Carbon Conundrum: Experiment Aims to Re-create Synthesis of Key Element

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March 19, 2020

Dear Reader,

I hope you're staying well (and at home). If you could use some positivity right now, this roundup includes a piece on practicing optimism during the coronavirus crisis. Here are today's top stories:

Carbon is thought to have formed mainly inside the cores of stars. But a new particle accelerator experiment aims to test a different scenario where the element can be produced more efficiently with the help of neutrons, which are present when stars explode and collide.

Vampire bats have unique friendships. Sometimes well-fed bats regurgitate blood directly into the mouths of hungry companions. New research has tapped into the secrets of how the creatures form these intimate bonds.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, behavioral science projects are starting to emerge. One study examines how people are responding to government messaging about the pandemic. Another is trying to identify the most effective means of encouraging individuals to act in ways that will help fight the coronavirus.

Read more about the coronavirus outbreak here.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement
@sunyaaa

Physics

Carbon Conundrum: Experiment Aims to Re-create Synthesis of Key Element

An Ohio particle accelerator will test an alternative idea of how the universe's carbon came to be

By Ling Xin

Behavior & Society

Near Real-Time Studies Look for Behavioral Measures Vital to Stopping Coronavirus

The goal is to identify the best means of encouraging individuals to change the way they live. Young people may need more convincing

By Diana Kwon

Biology

Blood Ties: Vampire Bats Build Trust to Become Food-Sharing Pals

New research examines how the animals begin close, blood-sharing partnerships

By Jason G. Goldman

Public Health

Optimism in a Dark Time

The coronavirus pandemic might have positive consequences. 

By John Horgan

Physics

Superfast, Superpowerful Lasers Are About to Revolutionize Physics

They'll serve as the heart as "discovery factories" for planetary science, astrophysics, materials physics, fusion and more

Climate

Democrats Want to Include Climate Action in Coronavirus Aid

The two main proposals are for airlines to reduce carbon emissions and to extend clean-tech tax credits

By Maxine Joselow,E&E News
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FROM THE ARCHIVE

Small Jets of Air Make Cats Neurotic

Originally published in March 1950

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"A lot of the challenges that we're facing right now are behavioral challenges."

Jon Jachimowicz, Professor of Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School

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