Deborah Block

Fantasy, Fun for Adults at Summer Camp for Nerds

In the United States, summer camps are popular for children. But recently a five-day summer camp took place for adults with a unique twist — it was just for nerds. Mocked for decades in popular culture, nerds are sometimes described as overly studious, socially awkward, and passionate about the arcane. VOA's Deborah Block visited Epic Nerd Camp in Maryland.

When Americans Go On Vacation, Puppy Checks Into Luxury Resort

In the United States, dog owners often treat their pets like family. When people go on vacation, they may not take their dogs with them but want them to be well taken care of while they are gone. Doggie boarding facilities are popular alternatives where pets can stay overnight or even longer. Some pet parents even take their dog to a fancy pet resort for top notch services. VOA's Deborah Block shows us a luxury pet resort in Virginia.

Dogs Go on Vacation to Luxury Pet Resort

In the United States, dog owners often treat their pets like family. When people go on vacation, they may not take their dogs with them but want them to be well taken care of while they are gone. Doggie boarding facilities are popular alternatives where pets can stay overnight or even longer. Some pet parents even take their dog to a fancy pet resort for top notch services. VOA's Deborah Block shows us a luxury pet resort in Virginia.

Technology Helps People who are Visually Impaired to 'See' Art

Museums across the United States are striving to be more accessible to everyone. That includes touchable versions of photographs and paintings for people who may not be able to see them. At a recent expo by the American Alliance of Museums in New Orleans, new technology was used to help the visually impaired “see” art and pictures. VOA’s Deborah Block tells us more.

Technology Helps People who are Blind to 'See' Art

Museums across the United States are striving to be more accessible to everyone. That includes touchable versions of photographs and paintings for people who may not be able to see them. At a recent expo by the American Alliance of Museums in New Orleans, new technology was used to help the visually impaired “see” art and pictures. VOA’s Deborah Block tells us more.

Smithsonian Museum Wows with Fossils Going Back Billions of Years

A remarkable fossils exhibition opens at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington on Saturday. Located in the newly restored fossil hall, it contains over 700 fossils, including dinosaurs, plants and insects going back billions of years. But as we hear from VOA’s Deborah Block, among these ancient remains is an underlying message about the future... and the importance of protecting the earth

Smithsonian Museum Wows With Fossils Going Back Billions of Years

New fossils exhibition has just opened at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington

First African American to Lead the Smithsonian Institution

The huge Smithsonian Institution is getting a new leader soon — the first insider and African American. Lonnie Bunch, the founding director of the Smithsonian's popular National Museum of African American history and culture in Washington, will become the new secretary June 16. As we hear from VOAs Deborah Block, Bunch says the Smithsonian should be a place to help everyone understand a diverse America.

Washington Restaurants Urged to Cater to Muslims During Ramadan

Washington Restaurants Encouraged to Cater to Muslims During Ramadan

In the Washington area, there is a push to give Muslims more dining options during Ramadan. Local restaurants would open a couple of hours earlier or later during the holy month to accommodate Muslim customers who fast from sunrise to sunset. The moves give Muslims more places to dine and restaurants more customers to serve. A couple of restaurants that are open late have joined the effort with the hope others will follow. VOA's Deborah Block tells us about the initiative called Dine After Dark.

Company Touts the Value of Ice Cream Made with Insects

Lately we've been hearing about the nutritional value of eating insects, such as high-protein ants, grasshoppers and crickets. But what about insects in ice cream? A company in South Africa is producing just that, saying the sweet treat may even be better with bugs. VOAs Deborah Block tells us about it.

New Fingerprint Technology Could Help Solve Old Crimes

A new mass spectroscopy machine is helping forensic scientists who are looking for a much better view of fingerprints on objects used in a crime. The current methods of making a copy of a fingerprint may not be good enough and DNA swabbing can damage evidence. VOAs Deborah Block reports.

Wisconsin Cat Gets New Prosthetic Legs

A cat who lost his back legs when he was hit by a train got a new lease on life by getting new prosthetic limbs. They were designed by engineering students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison using a 3D printer. VOA's Deborah Block has more.

Invasive Species Causing Environmental Decline, New Report Warns

The U.N. released a new global report on the environment this week. It says the decline of nature is unprecedented, and species extinction is accelerating. The study warns that many factors are having a severe impact, including climate change, pollution, deforestation, and invasive plants and animals. VOA's Deborah Block has more.

New Report Warns that Invasive Species Causing Environmental Decline

The United Nations released a global report on the environment this week. It says the decline of nature is unprecedented and species extinction is accelerating. The study warns that many factors are having a severe impact, including climate change, pollution, deforestation, and invasive plants and animals. In South Africa, the Garden Route National Park is a place where a large number of invasive plants have taken over. VOA's Deborah Block tells us how officials are working to keep them at bay.

Africa’s Lakes and Rivers Thrive on Hippo Dung

Hippos are helping to rejuvenate African rivers and lakes. Scientists say the animal's nutrient-rich dung makes them vital to the health of the aquatic ecosystem. But the researchers also warn that the dwindling hippo population could prove harmful to those waterways. VOAs Deborah Block takes us to Kenya where the scientists did their latest research.

Human Library Project Works to Eliminate Prejudice, Discrimination

In this third annual event, the “collection” included a civil rights activist, NASA scientist, and an opera singer

Human Library Project Works to Eliminate Prejudice, Discrimination

The saying "don't judge a book by its cover," means you shouldn't prejudge the value of something by its outward appearance. At a college near Washington, DC, some people became human books, of sorts, as they discussed how appearances can be deceiving and cause preconceived biases. As we hear from VOAs Deborah Block, some of them talked about their struggles and achievements despite difficult circumstances.

Scouts BSA Girl Troops Gaining Popularity in US

Girls 11-17 were officially welcomed into Boy Scout programs beginning in February; those who joined say they like the challenge of doing the same scouting activities as boys

Boy Scout "Girls" Troops Gain Popularity in the United States

It is a tradition in some families for boys to join the Boy Scouts of America. And now it's becoming a tradition for girls, too. In February, girls were officially allowed to join all activities in the Boy Scouts, now called Scouts BSA to reflect the change. But the girls and boys are in separate troops. VOA's Deborah Block visited two all-girl troops in the Washington area to see how they are liking scouts so far.