Biomaterials, derived from plants, have gained significant attention as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based materials due to their perceived lower environmental impact. However, a recent study conducted by Radboud University challenges this assumption and underscores the need for further analysis in achieving climate neutrality. According to research published in Nature Communications, bio-based products emit, on
How long does planet formation take? Maybe not as long as we thought, according to new research. Observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) show that planet formation around young stars may begin much earlier than scientists thought. These new results were presented at the American Astronomical Society’s 243rd Meeting. The findings presented by
Scientists are pushing the boundaries in the field of renewable energy by harnessing the power of semiconductors to convert sunlight into electricity. Traditional solar cells have long been used to convert sunlight into usable energy, but now researchers are exploring the potential of semiconductors in utilizing sunlight to convert water into hydrogen – a carbon-free
In the field of chemistry, the concept of chirality plays a significant role in both nature and laboratory synthesis. Chirality refers to the property exhibited by organic molecules that are either left- or right-handed, just like the human hands. This property is crucial in the development of drugs and enzymes, as the wrong “handedness” can
Friction is a fundamental force in our everyday lives, dictating how objects interact when in motion. We are all familiar with the principles of regular friction, where the force of friction increases proportionally with the weight of an object. However, scientists at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) have unraveled the mysteries of
Antarctica’s coastal waters are facing a grave threat as new research from the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that the acidity of these waters could double by the end of the century. According to the study, the upper 650 feet of the ocean, where a significant amount of marine life resides, could experience over a
The outer Solar System is an enigmatic and unexplored region of our cosmic neighborhood. Beyond Neptune’s orbit lies the Kuiper Belt, a field of small icy rocks that is home to dwarf planets such as Pluto, Eris, and Haumea. Further out, there is the hypothetical Oort Cloud, an immense sphere of small rocks enveloping the
As scientists sound the alarm on the potential health risks associated with microplastics infiltrating our bodies, the need for effective detection methods becomes increasingly urgent. Unfortunately, current techniques fall short when it comes to identifying these minuscule pollutants. However, a breakthrough imaging technique developed by Columbia University environmental chemist Naixin Qian and her team offers
On Tuesday, organizers of a historic commercial US mission to the Moon announced its failure, citing a critical loss of fuel. This setback dashes America’s hopes of placing its first spacecraft on the lunar surface since the Apollo era. The mission, involving Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lunar Lander, was seen as a crucial step in understanding the
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various fields such as climate modeling, financial forecasting, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence. However, one of the major challenges in harnessing the power of quantum devices is the variability in their behavior. Even seemingly identical quantum devices, known as qubits, exhibit different behaviors due to nanoscale imperfections in
The construction industry is notorious for its excessive resource consumption and the generation of substantial amounts of waste. Among the waste products produced are construction-generated sludge (CGS) and construction-generated surplus soil (CGSS). While these materials have the potential for reuse in various applications, their highly alkaline nature poses a significant risk of soil and water
A recent investigation by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) has highlighted the concerning use of harmful pesticides in the UK that have been banned in other European countries. These pesticides have been linked to serious health issues and water contamination. In light of this, researchers at the University of Nottingham have made a groundbreaking discovery
As the levels of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere continue to rise, scientists are exploring various strategies to temporarily limit the increase in global temperatures. One proposed idea is to inject aerosols into the stratosphere, which would reflect incoming sunlight and thus reduce global warming. Traditionally, most research has focused on using gaseous sulfur dioxide,
As many of us hit the gym or go for a run to recover from the silly season, you might notice a bit of extra muscle soreness. This is especially true if it has been a while between workouts. A common misunderstanding is that such soreness is due to lactic acid build-up in the muscles.
A recent global study conducted by scientists at Colorado State University has revealed that the effects of extreme drought on grasslands and shrublands have been significantly underestimated. The study, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a detailed assessment of the impact of short-term droughts on these ecosystems across six
