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GENERAL INTEREST
New Theory Claims to Unite Einstein's Gravity with Quantum Mechanics
Phys.Org, December 04, 2023
Modern physics is founded upon two pillars: quantum theory on the one hand, which governs the smallest particles in the universe, and Einstein's theory of general relativity on the other, which explains gravity through the bending of spacetime. But these two theories are in contradiction with each other and a reconciliation has remained elusive for over a century.
The Benin Bronzes’ Secret Ingredient
Archaeology, November-December, 2023
Despite their name, the majority of the Benin Bronzes were actually made of brass, while others were crafted from materials such as ivory, coral, leather, and wood. The precise origin of the brass used to make the metal objects has long been a mystery.
Maths in a Minute: Algorithms
Plus, November 21, 2023
The word "algorithm" has probably got more usage over the last few years than it has in its entire history. It is often associated with artificial intelligence and sometimes comes with a bit of a scary undertone. But what exactly is an algorithm?
Bringing Classical Physics into the Modern World with Galileo’s Leaning Tower of Pisa Experiment
The Conversation, December 01, 2023
The Leaning Tower of Pisa experiment is one good way to explain how classical mechanics – the field that engineers and educators employ every day – was brought into the modern world.
Math Scores Dropped Globally, but the U.S. Still Trails Other Countries
New York Times, December 05, 2023
In math, the U.S. ranked 28th out of 37 participating countries from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group that includes mostly industrialized democracies.
COSMOS
New Theory Unites Einstein’s Gravity with Quantum Mechanics
EurekAlert!, December 04, 2023
A radical theory that consistently unifies gravity and quantum mechanics while preserving Einstein’s classical concept of spacetime is announced today in two papers published simultaneously by UCL physicists.
Mars Can Wait. Questions Surround Settlements on Other Worlds
Scientific American, December 01, 2023
Establishing a permanent Mars settlement in the foreseeable future makes little sense. The weakest reason for doing it is also the strongest—and not in a good way.
“Singularities Don’t Exist,” Claims Black Hole Pioneer Roy Kerr
Big Think, December 05, 2023
The brilliant mind who discovered the spacetime solution for rotating black holes claims singularities don't physically exist. Is he right?
Solar Storm Sparks Colorful Northern Lights Unusually Far South into U.S.
Washington Post, December 01, 2023
Aurora borealis were seen early Friday in the Midwest, Northeast and as far south as Arizona. More sightings are possible Friday night.
What Is the Electroweak Force?
Symmetry, November 30, 2023
Electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force are two distinct fundamental forces. That wasn’t always the case.
INNOVATION
Uploading Your Mind to a Computer Will Require 3 Crucial Things
Science Alert, December 05, 2023
The transhumanist central hope is to transcend the human condition through scientific and technological progress. They believe mind uploading may allow us to live as long as we want (but not necessarily forever).
New Catalyst Completely Breaks Down Durable Plastic Pollution in Minutes
Sci-Tech Daily, December 03, 2023
Fishing nets, carpets, and clothing decompose without producing harmful byproducts.
Electrical Brain Implants May Help Patients with Severe Brain Injuries
Science News, December 04, 2023
The results suggest that direct stimulation of the thalamus could be used to treat cognitive impairment caused by traumatic brain injuries.
Salton Sea Could Meet Nation’s Lithium Demand for Decades, Study Finds
Grist, December 02, 2023
If the Salton Sea lithium can be extracted, it could give the U.S. the ability to produce domestically sourced lithium, ending the nation’s dependence on rival countries for a supply of the metal.
2000-Year-Old Roman Engineering Could Solve Colossal Climate Problem
Cosmos, December 02, 2023
As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome. And as the construction industry grapples with concrete’s climate problem, some engineers think a technology dating back to Roman times might hold the answer.
Robots Made from Human Cells Can Move on Their Own and Heal Wounds
Scientific American, December 2023
Researchers have created “anthrobots” out of human lung cells that are capable of moving independently and even healing damaged tissue.
HEALTH
8 Stretches to Do Before Bed
Healthline, February 05, 2021
Among natural sleep remedies — from drinking chamomile tea to diffusing essential oils — stretching is often overlooked. But this simple act may help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep.
The Best Apps for Improving Memory
Lifehacker, December 04, 2023
Whether you want to improve overall or remember something specific, try these.
One Identical Twin Went Vegan While the Other Didn’t. See What Happened
CNN, November 30, 2023
Healthy twins who ate a vegan diet for eight weeks had lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, better blood sugar levels, and greater weight loss than siblings who ate a diet of meat and vegetables, a new study found.
