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North Korea fires intercontinental missile. Here's what you need to know
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Both the United States and South Korea confirmed that North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile over the weekend, saying that the missile could hit the United States. - photo by Herb Scribner
Both the United States and South Korea confirmed that North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile over the weekend, saying that the missile could hit the United States.

The U.S. and South Korea, in response to the news, conducted a missile drill, according to BBC.

Both Russia and China have called for North Korea to end its push to be a nuclear power, according to BBC.

Theres some uncertainty about whether this new missile could hit the U.S., experts told BBC.

North Korea violated the U.N. Security Council, which told the country not to conduct missile tests. Leaders of the U.S. met with the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing issue.

Heres a quick rundown of what else you need to know about this development.

  • North Korea called the missile launch a package of gifts for America on July 4, according to CNN. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told officials to "frequently send big and small 'gift packages' to the Yankees," CNN reported.

  • The missile fired from Panghyon, North Korea, and landed in the sea just off of the Korean Peninsula, traveling about 578 miles, according to CNN.

  • Experts who analyzed the trajectory said it could reach Alaska, Slate reported. Despite its inability to reach the continental U.S., the missile's launch shows ongoing progress from the country in its desire to create long-range nuclear weaponry.

  • President Donald Trump criticized North Koreas decision on Twitter.













    • He also blamed China for working with North Korea.







      • Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for global action to stop North Korea. He said, Global action is required to stop a global threat. Any country that hosts North Korean guest workers, provides any economic or military benefits, or fails to fully implement U.N. Security Council resolutions is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime.

      • U.S. officials feel there is no easy way to handle the North Korea standoff, according to The New York Times. A surgical strike or attack would provoke a brutal counterattack against South Korea too bloody and damaging to risk, The Times reported.

      • So whats the solution? CNNs John Everard opined that there are no easy options. Countries could impose economic sanctions, leading to a mass domestic revolt. But that will have consequences, since China has an economic stake in the country, too. Military action would lead to damage across the region, too, he wrote.

Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.