Mondo News

Discover Our Innovative Approach to Understanding the Nature of Reality

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

We can Usually Agree on Objects’ Appearance, But Why?

Martin Bond / Alamy

Canal Reflection — We can Usually Agree on Objects’ Appearance, But Why?

Martin Bond / Alamy

Although our world seems inherently ambiguous at the quantum level, this is not the experience we face in daily life. Researchers have now established a methodology to measure the speed at which objective reality emerges from this quantum ambiguity, lending credibility to the notion that an evolutionary framework can elucidate this emergence.

In the quantum domain, each entity, such as a single atom, exists within a spectrum of potential states and only assumes a definitive, “classical” state upon measurement or observation. Yet, we perceive strictly classical objects devoid of existential ambiguities, and the processes enabling this have challenged physicists for years.

Prominent physicist Wojciech Zurek of Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico introduced the concept of “quantum Darwinism,” suggesting that a process akin to natural selection confirms the visibility of the “fittest” state among numerous potential forms, ensuring successful replication through environmental interactions up to the observer’s perspective. When observers with access to only portions of reality converge on the same objective observation, it indicates they are witnessing one of these identical copies.

Researchers at University College Dublin, led by Steve Campbell, have shown that differing observers can still arrive at a consensus on objective reality, even if their observational methods lack sophistication or precision.

“Observers can capture a fragment and make any measurements they desire. If I capture a different fragment, I too can make arbitrary measurements. The question becomes: how does classical objectivity arise?” he explains.

The research team has redefined the emergence of objectivity as a quantum sensing issue. For instance, if the objective fact pertains to the frequency of light emitted by an object, the observer must acquire accurate data about that frequency, similar to how a computer employs a light sensor. In optimal conditions, this method achieves ultra-precise measurements, quickly leading to a definitive conclusion about the light’s frequency. This scenario is assessed using Quantum Fisher Information (QFI), a mathematical formula that benchmarks how varying, less accurate observational techniques can still attain similar precise conclusions. Gabriel Randy at the University of Rochester highlights this comparison in their recent study.

Remarkably, their calculations indicate that for significantly large fragments of reality, even observers employing imperfect measurements can ultimately gather enough data to reach the same conclusions about objectivity as those derived from the ideal QFI standard.

“Surprisingly, simplistic measurements can be just as effective as more advanced ones,” Lundy states. “This illustrates how classicality emerges: as fragments grow larger, observers tend to agree on even basic measurements.” Thus, this research contributes further to our understanding of why, when observing the macroscopic world, we concur about its physical attributes, such as the color of a coffee cup.

“This study underscores that we do not require flawless, ideal measurements,” adds Diego Wisniacki from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He notes that while QFI is foundational in quantum information theory, its application to quantum Darwinism has been sparse, presenting pathways to bridge theoretical frameworks with established experimental methodologies, like quantum devices utilizing light-based or superconducting qubits.

“This research serves as a foundational ‘brick’ in our comprehension of quantum Darwinism,” states G. Massimo Palma from the University of Palermo, Italy. “It more closely aligns with the experimental descriptions of laboratory observations.”

Palma elaborates that the simplicity of the model used in this study could facilitate new experimental pursuits; however, complex system calculations will be essential to solidify quantum Darwinism’s foundation. “Advancing beyond rudimentary models would mark a significant progression,” Palma asserts.

Lundy conveyed that researchers are eager to transform theoretical findings into experimental validations. For instance, qubits formed from trapped ions could be employed to evaluate how the emergence of objectivity timescale relates to the durations during which these qubits retain their quantum characteristics.

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CRISPR: Revolutionizing Genetic Code Editing – The Most Innovative Idea of the Century

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

New Scientist: Your source for the latest in science news and long-form articles from expert journalists covering advancements in science, technology, health, and environmental issues.

“The pain was like being struck by lightning and being hit by a freight train at the same time,” shared Victoria Gray. New Scientist reflects on her journey: “Everything has changed for me now.”

Gray once endured debilitating symptoms of sickle cell disease, but in 2019, she found hope through CRISPR gene editing, a pioneering technology enabling precise modifications of DNA. By 2023, this groundbreaking treatment was officially recognized as the first approved CRISPR therapy.

Currently, hundreds of clinical trials are exploring CRISPR-based therapies. Discover the ongoing trials that signify just the beginning of CRISPR’s potential. This revolutionary tool is poised to treat a wide range of diseases beyond just genetic disorders. For example, a single CRISPR dose may drastically lower cholesterol levels, significantly reducing heart attack and stroke risk.

While still in its infancy regarding safety, there’s optimism that CRISPR could eventually be routinely employed to modify children’s genomes, potentially reducing their risk of common diseases.

Additionally, CRISPR is set to revolutionize agriculture, facilitating the creation of crops and livestock that resist diseases, thrive in warmer climates, and are optimized for human consumption.

Given its transformative capabilities, CRISPR is arguably one of the most groundbreaking innovations of the 21st century. Its strength lies in correcting genetic “misspellings.” This involves precisely positioning the gene-editing tool within the genome, akin to placing a cursor in a lengthy document, before making modifications.

Microbes utilize this genetic editing mechanism in their defense against other microbes. Before 2012, researchers identified various natural gene-editing proteins, each limited to targeting a single location in the genome. Altering the target sequence required redesigning the protein’s DNA-binding section, a process that was time-consuming.

However, scientists discovered that bacteria have developed a diverse range of gene-editing proteins that bind to RNA—a close relative of DNA—allowing faster sequence matching. Producing RNA takes mere days instead of years.

In 2012, Jennifer Doudna and her team at the University of California, Berkeley, along with Emmanuelle Charpentier from the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, revealed the mechanics of one such gene-editing protein, CRISPR Cas9. By simply adding a “guide RNA” in a specific format, they could target any desired sequence.

Today, thousands of variants of CRISPR are in use for diverse applications, all relying on guide RNA targeting. This paradigm-shifting technology earned Doudna and Charpentier the Nobel Prize in 2020.

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Discover the Top 21 Innovative Ideas of the 21st Century: How We Selected Them and Why They Matter

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

What distinguishes a groundbreaking idea from a mediocre one? This is often a challenging distinction to make. Take the example of vaccination: collecting pus from a cowpox-infected individual and injecting it into an eight-year-old boy may seem utterly reckless. Yet, 18th-century physician Edward Jenner’s daring action ultimately led to the eradication of smallpox, a disease that plagued humanity.

With the benefit of hindsight, we recognize that Jenner’s innovation was monumental. This principle of vaccination continues to save millions of lives today. As we progress through the 21st century, we feel it’s essential to reflect on and celebrate transformative ideas from the past 25 years that are reshaping our perspectives, actions, and understanding of the world around us.

Compiling our list of the 21 most impactful ideas of the 21st century involved rigorous discussions among our editorial team. One of our initial challenges was determining if the first quarter of this century would conclude at the beginning or end of 2025. For clarity, we opted for the latter. We navigated debates on various ideas, dedicating particular attention to concepts like the microbiome—establishing it as a legitimate 21st-century notion—and scrutinizing the role of social media, which after much discussion, we deemed largely negative. Ultimately, we recognize that the quality of ideas is subjective.

We developed a robust set of criteria for our selection. To qualify for this list, a concept must already demonstrate a significant impact on our self-understanding, health, or broader universe. Additionally, it should be grounded in scientific discovery, with a strong idea underpinning it. Lastly, the development must have occurred within the last 25 years.

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Rather than trying to predict the future, it’s important to take the time to reflect on the past.
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While the last criterion may appear straightforward, we encountered numerous proposals that remain unrealized. The discovery of gravitational waves in the 21st century opened new cosmic vistas, but their prediction dates back a century to Albert Einstein. Similarly, ideas like weight loss medications, personalized medicine, and mRNA vaccines show promise, but their full potential has yet to be achieved—perhaps these will make the list in 2050.

During our selection process, we couldn’t disregard ideas that initially seemed appealing but faltered. Therefore, we also crafted a list of the five most disappointing ideas of the century thus far. The line between success and failure can sometimes blur, leading to controversial choices in our best ideas list. For instance, while many would advocate for the removal of smartphones, we ultimately view them as largely beneficial. Likewise, the ambitious global warming target of 1.5°C can be seen as a failure, especially as new reports indicate that average global temperatures have surpassed this benchmark for the first time. Nonetheless, we argue that striving to reduce the threshold from 2°C remains one of the century’s monumental ideas, setting a standard for global climate ambition.

Advancing away from fossil fuels is undoubtedly crucial, and prominently featured in this effort is Elon Musk. In 2016, before Musk ventured into social media and politics, his company Tesla launched its first Gigafactory in Nevada, marking a pivotal moment in the transition to renewable energy by utilizing economies of scale to transform transportation and energy systems. Conversely, other approaches to fighting climate change, such as alternative fuels and carbon offsets, appear more harmful than beneficial.

One significant takeaway from our selection process is that revolutionary ideas often arise by chance. For many, a working outlet can be the catalyst for a few minutes of smartphone scrolling during a lengthy commute. However, for two physicists in 2005, their discovery altered the global decarbonization strategy. This breakthrough also unveiled the foundations of our complex thought processes, illustrating that brain regions don’t operate in isolation but are interwoven into a robust network. This understanding has revolutionized our approach to diagnosing and treating neurological issues.

Looking back over the past quarter-century, it’s evident that the world has transformed considerably. We successfully dodged the Millennium Bug, the human genome’s first draft was completed, and the International Space Station welcomed its first crew. Concepts like “Denisovans” and “microbiomes” were unknown to us. In our pages, we celebrated innovations like wireless communication and marveled at miniaturized computer chips driving these technologies. “At its core is a device known as a Bluetooth chip,” we stated, positing it as the next big thing—a prediction that, in hindsight, was flawed, since truly transformative technologies extend beyond mere convenience.

This experience highlights the folly of predictions, as they can often be overlooked in the rush for the next trending innovation. Thus, rather than striving to foresee the future, we ought to invest time in contemplating the past. The advancements we’ve witnessed in health, technology, and environmental conservation suggest that this century has made the world a better place. Let’s hope, without necessarily predicting, that this momentum continues into the future.

Unlocking Molecule Creation: Why Click Chemistry is the Century’s Most Innovative Concept

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Explore the latest science news and in-depth articles by expert journalists on developments in science, technology, health, and the environment.

Chemistry can often be a complex and slow process, typically involving intricate mixtures in round-bottomed flasks that require meticulous separation afterward. However, in 2001, K. Barry Sharpless and his team introduced a transformative concept known as click chemistry. This innovative approach revolutionizes the field, with a name coined by Sharpless’s wife, Janet Dueser, perfectly encapsulating its essence: a new set of rapid, clean, and reliable reactions.

Though the idea appears straightforward, its elegance lies in its simplicity. Sharpless, along with colleagues Hartmas C. Kolb and MG Finn, described their creation as “spring-loaded.” This concept hinges on applying these reactions to various starting materials, assembling them akin to Lego blocks, thereby enabling the swift construction of a vast array of novel and beneficial molecules. Sharpless’s primary focus? Pharmaceuticals.

The overarching principle guiding these reactions was to steer clear of forming carbon-carbon bonds, which was the norm among chemists at the time, and instead to create bonds between carbon and what are known as “heteroatoms,” primarily oxygen and nitrogen. The most recognized click reaction involves the fusion of two reactants to create a triazole, a cyclic structure of carbon and nitrogen atoms. This motif proves to be highly effective at binding to large biomolecules such as proteins, making it invaluable in drug development. Sharpless independently published this specific reaction concurrently with chemist Morten Meldal, who researched it at the University of Copenhagen. This reaction has since been instrumental, notably in the production of the anticonvulsant drug Rufinamide.

Chemists like Tom Brown from the University of Oxford describe this reaction as simple, highly specific, and versatile enough to work in almost any solvent. “I would say this was just a great idea,” he asserts.

