In 2009, astronomers were left perplexed when a massive star, with a mass 25 times that of the Sun, appeared to vanish without a trace. This enigmatic celestial object, known as N6946-BH1, underwent a remarkable period of brightening, resembling the precursor to an explosive supernova event. However, instead of culminating in a spectacular explosion, the
An epidemic of viral pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, has emerged as a major health crisis in Vietnam, India, and Pakistan. This contagious eye infection has been spreading rapidly, particularly in regions with high humidity. The infection has intensified during the summer heatwaves and heavy rainfall, making it difficult for health officials to control
Dissolving polymers with organic solvents is a crucial step in the research and development of polymeric materials. It plays a vital role in polymer synthesis, refining, painting, and coating. In light of the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions from materials development processes, plastic waste recycling has become increasingly imperative. However, recycling plastics is not
When two lattices with distinct angles or periodicities come together, they conjure a moiré superlattice—a realm where astonishing phenomena like superconductivity and optical solitons spring to life. At the heart of this realm lies the moiré flatband, a key player in shaping advanced light-matter interactions, such as laser emission and second harmonic generation. In moiré
With humans increasingly settling in areas highly exposed to dangerous flooding, a recent study has issued a warning about the rise in risky urban expansion into these vulnerable regions. Led by a World Bank economist, the research indicates that settlement growth in flood zones has far outpaced growth in safe areas since 1985. This article
Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son recently made a bold statement, claiming that artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human intelligence within the next decade. Speaking at a corporate conference in Tokyo, Son emphasized the significance of AI adoption for Japanese companies in order to stay competitive in the future. According to Son, AI will revolutionize every industry,
A recent study has shed light on a surprising finding – when mice with Alzheimer’s disease inhale menthol, their cognitive abilities improve. This discovery suggests that the chemical compound found in menthol has the potential to reduce the damage caused to the brain by Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers behind this study observed a decrease in
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a “breakthrough” first-ever fine over space debris, imposing a penalty of $150,000 on a TV company, Dish, for their failure to properly dispose of a satellite. This landmark decision marks a significant step forward in the FCC’s efforts to address satellite policies and enforce space debris regulations. EchoStar-7,
In the world of condensed matter physics, one elusive goal has captured the imaginations of many researchers: observing fractionalization, a phenomenon where a collective state of electrons carries a charge that is a fraction of the electron charge, all without the need for a magnetic field. While it may sound like splitting an electron into
Iron atoms in the Earth’s solid inner core, known for their tightly packed structures under intense pressure, have been found to have an unexpected ability: rapid movement. A recent study led by The University of Texas at Austin and collaborators in China revealed that certain groupings of iron atoms in the inner core have the
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an environmental contaminant found in various everyday products, has been linked to numerous health concerns including liver and kidney cancer, thyroid issues, developmental effects on the immune and reproductive systems, and fetal development. In Singapore, PFOA has been detected in 99% of blood samples from local cohorts, affecting fertility in women. However,
Scientists are continuously striving to unravel the mysteries of aging in order to enhance our overall well-being and extend our lifespans. Recent research on transposable elements (TEs), also known as ‘jumping genes,’ has shed light on their significant role in the aging process. TEs are DNA sequences that possess the ability to relocate or ‘jump’