lockdown

When COVID-19 lockdowns emptied city streets, urban environments changed almost overnight. New research suggests that Los Angeles city birds responded just as quickly, with measurable shifts in beak shape in offspring born during the lockdown period.

The first study of its kind has looked at every UK resident – more than 67 million people – across four months, and found that, as vaccine uptake tapered off in 2022, 7,180 hospitalizations and deaths could have been avoided had jabs been up to date.

Examination of noise pollution data before and then during the stay-at-home and social distancing orders implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic has shown that people’s average exposure to environmental noise dropped by nearly half.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways. Now, scientists have quantified an effect that lies a few links down the chain, finding that solar panels in certain cities have seen a boost in output, due to reduced air pollution.

With millions of people now self-isolating in their homes worldwide, the world's internet infrastructure is being pushed to its limits. In order to ease the strain, major streaming services are finding ways to reduce bandwidth.

The coronavirus situation in Europe has forced ESA to temporarily suspend a number of its deep-space missions. To reduce risk to personnel, ESOC is reducing on-site crews and shutting down instruments on eight spacecraft.

With auto production at a virtual standstill throughout North America, Ford is partnering up to rapidly increase production of vital respiratory equipment, creating new designs with 3D printing and off-the-shelf auto components.

In a COVID-19-ravaged business environment that's seen China's auto industry experience record drops, Geely Auto has launched an online purchase program that now includes drone delivery in select areas.