Friday, August 13, 2021

Inside Science's Weekly Newsletter

What Happened in Science this Week                            

Here is a question you may not ask yourself often: How hot is the Earth's interior? Climate change news frequently focuses our attention on the outer temperature of the planet. But the temperature inside the Earth can help scientists better understand tectonic plates, which, in turn, could tell us more about how our planet is able to support life. This week, Tom Metcalfe reports a new model for measuring inner temperature that involves "sea glasses" -- molten lava that is rapidly cooled by cold sea water.


Karen Kwon, Intern

How Do You Take the Earth's Temperature? Check Out Undersea Volcanos

A new model, based on "sea glass" from ocean ridges, may help scientists more easily answer a question they have long struggled with.


By Tom Metcalfe, Contributor

Smartphones With Thermal Imaging Cameras Might Make Handy Thermometers

A new heat sensor offers an option for incorporating thermal imaging into phones.

                 

By Meeri Kim, Contributor

[Video] Robot Inspired by Plant Roots Burrows Underground

Engineers developed a soft robot that can move through sand and curve around objects where traditional robots struggle.

                                             

By Karen Kwon, Contributor

Many People With Cancer Lack Protection Against Measles and Mumps

Fallen vaccination rates pose a threat to this vulnerable population.

               

By Karen Kwon, Contributor

How Diet Changed Language

By Charles Q. Choi, Contributor

                                                                                                     

How High Could Icarus Fly Before His Wings Melted?

By Yuen Yiu, Staff Writer


The Aerodynamics of a Soccer Ball

By Rodrigo Pérez Ortega, Contributor

Humans have pushed the climate into 'unprecedented' territory, landmark U.N. report finds

By Brady Dennis and Sarah Kaplan, The Washington Post


The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a major report on Monday, detailing how humans have changed the environment at an "unprecedented" speed and what could happen going forward if the world doesn't reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically. This story summarizes the report's key points and puts them into context.

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Physicists discover new kind of tetraquark—the longest-lived yet found

By Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica


The European atom-smashing agency CERN announced the discovery of a new tetraquark that's the longest-lived yet found, comprised of two heavy quarks and two light antiquarks, Ars Technica's Jennifer Ouellette reports. "The discovery brings us one step closer to a better understanding of the complicated underlying rules that govern how these exotic particles are combined," the story said.


Why WHO Is Calling For A Moratorium On COVID Vaccine Boosters

By Jason Beaubien, NPR Goats and Soda


The World Health Organization is arguing that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 shouldn't receive booster shots in the next two months at least. This NPR story explains why WHO made the announcement and what the U.S. government's response is.

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Scientist Pankaj

Today in Science: Humans think unbelievably slowly

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