The Big Yellow Sulfur Pile in Vancouver, Canada, stands as a symbol of the copious amounts of elemental sulfur derived from the petroleum refining process. In 2013, a groundbreaking technique called inverse vulcanization was developed by Prof. Pyun’s group at the University of Arizona, enabling the synthesis of a sulfur-rich polymer containing over 50 wt%
Landslides and debris flows are natural disasters that can have devastating effects on communities. While wildfires may grab the headlines for their immediate destruction, the dangers are far from over once the flames are contained. Postfire debris flows (PFDF) are a hidden threat that can occur during or soon after a wildfire, causing further destruction
Mars, our dry and dusty neighbor, holds a mysterious past that is closely intertwined with the presence of water. As rovers traverse the surface of the red planet, the remnants of ancient dry lake beds and deltas provide strong evidence that Mars was once abundant with water. However, the water that once filled the Martian
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications, researchers from the Interface Science Department at the Fritz Haber Institute have made a significant advancement in the fight against climate change. Their study introduces a new method for understanding the mechanisms of carbon dioxide (CO2) re-utilization, leading to the production of fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough
Recently, a federal court ruled that Google is maintaining its dominance in internet search through an illegal monopoly. While Google search is widely recognized as the best general search engine available in the United States, the company’s practices of strong-arming competitors have raised concerns. The ruling highlighted Google’s significant spending on agreements to have its
Quantum computers are hailed for their potential to outperform traditional computers in certain information processing tasks like machine learning and optimization. However, their widespread use is hindered by the inherent sensitivity to noise, leading to errors in computations. Quantum error correction is a technique designed to tackle these errors in real-time by monitoring and rectifying
Transitioning from an omnivorous diet to one rich in nuts, fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial for individuals at risk of heart disease. However, the addition of extra virgin olive oil to such diets may not always be advantageous. Researchers from the University of Florida and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
The tech industry is mourning the loss of Susan Wojcicki, a trailblazing executive who left an indelible mark on both Google and YouTube. Susan, who tragically passed away at the age of 56, was a key figure in the inception of Google and went on to serve as the CEO of YouTube for nine years.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have brought technological innovations to the forefront, particularly in improving accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. The introduction of the Vision Pad, a tactile tablet that allows users to track the movement of a ball in play, has revolutionized the experience for spectators like Zoé Thierry. The integration of such
Pancreatic cancer has long been known as one of the most challenging forms of cancer to detect early on, leading to poor prognoses for many patients. The current markers used for screenings are often unreliable and fail to catch the disease in its initial stages. However, a recent study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie
The traditional method of producing ammonia for agriculture involves converting dinitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) using the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. This process not only consumes 2% of the global energy but also generates significant greenhouse gases, contributing to environmental concerns. However, a promising alternative approach using sunlight to drive the ammonia production process is
Broccoli has been known for its high levels of sulforaphane, a compound that has been linked to various health benefits such as blood sugar control and potential anti-cancer properties. This has led to the rise of broccoli pills as a convenient way to consume this beneficial compound. However, a study conducted in 2011 revealed that
The recent study conducted by the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and University College London challenges previous beliefs regarding the isotopic composition of carbon in iron formations from the Saglek-Hebron Complex in Nunatsiavut. Contrary to popular belief, the petrographic, geochemical, and spectroscopic features in the graphite found in these rocks are deemed “abiotic,” lacking any
A recent groundbreaking discovery has provided scientists with the first long section of rocks originating from the Earth’s mantle, the layer below the planet’s crust. This discovery will play a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of the mantle’s impact on various Earth processes, such as volcanic activity and the global cycles of essential elements
The association between tooth loss and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been a topic of interest in recent studies. It has been suggested that missing teeth can lead to a higher likelihood of experiencing heart-related issues such as heart disease, stroke, and other fatal events. This association is believed to be due to poor oral
Recent research from a nationally representative study in the United States suggests that there is a significant correlation between sexual activity and longevity, particularly for women. The study, conducted as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involved interviews and physical exams of over 14,000 adults between the ages of 20 and