Scientists at the University of Queensland have made a significant breakthrough in aluminium-ion batteries, overcoming a major technical hurdle that could make them a more abundant, affordable, and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The team discovered that pre-cycling, a process where the battery is charged and discharged in a controlled way before regular use, can…
Science on The Soothsayer / page 13
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on December 8, marking a significant milestone in its restoration after the devastating 2019 fire. As part of the renovation, acoustics researcher Brian Katz has been studying the sonic qualities of the cathedral, aiming to recreate its original reverberant sound. The cathedral’s acoustics were severely impacted…
Researchers at the University of Iowa and University Medical Center Utrecht have made a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment by incorporating volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery capabilities into the MR-linac. This innovation could improve plan quality and efficiency, reduce patient discomfort, and make MRI-guided treatments more accessible to patients. The team demonstrated that VMAT deliveries…
Mathematicians Ben Green and Mehtaab Sawhney have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of number theory, proving that there are infinitely many prime numbers that can be written as the sum of squares of other prime numbers. This breakthrough, which uses a powerful tool called the Gowers norm, has significant implications for our understanding…
Science News has compiled a list of the best science books of 2024, covering a wide range of topics from the human experience to the challenges facing our planet. The books on this list offer thought-provoking insights into the world we live in and the potential solutions to the problems we face. From the preservation…
A team of scientists in the US has developed a non-invasive headset device that tracks changes in blood flow to assess a patient’s stroke risk. This innovative technology could make it easier to detect early signs of stroke, offering patients and physicians a direct and cost-effective approach to stroke prevention. The device uses laser-based technology…
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield recently backed down from plans to impose time limits on health insurance payments for anesthesia care in certain states. This decision highlights the crucial role anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures. Anesthesiologists not only administer anesthesia but also monitor vital signs, pain levels, and deliver medication as…
A recent study by the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) collaboration has confirmed the existence of a “cooling break” in the energy spectrum of cosmic ray electrons and positrons at around 1 TeV. The research, published in Physical Review Letters, suggests that the origins of these particles are still hotly debated, with possible explanations including…
Researchers at University College London have created the thinnest pasta ever made, measuring just 370 nanometers thick. This innovation was achieved by mixing flour with formic acid and using electrospinning to create nanofibers. The new pasta is not intended for human consumption but has potential applications in biodegradable bandages and wound dressings. Forecast for 6…
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new transistor made from semiconducting vertical nanowires of gallium antimonide (GaSb) and indium arsenide (InAs). This innovation could lead to ultra-low-power electronics, ideal for applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence. The new transistor uses electrons tunneling through an energy…
