A rare ozone hole over the Arctic
The hole is the biggest such atmospheric opening ever recorded over the planet’s northernmost regions, scientists say. Persistent cold temperatures in the polar region and unusually quiet ozone dynamics have caused record depletion of Earth’s protective ozone layer over the Arctic, according to Paul Newman, chief scientist for Earth sciences at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight…
Military Wants to Build Mobile Microreactor
In order to reduce reliance on local electric grids, the military wants to build mobile microreactors. The U.S. Department of Defense wants to build a prototype advanced mobile nuclear microreactor at the Idaho National Laboratory in eastern Idaho, saying they are needed to ensure the military’s energy supply. For more, check out this IEN story.
COVID-19 Antibody testing on the way
It’s not the COVID-19 test to see if you have it, but a test to see if you already had it. As officials begin to discuss when they can lift stay-at-home orders, companies are rushing to develop coronavirus antibody tests that could help them make those decisions without risking a second wave of infections. For…
Coronavirus Ventilators for $100
A DIY contraption to help in these challenging times. Made with “primarily a garden hose, a lamp timer and electronic valve,” the ventilator, named the Robertson Ventilator, for less than $100, can be assembled in approximately 20 to 30 minutes, meaning a dedicated team of four to five could produce nearly 100 in a day…
Evidence of rainforest uncovered beneath Antarctic ice
Scientists have found evidence of a 90-million-year-old rainforest lurking beneath Antarctic ice. The sediment core obtained by scientists working aboard the research icebreaker RV Polarstern in the Amundsen Sea near the Pine Island Glacier dated to about 90 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period when dinosaurs were the dominant land animals. For more, check…
Tests of potential coronavirus vaccine
With all the dire news lately, it is good to hear something encouraging…a potential vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and tested successfully in mice, researchers reported Thursday. As far as reaching clinical trials, “we would like to think a month, give or take. Maybe two months. We just started the process,” said co-author Louis…
Maybe we shouldn’t be using Zoom after all?
Yikes, if what this article says is generally true, you might want to pause a moment before installing Zoom. Zoom’s recent popularity has also shone a spotlight on the company’s security protections and privacy promises. Just today, The Intercept reported that Zoom video calls are not end-to-end encrypted, despite the company’s claims that they are….
How to make your home into a workable school
Many folks around the world are heading into uncharted waters to educate their children at home. USA Today has provided some helpful tips. All across the country, parents are looking for silver linings as they dig into this new norm, working, parenting, and now teaching from home. Here are some of the biggest dos and…
FDA Issues Alert Over Fake COVID-19 Test Kits
Not a lot of tech news lately as can be expected. What little science news is usually surrounding COVID-19. So, consider this a Public Service Announcement -the FDA is taking action over unapproved home testing kits. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a statement on how it is “actively and aggressively” on alert for…
Our galaxy might be trapped in a giant bubble
Watching the reboot of the Cosmos series has reignited my wonder of space. An enormous bubble surrounding our part of the universe could explain some discrepancies from our telescopes. To watch the video, check out this USA Today page.