Years later, chemist Carolyn Bertozzi and her team at Stanford University developed a click-type reaction that operates without toxic catalysts, enabling its application within living cells without risking cellular damage.

For chemist Alison Hulme at the University of Edinburgh, this research was pivotal in elevating click chemistry from a promising idea to a revolutionary advancement. It granted biologists the ability to assemble proteins and other biological components while labeling them with fluorescent tags for investigation. “It’s very straightforward and user-friendly,” Hulme explains. “We bridged small molecule chemistry to biologists without necessitating a chemistry degree.”

For their groundbreaking contributions, Bertozzi, Meldal, and Sharpless were awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—an outcome that surprised no one.

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Inventing Net Zero: The Century’s Most Innovative Idea for a Sustainable Future

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

New Scientist - Your source for science news and expert analyses on technology, health, and the environment.

In 2005, physicists David Frame and Miles Allen were headed to a scientific conference in Exeter, England. According to Frame, they were “playing around” with climate models in preparation for their presentation.

At that time, most research centered on stabilizing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to avert severe climate change. However, scientists faced challenges in predicting how much the planet would warm if these concentrations reached specific levels.

Frame and Allen approached the issue from a different angle. Instead of focusing on atmospheric concentrations, they examined emissions. They wondered what would happen if humanity ceased emitting anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Using a climate model on a train, they found that global temperatures reached a new stable level. In other words, global warming would halt if humanity achieved “net-zero” carbon dioxide emissions. Frame recalled, “It was pretty cool to sit on the train and see these numbers for the first time and think, ‘Wow, this is a big deal.’

This groundbreaking presentation and the subsequent Nature paper published in 2009 reshaped the thinking within the climate science community. Prior to the net-zero concept, it was generally accepted that humans could emit around 2.5 gigatons annually (approximately 6% of current global emissions) while still stabilizing global temperatures. However, it became clear that to stabilize the climate, emissions must reach net zero, balanced by equivalent removals from the atmosphere.

The global consensus surrounding the need to achieve net zero CO2 emissions rapidly gained traction, culminating in a landmark conclusion in the 2014 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. The subsequent question was about timing: when must we reach net zero? At the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations committed to limiting temperature increases as close to 1.5°C as feasible, aiming for net-zero emissions by around mid-century.

Almost immediately, governments worldwide faced immense pressure to establish net-zero targets. Hundreds of companies joined the movement, recognizing the economic opportunities presented by the transition to clean energy. This “net-zero fever” has led to some dubious commitments that excessively rely on using global forests and wetlands to absorb human pollution. Nevertheless, this shift has altered the course of this century: approximately 75% of global emissions are now encompassed by net-zero pledges, and projections for global warming throughout this century have decreased from around 3.7–4.8°C to 2.4–2.6°C under existing climate commitments.Read more here.

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Unveiling Quantum Creepiness: The Top Innovative Concept of the Century

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In the 1920s, renowned physicist Albert Einstein believed he had identified a fundamental flaw within quantum physics. This led to extensive investigations revealing a pivotal aspect of quantum theory, one of its most perplexing features.

This intriguing property, known as Bell nonlocality, describes how quantum objects exhibit cooperative behavior over vast distances, challenging our intuitions. I’ve accepted this understanding for over 21 years—a remarkable insight for the 21st century.

To illustrate this phenomenon, consider two hypothetical experimenters, Alice and Bob, each possessing a pair of “entangled” particles. Entanglement enables particles to correlate, even when separated by distances that prevent any signal from transmitting between them. Yet, these correlations become apparent only through the interaction of each experimenter with their respective particles. Do these particles “know” about their correlation beforehand, or is some mysterious connection at play?

Einstein, alongside Nathan Rosen and Boris Podolsky, sought to refute this eerie connection. They proposed that certain “local hidden variables” could explain how particles understand their correlated state, making quantum physics more relatable to everyday experiences, where interactions happen at close range.

In the 1960s, physicist John Stewart Bell devised a method to empirically test these concepts. After numerous attempts, groundbreaking experiments in 2015 provided rigorous verification of Bell’s theories, earning three physicists the 2022 Nobel Prize. “This was the final nail in the coffin for these ideas,” says Marek Zhukowski from the University of Gdańsk. Researchers concluded that hidden variables could not maintain the locality of quantum physics. Jacob Valandez at Harvard University adds, “We cannot escape from non-locality.”

Embracing delocality offers substantial advantages, as noted by Ronald Hanson from Delft University of Technology, who led one of the groundbreaking experiments. For him, the focus was never on the oddities of quantum mechanics; rather, he viewed the results as a demonstration of “quantum supremacy” beyond conventional computational capabilities. This intuition proved accurate. The technology developed for the Bell Test has become a foundation for highly secure quantum cryptography.

Currently, Hanson is pioneering quantum communication networks, utilizing entangled particles to forge a near-unhackable internet of the future. Similarly, quantum computing researchers exploit entangled particles to optimize calculations. Although the implications of entanglement remain partially understood, the practical application of entangling quantum objects has transformed into a valuable technological asset, marking a significant evolution for a leading figure in discussions about the quantum nature of reality.

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This Drowsy Squirrel Might Pave the Way for Innovative Heart Disease Treatments

Posted on November 11, 2025 by

A hibernating species of North American squirrel might provide vital insights for tackling one of the most persistent and lethal heart diseases globally.

California’s biotechnology firm fauna ecology has created a novel drug based on the genetic insights of hibernating mammals.

The small molecule drug, referred to as Faun 1083, targets heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—a form of heart failure impacting millions and lacking effective treatments.

Fauna’s strategy draws inspiration from the natural world, as noted by CEO Dr. Ashley Zehnder: “We’re investigating where biological evidence exists for disease resistance or recovery,” as mentioned in BBC Science Focus.

“Years of physiological research indicate that ground squirrels can safeguard their hearts from harm during hibernation. Additionally, heart failure ranks as one of the top causes of death worldwide.”

By examining how the adorable American line squirrel protects its organs while hibernating, Dr. Fauna discovered a gene that aids the animal in averting tissue damage and scarring—critical factors in heart failure among humans.

“What is elevated in the ground squirrel’s system, which shields the heart from harm, may be diminished in humans suffering from heart failure,” Zehnder explains. “This informs our focus on the pathways that are crucial for human health issues.”

Currently, there are limited effective treatments for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) beyond merely alleviating symptoms – Photo credit: Getty

Fauna’s AI-enhanced discovery platform analyzes these protective traits across animal genomes and human genetic data to identify potential drug targets.

According to Zehnder, the resultant compound Faun 1083 stems directly from research into the cardiac biology of ground squirrels. The new treatment has already shown potential during preclinical trials and is set to undergo animal safety assessments prior to commencing human trials next year.

Fauna Bio’s research is part of a burgeoning field known as ‘comparative genomics,’ which seeks evolutionary insights to enhance human health.

The company is part of the Zoonomia Consortium, which unveils adaptations that enable animals to resist disease and recover from tissue damage.

“Our goal is to leverage evolutionary adaptations,” Zehnder asserts. “Humans rarely cure diseases naturally, but many mammals worldwide do so regularly… Why not utilize the full spectrum of nature’s experiments?”

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Innovative Perspectives on Brain Health Could Lead to Essential New Treatments

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Sumaid Pal Singh Bakshi/Unsplash

Healthcare has witnessed remarkable advancements over the past few decades. In high-income nations, the survival rate for certain types of pediatric leukemia has increased from about 10% to over 90%. HPV vaccinations have decreased the incidence of cervical cancer, and early detection of HIV can lead to life expectancies similar to that of the general population.

In contrast, progress in mental health treatment has been less pronounced. Psychiatry often struggles with a perception of stagnation in treatment methodologies. Historically, it has heavily relied on psychopharmaceuticals developed in the mid-20th century. The field has remained largely anchored to these early drug treatments.

This stagnation is not due to a lack of effort. In the 1970s, molecular psychiatry emerged, focusing on the molecular basis of mental health conditions through proteins, genes, and signaling pathways. The goal was to anchor diagnostics and treatments to biological mechanisms instead of merely interpreting subjective symptoms. Despite advances in genetic research, including exploring the genetic links to schizophrenia, we have yet to see significant improvements in mental health treatment paralleling those in physical health.

The new approach is targeting chronic inflammation.

Given that approximately 8-16% of individuals in high-income countries like England experience anxiety and depression, a fresh perspective is crucial. Current innovative approaches focus on chronic inflammation, a phenomenon linked not just to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but also to mental health.

For many, chronic low-grade inflammation results from the pace of modern life, often fueled by factors such as stress, obesity, and poor dietary choices. Promising developments suggest that certain anti-inflammatory medications may have potential benefits for the brain, alleviating issues associated with depression and dementia (“Chronic inflammation harms your mind. Here’s how to calm it down”).

These findings also clarify that managing mental health can be approached through actions such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and nutritious eating.

While this path may not work for everyone, given that antidepressants fail to help approximately 30% of those treated for depression, any progress is welcomed.

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Flower-Inspired Origami Patterns for Innovative Spaceship Design

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Origami “Bloom” design unfolds into a flower-like structure

BYU Photos

A novel collection of origami-like petal structures may enhance the design of various systems, including telescopes and solar panels.

These origami structures, rooted in the traditional art of Japanese paper folding, are favored by engineers for their ability to collapse into compact forms while expanding into larger configurations. However, the complexity of some origami patterns can pose challenges in deployment.

Recently, Larry Howell from Brigham Young University in Utah and his team have introduced a new category of origami shapes known as Bloom Patterns, which unfurl in a single, smooth motion to create a bowl-like design resembling a flower. “We can develop innovative designs that have never existed before, all while crafting aesthetically pleasing forms,” Howell notes.

Although certain Bloom patterns were recognized by origami aficionados and scholars before, Howell and his colleagues identified them as part of a broader spectrum of shapes with shared attributes.

By categorizing the different variations of Bloom patterns and providing a mathematical framework for their functioning, the researchers successfully constructed operational versions using various materials, including thick acrylic and plastics, demonstrating that each shape can consistently unfold.

The ability to deploy everything at once presents a significant advantage for space structures, minimizing the risk of complete failure during the process, states Michael Bartlett from Virginia Tech. “Every component must function perfectly; if one element fails, the entire operation is compromised,” he emphasizes. “When I observe these [Bloom patterns], it becomes evident that deployment does not follow a strict sequential pattern to achieve full expansion.”

While space telescopes generally rely on flatter mirrors for observation, the curved geometry of the Bloom pattern can facilitate the deployment of dishes akin to those in ground-based telescopes, yielding more precise imaging, Howell explains.

Having a mathematical model detailing the unfolding mechanism of these Bloom patterns could expedite the design process for functional origami structures, remarks Jamie Pike from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. “This provides us with insights to better anticipate the appearance of potential inventions and determine whether to pursue a certain direction or explore alternatives.”

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This Innovative Breakthrough Could Signal the End of Palm Oil

Posted on August 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have crafted an environmentally friendly substitute for palm oil, potentially available by the end of 2025.

Palm oil, alongside other tropical oils like shea, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and soybeans, presents significant environmental challenges.

These oils encroach upon rainforests, contributing to deforestation, biodiversity decline, greenhouse gas emissions, as well as air and water pollution in regions such as Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.

However, palm oil is prevalent in our foods and cosmetics. It is estimated that nearly half of all packaged goods in supermarkets contain palm oil, disguised under various ingredient names including glycerin and stearic acid.

This dilemma prompted a team of scientists at Bath University, led by chemical engineer Professor Chris Chuck, to seek alternatives for over a decade. Their research has led to a promising solution: a yeast called Metschnikowia pulcherrima.

“It thrives on grapes,” Chuck mentioned in BBC Science Focus. “It’s already applied in the organic wine sector. When you enjoy the blackcurrant notes in red wines from South Africa, that’s thanks to Metschnikowia.”

