Wed.Sep 08, 2021

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As the Planet Has Warmed, Weather Disasters Have Grown Fivefold, Analysis Shows

Yale E360

Weather disasters have become five times more common since 1970, due in large part to climate change, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Read more on E360 ?.

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mRNA cancer therapy now in human trials after shrinking mouse tumours

New Scientist

An mRNA cancer treatment developed by BioNTech and Sanofi is being tested in people after shrinking tumours in mice, and is hoped to repeat the success of mRNA covid-19 vaccines

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Invading black hole or neutron star caused star to explode, say astronomers

Physics World

A black hole or a neutron star may have merged with a normal massive star and caused it to explode in a supernova, according to Caltech’s Dillon Dong and colleagues. Dong says that such explosions could occur at minimum rate of “one explosion per 10 million years in a galaxy like the Milky Way”. Many stars are born in pairs, and two stars massive enough to explode as supernovae can be close companions.

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An Introduction to Bird Banding

Cool Green Science

Bird banding has become one of the most useful tactics in bird conservation. Here’s what you need to know. The post An Introduction to Bird Banding appeared first on Cool Green Science.

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Manufacturing Sustainability Surge: Your Guide to Data-Driven Energy Optimization & Decarbonization

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets.

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Tandem solar cells edge towards 30% efficiency

Physics World

Late in 2020, scientists in Germany and Lithuania announced a new milestone in so-called “tandem” solar cells – that is, cells made from two different types of photovoltaic material. Writing in Science , the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin/Kaunas University team reported that its perovskite/silicon tandem cell had a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 29.15%, beating out the previous maximum of 26.2% for a tandem cell.

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The world is running out of microchips – here’s the solution

New Scientist

The chips at the heart of our digital devices are manufactured by a few large companies, but an open-source approach to design could end their dominance - with implications for everyone

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58 per cent of oil must stay in the ground to meet 1.5°C climate goal

New Scientist

Energy companies and nations must leave nine tenths of Earth’s coal and almost two thirds of its known oil and gas in the ground if the world is to hold temperatures to a target beyond which climate change’s impacts are dangerously amplified, researchers have calculated.

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Radiotherapy innovation: optimize the physics, but don’t ignore the biology

Physics World

Exceptional contribution: Natalka Suchowerska received the ESTRO honorary membership award for her achievements in innovation. (Courtesy: N Suchowerska). “I’d like to reflect on the relationship between the successes we’ve had with physics and technology – and the relative neglect of the biology – in radiation therapy.” With these bold words, Natalka Suchowerska opened her presentation at the recent ESTRO 2021 meeting.

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Siemens Gamesa makes "world's first" recyclable wind turbine

Inhabitant

Siemens Gamesa claims to have created the world's first recyclable wind turbine blades. The RecyclableBlade turbine blades are ready to be used offshore. The new blade design allows the parts and materials to disintegrate at the end of their lifespan.

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Misophonia Might Not Be about Hating Sounds After All

Scientific American

The phenomenon triggers strong negative reactions to everyday sounds but might come from subconscious mirroring behavior. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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A US military robot ship has fired a large missile for the first time

New Scientist

The US Department of Defense has released footage of an uncrewed ship firing a large missile, in a demonstration of its Ghost Fleet Overlord programme, an initiative to develop robot vessels that can operate alongside crewed warships

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What Structural Engineers Learned from 9/11

Scientific American

Members of the profession study such tragic events to try and ensure that something similar won’t happen again. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

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5 fruit and veg, 8 hours’ sleep: Should we trust daily health targets?

New Scientist

Many of us aim for “recommended dailies” such as 10,000 steps, 2000 calories or 2 minutes of tooth brushing. But where do these figures come from and are they supported by evidence?

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The Terrible Toll of 76 Autoimmune Diseases

Scientific American

This list shows how common each disorder is, which body parts are stricken, and the illnesses’ tendency to afflict women. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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Covid-19 news: 80 per cent of over 16s in UK are now fully vaccinated

New Scientist

The latest coronavirus news updated every day including coronavirus cases, the latest news, features and interviews from New Scientist and essential information about the covid-19 pandemic

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Museum Innovation Fund

Academy of Natural Sciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University recently launched the Museum Innovation Fund to provide seed funding to Drexel faculty and students for projects that promote conception and rapid prototyping of innovative approaches to museum learning and engagement. Through this initiative, the Academy hopes to establish an open innovation culture — one that promotes prototyping, nurtures fresh thinking, and adopts a creative planning cycle.

