Researchers at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore have made a significant breakthrough in noise pollution reduction by developing a new approach to absorbing sound waves using the triboelectric effect. The team has created a fibrous polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PP/PET) composite foam that uses the triboelectric effect and in situ electrical energy…
Science on The Soothsayer / page 28
A new biography, “Ingenious,” sheds light on Benjamin Franklin’s scientific contributions, dispelling common misconceptions about his famous kite experiment and highlighting his approach to science as a joyful and humble pursuit. The book explores Franklin’s diverse interests, from electricity to geology, and his role as a founding father of the United States. As we reflect…
Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have made a significant breakthrough in X-ray imaging by developing a new detector using cascaded single-crystal devices. This innovation has the potential to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining excellent image quality, paving the way for improved clinical X-ray imaging and various applications that require…
A new book, “How to Kill an Asteroid,” highlights the growing concern of asteroid defense and the need for a more robust planetary security system. The book’s author, Robin George Andrews, emphasizes that while scientists have made progress in deflecting asteroids, the real challenge lies in developing a reliable asteroid detector and navigating the bureaucratic…
Physicists in China and Austria have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum mechanics, calculating the effect of entanglement on the emission time of photoelectrons. Their research reveals counter-intuitive predictions that could be tested using improved free-electron lasers. The study focuses on the photoelectric effect, where photons interact with electrons in atoms, and…
A recent study in Ecuador has revealed that the spread of dengue fever is not limited to urban areas, as previously thought. In fact, the disease is spreading rapidly in rural areas with high population density, where access to government services and amenities is limited. This misunderstanding of what constitutes an urban or rural area…
A team of researchers from Seoul National University, Stanford University, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology has made a groundbreaking discovery in camera technology. They have developed a metasurface-based folded lens system that enables unprecedented manipulation of light, paving the way for the creation of slimline cameras for use in smartphones and augmented/virtual…
Malors Espinosa, a graduate student in mathematics at the University of Toronto, has devised a special type of math problem that challenges high school students to prove a nontrivial solution. The problem involves the Menger sponge, a fractal with a simple yet elegant construction. This problem is expected to inspire a new generation of mathematicians…
The incoming Trump administration’s stance on climate change is a cause for concern. With President-elect Donald Trump calling climate change a “hoax” and his administration’s plans to roll back environmental regulations, the world may be in for a stormy future. The administration’s plans to reduce the country’s carbon emissions and transition to greener energy sources…
Researchers at Tsinghua University and other institutions have developed a new framework for approximate quantum error correction (AQEC) codes, which could revolutionize the field of quantum computing. The framework, which establishes a crucial parameter called subsystem variance, links the effectiveness of AQEC codes to quantum circuit complexity. This breakthrough has implications not only for quantum…