This yeast naturally comprises about 20% fat; however, Chuck’s team employed a method termed “directional evolution,” which promotes a rise in fat proportions, akin to selective breeding, by utilizing environmental pressures.

“Currently, about half of it is pure fat,” Chuck explained. “We didn’t just increase the yeast’s mass; it’s impressively fatty. Plus, we managed to accelerate its growth.”

The cultivation of this oil requires minimal space and uncomplicated equipment—just a large vat. The yeast feeds on food waste, such as discarded bread and potato byproducts, which are converted into sugar.

Once the yeast becomes densely populated, the cells burst and release oil, which is processed similarly to traditional cooking oils.

After this process, half of the non-oil yeast can be repurposed into other food ingredients, such as natural emulsifiers and beta-glucans, a heart-healthy fiber also found in oats.

By adjusting temperature, acidity, and sugar, yeast can produce a range of fats. The oil on the right is engineered to resemble more saturated, semi-solid palm oil, while the oil on the left is a less saturated liquid – Credit: Clean Food Group

Adjusting the yeast’s growing environment allows scientists to modify its flavor, texture, and nutritional properties, balancing saturation levels to mimic various fats.

“If executed correctly, we can prevent the destruction of tropical forests,” Chuck stated. “Currently, we’re using land equivalent to Argentina to cultivate cooking oil, making it one of the largest agricultural footprints globally.”

Demand for palm oil continues to rise. The current palm oil market is valued at $50.6 billion and is projected to increase to $65.5 billion (£48.3 billion) by 2027.

“We need forests to act as the planet’s lungs,” Chuck explained. “We cannot afford to clear everything.”

Moreover, substituting some tropical oils with yeast-based alternatives can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“These tropical crops emit more CO₂ than oil they produce,” Chuck added, noting that yeast-derived oils emit 95% less carbon dioxide and can be cultivated in nearly any location.

“These cutting-edge fermentation techniques enable us to establish local production,” he elucidated. “We’ve implemented this model on the outskirts of Birmingham, utilizing waste from our nearby factory to create oil and reintegrate it into our local ecosystem.”

This yeast-based oil is on the horizon; Chuck indicated it could debut in cosmetics by late 2025 or early 2026, with food applications to follow shortly thereafter.

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About our experts

Professor Chris Chuck is a chemical engineer at the University of Bath, UK, and co-founder of the food technology startup Clean Food Group. He also contributes to the Reaction and Catalytic Engineering Research Unit (Racial), Center for Sustainable Chemical Technology (CSCT), Center for Water Innovation Research (WIRC), Center for Bioengineering and Biomedical Technology (CBIO), and the Institute for Sustainability and Climate Change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk1lijeo1ue

Innovative Wildlife Conservation Strategies Emerge in Guatemala Due to Climate Change

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Research conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Association highlights the diverse wildlife that frequents artificial watering holes in the Mayan forests of Guatemala.

Jaguars find respite from the heat in Guatemala’s artificial waterfall hole. Image credit: WCS Guatemala.

As temperatures rise in Mesoamerica, protected areas in northern Guatemala are confronting increasing ecological challenges, primarily due to severe water shortages negatively impacting local wildlife.

In response, the conservation organization has taken proactive measures to safeguard biodiversity in two key ecosystems: Laguna del Tigray National Park and Mirador Rio Azur National Park.

To tackle this pressing concern, strategic installations of artificial waterfall holes have been made throughout the parks.

Constructed from durable materials designed to endure extreme local conditions, these water sources are situated in the most vulnerable wildlife habitats, despite the logistical challenges of accessing remote jungle areas.

Camera traps have captured images of various species using these waterfowl, including tapirs, pumas, jaguars, deer, margays, and snakes.

These findings offer valuable insights into animal behavior under water stress and demonstrate how scientifically-informed conservation efforts can alleviate the impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems.

“During the dry season, many natural water sources completely dry up,” notes Ronnie Garcia Andru, director of the Biology Research Division at the Wildlife Conservation Association’s Guatemala Program.

“This drastically lowers the survival chances for numerous species.”

Initially intended to provide critical relief during periods of drought, monitoring with camera traps has shown that the artificial watering holes are also frequented in the rainy season.

This unexpected trend indicates that not only are some regions experiencing ongoing water shortages, but that these structures are becoming an integral part of the local wildlife’s habitat.

This adaptive maintenance strategy has been developed through collaboration.

“While artificial watering holes are not a permanent fix, they serve as a crucial tool for helping wildlife adapt to increasingly erratic environmental conditions,” Garcia Andru remarked.

“The success of this initiative highlights the significance of collaborative, science-driven approaches in the conservation of the Mayan forests, one of the largest tropical forests in the Americas.”

“As climate patterns continue to evolve, these partnerships will be essential to preserving the remarkable biodiversity of the region for future generations.”

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This article is derived from a press release provided by the Wildlife Conservation Association.

Source: www.sci.news

Innovative Aerogels Provide Eco-Friendly Solutions for Oil Spill Cleanup

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When thick oil from tanker or pipeline accidents infiltrates the ocean, the clean-up process often generates more waste than oil removed. Traditional synthetic tools, such as polypropylene pads and oil dispersants, consist of toxic chemicals that decompose slowly. To offer a more eco-friendly solution, scientists are looking to natural materials like coconut shells, which can absorb oil without causing additional contamination. This Bio-based material is safe and decomposes naturally without harming the environment.

One category of bio-based materials under investigation for oil spill clean-up consists of long chains known as repeating molecules polymers. Researchers have combined various bio-based polymers to create what are called hybrid materials Composite Materials. These composites include a unique type of highly porous solids primarily made of air—Air Gel. Depending on the material composition, iPhone-sized aerogels can weigh less than small paper clips and are highly porous, allowing them to absorb significant amounts of oil, functioning like an overactive sponge!

Previously, scientists utilized chitosan (CS) derived from crustacean shells to construct bio-based aerogels with sodium alginate (SA) from brown seaweed. However, both CS and SA are water-attracting compounds, Hydrophilicity, causing them to dissolve in water. This makes it challenging to apply them for oil spill clean-ups in bodies of water, as they dissolve before capturing much oil. Additionally, CS-SA aerogels tend to be relatively weak and flexible, raising concerns about their reusability.

To address these issues, researchers at the National University of Singapore developed a new CS-SA aerogel. This enhanced aerogel not only repels water but is also lightweight, durable, and reusable through multiple oil absorption cycles.

To create the aerogels, researchers initially dissolved CS and SA in a solution and sent sound waves through it. The sound waves intertwine polymer chains, releasing and reassembling them into smaller chains of Nanofiber. To counteract the hydrophilic nature of CS and SA, researchers introduced water-repelling agents—Hydrophobicity chemicals such as Methyltrimethoxysilane or MTMS.

The mixture was then poured into a mold and placed in liquid nitrogen. This facilitated the formation of ice crystals within the solution, pushing the nanofibers towards the edges where they bonded to create honeycomb-like microstructures. The researchers then froze the mixture and directly sublimated it into steam to eliminate the water.

After producing the aerogels, researchers assessed their porosity and strength. They employed a high-powered microscope to examine the internal structure of the aerogels and determine how the nanofibers influenced porosity. They discovered that aerogels containing nanofibers are more porous than those without. An increase in nanofiber concentration from 0.5% to 2% resulted in aerogels that are up to 9.5 times stronger, albeit with lower porosity, increasing density by 2.5 times. The team settled on a 1% nanofiber concentration as the optimal formula to balance strength and porosity.

The researchers also evaluated the strength of each aerogel by stretching them and measuring how much deformation they could withstand without losing their shape—a concept referred to as Top yield strength and the force they could handle before failure—Ultimate strength. With increasing amounts of MTM, the aerogels became stronger, boosting yield strength by up to 300% and ultimate strength by 200%. They also tested the recovery of the aerogels after compression, showing that they could regain up to 96% of their original shape and exhibited 32% resilience to compression, with minimal bending or structural deformation.

Finally, researchers examined how effectively the aerogels repelled water and absorbed oils. When placed on the aerogel’s surface, water droplets retained a nearly spherical shape instead of spreading out. The droplets were observed moving across the surface and rolling off without leaving any residue, confirming the hydrophobic nature of the aerogel. To test oil absorption, researchers submerged the aerogels in an oil-water mixture, where the aerogels absorbed more than 90% of the oil volume and weighed 30-90 times their initial mass.

Researchers concluded that their new aerogels could be a powerful and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for oil spill clean-up. They emphasized that designing materials at multiple scales—ranging from molecules to small fibers—can enhance their strength and performance. They proposed that further advancements could allow these aerogels to support reusable and eco-friendly solutions for oil spill remediation, particularly in sensitive coastal areas.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Innovative Methods for Extracting Uranium from Water Could Boost Nuclear Power in China

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tianwan Nuclear Power Station on the Yellow Sea coast of China

Xinhua Newsletter/Alamie

SEI 250610463 — Tianwan Nuclear Power Station on the Yellow Sea coast of China

Xinhua Newsletter/Alamie

Researchers in China have created a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for extracting uranium from seawater. As the global leader in nuclear power plant construction, China’s advances will bolster its uranium supply.

The oceans are estimated to contain around 4.5 billion tonnes of uranium, significantly more than is available through traditional mining methods. However, these resources are challenging to extract. Previous methods have involved immersing materials in artificial sponges or polymers inspired by natural structures, or utilizing a more costly electrochemical approach to capture uranium atoms via an electric field.

A team led by Shuangyin Wang from Hunan University has developed an enhanced electrochemical technology that is not only cheaper but also requires less energy than existing methods. Unlike conventional systems that draw only uranium atoms towards a positive electrode, this new device utilizes two copper electrodes.

This innovative method managed to extract 100% of uranium from a brine solution within 40 minutes, whereas physical adsorption techniques typically yield less than 10% of the available uranium.

When tested with small amounts of natural seawater, the system processed about 1 liter at a time, achieving 100% extraction from East China Sea water and 85% from South China Sea water. In the latter scenario, larger electrodes allowed for complete extraction.

The energy cost of this method is over 1000 times lower than that of traditional electrochemical procedures, with extraction costing approximately $83 per kilogram of uranium—four times cheaper than earlier methods and significantly less than the $360 per kilogram average.

By scaling up production and device size, researchers believe this technique could lead to the “industrialization of uranium extraction from seawater” in the future. During a 58-hour test in 100 liters of seawater, the largest experimental setup managed to extract over 90% of the available uranium.

A notable earlier success in uranium extraction from seawater occurred during the 1990s, when the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency used physical adsorption methods to recover kilograms of uranium, setting a significant benchmark for subsequent research in China.

In 2019, China’s state-run nuclear power company partnered with research institutes to form the Innovation Alliance for Seawater Uranium Extraction Technology. The goal is to establish a demonstration plant by 2035 and achieve continuous industrial production by 2050. South China Morning Post.

Half of the reactor projects currently in development are located in China. The country is positioned to significantly increase its nuclear capacity by 2030, potentially surpassing both the US and the EU. International Energy Agency.

Nonetheless, China still imports the majority of the uranium it requires, making any economical extraction from seawater highly valuable.

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Physicists develop innovative form of structured light: Optical rotation

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a team of Harvard physicists, the structure of the optically rotating animal continues in a logarithmic spiral.

The evolution of light beams carrying the optical decy as a function of propagation distance. Image credits: Dorrah et al. , doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adr9092.

“This is a new behavior of light consisting of optical vortices that propagate space and change in an anomalous way,” says Professor Federico Capaso, a senior author of the study.

“It can potentially help you manipulate small substances.”

With a unique twist, the researchers have discovered that orbital angular momentum-mediated beams of light grow in mathematically recognizable patterns found throughout nature.

Reflecting the Fibonacci number sequence, their optical rotations propagate into logarithmic spirals found in Nautilus shells, sunflower seeds, and tree branches.

“It was one of the unexpected highlights of this study,” says Dr. Ahmed Dora, the first author of the study.

