Excessive pumping from underground aquifers can cause the surrounding land to sink and lead to damage to streets, bridges and other infrastructure, reduced groundwater storage, and contaminated drinking water, according to researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology. They are using a form of artificial intelligence known as machine learning to map the sinking – called land subsidence – to help water policy officials make informed decisions.
From the Phelps County Focus
A Rolla man has been indicted in connection to series of sex crimes he allegedly inflicted on a juvenile girl, according to documents filed in circuit court.
Roger D. Plummer Jr., 33, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of second-degree statutory rape and eight counts of possession of child pornography. Plummer is incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail with no bond issued.
On August 25, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the wild poliovirus had been eliminated in 47 countries in the African region. This was a momentous milestone to reach and reflected the tremendous efforts and millions of dollars spent to achieve this goal. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the last harbors of the wild poliovirus to date.
By this time next year, researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology who study the properties of various types of materials will have a highly sophisticated scanning tool available to help them, thanks to a grant of nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation.
The Phelps/Maries County Health Department has reported four more deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the county to six total coronavirus deaths. Positive cases continue to increase, with several from the Missouri University of Science & Technology (S&T).