This month on Newsdesk: Hurricane Ian floods Florida, designing wearable muscles, and a space photography contest.
Hurricane Ian Floods Florida
Hurricane Ian has struck the US state of Florida. The powerful storm is the strongest to impact the United States so far this year. Weather scientists, known as meteorologists, collected useful information about the hurricane's progress by flying a plane into its path as it gathered strength over the Caribbean.
With wind speeds reaching 150 mph, Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage as it hit the Florida coastline. A powerful storm surge produced serious flooding in coastal towns. Sadly, several people lost their lives in the chaotic conditions, and many homes were badly damaged. Fortunately, effective evacuation plans enabled thousands of people to reach safety, and the government has promised money to help people rebuild their homes.
Because Florida is in the tropics, where hurricanes are common, it will always be at risk of hurricanes. But by building flood defences, and setting up early warning systems, the damage caused by serious storms can be limited.
Designing Wearable Muscles
Some of us live with conditions that make it hard to use our muscles. This can make carrying out certain tasks challenging.
Now, researchers are developing wearable muscles that can help increase natural muscle strength. The flexible “Myoshirt” can be worn like a vest. It contains a small motor that is attached to cables. When sensors in the shirt detect the wearer moving a muscle, the cables tighten and pull up the arm, adding extra power to the user's muscle movement.
The Myoshirt has been tested by volunteers, and has helped users lift heavy objects, and hold onto things for longer than usual. Researchers hope the wearable muscles will soon be ready to use at home, helping to make people's everyday lives a little easier.
A Space Photography Contest
NASA and other space agencies use cutting-edge telescopes to capture stunning photos of space. Most of us don’t have access to such high-tech equipment, but we can still take our own incredible photos of the stars.
Recently, the winners of the 2022 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest were announced—and the entries featured some dazzling photos. Some of the highlights included a unique view of the Moon taken from Minnesota, the Milky Way appearing above a mountain range in China, and the northern lights shining over a forest in Canada.
Learn more about hurricanes by watching Twig Film Hurricanes.
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