Reinforced concrete stands as the cornerstone of contemporary construction, widely utilized in the framework of bridges, buildings, and various other structures. This versatile material combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel, creating robust systems capable of enduring significant loads and environmental challenges. However, despite its apparent durability, reinforced concrete is
Technology
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina’s mountainous regions are grappling with the devastating impact of the storm. As the winds waned, the relentless noise of gas-powered generators filled the air, a constant reminder of the lack of electricity. For residents like Bobby Renfro, the strain of maintaining power is not merely an inconvenience;
In a recent summit held in New South Wales and South Australia, Federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, elaborated on the government’s intention to impose stricter regulations on social media platforms, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of minors. This initiative follows the South Australian government’s announcement of a ban on children under the age
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, have rapidly become tools of immense value in multiple domains, including environmental monitoring, mapping, and disaster response. These machines repeatedly demonstrate their efficacy by gathering data from otherwise difficult-to-access locations, thereby revolutionizing how we conceptualize and approach spatial data collection. A particularly impactful breakthrough has been
As the urgency for renewable energy solutions escalates in the face of climate change, the UK is poised to experience a significant increase in tidal power and other offshore renewable energy installations. The advantages of harnessing tidal energy include its predictability and regularity in contrast to other renewable sources like wind and solar. Tidal energy
Recent advances in data storage technologies have opened new avenues in cybersecurity and data protection, with a team of visionary scientists at the ICN2 Nanostructured Functional Materials Group leading the charge. This collaborative effort, which includes prominent researchers from both ICN2 and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, has culminated in a groundbreaking digital encoding and
As the world pivots towards electrification and sustainable energy solutions, the demand for rare-earth elements (REEs) has surged, making efficient recycling methods increasingly essential. A groundbreaking study from Kyoto University introduces an innovative approach called the selective extraction–evaporation–electrolysis (SEEE) process, which presents a promising leap in recycling technologies. Published in the journal Engineering, this research
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach to stimulate targeted brain areas using high-frequency sound waves. This method offers great potential, particularly for treating challenging neurological conditions like drug-resistant epilepsy and tremors, which have proven difficult to manage with conventional treatments. A team from Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), the Institute for Basic
The ongoing saga between Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and the Brazilian legal system has produced a multifaceted confrontation that raises important questions about the balance between free speech and regulation in the digital age. As Brazil grapples with the challenges of misinformation, political polarization, and online speech, the Supreme Court Justice
On Monday, the United Kingdom officially closed its last operational coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, paving the way for a significant shift in its energy landscape. This momentous decision signifies the UK as the first nation in the G7 to sever ties with coal as a primary source of electricity generation. The closure not only represents
In an era where energy storage is becoming increasingly crucial, the pursuit of advanced battery technologies is more vital than ever. As our reliance on electronic devices and electric vehicles grows, researchers are tasked with developing batteries that can efficiently store energy, charge rapidly, and maintain their performance over extended periods. A significant area of
On a seemingly ordinary Monday, an unexpected service outage struck Verizon Communications, affecting thousands of customers across the United States and causing significant frustration. The incident, which unfolded around 11 a.m. ET, saw reports of service disruptions flooding in, peaking at over 100,000 according to DownDetector, a site dedicated to tracking outages. By the afternoon,
In recent years, the intersection of technology and mental health has sparked innovative solutions for confronting phobias. One such approach is being explored by researchers at Monash University, who have developed a groundbreaking extended reality (XR) system to help those afflicted with aquaphobia—the fear of water. This unique therapy harnesses the immersive capabilities of virtual
As urban areas expand and climate change accelerates, cities around the world face the pressing issue of rising temperatures. The phenomenon known as the “urban heat island” effect exacerbates this challenge, as dense populations, buildings, and human activities contribute to elevated temperatures. A study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University
As environmental policies intensify their focus on clean energy, the competition between gas and electric utilities has entered uncharted territory. Scholars from Stanford University and the University of Notre Dame emphasize that this competition demands a fundamental rethinking of regulatory frameworks. Their white paper, developed by the Climate and Energy Policy Program at the Stanford