Researchers make breakthrough with first-of-its-kind hybrid solar tech: ‘Unlike other technologies’
– Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia have developed a new hybrid solar technology that combines silicon-based photovoltaics with molecular solar thermal energy storage. This is the first device to pair these two technologies. – The molecular solar thermal energy storage layer acts as an optical filter, absorbing heat before it hits the solar […]
Norman coin hoard becomes England’s most valuable treasure find after being sold for record-breaking sum
– In 2019, a group of metal detectorists uncovered a hoard of 2,584 ancient coins from the 11th century in a field in Somerset, England. – This coin hoard, known as the Chew Valley Hoard, is now considered the most valuable treasure find ever in England. The coins were recently sold at auction for a […]
A Large Satellite Mysteriously Broke Up in Space, But Why?
– A large communications satellite called Intelsat 33e experienced a sudden power loss and then broke up into at least 20 pieces in orbit. This affected communications in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. – The cause of the breakup is unknown but the satellite had a history of propulsion and fuel issues […]
The Last of Us: Could Fungi Really Cause a Zombie Apocalypse?
– Zombie infections in animals are called zombification. They occur when one organism controls another’s behavior, like certain fungi do to insects. – Famous examples include the zombie ant fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which causes ants to climb plants and be taken over by the fungus. This inspired the video game and show The Last of […]
The Most Powerful Picosecond Laser Yet Was Just Unveiled by Scientists
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed the most powerful picosecond laser yet, capable of producing ultra-short laser pulses up to 100 megawatts. Picosecond pulses last less than a millionth of a millionth of a second. This breakthrough was achieved using a new type of thin disk laser based on ytterbium atoms in a crystal disk. […]
Susan Smith is up for parole 30 years after drowning her kids in a South Carolina lake
– Susan Smith is eligible for parole consideration after serving 30 years in prison for drowning her two young sons in 1994. She is scheduled for a parole hearing in November 2024. – In 1994, Smith told police her car was carjacked by a Black man and her sons were taken. She later confessed to […]
NASA’s Europa Clipper isn’t just a spacecraft — it’s a work of art
– A metallic plate about the size of a printer paper is attached to NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft which recently launched on a mission to study Jupiter’s moon Europa. – The plate is engraved with a poem by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón reflecting on gazing at planetary wonders in the night sky. – A […]
This Fungus Appears to Be Able to Recognize Shapes, Study Shows
A new study has found that a fungus called Phanerochaete velutina is able to distinguish between different spatial arrangements of resources and adjust its behavior accordingly. Researchers placed blocks of wood colonized with the fungus in either a circular or cross-shaped arrangement. Over time, the fungus’ mycelium spread out differently depending on the layout. In […]
Purported Nvidia RTX 5090 powered on in an Indonesian factory — GeForce card booting Windows causes cheers among factory staff
– A video from an Indonesian factory appears to show an early production test of Nvidia’s upcoming RTX 5090 graphics card. The video shows one of the cards successfully booting into Windows, prompting cheers from the factory workers. – The factory is reportedly located in Batam, Indonesia. This is likely done to avoid US sanctions […]
9 monkeys who died in Hong Kong’s zoo in 2 days had been infected with melioidosis, officials say
9 monkeys died over 2 days at Hong Kong’s oldest zoo located in the city’s Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Officials say the monkeys were infected with melioidosis, a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei found in soils and muddy water. The secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism said the monkeys likely came into contact […]