On this week's news update...

Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Ida strikes Louisiana...

Backflipping Robots

Engineers test backflipping robots...

Wild Jaguars 

And wild jaguars are reintroduced to Argentina.

First up...

Last week, “Hurricane Ida” struck the US state of Louisiana.

With wind speeds reaching 170 miles per hour, the powerful hurricane caused widespread damage in New Orleans and surrounding areas.

Hurricanes are powerful storms that form over the ocean.

Their strong winds and torrential rain often cause flooding—which can be catastrophic.

Scientists who study the weather, called meteorologists, use weather models to predict where a hurricane will make landfall.

If communities are given enough warning, people in the path of a hurricane will have more time to prepare for the advancing storm, and they can safely evacuate the area.

As climate change increases the occurrence of more powerful hurricanes, it is important to not only identify and track these storms, but also to ensure coastal communities around the world are prepared for them.

Next up, it’s Tech Beat!

Engineers have been designing robots for over 60 years.

They have been used in manufacturing, space exploration, and even to perform greetings.

Now engineers are testing athletic robots that have the power, and balance, to give human athletes a run for their money!

Fitted with 28 joints, and an advanced computer control system, the robots are agile enough to run, jump, and bounce their way around a specially designed exercise course.

To pull off this impressive routine, the robots rely on high-tech cameras and sensors.

sensors

These help the robots understand their surroundings, and choose how best to jump and backflip around the course.

But like any human athlete, these robots have to practice, and practice, and practice, before they get it right.

And finally...

Argentina is a country of stunning natural beauty.

However, in recent decades, much of Argentina's biodiversity has been damaged by deforestation and pollution.

This has led to many species of animal becoming endangered, and at risk of extinction.

Now, scientists are working to reintroduce several endangered species back to the Argentinian wilderness, including jaguars!

Thanks to the reintroduction program, this mother and her two cubs are the first jaguars that have made their home in the region for over 70 years.

It looks like they’ve settled in very nicely.

Carefully reintroducing species can help restore ecosystems, and thanks to scientists, Argentina’s wildlife is becoming diverse again.

That's all for this week, we'll see you next time!