“Hopefully we can help others, who are experts in applied mathematics, to further study these light patterns and gain unique insight into their universal signature.”

This study is based on previous research by the team using thin lenses etched with thin nanostructures to create a light beam with controlled polarization and orbital angular momentum along its propagation path, converting the input of light into other structures that change when it moves.

Now they have introduced another degree of freedom in their light. There, spatial torque can be changed as it propagates.

“We show even more versatility in control and we can do it on a continuous basis,” said Alfonso Palmieri, co-author of the study.

Potential use cases for such exotic rays involve the control of very small particles, such as colloids, in suspension, by introducing new types of forces according to the unusual torque of light.

It also allows for precise optical tweezers for small operations.

Others have demonstrated light that changes torque using high-intensity lasers and bulky setups, but scientists have created theirs with a single liquid crystal display and a low-intensity beam.

By showing that they can create rotary rotary devices in industry-compatible, integrated devices, the barriers to entry for their technology to become a reality are much lower than in previous demos.

“Our research expands the previous literature on structured light, providing new modalities for light and physics, and sensing, suggesting similar effects of condensed material physics and Bose-Einstein condensates,” they concluded.

study Published in the journal Advances in science.

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Ahmed H. Dora et al. 2025. Rotation of light. Advances in science 11 (15); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adr9092

Source: www.sci.news

Physicists discover innovative methods for producing Livermorium-116

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Using the 88-inch cyclotron from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an international team of physicists successfully created two atoms Rivermorium (Atomic Symbol LV) A breakthrough in which the lab tries to create a new element 120, using titanium beams for the first time.

Rivermorium, make a gate et al. A fusion isotopes of titanium and plutonium. Image credits: Jennius, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Currently there are 118 known elements, 90 of which occur naturally on Earth.

Heavy elements than fermium (with 100 protons) must be created by combining the nuclei of two lighter elements, but not all combinations work.

The heaviest, currently known element was created by fusing a specific isotope of calcium, calcium-48 (containing 20 protons and 28 neutrons), with a heavier element, but this method works only up to element 118 (Oganesson).

The number of special (so-called magic) protons and neutrons makes it more possible to fusion of calcium and the survival of the nucleus of the resulting compounds.

But to go further, scientists need new techniques.

In the new experiment, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and her colleague Dr. Jacklyn Gates made a major breakthrough by accelerating a beam of titanium-50 (containing 22 protons and 28 neutrons) with an 88-inch cyclotron, dissolving it with the nucleus of plutonium-244 (containing 94 protons and 150 diseases) and titanium nucleus.

Over 22 days, physicists successfully produced two atoms of rivermorium, the chemical element with symbol LV and atomic number 116.

This experiment shows that new elements other than Oganesson can be created in the Berkeley Lab.

However, creating element 120 is expected to be 10-20 times more difficult than Livermorium.

If successful, element 120 is the heaviest known element, offering a new opportunity to explore the outermost limits of atomic structures and further test theories of nuclear physics.

“This response has never been demonstrated before, and it was essential to prove that it was possible before embarking on an attempt to make a 120,” Dr. Gates said.

“Creating new elements is a very rare feat. It’s part of the process and it’s exciting to have a promising path forward.”

“This was an important first step in trying to make something a little easier than the new ones to see how the movement from the calcium beam to the titanium beam changes the rate at which these elements are produced,” said Dr. Jennifer Pore of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

“When we are trying to create these incredibly rare elements, we are at the absolute edge of human knowledge and understanding. There is no guarantee that physics will work as expected.”

“Using titanium to create element 116, we now have the ability to verify that this production method works and plan the hunt for element 120.”

Team’s paper Published in the journal Physical Review Letter.

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JM Gate et al. 2025. Towards discovering new elements: production of rivermorium (z = 116) ⁵⁰Ti. Phys. Pastor Rett 133, 172502; doi: 10.1103/physrevlett.133.172502

Source: www.sci.news

Could this be an innovative approach to treating depression?

Posted on March 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The design of the flow headset resembles a prop from a futuristic movie, featuring a sleek curve and two large circular pads that utilize electrodes to deliver small currents to the brain.

Claimed to aid in treating depression, the company behind the headsets – Flow Neuroscience, priced at £400 (around $520) – boasts a 77% improvement rate in symptoms within just three weeks.

Initially skeptical, I am intrigued by the potential of wearable devices to enhance our well-being. However, I have encountered many grand claims in the past that failed to materialize.

Nevertheless, Flow’s compelling evidence could sway my opinion. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of the devices on individuals with depression, funded by Flow Neuroscience but conducted by external researchers and mental health professionals.

The most recent research, led by a team from East London University and involving 174 patients in the UK and US, revealed that 56% of those using the flow headset were symptom-free after 10 weeks, prompting consultant psychiatrist Alex O’Neill Kerr to emphasize the significance of these results.

“We’re talking about remission,” O’Neill Kerr remarked. “Symptom-free.”

O’Neill Kerr, who participated in a previous trial with the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and prescribes the headset in his practice, shared anecdotes of how the device had transformed the lives of some patients.

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“Upon initial use, I was astounded,” O’Neill Kerr noted. “Patients are regaining control of their lives. I recently spoke with an individual using a flow device, and it completely turned their life around.”

While not everyone benefits from using the headset, and not all research yields promising outcomes, recent studies have underscored the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) in treating depression. By sending mild currents to the brain, TDCS stimulates less active areas associated with depression, potentially revolutionizing treatment for individuals who are unresponsive to traditional interventions.

In the trial, more than half of the flow headset users had symptoms – Credit: Justinpadget

O’Neill Kerr highlighted the potential of TDCS to address the underlying communication issues in the brain that lead to depression, offering hope to individuals who do not respond to standard treatments.

With milder side effects compared to traditional antidepressants, such as tingling sensations or headaches near the electrodes, TDCS presents a safer and non-addictive alternative that could be used in conjunction with conventional therapies.

While other TDCS headsets like Platowork and brain driver exist, Flow stands out as the sole device endorsed by the NHS due to its proven efficacy. Ongoing research aims to explore TDCS applications beyond mental health, potentially offering relief for conditions like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and tinnitus.

Envisioning a future where TDCS becomes a standard treatment option, O’Neill Kerr emphasized the profound impact it could have on patients. “It’s restoring your brain to its natural state,” he concluded.

About our experts

Professor Alex O’Neill Kerr, an expert in treating OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and addiction therapy, has contributed to publications like bjpsych open, Open Journal of Depression, and Journal of Affective Disorder Reports.

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Innovative technologies can lower costs and improve sustainability of refrigerators | Technology

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A new technology application has been reported to potentially reduce costs and improve environmental friendliness of refrigerators.

In 2019, domestic refrigerators and freezers accounted for nearly 4% of global electricity consumption. One quote states that simply innovating to decrease power usage is no longer sufficient.

Research from Huazhong Science and Technology University suggests that thermal galvanic technology shows promise as a sustainable cooling alternative to the commonly-used steam compression technology in refrigerators.

According to the findings, “Thermal galvanic cooling offers an environmentally friendly solution with low carbon emissions, potentially contributing to carbon neutrality if widely adopted.”

The research also indicates that this technology can be applied across various sectors, from wearable cooling devices to industrial settings.

Duan mentions, “Thermal galvanic technology is making its way into our lives through efficient electricity or low-power cooling. Both the research and commercial communities should take note.”

Heat galvanic cells generate electricity from thermal energy produced by a chemical reaction. Researchers have found heat galvanic hydrogel that can aid in cooling mobile phone batteries while converting waste heat into electricity.

Optimizing the chemicals in the process has led to a 70% improvement in cooling efficiency of the galvanic cells.

The electricity used to power refrigerators, coupled with gas leaks from refrigeration units, is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, 50% of refrigeration-related emissions are from electricity usage, with 37% from household refrigerators.

Future research efforts will focus on enhancing system design and exploring additional commercial applications.

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Duan states, “Our advanced electrolytes have commercial potential, but further efforts are needed to enhance design, scalability, and stability for practical implementation of this technology.”

“Moving forward, we aim to enhance heat galvanic cooling performance through new mechanisms and advanced materials, along with developing various refrigerator prototypes for potential applications. Collaborations with companies are being pursued to promote the commercialization of heat galvanic technology.”

Can innovative wearable technology enhance mental health?

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“I achieved 40 seconds of uninterrupted concentration.”

Apparently, this is cause for celebration. For the past 10 minutes, I've been staring at my phone, trying to move a digital ball up a hill using only the power of my mind. The Mendi headset I wear analyzes my brain activity and reflects it in my games. The more you concentrate, the higher the ball will rise.

This exercise is thought to work your mental muscles, just like using weights to train your physical muscles, ultimately increasing your focus and reducing stress.

Like thousands of other people, I've been wearing smartwatches for years to help me track my fitness and improve my physical health. But the wearables industry has set its sights on a new target: mental health. We now have smart watches and brainwave-reading devices that not only analyze the state of our nervous systems, but perhaps intervene proactively to improve our well-being, and we now have mental health support. We're making it more accessible and wearable than ever before. “We're harnessing the brain's ability to rewire itself so that we can have more control over our emotions,” he says. Mustafa Hamada Mendi Chief Product and Scientific Officer.

As someone who suffers from stress and anxiety, I'm willing to try anything that helps me control it. But I have a background in neuroscience, so I’m wary of believing the hype. So I took a closer look at the growing number of devices targeting concentration, concentration, stress and anxiety to find out how they work and which ones actually make a difference…

Innovative Approach to Assisting Parkinson’s Patients with Walking

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that makes it difficult for people to regulate their voluntary movements. Parkinson's disease affects about 500,000 Americans and causes symptoms such as stiffness, slowness of movement, and a hunched back. For this reason, the way the patient walks; How to walkis one of the main ways doctors determine the quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients. Doctors have developed a variety of treatments for Parkinson's disease, but few have been able to help patients walk.

Scientists have discovered that walking problems in Parkinson's disease patients are related to brain overactivity. This hyperactivity is caused by brain wave patterns. beta bandIt is located in a specific area of the brain that regulates movement, known as the . subthalamic nucleusor STN. Researchers have developed treatments that modulate STN activity, but it is not known whether changing the associated brain wave patterns can help patients walk more easily.

Previous researchers have shown that electrical stimulation of a patient's skin in different areas can stimulate nerves that regulate muscle tone and other bodily functions. vagus nerve. Scientists in Italy and the United Kingdom recently discovered that a form of electrical stimulation Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation taVNS may help people with Parkinson's disease walk.

To perform taVNS, researchers placed electrodes in the outer ears of Parkinson's disease patients to stimulate the vagus nerve. Scientists had two main questions. Does taVNS reduce STN beta-band wave activity, and does this reduction in activity allow Parkinson's disease patients to walk more easily?

Researchers enrolled 10 people with Parkinson's disease in the study. Each patient was treated with a different type of electrical stimulation to the STN. They asked participants to stop taking traditional Parkinson's medications the night before the taVNS test and turned off electrical stimulation an hour before the test.

During the taVNS test, scientists applied two types of stimulation to each patient. One stimulated the vagus nerve through the ear, and the other stimulated another area that did not affect the brain. imitative stimulus. They ran each type of simulation on the patient four times for two minutes, with one minute in between.

The researchers also measured the patients' involuntary side-to-side movements while walking. swaythe time it took to change direction mid-test, or Rotation timemeasure the total number of steps, step length variability, total walking time, and walking speed, and compare the effects of real and imitation treatments on patients. Finally, each patient's quality of life was physically assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III.

The scientists found that during taVNS, patients' STN beta-band waves were 7% weaker on the right side than during mimic stimulation. They also found that taVNS improved patients' step length variability, total walking time, and walking speed. The researchers also used statistical tests to show that participants with less active STN beta-band brainwave patterns walked faster. However, there was no significant improvement in patients' quality of life based on rating scale scores.

