MI weekly selection #143
Scientists in Antarctica find evidence of neutrinos’ existence
The existence of cosmic neutrinos has been confirmed by scientists at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. Researchers combed through years of data collected by sensors buried in the ice and pinpointed 21 ultra high-energy muons created by rare neutrino interactions with other particles. They say the neutrinos could hold valuable information about the universe and more.
Magnetic field travels invisibly through lab-created wormhole
A wormhole that allows one magnetic field to move invisibly through space has been created by scientists in a lab. “This device can transmit the magnetic field from one point in space to another point, through a path that is magnetically invisible. From a magnetic point of view, this device acts like a wormhole, as if the magnetic field was transferred through an extra special dimension,” said Jordi Prat-Camps, co-author of the study published in Scientific Reports.
Archerfish targets prey with well-aimed water spray
The tiny archerfish of Australia and Southeast Asia spits a cannon of water that can shoot down unsuspecting insects with lethal accuracy. Researchers say the archerfish can adjust, making very sophisticated calculations, the stream depending on how far away its intended prey is.
Humans harming ecosystem as super predators
Humans have become super predators, throwing ecosystems out of balance by killing adult creatures in their prime reproductive years and top carnivores. Researchers say measures need to be taken to cut back and refocus human predation, especially as it relates to fishing. It would require humans to act more like animal predators.
MERS virus vaccine candidate shows promise
A prototype vaccine protected monkeys and camels against the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, researchers report in Science Translational Medicine. Camels might act as a host for the virus, and researchers say immunizing camels and at-risk people could help prevent transmission.