Water oxidation using iridium oxide catalysts has shown great promise for green technologies, especially in clean energy processes. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from SANKEN at Osaka University delved into the intricate workings of these catalysts, shedding light on the chemical species involved in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The research,
The relationship between sleep and health is a multifaceted one, with recent research delving deeper into the various types of sleepers and how they can impact long-term well-being. A study conducted by a team from Pennsylvania State University identified four distinct categories of sleepers based on their sleep patterns, daytime alertness, and overall health conditions.
The White House has recently made an announcement directing NASA to create a unified time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies. This decision comes as governments and private companies are increasingly competing in space exploration. The aim is to set international norms beyond Earth’s orbit, in order to ensure safety and accuracy for
Understanding the interactions between phosphorous acid and platinum catalysts in high-temperature PEM fuel cells is crucial for enhancing their efficiency and longevity. Recent experiments conducted at BESSY II using tender X-rays have revealed a more intricate picture of the multiple oxidation processes taking place at the platinum-electrolyte interface. These findings challenge previous assumptions and shed
Granular materials, such as sand, have always intrigued scientists due to their unique properties. While sand appears solid and difficult to compress when on the beach, it flows like a liquid when placed in an hourglass. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam and Santiago in Chile have recently made a breakthrough in creating new granular
The study of fullerenes, spherical carbon ‘cages’, has led researchers to new insights into the origins of life on Earth and beyond. By combining data from laboratory studies and simulation software, scientists have been able to uncover the potential role of fullerenes in protecting complex compounds in interstellar space. Recent research has confirmed the presence
Tesla reported a sharp decline in first-quarter auto sales, with global deliveries down 8.5 percent compared to the previous period. The company attributed this decrease to weak sales in China and the impact of an arson attack on power lines in Germany. Tesla also mentioned production disruptions due to the Red Sea conflict and an
California, a state widely recognized for its progressive climate policies and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has found itself in a rather ironic situation. Despite being at the forefront of environmental initiatives, particularly in aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045, California is actually the largest emitter of sulfuryl fluoride in the United States. This
The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has given individuals a voice to share their personal experiences with medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. However, recently, these drugs have made headlines for a completely unexpected reason – reports of women experiencing unplanned pregnancies while using semaglutide-based drugs. These anecdotal accounts have raised questions about
The recent discovery of dual topological phases in an intrinsic monolayer crystal has opened up new avenues in the realm of quantum materials. This groundbreaking finding, reported by an international team of scientists led by Boston College physicists, sheds light on the unique properties of these materials. The discovery of a dual topological insulator introduces
Platinum (Pt) electrodes play a crucial role in clean power technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis. These technologies are essential for the pursuit of carbon neutrality and the development of clean energy sources. However, surface oxidation on Pt electrodes can degrade catalyst performance and stability, making it vital to understand the mechanisms of
In August 2022, Gerona, north-eastern Spain, experienced a severe hail event that caused extensive damage and casualties. The hailstones, reaching a size of 12cm, were the largest ever documented in the country. This extreme weather event led to serious consequences, including injuries and one fatality. The cause of this unusually severe hailstorm was investigated by
In a breakthrough development, a team of engineers at The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology’s ICFO–Institut de Ciències Fotòniques has successfully created a nearly transparent camera for eye tracking purposes. This innovative camera opens up a world of possibilities for applications such as virtual reality helmets, automotive assistance devices, and advertising tracking. Traditionally, one
Recent reports from the US state of Texas have raised concerns about the spread of bird flu to new species, including dairy cattle. This marks only the second human case of bird flu in the country and comes amidst a global outbreak that began in 2020. Experts are puzzled by the fact that cows and
Every year, the South Asian monsoon season brings heavy rain to over a billion people in the Indian subcontinent between June and September. The rain falls in oscillations: Some weeks see 1 to 4 inches of water, while other weeks are mostly dry. Predicting when these dry and wet periods will occur is critical for