An epidemic of viral pink eye, or conjunctivitis, has swept through Vietnam, India, and Pakistan, leaving hundreds of thousands afflicted. The highly contagious pathogen thrives in high humidity, making it difficult for health officials to contain its spread. This article delves into the severity of the situation and highlights the challenges faced by these countries
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In the pursuit of sustainable materials development and reducing our carbon footprint, the recycling of plastic waste plays a crucial role. Dissolving polymers with organic solvents is an essential process in various applications such as polymer synthesis, refining, painting, and coating. However, determining the miscibility of polymers with solvent candidates has always been a challenge
In the realm of condensed matter physics, the convergence of two lattices with distinct angles or periodicities gives birth to a fascinating phenomenon known as a moiré superlattice. Within this superlattice, a hidden player emerges – the moiré flatband. These flatbands have the ability to shape advanced light-matter interactions, ranging from laser emission to second
Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son recently made a thought-provoking statement: he believes that within the next decade, artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human intelligence. Speaking at a corporate conference in Tokyo, Son stated that “artificial general intelligence will surpass the total intelligence of humankind by 10 times in 10 years.” This assertion, though controversial, highlights Son’s
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, there is a concerning trend emerging – humans are increasingly settling in areas highly exposed to dangerous flooding. A recent study led by a World Bank economist, Jun Rentschler, highlights the rapid growth of settlement in flood-prone zones, with China being a major
A recent study has revealed a surprising finding – mice with Alzheimer’s disease experienced cognitive improvement when exposed to the scent of menthol. Researchers discovered that this chemical compound has the potential to halt some of the damage typically associated with Alzheimer’s in the brain. They observed a decrease in the interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) protein, which
Space debris has become a growing concern, as the number of satellites and space missions continues to increase. In a milestone decision, US authorities have imposed a $150,000 fine on satellite television provider Dish for failing to properly deorbit a satellite named EchoStar-7. This is the first-ever fine issued for space debris and highlights the
Fractionalization, the phenomena of a collective state of electrons carrying a charge that is a fraction of the electron charge, has long been a dream for condensed matter physicists. The realization of such states without the need for a magnetic field would not only be a triumph of strong interaction among electrons but also hold
The presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the human body has raised concerns due to its potential health risks. A team of scientists from the A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) and the A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the processing of PFOA in the human
The Earth’s inner core, composed primarily of iron atoms under extreme pressure, has fascinated scientists for decades. Recent research led by The University of Texas at Austin and collaborators in China has revealed a groundbreaking discovery – certain groupings of iron atoms in the inner core are capable of rapid movement, akin to dinner guests
In the vastness of our Solar System, Mercury has always been a planet of intrigue. As the closest planet to the Sun, scientists have long been aware of its unique characteristics, one of which is its gradual shrinkage over billions of years. Mercury’s interior, despite its scorching proximity to the Sun, has been slowly cooling
Black History Month, a celebration that highlights the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, is observed in various countries around the world. While it has deep roots in the United States and the United Kingdom, its significance has spread globally, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging black history and culture. Here’s a closer look at how
Scientists are constantly seeking to understand the mechanisms behind aging to help improve the quality and length of human lives. Recent research on “jumping genes” or transposable elements (TEs) has revealed their significant role in the aging process. TEs are sequences in our DNA that have the ability to relocate or “jump” from one section
The field of material science constantly seeks new ways to design structures with precise control and tailor-made properties. In the realm of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a groundbreaking technique has been developed inspired by the ancient art of constructing arched stone windows. This innovative method employs a molecular version of an architectural arch-forming template to shape
The field of quantum condensed-matter physics has been taken by storm with the recent discovery of the superconducting diode effect. This groundbreaking phenomenon allows for dissipationless supercurrent to flow in only one direction, opening up new possibilities for superconducting circuits. In this article, we will delve into the world of superconductors and explore the potential