The researchers concluded that taVNS could help Parkinson's patients walk faster, perhaps by altering brain waves in the STN beta band. They also pointed out that taVNS is a non-invasive treatment, meaning it does not require surgery or implantation into the body, and is much more affordable than invasive treatments. The scientists acknowledged that their study was small, and future researchers will look to do more research to further understand how STN beta-band waves are related to gait in Parkinson's disease. He emphasized the need to conduct trials in large patient groups.

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Source: sciworthy.com

TikTok: Transforming the Way We Experience Musicals with Innovative Storytelling

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

W
Jorge Rivera Herrans unveils some aspects of the Epic: Musical. Last Christmas, he managed to dethrone Taylor Swift from the number one spot on the US iTunes album chart. The stakes are high as the final installment of his musical rendition of the Odyssey is set to release on Christmas Day.

Rivera Herrans’ project has already seen remarkable success, boasting 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, surpassing industry stalwarts like Morrissey, Liam Gallagher, and the Sex Pistols. In the last 28 days alone on the platform, he garnered 119 million views.

“I craved sword fights, the sea, gods, monsters, spells, love, lust, and revenge,” he expressed to the observer. “I want people to experience wonder and feel like kids again when they engage with it.”

Amazing is not just a musical but a 40-song concept album where Rivera Herrans takes on the role of Odysseus during his decade-long journey back to Ithaca post-Troy’s siege, with each step portrayed on TikTok.

Amazing caters to the fascinations of teen pioneers of Generation Alpha, blending Greek mythology and fan interaction.

Rivera-Herrans initiated the writing and recording process in his bedroom studio, later constructing a soundproof vocal booth with his father. While most artists guard their creative processes zealously, Rivera-Herrans takes the opposite approach, openly sharing everything from song motifs to orchestration choices and audition procedures.

“It was daunting initially,” he confessed. “The first time I shared a video on TikTok, I was so nervous that sleep eluded me that night. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Sharing the process online is fantastic because it’s a collective adventure. We can witness real-time feedback on what works and what doesn’t.”

The debut song was a solo effort, but Rivera Herrans later held auditions on TikTok, where interested candidates showcased their singing talents. “We were anticipating around 30 auditions initially, but by month’s end, we had received 1,000 video submissions,” he revealed.

Jorge Rivera-Herrans, the mastermind behind Epic: The Musical. “I craved sword fights, the sea, gods, monsters, spells, love, lust, and revenge,” he remarked.

Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to animate and breathe life into their interpretations of Amazing‘s songs, a prospect that Rivera Herrans relishes. “If I subtly hint at forthcoming events in earlier songs and embed numerous clues through musical motifs, will the audience catch on? When they do, it’s immensely gratifying.”

One of the most enigmatic leitmotifs fans have deciphered is a trumpet melody signifying Poseidon’s involvement in the storm that detained Odysseus and his crew at sea for years, without any deity visibly intervening. The theme resurfaces later, sung by a god.

“It’s truly astonishing how fans pieced this together,” Rivera Herrans stated. “We’re devising captivating storytelling techniques along the way. It’s truly invigorating.”

Claire Chandler, a senior lecturer in musical theater at the University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts, noted that fan engagement with musical theater has surged since composers began showcasing their work on YouTube circa 2015.

Jorge Rivera-Herrans: playwright, composer, lyricist, actor.

The pandemic has fostered the emergence of two other TikTok musicals. Firstly, Remy’s Delicious Restaurant originated from the online meme culture that sprouted around Pixar movies. Various TikTok users crafted songs, ultimately leading to a Broadway performance of Ratatouille for a charitable event.

Then Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear crafted an unofficial bridgerton musical after Barlow shared a snippet of her singing the piece. While they secured a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, they faced a lawsuit from Netflix for their attempts to stage the show.

Fans of Amazing inquire about the possibility of a stage adaptation.

Following the conclusion of the narrative on Christmas Day, they might receive an answer when Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca. Rivera Herrans and his team are in discussions with a “prestigious company” to produce an animated film and another entity for a live-action stage presentation. Three video games are in the works, with two already in development. The team acknowledges fans’ eagerness to participate in bringing these projects to fruition.

“What’s the next iteration of Amazing? What have we bequeathed to the world? I am receptive to all possibilities since each rendition can illuminate a distinct facet of the story,” Rivera-Herrans affirmed.

Scientists showcase innovative self-assembling electronics technology

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

New proof of concept workpublished in a magazine materials horizonpaving the way for self-assembly of more complex electronic devices without relying on existing computer chip manufacturing techniques.

Bottom-up nano-to-microfabrication is of critical importance in modern electronics and optics. However, conventional multiscale array manufacturing techniques face the challenge of reconciling the conflict between the pursuit of better device performance and lower manufacturing costs and/or energy consumption. Chan others. We introduce a facile method for fabricating mixed-metal arrays based on directed self-assembly in which organometallic adducts derived from passivating oxides of ternary liquid metals are polymerized to fabricate mixed-metal wires. Image credit: Julia Chan.

“Existing chip manufacturing techniques involve many steps and rely on highly complex technology, making the process costly and time-consuming,” said Martin Tuo, a professor at North Carolina State University.

“Our self-assembly approach is significantly faster and cheaper.”

“We also demonstrated that this process can be used to tune the bandgap of semiconductor materials and make the materials responsive to light. This means this technique can be used to create optoelectronic devices. ”

“Furthermore, current manufacturing techniques have low yields, resulting in a relatively large number of unusable and defective chips being produced.”

“Our approach is high-yielding, meaning we produce arrays more consistently and with less waste.”

“We call this new self-assembly technique the directed metal-ligand (D-Met) reaction. Here's how it works,” he added.

“We start with liquid metal particles. In our proof-of-concept work, we used field metals, which are alloys of indium, bismuth, and tin.”

“Liquid metal particles are placed next to a mold and can be made into any size or pattern. A solution is then poured into the liquid metal.”

“The solution contains molecules called ligands, which are made up of carbon and oxygen.”

“These ligands collect ions from the surface of the liquid metal and hold them in a specific geometric pattern.”

“The solution flows across the liquid metal particles and is drawn into the mold.”

As the solution flows into the mold, the ion-containing ligands begin to assemble, forming more complex 3D structures.

Meanwhile, the liquid part of the solution begins to evaporate, which causes the complex structures to become more and more tightly packed into the array.

“Without a type, these structures can form somewhat chaotic patterns,” Professor Tusiad says.

“But because solutions are constrained by type, structures form in predictable, symmetrical arrangements.”

“Once the structure reaches the desired size, we remove the mold and heat the array.”

“This heat causes the ligand to decompose, liberating carbon and oxygen atoms.”

“Metal ions interact with oxygen to form semiconducting metal oxides, and carbon atoms form graphene sheets.”

“These components form an ordered structure consisting of semiconducting metal oxide molecules wrapped in graphene sheets.”

Professor Thuo and his colleagues used this technique to create nanoscale and microscale transistors and diodes.

“Graphene sheets can be used to tune the bandgap of a semiconductor, making the semiconductor more or less responsive depending on the quality of the graphene,” said Dr. Julia Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. Ta.

Additionally, the researchers used bismuth in their proof-of-concept work, which allowed them to create photoresponsive structures.

This allows the authors to use light to manipulate the properties of semiconductors.

“The nature of D-Met technology means that these materials can be manufactured on a large scale, limited only by the size of the molds used,” Professor Thuo said.

“By manipulating the type of liquid used in the solution, the dimensions of the mold, and the rate of evaporation of the solution, we can also control the semiconductor structure.”

“In short, we have shown that highly structured and highly tunable electronic materials can be self-assembled for use in functional electronic devices.”

“This research demonstrated the creation of transistors and diodes.”

“The next step is to use this technology to create more complex devices, such as 3D chips.”

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Julia J. Chan others. guided infinitely Assemble mixed metal oxide arrays from liquid metals. materials horizonpublished online on November 25, 2024. doi: 10.1039/D4MH01177E

This article is a version of a press release provided by North Carolina State University.

Source: www.sci.news

The bonding power of Cheerios leads to creation of innovative robot

Posted on November 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A Cheerios-inspired robot that emits alcoholic fuel using fluorescent dye.

Jackson K. Wilt et al. 2024

The same phenomenon as beetles floating on a pond and Cheerios growing in clusters. You can combine them inside a cereal bowl to make a small floating robot.

One such effect, the Marangoni effect, occurs when a fluid with a low surface tension spreads rapidly across the surface of a fluid with a high surface tension. To take advantage of this effect, stenus There are beetles that have evolved to fly around ponds by secreting a substance called stenusin, and toy boats that run on soap.

To explore how engineers can use this, jackson wilt Harvard University and his colleagues 3D printed round plastic pucks about 1 centimeter in diameter. Each had an air chamber for buoyancy and a small fuel tank containing 10 to 50 percent alcohol, which has a lower surface tension than water. The alcohol gradually leaks out of the pack and the pack moves across the surface of the water.

The researchers used alcohol, which evaporates, as fuel, unlike soap, which ends up contaminating the water and ruining the Marangoni effect. It turns out that the stronger the alcohol, the better the results. “The beer would be pretty bad,” Wilt says. “Vodka is probably the best thing you can use. Absinthe…that's a lot of propulsion.” At top speed, the robot moves at 6 centimeters per second, and some experiments propelled the puck for as long as 500 seconds. It has been confirmed that

By printing pucks with multiple fuel outlets and gluing them together, researchers can also create larger devices that can make wide curves or rotate in place. Using multiple packs also allows researchers to study the “Cheerios effect,” where cereals and other similar floating objects cluster together. This occurs because they form a meniscus, or curved surface, in the fluid, and these surfaces are attracted to each other.

Wilt said 3D printed devices could be useful in education to help students intuitively understand concepts related to surface tension, but could also be carefully designed to produce more complex and elegant behavior. If this technology is developed, it can be expected to be applied to environmental and industrial processes.

For example, if there is a substance that needs to be dispersed throughout the environment and also acts as a suitable fuel, the robot can automatically disperse it around it. “Say you have a body of water that needs to release a chemical and you want it to be distributed more evenly, or say you have a chemical process that needs to deposit material over time,” Wilt says. . “I feel like there's some really interesting behavior here.”

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Learn more about Adobe Express

Transforming Your Goals: Stephen Bartlett’s Innovative Approach

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Stephen Bartlett, a visionary entrepreneur, understands that having a vision is not enough. In partnership with Adobe Express, a quick content app, he uses carefully crafted manifestos to align with people’s goals and values to turn visions into actionable steps. This approach, known as the Manifest-o Method, provides a framework for guiding entrepreneurs in the early stages. By creating a manifesto, Bartlett aims to help people develop daily habits that bring them closer to their goals and alleviate fears about the journey.

Unlike a traditional business plan or mission statement, a manifesto goes beyond structure and focuses on belief, intent, and purpose. It serves as a daily reminder of why you embarked on your path in the first place. Bartlett, known for his work with Flight Studio, leverages Adobe Express to create manifestos for business development.

Creating a manifesto involves reflecting on core values and goals. It is a statement of intent that defines your position and objectives. Manifestos, when well-designed, carry more weight and are more enduring. Bartlett emphasizes the importance of distilling beliefs into actionable steps and making manifestos visually appealing. Creative digital tools like Adobe Express make designing manifestos easy and enjoyable.

Regularly reviewing and updating your manifesto is essential to ensure it remains a dynamic tool for growth. It should inspire you to take action and move closer to your goals. The Manifest-o method is not limited to business; it can also be applied to personal life, helping clarify values and priorities.

Scientists uncover innovative method to transform carbon dioxide into methane

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A new class of atomically dispersed nickel catalysts directly converts trapped carbon dioxide (CO)₂ to methane (CH₄), according to Tomaz Neves García, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at The Ohio State University, and colleagues.

Direct electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide scavenging species, namely carbamates and (bi)carbonates, may be promising for carbon dioxide capture and conversion from point sources. Image credit: Neves Garcia others., doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c09744.

Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas responsible for most of global warming and is produced by power plants, factories, and various forms of transportation.

Typical carbon capture systems, aimed at reducing the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by separating carbon dioxide from other gases and converting it into useful products. .

However, the operation of these systems requires large amounts of energy, making this process difficult to implement on an industrial scale.

“Now we have found a way to save much of this precious energy by using a special nickel-based catalyst to convert the captured carbon dioxide directly into methane,” said Dr. Neves Garcia.

By using nickel atoms placed on a charged surface, Dr. Neves-Garcia and his co-authors were able to convert carbamates, a scavenging form of carbon dioxide, directly into methane.

They discovered that nickel atoms, an inexpensive and widely available catalyst, were very good at this transformation.

“We are producing high-energy fuels from low-energy molecules,” said Dr. Neves Garcia.

“What's so interesting about this is that while other companies are capturing, capturing and converting carbon in stages, we're saving energy by doing these steps simultaneously. is.”

Most importantly, streamlining the carbon capture process will help scientists reshape what they know about the carbon cycle and inform more complex strategies for faster and more efficient climate mitigation technologies. This is an important step to establish.

“We need to focus on minimizing the energy spent on carbon capture and conversion as much as possible,” said Dr. Neves García.

“So instead of performing all the capture and conversion steps separately, we can integrate it into one step and avoid wasted energy processes.”

“Many carbon capture methods are still in their infancy, but this is a promising field as researchers from a variety of disciplines are working on improvements.”

“Using renewable electricity to convert carbon dioxide into fuel has the potential to end the carbon cycle.”

“For example, when methane is burned to produce energy, it emits carbon dioxide, which can be captured and converted back into methane to support a continuous energy production cycle without adding to the planet's global warming burden. It may be possible.”

The study also represents the first time researchers have discovered that carbamates can be converted to methane using electrochemistry.

Many attempts have been made to convert the captured carbon dioxide into useful products, but so far most researchers have only shown the ability to produce carbon monoxide.

“Methane can be a very interesting product, but most importantly it opens the way to developing further processes to convert the captured carbon dioxide into other products” Neves Garcia said the doctor.

of the team work Published in Journal of the American Chemical Society.

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tomas neves garcia others. 2024. Integrated capture and conversion of carbon dioxide to methane with amines over single-atom nickel catalysts. J.Am. Chemistry. society 146 (46): 31633-31646;doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c09744

Source: www.sci.news

Fresh Insights into OCD Will Lead to Innovative Treatments

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When my daughter was little, she would wash her hands a lot. We might have lightly teased her, saying she was a bit OCD. Then she started to reveal “bad thoughts” that I thought were typical of a child's imagination. I told her that everyone has these thoughts and that they will go away if she ignores them.

That wasn't the case with her. At 21, her emotions were out of control and completely out of proportion to reality. She was diagnosed with OCD, and I finally realized there was nothing “a little” about this condition.

OCD is complex, widely misunderstood, and treatment options are limited. But in recent years, the brain and body mechanisms that cause OCD have finally been uncovered, revealing a complex picture that involves genetics, various brain networks, the immune system, and even gut bacteria. The resulting improved understanding is opening up new possibilities for tackling this life-destroying condition.

Around the world, It is estimated that 1-3% of people suffer from OCD.Obsessional thoughts typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood. As its name suggests, it is characterized by obsessions, or intrusive thoughts, and compulsions, which are habits that cannot be stopped. “Obsessive thoughts capture and dominate our attention because they have become obsessive habits,” says Barbara Sahakian At Cambridge University…

The Ethical Dilemma of AI in Art: Controversial or Innovative? Exploring How Artists are Embracing AI in their Work

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

CBeloved actor, film star, and refugee advocate Atheé Blanchett stands at the podium addressing the European Parliament: “The future is now,” she says authoritatively. So far, so normal, but then you’re asked, “But where are the sex robots?”

The footage is from an actual speech Blanchett gave in 2023, but the rest is fictional.

Her voice was generated by Australian artist Xanthe Dobie using text-to-speech platform PlayHT for Dobie’s 2024 video work, Future Sex/Love Sounds, which imagines a feminist utopia populated by sex robots and voiced by celebrity clones.

Much has been written about the world-changing potential of large-scale language models (LLMs), including Midjourney and Open AI’s GPT-4. These models are trained on massive amounts of data, generating everything from academic papers, fake news, and “revenge porn.” Music, images, software code.

While supporters praise the technology for speeding up scientific research and eliminating routine administrative tasks, it also presents a wide range of workers, from accountants, lawyers, and teachers to graphic designers, actors, writers, and musicians, with an existential crisis.

As the debate rages, artists like Dobie are beginning to use these very tools to explore the possibilities and precarity of technology itself.

“The technology itself is spreading at a faster rate than the law can keep up with, which creates ethical grey areas,” says Dobie, who uses celebrity internet culture to explore questions of technology and power.

“We see replicas of celebrities all the time, but data on us, the little people of the world, is collected at exactly the same rate… It’s not a question of technology capabilities. [that’s bad]That’s how flawed, stupid, evil people choose to use it.”

Choreographer Alisdair McIndoe is another artist working at the intersection of technology and art: His new work, Plagiary, premieres this week at Melbourne’s Now or Never festival before running in a season at the Sydney Opera House, and uses custom algorithms to generate new choreography for dancers to receive for the first time each night.

Although the AI-generated instructions are specific, each dancer is able to interpret them in their own way, making the resulting performance more like a human-machine collaboration.

In Alisdair McIndoe’s Plagiary at Now or Never festival, dancers respond to AI-generated instructions. Photo: Now or never

Not all artists are fans of technology. Nick Cave, January 2023 Posted a scathing review He called the song ChatGPT generated by imitating his work “nonsense” and a “grotesque mockery of humanity.”

“Songs come from suffering,” he says, “which means they’re based on complex, inner human conflicts of creation. And as far as I know, algorithms don’t have emotions.”

Painter Sam Leach doesn’t agree with Cave’s idea that “creative genius” is an exclusively human trait, but he encounters this kind of “total rejection of technology and everything related to it” frequently.

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Fruit Preservation (2023), directed by Sam Leach. Photo: Albert Zimmermann/Sam Leach

He justifies his use of sources by emphasizing that he spends hours “editing” with a paintbrush to refine the software’s suggestions. He also uses an art critic chatbot to question his ideas.

For Leach, the biggest concern about AI isn’t the technology itself or how it’s being used, but who owns it: “There are very few giant companies that own the biggest models and have incredible power.”

One of the most common concerns about AI is copyright. This is an especially complicated issue for people working in the artistic sector, whose intellectual property is being used to train multi-million dollar models, often without their consent or compensation. For example, last year, it was revealed that 18,000 Australian books had been used in the Book3 dataset without permission or compensation. Booker Prize-winning author Richard Flanagan described this as “the biggest act of copyright theft in history.”

And last week, Australian music rights organization APRA AMCOS Presenting the survey results They found that 82% of members are concerned that AI will reduce their ability to make a living from music.

Study Suggests Egypt’s Pyramid of Djoser Could Have Been Constructed Using an Innovative Hydraulic Lift System

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, is believed to be the oldest of the seven great pyramids, built around 4,500 years ago.

Map of the Saqqara Plateau showing the waterway from the Gisr el-Mudir Dam (left) to the water treatment plant near the Pyramid of Djoser. The water is then routed to the pyramid's network of pipes to power the hydraulic elevators. Image courtesy of Landreau. others., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306690.

The Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2680 BC at Saqqara in Egypt, is considered a major milestone in monumental architecture.

This revealed for the first time two important innovations: the pyramidal shape of the pharaoh's tomb and the use of only perfectly finished stones in the masonry.

In fact, the ability to extract, lift and precisely stack millions of stones is also revolutionary.

Such were the complex and visible achievements of King Djoser that his architect, vizier and great priest of Ra, Imhotep, was deified during the New Kingdom.

In a new interdisciplinary analysis, Dr. Xavier Landreau of the CEA Palaeotechnical Institute and his colleagues have found that hydraulic lifts may have been used in the construction of the pyramid.

Based on their mapping of nearby watersheds, the authors found that one of Saqqara's large unexplained structures, the Gisr el-Mudir Enclosure, has the characteristics of a check dam intended to capture sediment and water.

Additionally, a series of compartments dug into the ground outside the pyramid may have acted as water treatment plants, allowing sediment to settle as water passed through each compartment.

This would have allowed the water to flow into the pyramid's columns themselves, and its upward force could have carried the building stones along.

More research is needed to understand how water flowed through the tunnels and how much water was present on the land at that point in Earth's history.

However, archaeologists suggest that while other building methods such as ramps may have been used to construct the pyramids, if there was enough water a hydraulic lift system may have been used to support the building process.

“The internal structure of the step pyramid is found to be consistent with a previously unreported mechanism for hydraulic build-up,” the researchers said.

“The ancient builders may have used sediment-free water from the south side of the dry moat to raise the stones from the center of the pyramid in a volcanic fashion.”

“The ancient Egyptians are famous for being pioneers and masters of hydraulics, including irrigation canals and barges for transporting megaliths.”

“This research opens up a new field of research into the use of water power to build the massive structures erected by the Pharaohs.”

of study Published online in the journal PLoS One.

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X. Landreau others2024. On the possibility of using hydropower to aid in the construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. PLoS One 19 (8): e0306690; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306690

Source: www.sci.news

The closure of Xbox 360’s innovative online store marks the end of a gaming era | Gaming

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

TThe Xbox 360 digital store is the latest to go offline, following the closure of the Wii U and 3DS stores in March. About 220 games were shut down on Monday, according to the analysis. Video Game ChroniclesPreservationists at the Video Game History Foundation Made a funeral cake.

When it comes to backward compatibility and game preservation, Microsoft is arguably the best of the big companies. Despite the loss of 220 games, the majority of the Xbox 360 back catalogue is legally playable on subsequent consoles. It’s also worth noting that the Xbox 360 Marketplace lasted for nearly 20 years (the console was released in late 2005). It wasn’t the first digital store for the console, but it was the first one I used, and I’m sure many UK players did too. The Xbox 360 was the most popular console of its generation in the UK. Looking back, the Marketplace was astonishingly ahead of its time.

In the 2000s, brick-and-mortar video game retail still ruled the roost, and retailers had a lot of influence over game pricing and distribution. Back then, offering digital-only games risked retaliation from players like Electronics Boutique and Game. I remember reports at the time reporting rumors that some stores were threatening to not stock Xbox 360s at all, because allowing players to download games digitally would severely undermine retailers’ business models. (To be fair, they were right; video game retail had been in a protracted death spiral for years.)

The Xbox 360 Marketplace didn’t bring about a big change on its own. The transition to digital stores was gradual, with all the major players, from Steam to Sony to Nintendo, playing a role over the years. “Digital was somewhat additive to retail to begin with,” says Chris Dring, head of GamesIndustry.biz. “At the time, over 90% of console games were bought in a box that sat on the shelves of stores like GameShop or Tesco, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the majority of AAA console games (51%) were downloaded rather than boxed. The Xbox Live Marketplace was primarily where people bought DLC and occasional indie gems that were only accessible via digital stores. But it was fundamentally the beginning of the transition to the digital future we live in today. Now everyone is copying what Xbox did with Xbox Live and the Marketplace.”

Shoppers look at computer games at an electronics boutique on Oxford Street in London. Photo: Graham Turner/The Guardian

But what the Xbox 360 Marketplace really changed for console players was how Which There’s a limited number of games you can buy, and while it’s always been possible to download and play small, experimental games on PC, the same wasn’t possible on consoles before the Xbox 360. I think the Marketplace directly enabled the indie renaissance of 2010 and beyond by giving smaller game developers and publishers a way to sell their games to millions of console players without the expense and logistical issues of releasing boxed copies.

