BREAKING NEWS: Science (2) http://feed.informer.com/digests/FY5FRZN5AD/feeder BREAKING NEWS: Science (2) Respective post owners and feed distributors Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:03:07 +0000 Feed Informer http://feed.informer.com/ Taxi, Ambulance Drivers Fare Better With Alzheimer's https://www.newser.com/story/361526/taxi-drivers-may-have-an-edge-over-alzheimers.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:dc0a5733-604f-5ae3-3b5b-3ed7cb89a642 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:35:00 +0000 <img src='http://img1-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1580968-0-20241226190502.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />A new study suggests that turning off GPS in the car and instead navigating by your own wits may help stave off Alzheimer's. The study in the British Medical Journal found that taxi drivers and ambulance drivers died of the ailment less than people in other professions, reports HealthDay . Researchers... National Trust warns UK's most precious heritage at risk from extreme weather https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20e338wlxno BBC News - Science &amp; Environment urn:uuid:9fdbb87f-a208-f33a-5107-66af518a0564 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:09:22 +0000 A blurring of the distinctions between seasons is also a challenge for insects and their predators. How NASA Astronauts Celebrated Christmas 250 Miles Above Earth https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/science/iss-astronauts-holiday-celebration.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:b9da70e7-9a44-957d-d84e-32fd0b109278 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 23:45:02 +0000 The astronauts on the I.S.S. — including two who were scheduled to return months ago — held a zero-gravity cookie-decorating contest and built a reindeer from storage bags. This week in science: Carnivorous squirrels, ancient biodiversity and new dog history https://www.npr.org/2024/12/26/nx-s1-5233120/this-week-in-science-carnivorous-squirrels-ancient-biodiversity-and-new-dog-history NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:2dfc3aa0-9060-0921-25e5-c4a057602d45 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 22:20:45 +0000 NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Jessica Yung of Short Wave about carnivorous squirrels, the history of life on Earth, and new insights into the relationship between people and dogs. <p>NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Jessica Yung of Short Wave about carnivorous squirrels, the history of life on Earth, and new insights into the relationship between people and dogs.</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5233120' /> Some whales live more than 100 years, smashing previous life expectancy estimates: Report https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/news/whles-life-expectancy-research-report-b2670301.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:de4310ff-cc31-878a-8542-b2b79a1f7278 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 21:35:13 +0000 <p>A recent report published in Science Advances concluded that most great whale species have an’ unrecognized potential for great longevity’ </p> Bird flu has killed 20 big cats including cougars at a U.S. wildlife sanctuary https://www.npr.org/2024/12/26/nx-s1-5239841/bird-flu-kills-20-cats-washington-sanctuary NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:4498fe71-e9e1-2cdb-8306-5c5e4954286a Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:41:04 +0000 The sanctuary in Washington state said it was working with officials to determine the cause of the outbreak, which has killed over half of its cats in recent weeks. <img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5316x3544+0+0/resize/5316x3544!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2F1a%2F10eed930444e9ea18ed27e6eb356%2Fgettyimages-1161044559.jpg' alt='A cougar is seen in a forest in autumn. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington says bird flu has killed 20 of its big cats, including cougars, in the past month.'/><p>The sanctuary in Washington state said it was working with officials to determine the cause of the outbreak, which has killed over half of its cats in recent weeks.</p><p>(Image credit: iStock)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5239841' /> Orca Who Carried Dead Calf Has a New Baby https://www.newser.com/story/361588/orca-who-carried-dead-calf-gives-birth-to-another.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:ab7cb480-a759-c190-fd79-31b85593c597 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:40:00 +0000 <img src='http://img2-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1580975-0-20241226110019.