WEIRD SCIENCE
A simulated image of how microlensing works, where the gravity of a foreground planet distorts the light from a background star. Jan Skowron/Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw – By Michael Irving 2020 Oct 29 – While almost every planet we’ve ever found orbits a …
An alert said malicious groups are targeting the healthcare sector with attacks designed to lock up information systems and steal data. The FBI warned that the US healthcare system is facing an ‘imminent’ cybercrime threat. Photograph: J David Ake/AP – By Guardian staff …
Yes, that’s a license plate on the back of the Pal-V Liberty, which this Dutch company claims is the world’s first production-model flying car. Pal-V — View 13 Images – By Loz Blain 2020 Oct 28 – Dutch company Pal-V has celebrated a milestone …
Exclusive: expedition discovers new source of greenhouse gas off East Siberian coast has been triggered. Researchers worry that the Laptev Sea findings may signal a new climate feedback loop has been triggered. Photograph: Markus Rex/Alfred-Wegener-Institut – By Jonathan Watts Global environment editor, @jonathanwatts …
Has the ISS benefited society? Scientists are divided: for some, it’s a beacon of unity; for others, just a set for an action film. Astronaut Mike Hopkins during a spacewalk from the ISS in December 2013. Photograph: Nasa/Reuters – By Robin McKie 2020 …
For one hour in October, the entire state of South Australia drew its energy purely from solar. gyuszko/Depositphotos – By Nick Lavars 2020 Oct 25 – Climate change, advances in technology and lower costs are driving the adoption of solar around the world, but …
The laser weapon system is designed to be mounted on a variety of platforms. General Atomics – By David Szondy 2020 Oct 23 – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Boeing have entered into a partnership to develop a scalable 100 kW to 250 …
The tardigrade is known to be one of nature’s hardiest creatures, and scientists have just discovered a new species that uses a previously unknown tool to survive. DenisSmile/Depositphotos – By Nick Lavars 2020 Oct 13 – The tardigrade is one of nature’s toughest …
While it’s always been a boon to Popeye’s “muskles,” it looks like spinach may also have a role to play in clean future batteries. Credit: Ataly/Shutterstock – By Robby Berman 2020 Oct 06 – Scientists are seeking sustainable, clean chemicals for use in …
A series of recent studies found that people with healthy levels of vitamin D were less likely to contract COVID-19 and suffer severe complications from it. Vitamin D supplement. Credit: ExQuisine via Adobe Stock – By Stephen Johnson 2020 Oct 06 – Vitamin …