Science on The Soothsayer / page 14

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a groundbreaking method to create “audible enclaves” – localized zones where sound is perceptible while remaining completely unheard outside. This innovation could transform personal audio experiences in public spaces and improve secure communications by allowing sound to be generated only at a specific…

Scientists at Ohio State University and the University of Toledo have made a significant breakthrough in developing a new type of photovoltaic battery that runs on the energy given off by nuclear waste. The battery uses a scintillator crystal to transform gamma rays into electricity, producing more than a microwatt of power. This innovation could…

Researchers have successfully fermented miso in space, revealing a unique flavor profile and opening up new possibilities for space-based food production. The experiment, conducted on the International Space Station, found that the space-grown miso had a nuttier and more roasted flavor compared to its earthbound counterparts. This breakthrough could pave the way for a new…

Tai-Danae Bradley, a researcher at SandboxAQ, is using category theory to study language as a mathematical category, aiming to develop new mathematical tools and understand the structure of language. Her work has the potential to revolutionize the field of linguistics and artificial intelligence, enabling more accurate language processing and generation. This breakthrough could lead to…

Two tech companies, Lightelligence and Lightmatter, have unveiled computer components that use laser light to process information, marking a major leap forward for photonic computing. These futuristic processors could solve specific real-world problems faster and with lower energy requirements than conventional computers, potentially solving the limitations of traditional chips and enabling faster and more efficient…

The Mars rover Perseverance has made a groundbreaking discovery on the Martian surface, uncovering a series of mysterious rocks that have left scientists stunned. The rocks, which include a dark rock resembling a clutch of frog’s eggs and a sulfur-rich stone, have sparked excitement about the possibility of life on Mars. As NASA continues to…

The impending loss of NASA’s Aura and the Canadian Space Agency’s SCISAT satellites threatens scientists’ ability to closely monitor compounds that destroy ozone and alter stratospheric circulation. This loss of vigilance will hinder researchers’ understanding of the ozone layer’s recovery and potential impacts from wildfires and stratospheric aerosol injections. Forecast for 6 months: Within the…

A devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, killing at least 2,700 people and causing widespread destruction. The earthquake’s impact was amplified by the geologic setting, particularly the shallow rupture and the presence of thick, wet sediments that led to liquefaction. Experts warn that similar disasters could occur in other regions with similar…

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new technique to reduce the risk of blood clots associated with medical implants. The technique involves coating the implants with highly hydrophilic molecules called zwitterions, which inhibit the build-up of clot-triggering proteins. This breakthrough has the potential to make medical implants safer for patients and reduce…

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new cement-making process that uses seawater electrolysis to produce a carbon-negative version of the building material. This process could shift cement production from being a carbon source to a carbon sink, creating a more sustainable alternative to traditional cement. The team’s experiments suggest it’s possible to tailor seawater…