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />She became one of the most famous killer whales in existence for all the wrong reasons, but now Tahlequah is making headlines for happier ones. The orca in Puget Sound first came to the world's attention in 2018 when she carried her dead calf for 17 days across 1,000... Scientists stunned to find strange ‘alien plant’ that doesn’t belong to any known species https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/alien-plant-mystery-unknown-species-b2670201.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:306f7cdf-e129-876b-b73a-87550dfd00de Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:39:13 +0000 <p>Findings point to lack of clarity on how diverse ecosystems were before they were lost to time, researchers say </p> Scientists measure exact speed of human thought and the results are surprising https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/human-thought-speed-brain-caltech-pet-scan-b2670198.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:c9b12604-6e47-f8c1-3729-adeeac4889f2 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:31:19 +0000 <p>Brain processes signals from sensory organs at only about 10 bits per second, researchers say </p> When Britain used supernatural policemen to hunt down its criminals https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/gloucestershire-uley-gods-temple-curse-tablets-b2670192.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:71eba5c3-a691-a2b4-9844-3b861e40a2fb Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:25:08 +0000 <p>Curse tablets, from a now vanished temple near Uley, are revealing how Romano-Britons dealt with criminals</p> Revealing the secrets of Britain’s lost world: Archaeologists discover Stone Age artefacts under North Sea https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/stone-age-uk-north-sea-artefacts-b2670049.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:e150a20d-2b3c-57c8-659f-7d5f2fe0c492 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:02:25 +0000 <p>Archaeologists are recovering Stone Age artefacts from the bottom of the North Sea</p> Scientists make ‘shocking’ predatory discovery about California’s ground squirrels https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/squirrels-eat-meat-rat-california-b2670180.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:f8759b6e-b65c-cb72-dd6c-2bf73cb57f26 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:59:07 +0000 <p>Ravenous California ground squirrels have been hunting and eating rodents for the first time </p> Human Thought Is Far Slower Than Your Internet Connection https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/science/speed-of-thought.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:f961c6c5-677a-c60c-93a8-59e31f9e6947 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:02:10 +0000 A new study is “a bit of a counterweight to the endless hyperbole about how incredibly complex and powerful the human brain is,” one researcher said. In Some Doctors’ Offices, the Weigh-In Is No Longer Required https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/health/weight-measurement-doctors-offices.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:7d3768d1-6439-cabc-276b-5bb2ddfee4c7 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:00:25 +0000 It may be a longstanding practice, but critics say routine weight measurements are driving some patients away from care. History of the Self: Love https://www.npr.org/2024/12/26/1221596357/history-of-the-self-love NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:9f25683a-35b6-1eb1-eb1c-ba4ca633f33e Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000 How did love – this thing that's supposed to be beautiful, magical, transformative – turn into a neverending slog? We went searching for answers, and we found them in surprising places. On today's show: a time-hopping, philosophical journey into the origins of modern love. (This episode first ran as Love, Throughline)<br><br>To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline. <img src='https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/12/20/square-ep-art-template-c-c585ebce71d7064cad1eb4f3ceb880a175d19fc7.jpg' alt='undefined'/><p>How did love – this thing that's supposed to be beautiful, magical, transformative – turn into a neverending slog? We went searching for answers, and we found them in surprising places. On today's show: a time-hopping, philosophical journey into the origins of modern love. (This episode first ran as Love, Throughline)<br><br>To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline.</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=1221596357' /> Indian Ocean Tsunami Was the Deadliest in History. 20 Years Later, Challenges Still Remain. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/science/tsunami-2004-20th-anniversary.