Sports and Competition Sports and Competition

Deep-sea mining tech advances but doubts remain


Published on 2025-03-06 22:02:20 - BBC
  Print publication without navigation

  • Deep-sea mining is highly controversial partly because the deep seabed is more or less untouched and still relatively poorly understood. "If you're not sure what's down there, then leave it alone," says John Childs at Lancaster University. "That's been the widespread position from science [to date]."

The article from the BBC discusses the ongoing debate over the use of puberty blockers for transgender youth in the UK. It highlights the recent decision by NHS England to restrict the use of these medications outside of research settings, following a review that raised concerns about the lack of long-term data on their effects. The piece outlines the arguments from both sides: supporters of the blockers argue that they provide crucial time for young people to explore their gender identity without the distress of unwanted puberty, potentially reducing mental health issues. Conversely, critics, including some clinicians and researchers, express worries about potential unknown long-term effects on bone density, brain development, and fertility, as well as the ethical implications of consent from minors. The article also touches on the emotional and political dimensions of the issue, with transgender advocates feeling marginalized by the decision, while others see it as a cautious approach to an under-researched area. The debate reflects broader societal questions about transgender healthcare, youth autonomy, and medical ethics.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg45zwe0v0ro ]