Notices by Flipboard Science Desk (sciencedesk@flipboard.social), page 44

This Black queer physicist is shining a light on dark matter.

@LGBTQNation profiles theoretical physicist and Black feminist scholar Chanda Prescod-Weinstein.

https://flip.it/_qPIsy

#Physics #Science #LGBTQ #BlackMastodon #WomensHistoryMonth

Mexico City is running out of water, forcing many to ration.

@axios reports: "The growing scarcity of water in several parts of Mexico is a bellwether of how worsening climate change may affect cities all over the world, experts say."

https://flip.it/KDYeue

#ClimateChange #Drought #MexicoCity #Water #Climate

Are you planning a trip to see the solar eclipse on April 8? You may be on your way to becoming an umbraphile, a name for die-hard eclipse-chasers meaning “shadow lover.” Read about some of the most prolific eclipse chasers from USA Today, and find out where to go for the best chance to see the astronomical event.

https://flip.it/tTM0ps

#Eclipse #Space #Sun

Good news for those tired of winter: spring is starting early this year. In fact, the season is starting earlier than it has since 1896, albeit by only a few hours. While the Northern Hemisphere’s spring equinox— the point when the sun is directly over the equator— usually falls on March 20 or 21, you can credit the adjustment to 2024 being a leap year. Read more from CBS News, including why you can expect spring to come earlier and earlier every leap year until the next century.

https://flip.it/HBz68f

#Spring #Winter #Equinox

How much stress is too much? A psychiatrist explains the links between toxic stress and poor health for @TheConversationUS

https://flip.it/WLxyyh

#Stress #Psychiatry #MentalHealth #Health

Five fascinating science projects using the total solar eclipse to illuminate new discoveries.

@Smithsonianmag reports: "The NASA-supported experiments are mobilizing legions of researchers and volunteers to capture wide-ranging observations during totality, from amateur radio operations to elusive solar plumes to unusual animal behavior."

https://flip.it/ab0Nxb

#Eclipse #SolarEclipse #NASA #Science

@Ruth_Mottram Thanks for spotting that. The BBC story indeed says "Norwegian" instead of "Icelandic." We've corrected our post.

Bengaluru, India, is fast running out of water, and a long, scorching summer still looms.

AP reports the city formerly known as Bangalore "has received little rainfall in part due to human-caused climate change."

https://flip.it/iPyfui

#ClimateChange #Climate #Water #India #Bengaluru

The world’s peatlands have absorbed and stored vast amounts of carbon dioxide for thousands of years. But rising temperatures are drying peatlands out, turning them from carbon sinks into carbon sources. Read more at Phys.org. https://flip.it/_n2bzY
#Science #ClimateChange #CarbonDioxide

Thomas P. Stafford, who took part in four space missions, has died at 93. Stafford retired as an Air Force three-star general and remained the agency’s go-to guy for independent advice on everything from human Mars missions to safety issues. “The most impressive sight, I think, that really changed your view of things is when you first see Earth,” Stafford once said about the view from lunar orbit. AP has more: https://flip.it/YMDk_Z
#Space #NASA #Astronauts #SpaceExploration #Moon

Could the world’s insulin supply problems be solved by a herd of cows? A genetically modified cow recently produced proteins needed for human insulin in its milk. Science Alert tells us why the scientists behind the experiment are hopeful. https://flip.it/jac.e0
#Science #Health #Cows #Insulin #Diabetes

Total solar eclipses, like the upcoming one slated for April 8, have fascinated and terrified people for centuries. But the events have more purposes than providing amusement or panic. Live Science tells us how total solar eclipses help researchers date mysterious events from ancient history. https://flip.it/.aWO-M
#Science #Sun #Moon #Eclipse #Space

A state of emergency has been declared in southern Iceland after the eruption of another volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the fourth since December. The head of department at the Norwegian Meteorological agency said there could be "dangerous" consequences if lava reaches the sea as it flows southwards. BBC News has more, including video and photos. https://flip.it/1dNiPZ
#Science #Iceland #Volcano #Geology #Eruption

What is the universe made out of? How should we define death? Where did dogs come from? Seventeen astounding scientific mysteries that researchers can’t yet solve, from Vox.com.
https://flip.it/gn0uiY
#Science #Dogs #Space #Life #Earth #Animals

To people concerned about climate change, it has made sense to plant trees to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But the act might be more beneficial in some places than others. A recent study shows that the benefits of planting trees may be overestimated, depending on location. Inside Climate News has more, including why the removal of trees may help forests in the long run: https://flip.it/TMbYU5
#Science #ClimateChange #Trees #Forest

How long have earthquakes rumbled across Earth? Geologists believe they may have found the answer in a strange jumble of 3.3 billion-year-old rocks from Africa. Live Science writes “The rocks provide early evidence of plate tectonics, which explains Earth's crust as split into large plates that glide across the mantle.” https://flip.it/SZjboy
#Science #Earth #Earthquakes #Africa #Geology

"A growing body of research suggests that optimism plays a significant role in promoting both physical and mental well-being."

The MIT Press Reader explores the new science of optimism and longevity: https://flip.it/Vt9fRy

#Optimism #Health #MentalHealth #Science

Voyager, Chandrayaan, Curiosity: How do spacecraft get their names?

@popsci reports: "Bits of different countries’ cultures are launched into space with each space exploration project."

https://flip.it/kFy6nW

#Space #NASA #Voyager #Culture

Measles cases are sweeping the U.S.

Salon explains how even a few cases can be an extreme drain on the public: https://flip.it/qgGGBY

#Measles #Disease #Health #PublicHealth #Vaccines

"SpaceX came close to completing an hourlong test flight of its mega rocket on its third try Thursday, but the spacecraft was lost as it descended back to Earth."

AP reports: https://flip.it/Sc0xvu

#SpaceX #Space #NASA