Cities often struggle to provide enough space for outdoor sports, leading to the replacement of natural grass with artificial turf on sports fields. While artificial turf is durable and can withstand heavy use, it comes with its own set of problems. In an effort to address these issues, scientists in the Netherlands have pioneered a
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Have you ever noticed that your polyester workout gear tends to smell worse after a heavy sweat session compared to your cotton or viscose clothing? A recent study conducted by the University of Alberta sheds light on this phenomenon. The research analyzed various fibers soaked in a solution of simulated sweat to determine how different
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, commonly known as TSMC, was established in 1987 by Morris Chang, a visionary tech industry veteran. With a clear goal of establishing Taiwan as a major player in the semiconductor industry, Chang embarked on a mission to compete with leading countries like Japan. Over the years, TSMC has emerged as a
Time reversal symmetry is a fundamental concept in physics that challenges the traditional notion of time flowing only from past to future. In the microscopic world, the laws of physics do not inherently favor any specific direction of time. Both classical and quantum mechanics exhibit reversible equations of motion, allowing for valid evolution processes even
Recent research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong has delved deep into the connection between autism spectrum disorder and the composition of the gut microbiome. This study goes beyond just examining bacteria, as it also includes a comprehensive analysis of fungi, archaea, and viruses present in the digestive tract. The findings suggest a strong
In recent years, the development and use of lithium ion batteries have become increasingly popular due to their role in clean energy infrastructure, such as electric cars and electronics. However, a study published in Nature Communications has shed light on a concerning issue – the use of a specific subclass of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)
Researchers at the University of Twente have recently delved into the world of photons, shedding light on the fascinating behavior of these elementary particles that make up light. Unlike electrons, which are confined by atomic nuclei in specific orbitals, photons have the freedom to roam with an incredible variety of shapes and symmetries. This newfound
Robots are becoming increasingly common in both workplace and domestic settings, with advancements in technology allowing them to perform a wide range of tasks. However, there are still limitations when it comes to robots navigating confined or cluttered spaces. Traditional sensors like lasers and cameras have blind spots that may prevent robots from detecting objects
The polar regions are experiencing unprecedented levels of warming, with rates far exceeding those of lower latitudes. This phenomenon, known as polar amplification, poses significant challenges not only for the inhabitants of these regions but also for the global climate system. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported a substantial increase in air temperature
Creating brain-like systems for machine learning poses numerous challenges. While artificial neural networks excel at learning complex tasks, the training process is slow and power-intensive. Moving towards analog systems can reduce time and power consumption, but small errors can quickly escalate. The current electrical network developed at the University of Pennsylvania can only handle linear
The integration of small synthetic molecules inside protein crystals has emerged as a promising method for studying intermediate compounds formed during chemical reactions. Researchers from Tokyo Tech have successfully visualized reaction dynamics and rapid structural changes by employing this innovative approach with time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, signify a significant
Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) materials have shown potential in the development of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with narrow electroluminescence (EL) spectra. However, the efficiency of blue MR-TADF emitters has been limited by triplet-involved quenching processes. In response to this challenge, scientists in China have proposed an interlayer sensitization strategy to enhance the EL
The ongoing impact of climate change is expected to lead to a significant slowdown in the ocean’s overturning circulation. This phenomenon has far-reaching implications for the planet’s carbon cycle. While a weaker circulation may result in the ocean absorbing less carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it may also lead to less carbon being dredged up
A recent study conducted by physician scientist Brian Feldman and molecular biologist Liang Li from the University of California, San Francisco has shed light on a potential breakthrough in the field of fat cell biology. By experimenting on human cell cultures and genetically engineered mice, the researchers discovered a switch that can transform ‘deep storage’
The recent classification of talc as “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organization’s cancer agency has stirred up a debate surrounding the safety of this mineral. While the decision was based on a combination of evidence suggesting a potential link to ovarian cancer in humans, the classification has raised some eyebrows in the scientific community.
