A trend of dry summers and low snowpack in coming years is expected to pose challenges for Washington farmers, especially those working marginal lands without access to ample irrigation. » More …
Scientists have long been able to levitate small objects, like drops of water or plastic pellets, using only the power of sound. By sandwiching an object between two sets of speakers—or a speaker and a reflector—you can send precise, energetic blasts of ultrasonic noise to trap objects midair. But today, a fascinating new breakthrough can now accomplish this odd feat of levitation with a single array of speakers on just one side. It’s like using sonic tongs with just one side instead of two. » More …
In the paper, called The Overprotection of Mars, co-authors Alberto G. Fairén of the Department of Astronomy, Cornell University and Dirk Schulze-Makuch of the School of the Environment, Washington State University argue that the level of planetary protection needed to go to ‘sensitive areas’ would be prohibitively expensive to achieve. » More …
Poorer neighborhoods of immigrant, non-English speaking Latinos are more likely to be exposed to cancer-causing pollutants than communities of any other group in the country, according to a new study published this week. » More …
Worth Griffin, who joined Washington State College as its second art faculty member in 1924, spent nearly nine months in southern Mexico in the mid-1930s, making portraits and sketches of the people and things he saw. This fall, his work will be the centerpiece of an exhibit at the WSU Tri-Cities Art Center. » More …