase in air pollution, contributing to the TB risk. Notably, Indonesia, with its high prevalence of smoking, significantly contributes to this heightened risk. The declining air quality in these countries further make people more likely to contract TB. Meanwhile, Africa follows closely with a rate of 212 per hundred thousand of population, where the prevalence of malnutrition and weakened immune systems amplifies the vulnerability to the disease. Despite Europe boasting the lowest TB rate, concerns have risen regarding the potential increase in cases due to immigration from countries burdening TB, showcasing the interconnectedness of global health challenges.

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