Two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting materials have been a topic of interest in the field of optoelectronics due to their unique properties that make them ideal for use in ultra-thin and tunable electronic components. These materials have shown potential advantages over bulk semiconductors, but there have been challenges in effectively interfacing them with gate dielectrics. The performance
As contractors work tirelessly to install heat pumps in homes across the United States, it becomes evident that this technology is not only gaining traction but is also a crucial part of the country’s push towards greater home electrification. Heat pumps, often overlooked in favor of electric cars and solar panels, are actually an energy-efficient
Sound waves are a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, allowing us to communicate, enjoy music, and interact with our environment. However, in certain technical applications, the ability to control the direction in which sound waves propagate is crucial. Researchers at ETH Zurich have made significant progress in this area by developing a method for
The Oder River, located on the German-Polish border, experienced a devastating environmental disaster in early August 2022. The river was littered with dead fish, mussels, and snails, leading to a significant loss of aquatic life in the region. An interdisciplinary team of scientists led by the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) conducted a study
Quantum computing has long been seen as the next frontier in computing technology, promising unparalleled processing power and capabilities. However, one of the major hurdles in realizing this potential is the challenge of quantum error correction. In a recent publication in Science Advances, Hayato Goto from the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing in Japan introduced
The correlation between serotonin and depression has long been a topic of debate in the medical community. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and the development of new drugs to combat this debilitating mental health disorder. While traditional beliefs have linked low serotonin levels to depression, recent studies have shown that
The summer of 2024 has left Earth sweltering, breaking records and intensifying concerns about the impact of human-induced climate change. European climate service Copernicus recently reported that the summer of 2024 was the hottest on record, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. This alarming trend indicates that the year 2024 is on track to become
Solar sails have emerged as a groundbreaking propulsion technique that harnesses the pressure from sunlight to generate thrust for spacecraft. When photons of light strike the surface of the sail, they transfer momentum, propelling the spacecraft forward. While the thrust may be minimal, the efficiency of solar sails lies in their ability to sustain propulsion
In light of a recent engine fire on a Cathay Pacific flight, Europe’s aviation safety agency has mandated inspections of a part of the fleet of Airbus A350 wide-body jets in operation. Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the engines on Cathay’s A350s, has confirmed the launch of a one-time precautionary engine inspection program. This development has
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been a topic of interest in various scientific fields due to their potential applications in carbon dioxide capture, storage, and catalysis. The conventional approach to designing MOFs usually involves either a bottom-up method or a top-down method. However, a recent study published in the journal Nature Synthesis introduces a new strategy
In a recent study conducted by RIKEN physicists, it was discovered that magnetic fields can play a crucial role in engineering flat bands in twisted graphene layers. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice, has already been well-known for its unique properties. However, when multiple layers of graphene are combined and
In recent years, the perception of tap water as a safe drinking source has shifted due to reports of lead contamination in places like Flint, Michigan. This has led many consumers to turn to alternative sources such as filters and bottled water. The team at SimpleLab conducted a study to compare the chemical levels in
The common belief that CBD can counteract the effects of THC may not be as straightforward as previously assumed. In a recent double-blinded clinical trial, researchers discovered that rather than diminishing THC’s intoxicating properties, CBD may actually amplify them. Participants who were given high doses of both THC and CBD reported significantly heightened feelings of
Robots are becoming increasingly integrated into various aspects of human life, from medical care to household chores. With this integration comes the question of how robots should behave when it comes to honesty and deception. A recent study conducted by researchers at George Mason University delved into the topic of robot deception by presenting participants
In a rare occurrence that caught many off guard, a small asteroid known as 2024 RW1 made its presence known in the skies above the Philippines. Detected only hours before it met its fiery demise, this asteroid, measuring about one meter in diameter, posed no threat to Earth. While initial reports may have stated that