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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences


Tracking plague across Eurasia

A study analyzing genomic sequences from historical plague victims suggests that a wildlife reservoir in Eurasia, near Europe's edge, may have seeded epidemics. The research also reveals a common strain responsible for the 1722 Great Plague of Marseille and separate introductions to Scandinavia and the Caucasus region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Applying information theory to landscape art

A statistical approach analyzing 14,912 Western paintings reveals spatial composition patterns that can distinguish between artists and style periods. The study found that compositional features shifted over time, with dominant horizons changing in location during the Rococo, Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, and 20th century periods.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Roboticizing fabrics

Scientists created a new type of fabric that can change shape and support loads, using heat-responsive alloy, stiff composite fibers, and conductive ink. The robotic fabric was used to make a tourniquet and napkin-sized sheet that can fold into a box supporting up to 50g of weight.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020