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:aca5c8ec-baa7-9f6b-e30e-5aa4e47eeccc Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:01:21 +0000 Experts said they were “blind” to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Twenty years later, working toward a world without tsunami deaths is a challenge. Vegetarian piranha and Leonardo DiCaprio snake among new species named in 2024 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/new-species-2024-leonardo-dicaprio-snake-flying-dinosaur-b2670011.html - Science RSS Feed urn:uuid:fa0ac000-bb27-6875-03e1-ed24e935d646 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 03:59:14 +0000 <p>A vegetarian <a href="/topic/piranha">piranha</a> from the Amazon and a flying <a href="/topic/dinosaur">dinosaur</a> found on the <a href="/topic/isle-of-skye">Isle of Skye</a> are among the <a href="/topic/species">species</a> previously unknown that have been named this year.</p> Deadline to record forgotten footpaths to be scrapped https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy89yddgg7yo BBC News - Science &amp; Environment urn:uuid:7d40b1fe-3439-dc8d-7dac-707b6dd29c78 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 02:01:02 +0000 Walking campaigners welcome the move, which the government says will help prevent paths from being lost. Illegal trade booms in South Africa's 'super-strange looking' plants https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced8v60q4x7o BBC News - Science &amp; Environment urn:uuid:c0bb1b5f-ad0c-94be-640f-40c0714d5e62 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:47:23 +0000 A biodiversity hotspot has become the stomping ground of poachers. Snowboarder's death in Swiss Alps avalanche is a reminder that even pros face risk https://www.npr.org/2024/12/25/g-s1-40004/snowboarder-death-alps-avalanche-dangers NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:0ec074d0-33f2-080e-45a5-d4f9fd9dd764 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 23:50:52 +0000 The death of an Olympic snowboarding athlete is a reminder that even the most skilled and experienced athletes are not immune to the threat of avalanches, and that knowledge is key to staying safe. <img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/6000x4000!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff7%2F24%2F7c314a5c45aabbdb823ade8efdec%2Fgettyimages-1955159639.jpg' alt='Sophie Hediger takes 2nd place during the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup Men's and Women's Snowboard Cross on January 26, 2024 in St Moritz, Switzerland.'/><p>The death of an Olympic snowboarding athlete is a reminder that even the most skilled and experienced athletes are not immune to the threat of avalanches, and that knowledge is key to staying safe.</p><p>(Image credit: Millo Moravski/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=g-s1-40004' /> Scientists await signal from spacecraft after historic close encounter with the sun https://www.npr.org/2024/12/25/g-s1-39996/scientists-await-signal-from-spacecraft-after-historic-close-encounter-with-the-sun NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:756781bb-2351-1aff-c5cd-810be2904495 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 22:52:48 +0000 To get so close, the Parker Solar Probe had to withstand the sun's extreme heat and radiation like no spacecraft before it. <img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x2813+0+0/resize/5000x2813!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffa%2F0f%2F4a8c9b444f6e9faf07d414790090%2Fap18212802850041.jpg' alt='This image made available by NASA shows an artist's rendering of the Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun.'/><p>To get so close, the Parker Solar Probe had to withstand the sun's extreme heat and radiation like no spacecraft before it.</p><p>(Image credit: Steve Gribben/AP)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=g-s1-39996' /> Bird flu kills 20 big cats at US animal sanctuary https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyvx4d1n4vo BBC News - Science &amp; Environment urn:uuid:ef318a67-341f-df6a-ab3e-03ed9cc25a0f Wed, 25 Dec 2024 21:36:59 +0000 The animals - including a Bengal tiger, cougars and bobcats - have died of the virus over the past several weeks. William Labov, Who Studied How Society Shapes Language, Dies at 97 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/us/william-labov-dead.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:3e07ac57-5a81-51be-dd74-b50c402d471b Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:28:56 +0000 He laid the foundation for sociolinguistics, and he showed that structures like class and race shaped speech as much as where someone lives. Popular 'Decongestant' Will Stop Being Sold https://www.newser.com/story/361523/popular-decongestant-doesnt-work-what-does.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:afd3bd70-32cf-4eaa-54fb-6e84c5a60f59 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:29:00 +0000 <img src='http://img1-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1580698-0-20241225134808.