Free online tool calculates risk of COVID-19 transmission in poorly-ventilated spaces

The vital role of ventilation in the spread of COVID-19 has been quantified by researchers, who have found that in poorly-ventilated spaces, the virus spreads further than two meters in seconds, and is far more likely to spread through prolonged talking than through coughing.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-free-online-tool-covid-transmission.html

Amber-encased fossil shines light on evolution of bioluminescent insects

Trapped in amber for ~100 million years, an exceptionally well-preserved, light-producing beetle sheds light on the diversification of bioluminescent beetles in the Cretaceous period and provides the missing fossil link between fireflies' living relatives.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-amber-encased-fossil-evolution-bioluminescent-insects.html

Latest ezW2 2020 Software From Halfpricesoft.com is Available with New 1099-NEC Form

ezW2 2020 tax preparation software helps employers Issue the new 1099-NEC form before the deadline. Download and try it today with no cost or obligation at halfpricesoft.com. [PR.com]

The Milky Way does the wave

In results announced this week at the 237th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society, scientists from the Sloan Digital Sky survey present the most detailed look yet at the warp of our own galaxy.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-milky.html

Light-induced twisting of Weyl nodes switches on giant electron current

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory and collaborators at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a new light-induced switch that twists the crystal lattice of the material, switching on a giant electron current that appears to be nearly dissipationless. The discovery was made in a category of topological materials that holds great promise for spintronics, topological effect transistors, and quantum computing.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-light-induced-weyl-nodes-giant-electron.html

Most effective pollinator of Hoya pottsii revealed

Hoya, with around 300 species, is the largest genus in Asclepiadoideae tribe Marsdenieae in the family Apocynaceae. Hoya species produce white flowers, strong nocturnal fragrance and abundant nectar. The pollination of two Hoya species has been studied previously, but little is known about the specific nature and interactions between flower morphology, pollinators, and their environment.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-effective-pollinator-hoya-pottsii-revealed.html

Scientists streamline process for controlling spin dynamics

Marking a major achievement in the field of spintronics, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Yale University have demonstrated the ability to control spin dynamics in magnetic materials by altering their thickness. The study, published today in Nature Materials, could lead to smaller, more energy-efficient electronic devices.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-scientists-dynamics.html

Going with the grains to explain a fundamental tectonic force

A new study suggests that tiny, mineral grains—squeezed and mixed over millions of years—set in motion the chain of events that plunge massive tectonic plates deep into the Earth's interior.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-grains-fundamental-tectonic.html

What the lungfishes' genome teaches us about the vertebrates' conquest of land

Using cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies, a group of laboratories in Konstanz, Würzburg, Hamburg and Vienna, led by evolutionary biologist Professor Axel Meyer from the University of Konstanz, have fully sequenced the genome of the Australian lungfish. The genome, with a total size of more than 43 billion DNA building blocks, is nearly 14 times larger than that of humans and the largest animal genome sequenced to date. Its analysis provides valuable insights into the genetic and developmental evolutionary innovations that made it possible for fish to colonize land. The findings, published online in the journal Nature, expand our understanding of this major evolutionary transition in the Devonian ~420 million years ago.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-lungfishes-genome-vertebrates-conquest.html

How short circuits in lithium metal batteries can be prevented

There are high hopes for the next generation of high energy-density lithium metal batteries, but before they can be used in our vehicles, there are crucial problems to solve. An international research team led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has now developed concrete guidelines for how the batteries should be charged and operated, maximizing efficiency while minimizing the risk of short circuits.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-01-short-circuits-lithium-metal-batteries.html

Using 100-million-year-old fossils and gravitational-wave science to predict Earth's future climate

A group of international scientists, including an Australian astrophysicist, has used findings from gravitational wave astronomy (used to find black holes in space) to study ancient marine fossils as a predictor of climate change.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-million-year-old-fossils-gravitational-wave-science-earth.html

Turkey slaps advertising ban on Twitter, Pinterest

Turkey on Tuesday slapped advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest over their non-compliance with a controversial new law that requires social media platforms to appoint legal representatives in the country.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-01-turkey-advertising-twitter-pinterest.html

EU regulator to approve Boeing 737 MAX flights next week

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) plans to authorise the Boeing 737 MAX to fly again next week, 22 months after the plane was grounded following two fatal crashes.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-01-eu-boeing-max-flights-week.html

Alzheimer’s Los Angeles Marks 40 Years of Service to the Community

With 40 years of serving the community, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is locally focused and nationally and internationally recognized for providing high-impact support, resources, and education to people and families facing the disease. While their dedication to families today is unwavering, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles also turns its vision to the future and commits to ensuring that anyone in need of help gets it. [PR.com]

US urges Australia to abandon news payment plan for tech giants

The United States has urged Australia to abandon its plan to force Google and Facebook to pay media outlets for their news content, saying there could be "long-lasting negative consequences" for consumers and companies.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-01-urges-australia-abandon-news-payment.html

Oldest city in the Americas under threat from squatters

Having survived for 5,000 years, the oldest archeological site in the Americas is under threat from squatters claiming the coronavirus pandemic has left them with no other option but to occupy the sacred city.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-01-oldest-city-americas-threat-squatters.html

Europe 2020 auto sales post record fall as virus hits

New car sales in Europe last year suffered a record fall of nearly 24 percent due to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) said Tuesday.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-01-europe-auto-sales-fall-virus.html

New Book "Turmoil: And Other Stories" by Wayne F. Burke

Adelaide Books announces the release of the collection of short stories "Turmoil: And Other Stories" [PR.com]

New Book by Donny Barilla: "Beneath the Cloth"

Adelaide Books announces the release of the collection of poems "Beneath the Cloth." [PR.com]

New Book by Joram Piatigorsky: "Las Medusas Tienen Ojos"

Adelaide Books announces the release of the novel "Las Medusas Tienen Ojos." [PR.com]

Future Electronics is Introducing Laird Connectivity Sterling-LWB5+ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Module

Future Electronics is featuring Laird Connectivity’s Sterling-LWB5+ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Module in a recent newsletter. [PR.com]

DLS Adds 35 Counties to Its California E-Recording Services Network

Submitting documents to county recorders in California just got easier and faster. Submit, pay, and track documents in 35 counties through one online account. [PR.com]

SelbySoft Introduces an Updated Kitchen Monitor System

Kitchen Display Systems are a vital part of any restaurant kitchen. SelbySoft has released a new wireless version for the industry. [PR.com]

Principled Technologies Releases Chromebook Study Comparing Intel Pentium Silver N6000 Processor Powered Device Versus MediaTek MT8183 Processor-Powered Device

The Chromebook, powered by the Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor, completed common tasks in less time than a Chromebook powered by a MediaTek MT8183 processor. [PR.com]

Elliot Nadelson, MD Joins New York Health

New York Health (NY Health) is pleased to announce board-certified Elliot Nadelson, M.D. has joined its urology team. NYHealth is the premier center for primary and specialty care services with a network of outstanding physicians specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, physical therapy, nephrology, neurology, rheumatology, surgery, and urology. [PR.com]