Yaroslov Trofimov, author of Our Enemies Will Vanish, discusses Russian invasion and Ukraine's war. The podcast covers the freakout over nanoplastics in bottled water and Trump's immunity appeal, highlighting the need to stay rational. It also explores Russian military corruption, the conflict in Ukraine, and the psychological anxiety surrounding plastic in our bodies.
Bottled water contains hundreds of thousands of untraceable nano plastics, highlighting the need for caution when consuming it.
The Ukrainian military, with its decentralized command structure and advanced technology, has been able to adapt more effectively to the evolving battlefield than the Russian military.
Deep dives
Bottled Water Contains Nano Plastics
A study conducted by researchers from Columbia University found that one liter of bottled water contains hundreds of thousands of nano plastics, which are tiny untraceable particles. These nano plastics have the potential to cause health issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, birth defects, and even death. The study revealed that there are 10 to 100 times more nano plastics in bottled water compared to larger micro plastics. While the exact impact of these nano plastics on human health is still unknown, the findings highlight the need for further research and caution when consuming bottled water.
The Ukrainian-Russian Conflict: Current Situation and Quality of Fighters
The Ukrainian-Russian conflict has reached a stalemate, with the front lines remaining relatively unchanged for over a year. The Ukrainian military has been able to prevent the Russian forces from taking significant cities and aims to impose costs on Russia while minimizing casualties. The quality of fighters on both sides has been impacted, as many experienced soldiers have been killed and the forces now consist of a mix of professionals and newcomers. The Ukrainian military, with its decentralized command structure and utilization of advanced technology like drones and a battle management system, has been able to adapt more effectively to the evolving battlefield than the Russian military. The Ukrainian government is relying on international support, including funding and military equipment, to continue holding the line against Russian aggression.
Finding Nano Plastics in Bottled Water
A recent study conducted by researchers using laser beams found that bottled water contains a significant amount of nano plastics, which are tiny untraceable particles. The study examined several popular bottled water brands and discovered particle levels ranging from 110,000 to 400,000 per liter. Remarkably, 90% of these particles were nano plastics. While the health impacts of these nano plastics are still unclear, there is growing concern about their potential to cause gastrointestinal disorders, birth defects, and other health issues. These findings underscore the need for further investigation and caution when consuming bottled water.
The Ukrainian-Russian Conflict: Strategies and Outcomes
The Ukrainian-Russian conflict has entered a phase of defense for Ukraine, as they seek to prevent Russia from capturing significant cities and imposing costs on the Russian forces. The goal is to inflict casualties on the Russian military, destroy their tanks and planes, and prepare for a potential counter-offensive in the future. The Ukrainian strategy acknowledges that gaining back lost territory is unlikely in the near term, but aims to protect Ukrainian sovereignty and prevent a total victory for Russia. The outcome of the conflict remains uncertain, as it is influenced by factors such as the exhaustion of Russian forces, potential changes in Russian leadership, and the impact on the Russian economy. Ukraine seeks to continue relying on international support, particularly from the United States, to sustain their defense efforts.
A new study shows more plastic than could be imagined, and certainly seen, in bottled water. The coverage demands a freakout, rationality demands you take a deep breath, a deep sip, and relax. Plus, the Trump immunity appeal makes for captivating viewing. And we're joined once more by Yaroslov Trofimov, author of OurEnemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine's War of Independence.