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />Changes are coming to the cold and cough aisle of your local pharmacy: US officials are moving to phase out the leading decongestant found in hundreds of over-the-counter medicines, concluding that it doesn't actually relieve nasal congestion, the AP reports. Phenylephrine is used in popular versions of Sudafed, Dayquil, and... Giant sloths and mastodons lived with humans for millennia in the Americas https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/giant-sloths-and-mastodons-lived-with-humans-for-millennia-in-the-americas-new-discoveries-suggest/articleshow/116653684.cms Health News &amp; Science News - Times of India urn:uuid:f7e8153f-b50f-d554-4257-9daf5f6bed88 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 10:14:21 +0000 <img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/116653684.cms" />Prehistoric sloths were massive creatures with large claws, suggesting early humans in the Americas might have coexisted with them for millennia. New findings from Brazil's Santa Elina site imply ancient humans arrived earlier than previously thought, using sloth bones for tools and ornaments, challenging the theory that humans quickly caused their extinction. The Animal Celebrities Who Surprised, Soothed and Screamed at Us in 2024 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/science/animals-flaco-pnut.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:14a74fce-59a8-8b08-1aee-1d414ae05d75 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 10:00:38 +0000 Moo Deng the pygmy hippo, Flaco the escaped eagle-owl, Charlotte the maybe-pregnant stingray — they distracted us from the messy human world but were also clear reflections of it. Blight destroyed the American chestnut tree. Can scientists bring it back? https://www.npr.org/2024/12/25/1221512098/american-chestnut-tree-blight-restoration NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:1b083846-58c7-eff1-9de9-5924d75773cc Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:00:59 +0000 In the early 20th century, a blight fungus wiped out most of the 4 billion American chestnut trees on the eastern seaboard. The loss was ecologically devastating. <em>Short Wave</em> host <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/767284140/emily-kwong">Emily Kwong</a> dives deep into how scientists are trying to resurrect the American chestnut tree — and recent controversy over a plan to plant genetically modified chestnuts in the wild. <br><br><em>Want to hear about more efforts to recover endangered or lost species? Let us know by emailing </em><a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org"><em>shortwave@npr.org</em></a><em>!</em> <img src='https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/12/23/12.25.24-ep_wide-7e6379507dd003d813a7ca3e80ffcf0f0e855be5.jpg' alt='An open burr of the American chestnut tree. Functionally extinct since the mid-20th century, the American Chestnut Foundation has been spearheading a multi-pronged approach to bring the tree back to life.'/><p>In the early 20th century, a blight fungus wiped out most of the 4 billion American chestnut trees on the eastern seaboard. The loss was ecologically devastating. <em>Short Wave</em> host <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/767284140/emily-kwong">Emily Kwong</a> dives deep into how scientists are trying to resurrect the American chestnut tree — and recent controversy over a plan to plant genetically modified chestnuts in the wild. <br><br><em>Want to hear about more efforts to recover endangered or lost species? Let us know by emailing </em><a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org"><em>shortwave@npr.org</em></a><em>!</em></p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=1221512098' /> What do insects do all winter? https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/what-do-insects-do-all-winter/articleshow/116649968.cms Health News &amp; Science News - Times of India urn:uuid:6687f6bf-c11b-e3e9-1626-8949c70ac017 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:59:19 +0000 <img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/116649968.cms" /> Penguins and iceberg-watching: Marking Christmas in Antarctica https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yd32zng7wo BBC News - Science &amp; Environment urn:uuid:2bc1a981-1b0d-57a5-aec2-bed9a5a4e00d Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:39:01 +0000 Staff working out in the wilds of Antarctica share their Christmas Day plans. 20 Big Cats Die From Bird Flu at a Washington Sanctuary https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/us/big-cat-bird-flu-deaths-washington.