Arecibo's Collapse Sends Dire Warning to Other Aging Observatories

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December 11, 2020

Dear Reader, In the aftermath of the Arecibo Observatory's collapse, an uncomfortable question remains: What happens now? Today's featured story looks into the possibilities of reconstruction or developing new projects. Next, the grassroots organization 500 Women Scientists presents the nominees it supports for prominent science positions in the Biden-Harris administration. Plus, catch up on the latest news about the coronavirus pandemic by reading our weekly roundup or listen to the most recent episode of the Science Talk podcast.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Space Arecibo's Collapse Sends Dire Warning to Other Aging Observatories The iconic telescope's tragic end foreshadows future battles over the fate of various legacy facilities By Robin George Andrews

Biology Itsy-Bitsy 3-D Spider Web Is as Strong as Human-Made Materials Lobster pot spiders spin their webs with a superior thread By Leslie Nemo

Climate Pandemic-Driven Drop in CO2 Emissions Imperceptible in Atmosphere Sustained reductions are needed to halt the buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases By Benjamin Storrow,E&E News

Policy & Ethics These Nine Women Should Have Key Roles in the New Administration They're extraordinarily accomplished, and they could form a powerful "Science Squad" to help Joe Biden and Kamala Harris repair the damage done over the past four years By 500 Women Scientists

Behavior & Society Abortion and Contraception in the Middle Ages Both were far more common than you might think By Roland Betancourt

What Science Has Learned about the Coronavirus One Year On By Jeffery DelViscio, Britt Glaunsinger

Public Health Coronavirus News Roundup, December 5-December 11 Pandemic highlights for the week By Robin Lloyd

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QUOTE OF THE DAY "We need leaders who can rebuild our nation's scientific infrastructure, repair the damage to our credibility, ensure science is guiding agency actions, and help address long-standing inequities in access to science and government support. " 500 Women Scientists

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