California, a state known for its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction policies, is ironically the nation’s greatest emitter of one: sulfuryl fluoride. As much as 17% of global emissions of this gas, a common pesticide for treating termites and other wood-infesting insects, stem from the United States. The majority of those emissions trace back to just
The combination of laboratorial studies and simulation software has provided researchers with new insights into the creation of spherical carbon ‘cages’ known as fullerenes. These molecules play a crucial role in potentially carrying complex compounds through the harsh conditions of interstellar space, which could have significant implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth
Tesla, the electric vehicle giant led by Elon Musk, reported a significant decline in first-quarter auto sales. The company’s global deliveries dropped by 8.5 percent to 386,810 vehicles. This decline was attributed to various factors including weak sales in China, fierce competition from local EV makers, and the impact of an arson attack on power
In recent years, medications like Wegovy and Ozempic have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, including appetite control. However, a recent trend on social media platform TikTok has brought attention to a different aspect of these semaglutide-based drugs – unexpected pregnancies among women who are using them. This has raised concerns about the potential
The recent revelation of dual topological phases in an intrinsic monolayer crystal represents a groundbreaking discovery by an international team of scientists led by Boston College physicists, as reported in the online edition of the prestigious journal Nature. This finding introduces a new realm of rule-bending properties in quantum materials, offering a platform for the
Platinum electrodes are essential components in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis, key technologies for clean power generation. However, the surface oxidation that occurs during these processes can significantly impact catalyst performance and stability. Researchers have delved into the mechanisms of surface oxidation on platinum surfaces in alkaline media, a previously unexplored area of study. Their
A groundbreaking development in the field of eye tracking has emerged courtesy of a team of engineers at The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology’s ICFO–Institut de Ciències Fotòniques. These innovative engineers have successfully created a revolutionary camera that is virtually transparent, allowing for seamless eye tracking without obstructing the user’s view. Traditionally, eye tracking
The recent hailstorm that hit Gerona, north-eastern Spain on 30 August 2022 was no ordinary event. Individual hailstones as large as 12cm were documented, causing widespread damage to buildings, cars, and agricultural areas. The severity of this hailstorm resulted in 67 injuries and tragically, one fatality. A group of researchers led by Professor Maria Luisa
The recent case of bird flu in a person from Texas has brought to light growing concerns over the global strain of the virus as it spreads to new species. This marks only the second known case of a human testing positive for bird flu in the United States, raising alarm among health officials and
In the realm of science and technology, harnessing coherent light sources in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) region is critical for various applications such as lithography, defect inspection, metrology, and spectroscopy. Traditionally, high-power 193-nanometer (nm) lasers have played a crucial role in lithography, enabling precise patterning. However, the limitations in coherence associated with conventional ArF excimer
Predicting the South Asian monsoon rainfall has always been a challenging task due to the complex nature of the weather patterns in the region. The rain falls in oscillations, with some weeks experiencing heavy downpours while others remain dry. This unpredictability poses a significant problem for agricultural and urban planning, making it crucial to accurately
Ammonia is a commonly used chemical in various industries such as fertilizer, dyes, and explosives. However, its production process is notorious for its negative impact on the environment, ranking second in terms of carbon emissions after cement. In an effort to address these concerns, engineers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a groundbreaking