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:1583714e-1e25-d1be-f001-e427a3a0e44a Wed, 25 Dec 2024 04:48:20 +0000 More than half of the cats at the sanctuary in Shelton, Wash., died of the virus over the past several weeks. Nasa makes closest-ever approach to the Sun by a human-made object https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/nasa-makes-closest-ever-approach-to-the-sun-by-a-human-made-object/articleshow/116646046.cms Health News &amp; Science News - Times of India urn:uuid:7cc868f7-498c-3853-c920-5a83acaadf28 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 03:10:58 +0000 <img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/116646046.cms" />Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe reached an unprecedented closeness to the Sun, enduring intense temperatures while its advanced heat shield kept internal instruments cool. The probe's mission aims to deepen our understanding of solar behavior and improve space-weather forecasting, with anticipation growing as scientists await the success confirmation. What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-12-24/holiday-viruses-bird-flu-influenza Science - Los Angeles Times urn:uuid:7018dda7-e0d9-3b6e-efc0-f0bc35c2c95b Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:28:31 +0000 <p>As friends and family visit, so too do their viruses. What's trending and where? And how can you protect yourself? The Times speaks with Peter Chin-Hong, a UCSF infectious disease doctor.</p> <p>As friends and family visit, so too do their viruses. What's trending and where? And how can you protect yourself? The Times speaks with Peter Chin-Hong, a UCSF infectious disease doctor.</p> FDA Raises Alert Level on Costco Egg Recall https://www.newser.com/story/360285/organic-eggs-sold-at-costco-are-recalled.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:5e5a84d6-cd24-dde4-4964-fd14dd510dab Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:59:23 +0000 <img src='http://img2-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1575609-0-20241224164342.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />The Food and Drug Administration has raised its alert level on a recall of organic eggs sold at Costco to its highest level. In an updated recall notice , the alert is listed as a Class 1, meaning there is a "reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a... The 12,000-Year-Old Wolves That Ate Like Dogs https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/science/dog-wolf-domestication-alaska.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:b1c135ce-36ba-2f4a-3336-0a6b015b481b Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:22:01 +0000 Animal remains unearthed in Alaska give clues to how wolves were domesticated. Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts on Big Island https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/science/kilauea-volcano-eruption-hawaii.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:83b731c5-3404-e86e-4d7c-4a8b3cc37ba7 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:44:13 +0000 Scientists said that the main hazard from the eruption on Monday was increased levels of volcanic gas. Stonehenge Might Not Be a Calendar After All https://www.newser.com/story/361511/stonehenge-is-a-monument-to-unity.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:f8940b29-6496-4c69-9383-9840d5436375 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:44:00 +0000 <img src='http://img2-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1580687-0-20241224090247.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />Researchers spoke of the connectivity of Neolithic society in announcing Stonehenge's six-ton altar stone was likely transported at least 460 miles from northeast Scotland to southern England 4,500 years ago. Now, a leading expert says the prehistoric megalithic structure could only have been created with the unity of the... NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Will Attempt the Closest Ever Pass of the Sun’s Surface https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/science/nasa-parker-solar-probe-sun.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:db360289-7005-b6bd-bb55-81a88d2bcb68 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:15:04 +0000 The Parker Solar Probe is attempting the closest ever pass of the sun’s surface on Christmas Eve. That's No Elephant. That's a Mammoth. https://www.newser.com/story/361509/thats-no-elephant-thats-a-mammoth.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:782db765-3232-94f5-7eda-1b55b5d38140 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:56:00 +0000 <img src='http://img1-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1580662-0-20241224081432.