The earthquake that struck western Morocco in September 2023, with a magnitude of 6.8, brought about widespread damage and loss of life in rural communities situated in the High Atlas Mountains. This event marked a significant seismic occurrence in the region, as the previous major earthquake had taken place back in 1960. The prolonged absence
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Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water is a crucial technology for sustainable hydrogen production. The microscopic structure of interfacial water molecules plays a significant role in the reactivity of photocatalysis, yet this area remains largely unexplored. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society delves into the roles of interfacial hydrogen bond
Recently, NASA’s Curiosity rover made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars when it inadvertently cracked open a seemingly ordinary rock, only to reveal a hidden treasure of yellow crystals of elemental sulfur. This is a remarkable find, as sulfur in its pure elemental form has never before been detected on the red planet. The significance of
Direct air capture of carbon dioxide has long been recognized as a crucial technology in the fight against climate change. The main challenge lies in the fact that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is extremely dilute, at only around 0.04% concentration, making it difficult to separate efficiently. Prof Ian Metcalfe, along with researchers from various
Sleep plays a crucial role in the development of a child’s brain, particularly when it comes to coping with stress and managing negative emotions. Recent research has shown a clear link between shorter sleep duration and later bedtimes to potentially harmful functional changes in key areas of the brain responsible for emotion processing. This impact
Recent research from China has revealed a concerning trend of declining sperm counts worldwide, prompting scientists to investigate the potential causes behind this phenomenon. One of the leading factors identified in this study is excess weight and obesity, which are believed to significantly contribute to decreases in semen quality, a crucial indicator of male fertility.
A 60-year-old German man has been identified as the seventh individual potentially cured of HIV after undergoing a stem cell transplant, as per doctors’ announcement. This groundbreaking achievement comes as a result of a painful and risky procedure typically reserved for individuals battling both HIV and aggressive leukemia. It is important to note that this
In a groundbreaking collaboration between computer science and materials science researchers, a new AI-based method has been developed to streamline the process of gathering data for the discovery of new materials. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent publication in npj Computational Materials, paves the way for “self-driving experiments” that can significantly enhance the efficiency
Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the primary treatments for this disease is L-DOPA, which aims to alleviate symptoms by replacing the dopamine deficit in the brain. However, a recent study has revealed that long-term use of L-DOPA can lead to side effects such as shaking and
For over two decades, the International Space Station has served as a crucial hub for space research and exploration. However, with its days numbered, NASA has enlisted the help of Elon Musk’s SpaceX to assist in the decommissioning process. In a landmark agreement, NASA has allocated up to $843 million to SpaceX for this monumental
Greenhouse gases play a critical role in the heating of our planet, with varying levels of global warming potential (GWP) based on their ability to absorb thermal radiation. Methane, for example, has a GWP 28 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, while perfluorocarbons (PFCs) have thousands of times the GWP of CO2.
Analyzing the effectiveness of hurricane evacuation orders is crucial in increasing community resilience and reducing loss of life during natural disasters. A new database created by a team of University of Virginia researchers provides valuable insights into the impact of evacuation strategies during hurricane events. The Hurricane Evacuation Order Database (HEvOD) is the first comprehensive
In a recent study published in the journal PNAS Nexus, researchers from the Politecnico di Milano, LMU, and the CENTAI institute of Turin shed light on how social media algorithms influence the distribution and effectiveness of political advertising. By analyzing over 80,000 political ads on Facebook and Instagram during the 2021 German federal elections, the
Recent research from the University of Illinois Chicago has shed light on the behavior of oil droplets from underwater oil spills. Contrary to previous beliefs, these droplets do not simply turn into a slick on the water’s surface. Instead, they break into smaller droplets, creating a more complex and challenging cleanup process. The study led
In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from King’s College London in collaboration with Imperial College London, the active site of Acetyl-CoA Synthase, an enzyme crucial for capturing carbon from the atmosphere, was successfully recreated. This research not only enhances our understanding of this vital enzyme but also presents a promising solution for carbon capture