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Why cutting down on digging the garden can actually be good for soil

New Scientist

From novices to hard-core allotmenteers, all gardeners could benefit from the “no dig” method. New research suggests it may improve the soil, increase yields and reduce carbon emissions too.

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20 livestock firms emit more greenhouse gas than Britain, France or Germany

Inhabitant

What produces 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide? The animal agriculture sector. According to a new report by animal campaigners, 20 livestock companies contribute more emissions than Britain, France or Germany. And governments subsidize them to do so.

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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When two grown men squared off over the size of their trajectories

New Scientist

Billionaires clash over their rockets, the amount of time food adds to or takes off your lifespan and horsing around with drugs all feature in Feedback’s weekly weird round-up

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Contest Challenges Inventors to Harness Wave Power to Desalinate Seawater

Scientific American

The Department of Energy wants devices that could be deployed to disaster areas that have lost electricity. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

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What we know so far about booster shots and the covid-19 vaccines

New Scientist

Some countries are already pushing ahead with covid-19 vaccine booster programmes, but rapidly rolling out third shots in wealthy countries isn’t necessarily the best plan

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Success! Perseverance Mars Rover Finally Collects Its First Rock Core

Scientific American

The mission is living up to its name, drilling and storing a Martian rock after a misstep in August. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

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The toxic error at the heart of efforts to curb heavy metal pollution

New Scientist

Environmental limits on dangerous metals like mercury and lead shouldn't just keep humans safe, but other animals too, say Coline Monchanin and Mathieu Lihoreau

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Ag & Food Law Daily Update: September 8, 2021

National Law Center

A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions HERE. REGULATORY: EPA, The post Ag & Food Law Daily Update: September 8, 2021 appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

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Animals at London zoo get their annual weigh-in

New Scientist

A few cunning tactics are needed to measure some of the animals at London Zoo, including strategically placing treats to entice squirrel monkeys to step onto some scales

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So, you want to start a solar co-op?

Environmental Law Centre

So, you want to start a solar co-op? In conjunction with our recently released report Here Comes the Sun: Solar Law in Alberta we have. The post So, you want to start a solar co-op? appeared first on Environmental Law Centre.

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Wooden robot arm is powered by plastic muscles

New Scientist

A new polymer that stores energy when it is stretched and deformed has been used as an artificial muscle to bend the elbow joint of a simple wooden robot

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Designing sustainable habitats at the San Diego Zoo

Inhabitant

What’s more amazing, a tiny nectar-drinking bird that weighs less than a nickel and can fly backward, or a giant carnivorous lizard that can smell a dying animal up to six miles away? They’re both impressive, and now visitors to the San Diego Zoo can experience both hummingbirds and Komodo dragons in brand new habitats just steps away from each other.

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Half-metre-long predator was giant of the seas 500 million years ago

New Scientist

Most animals that lived in the Cambrian period were small enough to rest comfortably in the palm of your hand – but Titanokorys was much bigger

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Earth911 Quiz #81: The Plastic Recycling Crisis

Earth 911

We recently reported on changes in plastic recycling that signal a crisis has arrived. In. The post Earth911 Quiz #81: The Plastic Recycling Crisis appeared first on Earth911.

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Rare kakapo parrot is genetically healthy despite being very inbred

New Scientist

The kakapo, a critically endangered flightless parrot native to New Zealand, is in better genetic health than expected due to long isolation

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ODA's vibrant new complex transforms a conventional DC block

Inhabitant

West Half by ODA New York is a multi-use complex that combines architecture, interior design and landscape design to promote environmentally-friendly construction and harness a sense of community. Located in Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard, the 10-story project takes up a full city block and consists of 465 apartments, outdoor terraces and an inner courtyard, among several other amenities.

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Wildfire pollution linked to at least 33,000 deaths worldwide

New Scientist

Wildfires akin to those that visibly devastated parts of Greece, Siberia and North America this year are also invisibly taking a deadly toll on human health

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