Big Weed Today Is a Whole Lot Like Big Tobacco in the 1950s
STAT, December 04, 2023 (opinion)
The legalization freight train rolling across the nation is replacing law enforcement with corporate marketing reminiscent of the tactics of Big Tobacco in the 20th century. It’s time for us to respond to marijuana now as we belatedly responded to tobacco.
How to Eat Before, During, and After a Run
EveryDay Health, December 01, 2023
Eat too little or inappropriate types of foods and you may find yourself dragging way too soon. Eat too much and you could deal with bloating and discomfort.
NATURE
World's Oldest Tortoise Still Randy at 191 Years Old
Live Science, December 05, 2023
Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise, has turned 191, living through 40 U.S. presidents and 31 St. Helena governors.
Kelvin-Helmholtz Clouds Look Like Ocean Waves
EarthSky, December 03, 2023 (photos + clip)
Clouds that look like waves are rare and beautiful. These clouds – known as Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, billow clouds, or shear-gravity clouds – might have been the inspiration for Van Gogh’s painting Starry Night.
Hundreds of Unknown Microbial Genomes Tell Story of Life Deep Underground
Cosmos, December 03, 2023
Researchers from Northwestern University have found nearly 600 microbial genomes, some new to science, within fracture fluids up to 1.5 kilometers below the surface.
Untangling the Genetics That Underlie Our Facial Features
Knowable, November 07, 2023
After turning up hundreds of genes with hard-to-predict effects, some scientists are now probing the grander developmental processes that shape face geometry.
How Many Oceans Are There?
How Stuff Works, November 13, 2023
Historically, there were just four oceans, but we now recognize five different oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Indian and Southern Oceans.
ENVIRONMENT
Bear Attacks in Japan Hit Record High as Hunger Forces Some to Delay Hibernation
Guardian, December 04, 2023
Six people have been killed and more than 200 injured since April, with warnings of more to come during winter.
COP28: UN Climate Talks Take Aim at Planet-Warming Food
BBC News, December 01, 2023
World leaders have for the first time promised to tackle the huge responsibility that food and agriculture have in climate change. More than 130 countries signed up to a declaration about food, on the second day of the UN climate summit COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Food contributes a third of the warming gases increasing global temperatures.
California May Face Fruit and Nut Shortage Due to Climate Change
Newsweek, December 05, 2023
Climate change will cause a surge in the crop-destroying insects threatening California's supply of fruit and nuts, a study has found.
Years After Monsanto Deal, Bayer’s Roundup Bills Keep Piling Up
New York Times, December 06, 2023
Juries recently awarded plaintiffs more than $2 billion in damages tied to Roundup, the weedkiller that has been linked to cancer. Monsanto started using the chemical glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, in the 1970s to kill weeds. It was only after the company developed genetically modified seeds in the late 1990s, however, that Roundup became the dominant weedkiller. The G.M.O. seeds were immune to Roundup, so farmers could spray it on fields, killing weeds but not the crops. Monsanto then built a giant global business by controlling the so-called glyphosate platform for both the weedkiller and the seeds resistant to it.
The Surprising Environmental Cost of Rapid Testing, Mosquito Nets, and Other Lifesaving Health Products
STAT, November 30, 2023
What happens when products that contribute to climate change also save lives — millions of them?
CLIMATE
Earth on Verge of Five Catastrophic Climate Tipping Points, Scientists Warn
Guardian, December 05, 2023
Humanity faces ‘devastating domino effects’ including mass displacement and financial ruin as planet warms.
Scientists Skip COP28 to Demand Climate Action at Home
Nature, December 05, 2023
Concerned about safety at the global climate summit and wanting to make their protests count, researchers stage demonstrations elsewhere.
Climate Justice Alliance Calls United States Contribution to the Loss and Damage Fund “Shameful” at COP28
Common Dreams, December 01, 2023
The Loss and Damage Fund was created at last year’s Conference of Parties (COP22) to ensure frontline countries bearing the brunt of environmental devastation due to climate change, are compensated for past, present, and future impacts to their economies, communities, and ecological systems.
Corporate Promotion of Carbon Capture and Storage Contradicts Science, Study Finds
DeSmog, November 30, 2023
Report shows oil and gas companies are spreading confusion over the science of climate change solutions, leading to “misguided” ideas behind CCS use.
World Poised to Hit 1.5 Degrees a Year Earlier Than Expected: Projections
Cosmos, December 05, 2023
While massive investments into clean energy technology continue across the globe, carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise to record levels, according to an annual accounting of human-made greenhouse gases relative to temperature targets.
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