New Atlas

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Official definition of a kilogram set to change this week

Michael Irving November 13, 2018

The official definition of a kilogram may be redefined this week. After years of debate and discussion, scientists from around the world are meeting in Paris on Friday to vote on whether the kilogram, the mole, the ampere and the kelvin should be changed to more stable and reliable definitions.

The official definition of a kilogram – as well as a few other SI measurements – ...

Space

Lunar landscape testing ground to be built in Germany

Michael Irving October 18, 2018

To help prepare astronauts for a longer return trip to the Moon, the European Space Agency (ESA) has outlined a new facility that will recreate the lunar surface as accurately as possible.

A virtual reality image shows what the Luna testing facility might look like

Energy

Chernobyl fires back up as a solar power plant

Michael Irving October 7, 2018

More than 30 years after the worst nuclear disaster in history, the Chernobyl area is once again producing power. From the (somewhat literal) ashes of the Nuclear Power Plant springs the Chernobyl Solar Power Plant, which was officially launched with an opening ceremony on Friday.

The Chernobyl Solar Power Plant, located on the site of the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster, has ...

Science

The original Paleo Diet: Ancient Iceman's stomach contents reveal last meal

Michael Irving July 12, 2018

Ötzi the 5,300-year old Iceman has taught us a lot about the Copper Age world he came from. The newest lesson comes from an analysis of his stomach contents, indicating an unexpectedly high-fat diet of meat interspersed with cereals and strangely, toxic bracken.

It may look like an alien autopsy, but here researchers examine the stomach contents of the ...

Science

Pompeii skeleton found crushed under stone block while fleeing volcanic eruption

Michael Irving May 30, 2018

Aarchaeologists excavating a new site in Pompeii have uncovered a new victim of the disaster, who has quite a story to tell. The skeleton was found with its head crushed beneath a huge stone block that was thrown by the force of the volcanic cloud.

Archaeologists have uncovered the 2,000-year-old skeleton of a man crushed beneath a huge stone block, while ...

Environment

EU pushes for ban on 10 most harmful single-use plastics

Nick Lavars May 28, 2018

The EU is moving to put the brakes on the problem of plastic pollution. Under proposed new rules that would apply to the entire bloc, it has taken aim at the plastic products most commonly found on its beaches and seas, which together account for 70 percent of the continent’s marine litter.

Plastic straws would be banned under new rules proposed by the EU

Automotive

Ford draws inspiration from SUVs for new Fiesta Active crossover

Aaron Turpen May 10, 2018

Ford has reinvented the Fiesta as the all-new Fiesta Active, which the company says is the first in a family of “Active crossover” models. Inspired by sport utility crossovers, the Fiesta Active jumps into the active sport activity vehicle market popularized in Europe by BMW.

The Fiesta Active model combines the popularity of compact crossovers with the more urban-friendly styling of ...

Architecture

Engineers uncover the Leaning Tower of Pisa's secret to shrugging off earthquakes

Michael Irving May 9, 2018

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has stood at a precarious angle for more than 600 years, surviving numerous large earthquakes without damage. Now, a team of engineers has identified how it managed that feat.

Engineers have uncovered how the Leaning Tower of Pisa has managed to withstand several large earthquakes ...

Biology

Scientists grow synthetic mouse embryos from stem cells

Michael Irving May 3, 2018

Researchers from the Netherlands have managed to grow model mouse embryos by combining stem cells. The technique can help us better understand the early days of life, and may lead to more effective ways to treat infertility or genetic diseases.

Dutch scientists have managed to create synthetic embryos by combining stem cells in the lab

Environment

Europe-wide pesticide ban to give bees a chance

Nick Lavars April 30, 2018

Neonicotinoids are bad news for bees and we've known it for a while. But the situation regarding bee populations and the world's most widely used pesticide has now become so dire that the EU has placed a complete ban on their outdoor use, and it's expected to take effect by the end of the year.

EU member states have voted in favor of a complete ban on the outdoor use of ...