The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) located in Arizona is part of a new generation of extremely large telescopes (ELTs) that are pushing the boundaries of ground-based astronomy. With two primary mirrors measuring 8.4 m (~27.5 ft), the LBT boasts a collecting area slightly greater than that of a 30-meter (98.4 ft) telescope. Equipped with cutting-edge
Art and science come together in a unique collaboration to shed light on the invisible threat of air pollution. By using digital light painting and low-cost air pollution sensors, researchers and artists have managed to make the unseen visible. This innovative approach has allowed them to capture the levels of pollution in cities across Ethiopia,
Italy’s competition authority recently imposed a hefty 3.5 million euro fine on global tech giant Meta for its lack of transparency in handling data and managing Instagram and Facebook accounts. The AGCM watchdog accused Meta of engaging in “unfair commercial practices” by failing to inform users promptly about the use of their personal data for
A recent study conducted in 2023 on over 4,700 post-exercise fluid molecules from firefighters revealed some concerning findings. The study suggested that vigorous exercise could potentially weaken the immune system. This poses a significant risk for individuals in physically demanding professions that require intensive fitness training, such as emergency workers and athletes. While moderate physical
The recent research conducted by a team of nuclear scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Nuclear Power Institute of China has unveiled a new high-resolution neutronics model that could potentially revolutionize the production of plutonium-238 (238Pu). This groundbreaking model has significantly improved the production of 238Pu, increasing yield by close to 20% in
Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have become increasingly popular in the world of generative AI. However, a recent study by researchers at University College London has uncovered some concerning findings regarding the rational reasoning abilities of these LLMs. The ability of these AIs to produce text, images, audio, and video has raised questions
Recent research has shed light on a concerning issue that many may not be aware of – even people with an average sense of smell could be living with a natural gas leak and not know it. These small gas leaks can have a significant impact on indoor air quality, introducing hazardous air pollutants such
As climate change continues to be a pressing concern, the impact on urban areas is becoming increasingly evident. One of the significant consequences of climate change is the increased risk of floods in urban areas due to heavy rainfall disasters. These floods pose a threat to residents and infrastructure, highlighting the need for effective risk
The study of halogen bonds has revealed how these interactions can be harnessed to control sequential dynamics in multifunctional crystals, leading to advancements in ultrafast-response times for multilevel optical storage. Halogen bonds, characterized by the attraction between a halogen atom and another electron-rich entity, play a significant role in crystal engineering and the development of
The global demand for cobalt and lithium for e-car batteries is expected to increase nearly 20-fold by 2050. Similarly, the development of a fossil-free power supply will lead to a doubling in the demand for copper, aluminum, and iron. Rare earth elements essential for wind turbines will also be needed in greater quantities. A recent
A recent randomized controlled trial has provided further evidence supporting the argument that circumcision can potentially reduce the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. While previous observational studies have hinted at the protective effects of circumcision in preventing the transmission of STIs, including HIV, among this population, there have been
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers led by Professor Han Gi Chae and Professor Jong-Beom Baek at UNIST has developed a new technology to address the limitations of current catalyst electrodes. This advancement, reported in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, enables the production of green hydrogen on a large scale at
Renewable hydrogen is anticipated to play a crucial role in mitigating carbon emissions in Europe. Previous research from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) suggests that sourcing hydrogen from regions with cheaper renewable energy may be more cost-effective than local production. However, concerns have emerged regarding the environmental impact of transporting large quantities of hydrogen over
The traditional industrial process for converting methane into methanol is known to be energy and resource-intensive. Most of the catalyst systems used are based on rare and expensive transition or noble metals, making the process economically unviable for widespread use. This has been a significant barrier in the waste-to-wealth movement, which aims to convert greenhouse
Recent research led by Curtin University has provided new evidence suggesting that the emergence of fresh water on Earth occurred approximately 4 billion years ago, much earlier than the previously believed timeframe. Through the analysis of ancient crystals from the Jack Hills in Western Australia’s Mid West region, researchers have been able to push back