The name of the plague is now the most terrifying aspect of it. Given Yersinia pestis’ history, the ominous label is appropriate: Throughout history, three catastrophic epidemics have killed more than half of the population. It might be terrifying to learn that individuals have contracted the plague and perished as a result of it. The…
The outer solar system’s frigid moons, each with a liquid-water ocean under its frozen surface, are the hottest spots for extraterrestrial life. Titan, Saturn’s moon, contains a thick layer of brackish water under its frozen surface, studded with liquid hydrocarbon lakes. Enceladus, Titan’s Saturnian sister moon, has ejected geyser-like plumes from cracks near its south…
Scientists discovered minuscule levels of phosphine gas in the clouds of Venus last September, suggesting the intriguing possibility that alien bacteria are to blame. Researchers have argued whether the gas is the result of biological, geological, or atmospheric activities since then. They’ve even argued about whether or not it even existed in the first place.…
Folding phones are no longer a novel concept for the terminally online, gadget-obsessed among us. However, my time with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 in recent months has reminded me that these fluttering devices still have a place in the overall smartphone universe. During my 90-minute wait at the tire store, no less than…
If you’ve been out recently, you’ve probably come across a piece of technology you’re unfamiliar with: QR codes. The requirement to be hands-free to stop the spread of COVID-19 has boosted the popularity of this touchless method of data transfer in the previous two years. They’re likely to stick around because they’re so convenient. However,…
If a burger-a-day diet was healthy, that would be fantastic. Don’t get me wrong: it’s not bad. You’ve got protein, hopefully, some vegetables on top (and on the side), and even some fibre from the roll (did you use whole grain?). Unfortunately, study after study demonstrates that meat isn’t the healthiest protein source. Plant-based protein…
While new cases are increasing in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new advice for K-12 schools to reopen completely in the autumn. Pfizer has announced intentions to explore boosters and a new Delta-specific vaccine, citing the now-nationally dominant Delta strain. A new intranasal vaccination is being developed, Tokyo…
Sirisha Bandla reached inside a bag attached to her thigh on Sunday morning and pulled out a plastic tube holding a mustard seedling and a chemical preservative. The preservative enveloped the tiny plant as she turned a knob on one end of the tube, stopping all biological activity. She operated on two similar tubes over…
A new form of age “clock” can evaluate chronic inflammation and forecast if someone is in danger of age-related diseases including cardiovascular and neurological disease. The clock gauges a person’s biological age, which takes into account their health and might be greater or lower than their chronological age. The inflammatory aging clock (iAge), published in…
Experts said China had grabbed the lead in quantum communications after a team of Chinese scientists used entangled photons from the country’s Micius satellite to make the world’s first quantum-secured video chat in 2017. According to a new study, lead has also been extended to quantum computing. Physicists from the University of Science and Technology…