Starting with the original Xbox and gaining momentum in the 360 era, Xbox Live Arcade was revolutionary. Every week a new, small, downloadable game under £10 was released, from developers big and small. I played hundreds of games this way, and they were some of the first unboxed games I owned. Among them were Limbo, Fez, Geometry Wars, Super Meat Boy, and the greatest version of Uno ever (don’t @ me). There’s a strong case to be made that the Xbox 360 Marketplace introduced indie games to millions of console players.

As Dring points out, digitalisation also has its downsides: “In 2005, Xbox (and PlayStation and Nintendo) were platforms. Now they are the platform, the distributor, and the retailer. They control the whole chain. And they are increasingly becoming media themselves, through their websites, YouTube channels, and announcement videos.”

We’ve become so used to downloading games digitally that it’s easy to forget how refreshing it once was. Saying goodbye to the Xbox 360 Marketplace also means saying goodbye to an era of gaming where even DLC felt new and exciting. I rather miss those days, and the long hours of late-night gaming on Xbox 360 Uno.

What to Play

Short and sweet…Thank you so much for having me here! Photo: Panic

A very British slapstick comedy game Thank you so much for coming! It was released today, and the reviews (including our own) have been rave. Created by two Barnsley residents and set in the fictional northern town of Barnsworth, which seems to be built around visual gags, it’s short and sweet, but packed with great jokes and quirky situational comedy in the tradition of Monty Python and the Mighty Boosh.

Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, PC
Estimated playtime: 3 hours

What to Read

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Question Block

XCOM: Enemy unknown. Photo: Filaxis

reader Akshay Question of the week:

“I recently finished Yakuza 7: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness and found myself completely lethargic for a few days after completing it. I’d spent nearly 180 hours playing the game and had developed some good habits, so it was a real shock when I had to say goodbye. What’s the best way to get out of a post-game slump?

Ah, I know that feeling! I remember beating XCOM (above) in one weekend, saving the world, then sitting aimlessly on the couch in my pajamas, not knowing what to do next. I remember playing The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion for so long that I left my apartment after the credits finished and walked listlessly around the city. TV shows and books can give you that same feeling when it’s time to say goodbye to characters and worlds you’ve lived with for a while. But games are much more time-intensive, and much more immersive. Ending a game can feel like a farewell.

And just like after a breakup, it’s not a good idea to jump right into a new game; it only invites negative comparisons. So in between big games, go out, read a novel, or grab a drink with a friend you temporarily lost because of Breath of the Wild, and really feel That you’re ready to try something new.

If you have any questions for the Question Block or any other comments about the newsletter, Please email us at pushingbuttons@theguardian.com.

SpaceX readies Starship for flight with innovative ‘chopstick’ landing technique

Posted on July 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Testing the Super Heavy booster for Starship's fifth test flight

SpaceX

SpaceX is making final preparations for its fifth and most ambitious Starship test flight yet. While the previous four flights all aimed to land on water in the ocean, this test will be the first to attempt a landing on a launch pad.

What is Starship?

This is the heaviest, most powerful rocket ever flown. SpaceX aims to develop it as a rapidly reusable launch vehicle that can carry a large payload into space, return to the launch pad, land, and be ready for the next mission within days or even hours. A series of test flights over the past two years has inched closer to that goal.

NASA has signed a contract with SpaceX to supply a variant of its Starship lunar lander to send astronauts to the moon's surface after late 2026. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's ultimate ambition is to send humans to Mars using Starship.

What will SpaceX attempt on its fifth test flight?

The fifth flight will likely be the first attempt to catch Starship's Super Heavy booster (the rocket's first stage) on the launch pad. SpaceX's launch tower, called Mechazilla, will eventually Grab boosters at specific points You can secure it and lower it the remaining distance to the ground later.

During the fourth test flight, the booster performed a “virtual landing” over the ocean, slowing its descent over the water's surface to simulate what would be required to capture a real swordfish, before splashing down on the water. Musk posted on X “I think we should try catching the booster with Mechazilla's arms on our next flight.”

When is it expected to be released?

The official release date has not yet been decided, Full-time test burning The first stage of the rocket was launched on July 15th and is currently unhindered by any obstacles.

Musk himself X Post on July 6th The launch is expected to take place within “four weeks,” tentatively around August 3, though it's worth keeping in mind that Musk has a history of insisting on delivery dates that haven't been met.

What has happened in Starship launches so far?

During the first test flight on April 20, 2023, three of the first stage's 33 engines failed to ignite, after which several more failed during the flight, causing the rocket to spin out of control and self-destruct.

The second test flight on November 18 of the same year continued, reaching an altitude high enough for the first and second stages to separate as planned, but exploded as the first stage rotated to begin its deceleration and landing procedure. The second stage continued safely to an altitude of about 90 miles (149 km), passing the Kármán line, which marks the beginning of the universe, but was destroyed by a safety mechanism after it stopped transmitting data before completing an orbit or returning to Earth.

The third test flight, on March 14 this year, was at least partially successful, as it reached space, performed a fuel transfer test, and flew farther and faster than ever before, but lost attitude control during the flight and failed to make a planned soft landing.

The fourth test flight, on June 6 this year, was the most successful to date, with Starship reaching an orbital altitude of more than 200 km and traveling at a speed of more than 27,000 km/h. Both the booster and upper stage made a soft landing in the ocean. There was a dramatic scene when the intense heat of Starship's re-entry into Earth's orbit caused the skin of one of its control wings to burn off, but the company said this was resolved with a new heat-resistant tile design.

What would happen if this launch were to fail?

The chances of Starship completing its mission perfectly are slim, so it's likely that it will fail in some way. But failure will provide data and experience that can be used to improve the design and processes for the sixth launch. SpaceX has shown it can iterate quickly and make great strides with each launch.

Still, the company's bold strategy of catching the booster on the launch pad puts not just the spacecraft at risk but also the hardware on the ground, meaning the fifth test flight will likely be the riskiest yet.

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Michael Mosley’s innovative methods in science have improved lives and promoted health

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

My first encounter with Michael Mosley was at the BBC Summer Party. A recent documentary I had presented had just aired on horizon, making me eligible to attend the event. Feeling overwhelmed amongst the many celebrities present, I found solace at the bar, quietly observing the crowd, until Michael approached me.

“Hello, I’m Michael Mosley,” he introduced himself. I was well aware of who he was, and we ended up spending the evening conversing. Although I first worked with Michael at an event, that initial meeting at the party left a lasting impression on me. Despite not knowing me, he warmly welcomed me as a newcomer.

Michael’s extensive career as a producer, presenter, and writer at the BBC spanned over 40 years, establishing a unique style of ‘self-experimenting presenter’ in science presentations. He famously delved into self-experimentation, including infesting himself with tapeworms and popularizing the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet to manage his type 2 diabetes.

While Michael faced criticism for his methods, he aimed to communicate science rather than conduct formal experiments. His talent for simplifying complex concepts and making science accessible led to widespread education among audiences.

Personally, Michael served as a valuable mentor, offering practical advice and sharing techniques for effective communication in broadcasting. His influence extended to shaping my approach to interviews and on-camera presentations, guiding my work in academia and beyond.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of clear science communication has been highlighted, emphasizing the impact of effectively disseminating information on health issues. Michael’s contributions in this realm have greatly improved public health outcomes and potentially saved lives.

As a close colleague, respected mentor, and cherished friend, Michael Mosley will be deeply missed.

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Innovative technology revolutionizes recycling of all plastics indefinitely

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Satakorn Skontakayonkul/Alamy

I spend countless hours sifting through plastic pieces in my kitchen to determine if they can be recycled. If you have them, put them in a bag along with glass, cans, cardboard, and paper. If not, or if you’re not confident, put it in a plastic bag (not recyclable) and shove it in the cupboard under the stairs. I plan to drop it off in a non-recyclable plastic bin at my local supermarket. But the road to the landfill is paved with good intentions. Sometimes I get frustrated and throw it away.

I don’t know if my relentless culling will actually make any difference. We hope that what is recyclable will eventually be recycled. As for the others, which make up about half of my plastic waste, I don’t know their fate. I think there’s a reason it’s called “non-recyclable.”

We hope that you won’t have to waste your precious time on this kind of waste prioritization any time soon. A series of “advanced recycling” technologies are gradually being rolled out that promise to convert all kinds of used plastics into something very useful: plastic. The goal is to create a circular economy for this material by eliminating the need to make virgin plastic from crude oil and simply endlessly recycling what we already have. Plastic, once demonized as the scourge of modern society, could once again be great.

There are many things you can use. Since the 1950s, we have produced over 10 billion tons of her.

Researchers suggest innovative therapy for stomach cancer

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Cancer cells grow abnormally and are difficult to control. Scientists call this growth on the lining of the stomach stomach cancer. Gastric cancer is a global health concern in the United States, East Asia, and Eastern Europe. There are usually no symptoms at the time of onset, but it often affects people infected with a bacterial species called Helicobacter pylori.

Researchers have found that diagnosing stomach cancer early is difficult, so many people with stomach cancer die within five years of diagnosis. As cancer grows, it moves from the stomach to other organs, such as the kidneys and liver, through a process called metastasis, which increases the severity even further. This problem raises the need for effective early diagnostic and therapeutic targets to combat gastric cancer before metastasis occurs.

Human cells contain molecules that carry genetic information essential for the development and functioning of organs and body systems. This molecule is DNA and it consists of a sequence of four nucleotide bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.

To carry out its role, DNA undergoes two transformations through biochemical reactions. First, it is transcribed into a slightly similar but less stable molecule. RNAIt is a sequence of nucleotide bases that is almost identical to DNA, except that it has uracil instead of thymine. This RNA serves as a template for protein synthesis, and there are various types. Enzymes then convert some of these RNA molecules into in particular messenger RNA or convert mRNA into protein. Proteins allow organs to grow and function.

Not all RNA molecules become proteins. What does not become protein non-coding RNA or ncRNA. These ncRNAs interact with cells and other molecules to control various processes required to form proteins from DNA for cell growth and survival.

In the past, researchers discovered a type of ncRNA called long ncRNA, which affects the body's immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. However, there are no studies specific to their activity in gastric cancer. Therefore, a group of Chinese biomedical researchers investigated how these ncRNAs influence the development of gastric cancer and how scientists can utilize their ncRNAs to predict the survival of gastric cancer patients.

Researchers found that normal and gastric cancer sample from global cancer database called cancer genome atlas. The normal samples were from patients without gastric cancer and served as the standard or reference point for comparison. Using the R programming language and a software package developed for biological data, they investigated which groups of ncRNAs were expressed at different levels in these patients. They used information from a genome browser called ensemble Identify protein-encoding genes located within and around differentially expressed ncRNA regions.

The researchers found that the expression levels of thousands of ncRNAs were different in gastric cancer compared to normal sample tissue. they again, 15 genes surrounding ncRNA regions that influence gastric cancer progression. They found that about 8 out of 10 ncRNAs were expressed at levels higher than those required in normal cells, and the rest were expressed at lower levels.

Additionally, the researchers investigated the time period during which ncRNAs interact with other ncRNAs and mRNAs to influence tumor growth and patient outcomes. They identified five long ncRNAs that interact with mRNA; microRNA. These long ncRNAs caused abnormal increases and decreases in protein levels within cells, influencing differences in tumor development and progression, as well as patient outcomes. They reported one microRNA that could inhibit tumor growth and serve as a potential target during therapy.

They used a statistical method called , to analyze the proportion of cells that fight infections and harmful substances. immune cellswere investigated in cancer and normal samples to determine how each cell interacts with ncRNAs and influences patient survival. The study highlighted that certain immune cells were higher depending on the age and stage of gastric cancer in the patients whose data were obtained. They confirmed the relationship between immunity and long ncRNA regulatory networks in gastric cancer. They identified certain immune cells whose presence increases a patient's chance of surviving stomach cancer, and those whose presence reduces survival.

