New Atlas

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Can tropical tectonic activity trigger ice ages?

Michael Irving March 14, 2019

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a major driver of shifts in the Earth’s climate, and in the past too little CO2 has been associated with triggering ice ages. Now a team of scientists has found a surprising new mechanism that could lead to ice ages: Tropical tectonic activity.

Tropical tectonic activity, such as that occurring in Indonesia today, may have triggered ice ages in ...

Science

Researchers show they can count people through walls using only Wi-Fi

James Holloway September 26, 2018

In what may be seen as a worrying development to those troubled by the growth of the surveillance state, researchers at the University of California have demonstrated that they can count people through walls using only Wi-Fi signals.

The method is accurate to within two people

Medical

$100 smartphone kit can ID pathogens in under an hour

James Holloway September 21, 2018

American scientists have developed a smartphone app that can identify types of bacteria in one hour, down from a typical turnaround of 18 to 28 hours. The reduced detection time should mean faster diagnosis, treatment and recovery for patients, as well as reduced costs.

The app, named Bacticount, is available for free from the Google Play Store

Biology

Great whites may be given up by their DNA

Ben Coxworth September 14, 2018

Animals regularly cast off bits of their DNA into aquatic environments. Known as environmental DNA (eDNA), it can be detected in water samples, letting scientists know if a species is present in the region. Soon, it could be used to warn beachgoers of nearby great white sharks.

People could soon know if great white sharks are in the area, by testing the water ...