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.
The origins of the free-flying photons in the early cosmic dawn have long been a mystery. However, new data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes have shed light on this phenomenon and revealed that small dwarf galaxies played a crucial role in illuminating the dark and formless void of the early Universe. This
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common gram-negative bacterium, may seem harmless to most individuals in their everyday environments. However, under certain conditions, this microbe can transform into a ruthless killer, causing devastating infections. The World Health Organization has classified it as a priority 1 pathogen, highlighting its potential threat to human health. Scientists from the University of
NASCAR, a sport known for its thunderous engine roars and high-speed adrenaline rushes, is making a groundbreaking shift towards electrification. The unveiling of its first electric racecar in downtown Chicago marks a pivotal moment in the history of motorsports. Partnering with industry giants such as Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and electrification company ABB, NASCAR is aiming
Martin Vargic, a space enthusiast, author, and graphic artist hailing from Slovakia, has recently unveiled two stunning infographic posters. These posters showcase nearly 1600 exoplanets of varying types and sizes. Despite encountering light pollution in his surroundings, Vargic’s passion for astronomy and space exploration ignited at a young age. Vargic’s journey into the realm of
A little over ten years ago, a groundbreaking discovery was made on Mars – the presence of organic material in the ancient lakebeds of the red planet. This revelation sparked a wave of excitement in the scientific community as it hinted at the possibility of carbon chemistry being widespread on Mars. While it is important
