Jes Burns
OPB
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Past articles by Jes:
High-altitude balloons over Oregon bring search for life on Mars one step closer
Oregon-based aerospace outfit tests equipment for space agencies around the world on the coast and in Central Oregon. → Read More
It’s a moth, it’s a drone, it’s ‘Smellicopter’
No technology even comes close to the speed and sensitivity of insects and animals when it comes to detecting odors. Now, engineers in Washington have built a moth/drone cyborg called the “Smellicopter” to tap into that insect superpower. It combines the mobility of the drone with the scent sensitivity of moths to detect chemical leaks, explosive devices and even people buried under rubble. → Read More
The science of sleep: Pacific Northwest researchers explore secrets of a good night’s rest
What if we could harness brainwaves to get better sleep? → Read More
Turning a CBD farming byproduct into feed for cows, chickens and sheep
Oregon's hemp-growing boom was meant to feed the cannabidiol (CBD) craze. But can it also make a better feed for livestock? → Read More
Northwest scientists use ancient trees (and an underwater chainsaw) to uncover our seismic history
Dozens of earthquake faults crisscross the Pacific Northwest, and scientists are looking to a surprising source to help understand our earthquake risk. → Read More
NASA returns to Oregon for spacesuit testing before planned trip to moon
The space agency and its spacesuit contractor were in rugged Central Oregon this summer, just as they were when they tested the suits designed for Apollo astronauts in the 1960s. → Read More
We could learn a thing or two about social distancing from animal kingdom
Tired of social distancing? We might want to take a few pro tips on how we can do it better from our animal friends. → Read More
Plan revived for dam removal on Klamath River in Oregon, California
Governors from both states announce a new way forward for the ambitious dam-removal effort that ran into trouble with federal regulators under President Donald Trump. → Read More
Eastern Oregon trees are playing an outsized role in curbing climate change: study
Researchers in Oregon say a federal plan to allow large trees to be cut in Eastern Oregon and Washington will diminish those forested areas' ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it. → Read More
Close to 17% of Hermiston residents could have COVID-19
Umatilla County is in the middle of one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in Oregon, with more than 17 cases per 1000 people in July. But new data from Oregon State University suggest the rate of coronavirus infection could actually be significantly higher in places. → Read More
Oregon's COVID-19 Spike Surprises, Despite Predictions Of Rising Caseloads
The COVID-19 case bump in some Oregon counties has caught some public health officials off guard, despite predictions that the number of people infected would go up as Oregon began to reopen. → Read More
Blue Pigment Discovered In Oregon Cleared For Broad Commercial Use
YInMn Blue was discovered in 2009 by a chemist at Oregon State University and has been licensed to Shepherd Color Company. → Read More
Oregon Scientists Develop A More Accurate Way To Date Past Earthquakes
Researchers offer a solution to a common problem that arises when using radiocarbon dating to determine the past activity of faults. → Read More
Here's How Oregon's Reopening Depends On Testing And Tracing Benchmarks
The state has established what it considers an achievable list of requirements that counties must meet to be cleared to enter the first phase of reopening. → Read More
A New Kind Of Blue From An Oregon Research Lab
Mas Subramanian is a scientist versed in serendipity – something that factored into his discovery of the first new blue pigment since Thomas Jefferson was president. → Read More
FAQ: Finding A Vaccine To Beat COVID-19
When any dangerous infectious disease comes on the scene, there’s an immediate and concerted push to develop a vaccine. Here are the basics about where we are, how it’s done and where we’re going. → Read More
FAQ: How Life Will Change More Under Oregon Governor's Stay Home Order
What you need to know about Oregon's stay home order. If your day-to-day life hadn’t already been significantly disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, there’s going to be no getting around it now. → Read More
Oregon's COVID-19 Testing Capacity Starts Ramping Up
Oregon’s capacity to test for COVID-19 is ramping up. Providence Health & Services announced they’ve received supplies to begin testing for the disease. And the state announced a new testing contract. → Read More
Quarantine On The Table In Oregon: What You Need To Know
Quarantine is widely used by public health officials to slow the spread of new communicable diseases. The recent coronavirus outbreak is no exception. → Read More
Hunt For Answers Shows Oregon Rivers Not Immune To Microplastic Pollution
Two OPB reporters go on a scientific journey to discover how much microplastic pollution has made it to Oregon's most iconic rivers. → Read More