With this study, the authors hope to identify new potential targets, namely specific immune cells and ncRNAs, to assess patients' chances of recovery and develop effective treatments for them. concluded that further insight into the biological processes involved in gastric cancer was gained. However, the size of the cancer data is much larger than the regular data used for comparison, which may have influenced the results, the researchers reported. They emphasized the need for further research, especially laboratory analysis, to validate the findings.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Revolutionary Anti-Aging Neurotechnology: The innovative device designed to maintain youthful brain function

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Living a healthier life can be achieved in many ways. Simple activities like daily walks, healthy eating, and brain-boosting puzzles like Sudoku can keep your mind and body active. For a unique approach, consider trying neuromodulation, which involves sending electric shocks to the brain.

Neuromodulation is an innovative method that uses a stimulator placed on the head to deliver electrical shocks directly to the nervous system. This non-invasive technique offers numerous health benefits and has gained traction as a cutting-edge technology for enhancing well-being.

The concept of neuromodulation has been around for some time, but companies like Parasin and gamma core have reignited interest in recent years. These companies claim to improve mental performance and overall health with their devices that can be used conveniently at home.

Research from reputable institutions like UCL, Harvard University, and University College London supports the effectiveness of neuromodulation. Even tech entrepreneurs like Brian Johnson have shown interest in this technology.

What is neuromodulation and how does it work?

Neuromodulation is a technique that alters neural activity by delivering electrical signals to specific areas. Imagine it as a dimmer switch that can increase or decrease nerve or brain activity. This method can excite or inhibit nerves to alleviate pain and modify neural patterns associated with various conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Companies like Parasym use “auricular vagal neuromodulation therapy” to deliver electrical signals through the ear to target the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in connecting the brain, heart, and digestive system.

How technology can slow aging

Neuromodulation can help slow down the aging process by combating chronic inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving cardiovascular health. Research shows promising results in addressing age-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease and heart conditions.

While neuromodulation offers benefits like improved heart rate variability and reduced fatigue and depression, it remains in the early stages of development. Safety concerns and experimental results underscore the need for further research and validation.

Is neuromodulation safe?

Neuromodulation has evolved since its inception in the 1960s, with modern devices providing safer options for users. Implantable devices offer more effective treatment but come with higher risks, including infections and other complications.

Non-invasive wearable devices like those from Parasym are considered safer, with minor side effects like skin irritation being the main concern. These devices require consistent use to deliver optimal results, making them a more accessible but less durable alternative to implantable devices.

While neuromodulation technology shows promise in improving health and well-being, users should weigh the benefits against the costs and potential risks before investing in these innovative devices.

Innovative Wearable Device Identifies Early Signs of Breast Cancer

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer. American Cancer Society states that early diagnosis of breast cancer leads to a 100% survival rate. During the initial diagnosis, images or scans of breast tissue are examined by the doctor to detect abnormalities.

Doctors commonly use ultrasound devices to diagnose breast cancer using sound waves. Ultrasound for diagnosing breast cancer. Scientists have identified limitations of ultrasound in the past, such as the need for proper skills and training, poor contact with skin during scanning, and maintenance challenges of large ultrasound machines in hospitals.

To address these limitations, a group of researchers developed a wearable, portable, and affordable device called cUSBr-Patch, which stands for Compatible Ultrasonic Chest Patch. To create this wearable patch, they used a 3D printer to design a honeycomb-shaped patch with holes that can be attached to a soft fabric bra.

Scientists attached a small scanning device to the patch that uses sound waves to acquire medical images similar to an ultrasound machine. This device, called phased array transducer, uses piezoelectric material and differs from traditional hospital ultrasound scanners, producing clear and high-resolution images.

The cUSBr-Patch is attached to a bra with magnets and allows the patch to directly touch the skin for scanning. A small tracker on the phased array transducer is moved and rotated using a handle to capture images of the entire breast.

Researchers tested cUSBr-Patch on female patients with breast abnormalities, scanning both breasts in six different locations using the phased array transducer connected to the patch. Computer programs were then used to generate images similar to those from standard hospital ultrasound machines.

The researchers concluded that cUSBr-Patch can detect breast cancer at a level comparable to traditional hospital ultrasound equipment. They are working on a smaller version of the device, aiming to make it accessible for home use by high-risk individuals and populations without regular testing facilities to improve breast cancer survival rates significantly.

Post views: 1,152

Source: sciworthy.com

Scientists use innovative method to hunt for signs of extraterrestrial technology

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

techno signature Any measurable property that could provide evidence of extraterrestrial technology. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is a branch of astrobiology that focuses on the discovery of technosignatures, which provide evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Traditionally, targeted wireless surveys have been the mainstay of his SETI research, and many of his ongoing SETI projects are still conducted in the radio band. SETI Ellipsoid, a newly proposed technology, suggests that an extraterrestrial civilization observing a galactic-scale event such as supernova SN 1987A could use it as a point to broadcast a synchronization signal indicating its presence. This is a strategy for selecting techno signature candidates based on the assumption that .

Gaia Early Data Release 3, using Cabrales' improved star 3D positions other. identified 32 SN 1987A SETI ellipsoidal targets with uncertainties better than 0.5 light-years within the TESS continuum. Image credits: ALMA/ESO/NAOJ/NRAO/Alexandra Angelich, NRAO/AUI/NSF.

Barbara Cabrales, Ph.D., of the SETI Institute and the Berkeley SETI Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and her colleagues demonstrate that the SETI ellipsoid method leverages continuous, wide-field surveys of the sky and demonstrates its ability to detect potential technosignatures. We have shown that it can be significantly improved.

By using up to a year of observations to correct for uncertainties in the estimated time of arrival of such signals, we implement the SETI ellipsoid strategy in an innovative way using state-of-the-art technology.

“The new survey of the sky provides a groundbreaking opportunity to search for technosignatures in concert with supernovae,” Dr. Cabrales said.

“Typical timing uncertainty takes months, so we want to cover the bases by finding well-documented goals over about a year.”

“In addition to that, it's important to make as many observations as possible about each target of interest, so you can see what looks like normal behavior and what looks like potential techno-signatures.” You will be able to judge.”

In examining data from the Continuous Display Zone of NASA's TESS mission, which covers 5% of all TESS data during the first three years of the mission, the authors leveraged advanced 3D position data from Gaia Early Data Release 3. Did.

This analysis identified 32 major targets within the SETI ellipsoid in the southern part of the TESS continuum, with all uncertainties adjusted to better than 0.5 light-years.

Although initial inspection of TESS light curves during ellipsoid-crossing events did not find any anomalies, the foundation laid by this effort lends itself to other investigations, a broader range of targets, and a variety of potential signal types. Paving the way for expansion into research.

Applying SETI Ellipsoid technology to scour large archival databases represents a breakthrough in the search for technosignatures.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging Gaia's highly accurate distance estimates and cross-matching these distances with other time-domain surveys such as TESS to enhance monitoring and anomaly detection capabilities in SETI research. doing.

Combining the SETI Ellipsoid method with Gaia's distance measurements provides a robust and adaptable framework for future SETI searches.

Astronomers can apply it retrospectively to sift through archived data for potential signals, proactively select targets, and schedule future monitoring campaigns.

“The SETI Ellipsoid method, in collaboration with Gaia distances, provides an easy and flexible method for SETI searches that can be adapted to suit a variety of current surveys and source events,” the researchers said. I am.

“This can not only be applied retrospectively to look for signals in archived data, but also propagated in time to select targets and schedule surveillance campaigns.”

Their paper will appear in astronomy magazine.

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Barbara Cabrales other. 2024. Find the SN 1987A SETI ellipsoid using TESS. A.J. 167, 101; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ad2064

Source: www.sci.news

NASA to Send Wooden Satellites Into Space for Innovative Research Purposes

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

In 1957, the first man-made object was successfully launched into space and into orbit around the Earth. This was Sputnik 1, a beautifully simple Soviet spherical satellite with only four antennae.

But this historic event also marked the beginning of another, more disturbing one. It means that humans left the first space debris in orbit around the Earth.

Part of the 267-ton, 30-meter-tall rocket that launched Sputnik also became stuck in orbit. Suddenly, the world was faced with a problem we didn’t know we needed to solve: outer space littering.

Thankfully, Sputnik and the rocket debris it left behind deorbited shortly after launch and burned up in the atmosphere. However, this was not always the case. Just 66 years of space exploration has left vast amounts of detritus in orbit around Earth.

Now, NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are considering ideas to help solve this problem. The idea is to build a satellite out of wood, a widely available biodegradable material.

Space junk is currently a problem

The problems that government agencies are trying to address are big and complex, and they need to know how big the first phase of the project was. At least 130 million pieces of man-made debris are known to be orbiting the Earth, most of them flying at speeds of more than 7 kilometers per second. This is eight times faster than a normal bullet. But while this is a staggering number, some scientists believe it is a conservative estimate.

Most objects sent into space remain in space until either they deorbit and burn up on re-entry, or they are pulled away from Earth into graveyard orbits, where they orbit for hundreds of years. The majority of such objects are actually very small, less than 1 cm in diameter, from paint chips to small pieces of electronic equipment to pieces of insulation foam and aluminum.

Such tiny pieces cannot be seen from Earth, even with powerful telescopes. Therefore, we need to look for evidence left behind when it collides with other objects in space. This is no easy task.

Work to assess the scope of the problem began in earnest after five extraordinary objects, the NASA Space Shuttles, repeatedly orbited and returned. Since 1981, NASA has launched a total of 135 shuttle missions.

After each shuttle returned to Earth, it was evaluated using a fine-tooth comb to identify damage caused by orbital debris. This gives NASA a clearer picture of the problem of small pieces of dead satellites flying through space.

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NASA scientists have discovered exactly what they expected: small pieces of debris just a few millimeters in diameter can cause small but powerful impacts. NASA also produced the first estimates of how degraded the debris environment is.

Prior to 1978, NASA scientists Don Kessler and Barton Coolpare had proposed a scenario they named Kessler syndrome. The phenomenon they discussed is a catastrophic event in which when a satellite is shattered by space debris, the resulting debris destroys more satellites, creating even more debris, repeating an endless chain of events. It is a chain of

Obviously, this is a big problem. So how can we slow down the rate of debris formation or eliminate it altogether? Proposed solutions include using radiation hardening to reach space within five years of launch. It involves taking the ship out of orbit.

materials (designed to be less susceptible to damage from exposure to the high levels of radiation and extreme temperatures experienced in space) and launches on reusable rockets.

Incorporate the idea of a wooden satellite. LignoSat, the name of the NASA and JAXA project, is a coffee machine built using traditional Japanese joinery techniques that houses electronics and other materials needed for space missions, much like today's CubeSats. It is a cup-sized (approximately 10x10x10cm) wooden box.

Wood samples were tested for suitability over 290 days in 2022 on the International Space Station's Kibo Japanese Experiment Module.

Magnolia coped well and performed best when exposed to intense cosmic rays and extreme temperature changes in its harsh environment. It does not burn, rot, crack, or deform, and has the important property that upon re-entry into the atmosphere, it burns up to a fine ash, leaving behind small fragments.

Lignosat prototype.Photo provided by: Kyoto University

Another advantage of wooden satellites is their reflectivity, or rather their lack of reflectivity. Currently, reflections from aluminum satellites are so bright that they can be easily spotted from Earth with the naked eye. Importantly, this reflected light can reach sensitive areas and interfere with astronomical observations.

LignoSat test launch is currently scheduled for 2024. Success could pave the way for further missions.

So will all satellites be made of wood in the near future? Unfortunately, that is unlikely. On the plus side, projects like this encourage researchers to think outside the box and can have a greater impact in the future. If LignoSat is successful, more research groups may try to introduce biodegradable materials to reduce further debris generation.

But for now, I strongly support efforts to actively track as many objects in Earth orbit as possible to reduce future collisions with matter in space.

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