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />Russian scientists have unveiled what they say is the best-preserved mammoth carcass ever discovered—that of a juvenile dubbed "Yana." The female mammoth, believed to have been about a year old when she died an estimated 50,000 years ago, was discovered this summer in thawing permafrost in Siberia's Yakutia... Humans May Have Arrived on the Sun's '4-Yard Line' https://www.newser.com/story/361510/nasa-awaits-confirmation-of-a-mind-boggling-sun-feat.html Science &amp; Health from Newser urn:uuid:3bd66d1a-9a6a-1114-a380-4d3ff6976e3a Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:34:14 +0000 <img src='http://img2-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1580637-0-20241224070417.jpeg?width=45&height=45&crop=Y' border='0' />Confirmation awaits, but NASA scientists appear to have pulled off a remarkable Christmas Eve voyage on two fronts: The sun: The space agency's Parker Solar Probe by now should have wrapped up a flight to within 3.8 million miles of the sun, the closest any craft has ever come.... Spacecraft attempts closest-ever approach to Sun https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q7lnyw25wo BBC News - Science &amp; Environment urn:uuid:89cffcea-41b9-c314-0dc5-1d882d96553a Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:25:47 +0000 The hope is the probe could help us to better understand how the Sun works. Why scientists say we are fighting H5N1 bird flu with one hand tied behind our backs https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-12-24/restrictions-on-gain-of-function-research-have-hobbled-h5n1-bird-flu-fight Science - Los Angeles Times urn:uuid:ed0237bd-29bf-782c-b88f-26a04b33d1fc Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:09 +0000 <p>When, where and how the H5N1 bird flu virus may evolve and its capacity to spark a pandemic is hard to predict — in part, some researchers say, because of federal restrictions on gain-of-function research.</p> <p>When, where and how the H5N1 bird flu virus may evolve and its capacity to spark a pandemic is hard to predict — in part, some researchers say, because of federal restrictions on gain-of-function research.</p> How hallucinatory AI helps science dream up big breakthroughs https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/how-hallucinatory-ai-helps-science-dream-up-big-breakthroughs/articleshow/116627944.cms Health News &amp; Science News - Times of India urn:uuid:ca26cddd-8ba2-c6bc-d1e3-866630ebb042 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:07:53 +0000 <img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/116627944.cms" /> Foreign-born scientists may find it harder to work in U.S. during Trump's 2nd term https://www.npr.org/2024/12/24/nx-s1-5234263/foreign-born-scientists-may-find-it-harder-to-work-in-u-s-during-trumps-2nd-term NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:8797eca5-a212-f563-add9-4b5c9e7c7e7d Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:04:47 +0000 H-1B visas, the kind many foreign scientists need to work in the U.S. became harder to get in the first Trump Administration. That's likely to happen again. <p>H-1B visas, the kind many foreign scientists need to work in the U.S. became harder to get in the first Trump Administration. That's likely to happen again.</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5234263' /> Elon Musk Is Creating His Own Texas Town. Hundreds Already Live There. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/us/starbase-texas-city-elon-musk-spacex.html NYT > Science urn:uuid:171e20ee-afe5-c388-98e1-cca55e684b6f Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:03:07 +0000 Employees of SpaceX have filed a formal petition to create the city of Starbase. Its first mayor would be a security manager for the company. 3 new species that were discovered in 2024 https://www.npr.org/2024/12/24/nx-s1-5230189/3-new-species-that-were-discovered-in-2024 NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:8091e4df-bf6a-4ac5-f09c-39770a36a600 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:02:52 +0000 Each year, scientists add thousands of new plant and animal species to the scientific record. We learn about three that were added to the list. <p>Each year, scientists add thousands of new plant and animal species to the scientific record. We learn about three that were added to the list.</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5230189' /> 2023 was extremely hot. Then came 2024 https://www.npr.org/2024/12/24/nx-s1-5230783/2024-hottest-year-record-heat-climate-change-el-nino NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:75e119e0-390c-6107-c2de-ef532fd1e27a Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 It's looking like 2024 will be the hottest year since record-keeping began, unseating 2023 for the top spot. Climate change is playing a role, and scientists say it was even hotter than expected. <img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1024x683+0+0/resize/1024x683!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fa1%2Faaac788a40faa79f5c3dd6f2e4c5%2Fgettyimages-1541245269.jpg' alt='The average temperature across the globe in 2024 set a record. Climate change is helping drive longer and more intense heat waves.'/><p>It's looking like 2024 will be the hottest year since record-keeping began, unseating 2023 for the top spot. Climate change is playing a role, and scientists say it was even hotter than expected.