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’
For billions of years, scientists have been aware that Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, has been gradually shrinking. The cooling down of its interior has caused the rock and metal of the planet to contract, resulting in a reduction in volume. However, the extent to which Mercury is still undergoing this process remains
Savannas and grasslands in drier climates have traditionally been overlooked in their contribution to climate change. However, a recent study published in Nature Climate Change has shed new light on their importance in storing heat-trapping carbon and mitigating climate warming. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions worldwide, including the University
The construction of arched stone windows, a centuries-old technique, has sparked a new method for creating tailor-made nanoscale windows in porous functional materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By utilizing a molecular version of an architectural arch-forming “centering formwork” template, researchers have discovered a way to direct the formation of MOFs with predetermined shapes and
In the realm of quantum condensed-matter physics, the superconducting diode effect has emerged as one of the most intriguing phenomena. Researchers from the University of Wollongong and Monash University, under the collaboration of FLEET (The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies), have conducted an in-depth review of this phenomenon. The
Milk teas, including the popular bubble tea, have taken China and other parts of Asia by storm in recent years. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Tsinghua University and the Central University of Finance and Economics in China has raised concerns about the potential negative impact of these sweet drinks on mental health.
Artificial intelligence has taken center stage at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, as they showcase an exhibition dedicated to the final weeks of Vincent Van Gogh’s life in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise. This groundbreaking exhibition not only displays the prolific works of Van Gogh during this period but also introduces innovative technologies to engage visitors
Determining the mass of the Milky Way is no simple task. It can be likened to a single cell in your body trying to calculate your total mass- a daunting challenge to say the least. However, a recent study has managed to calculate an accurate mass for our galaxy, and the results are surprising. By