</p><p>(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5230783' /> India’s push for indigenous satellites draws 30 aspirants https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/indias-push-for-indigenous-satellites-draws-30-aspirants/articleshow/116626525.cms Health News &amp; Science News - Times of India urn:uuid:c9f65a5b-1ddc-0b19-b681-ce5383aff0dd Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:22:46 +0000 <img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/116626525.cms" />In a bold move to reduce reliance on foreign Earth observation (EO) data, 30 Indian companies have come together under IN-SPACe's call to build indigenous satellites. From startups like Pixxel to conglomerates like Tata, the initiative highlights India’s push for data sovereignty. The government plans to loan Rs 3.5 billion to kickstart this groundbreaking partnership. Kids can talk to Santa through Christmas Eve thanks to shortwave radio https://www.npr.org/2024/12/23/1263339266/radio-santa-claus-christmas-carol-antarctica NPR Topics: Health &amp;amp; Science urn:uuid:a822f859-23bd-2983-6921-df3b0086cdc8 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000 On Christmas Eve, scientists at field stations across Antarctica sing carols to one another...via shortwave. On today's episode, the Short Wave podcast explores shortwave radio. We speak with space physicist and electrical engineer Nathaniel Frissell about this Antarctic Christmas Carol tradition and his use of shortwave radio for community science.<br><br><a href="https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2024/12/11/from-nepa-to-the-north-pole-ham-radio-lets-kids-talk-to-santa/"><strong>Read more</strong></a><strong> about Santa Net, which connects children (known in the shortwave radio community as "little harmonics") with Santa.</strong><br><br><em>Want more tech stories? Let us know by emailing </em><a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org"><em>shortwave@npr.org</em></a><em>!<br><br>Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/shortwave"><em>plus.npr.org/shortwave</em></a><em>.</em> <img src='https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/12/23/12.24.24-ep_wide-c17ace943de44419e7454e21913f724b7b05d793.jpg' alt='The McMurdo Station is a United States Antarctic Research Center on the south tip of Ross Island.'/><p>On Christmas Eve, scientists at field stations across Antarctica sing carols to one another...via shortwave. On today's episode, the Short Wave podcast explores shortwave radio. We speak with space physicist and electrical engineer Nathaniel Frissell about this Antarctic Christmas Carol tradition and his use of shortwave radio for community science.<br><br><a href="https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2024/12/11/from-nepa-to-the-north-pole-ham-radio-lets-kids-talk-to-santa/"><strong>Read more</strong></a><strong> about Santa Net, which connects children (known in the shortwave radio community as "little harmonics") with Santa.</strong><br><br><em>Want more tech stories? Let us know by emailing </em><a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org"><em>shortwave@npr.org</em></a><em>!<br><br>Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/shortwave"><em>plus.npr.org/shortwave</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>(Image credit: John Brown)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=1263339266' /> World's most expensive Indo-US NISAR satellite likely to be launched in March: Nasa https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/worlds-most-expensive-indo-us-nisar-satellite-likely-to-be-launched-in-march-nasa/articleshow/116610692.cms Health News &amp; Science News - Times of India urn:uuid:4be7b6d1-70d3-3c29-96c8-949038a9415d Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:02:56 +0000 <img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" style="margin-top:3px;margin-right:5px;" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/116610692.cms" />Nasa announced that NISAR, the advanced earth observation satellite developed by India and the US, is set to launch in March 2025. With dual-frequency radar, NISAR will monitor planetary changes with precision, aiding in climate change understanding and disaster response. It will provide high-resolution images and track surface changes, benefiting global natural resource management. NSF Graduate Research Fellows: Saving tigers, studying cancer and keeping park visitors safe at night https://new.nsf.gov/news/nsf-graduate-research-fellows-saving-tigers-studying-cancer NSF News urn:uuid:a0440ab7-0dfc-8635-d10a-af2fdc75716d Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:59:07 +0000 The U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) funds graduate student education across the country, helping them pursue their dreams, build their STEM career skills and do some very cool science. A genetic…