Scientists have successfully created a new compound that incorporates helium atoms into crystalline iron, a discovery that could help explain the presence of helium in Earth’s interior. This breakthrough suggests that the planet’s iron-rich core may hold a deep reservoir of primordial helium, which was formed shortly after the Big Bang. The findings could also…
Science on The Soothsayer / page 28
Researchers in France have made a breakthrough in quantum sensing by developing a hybrid system that combines the precision of quantum devices with the robustness of classical sensors. The new technique uses trapped ultracold atoms to detect acceleration and rotation, and when paired with a classical inertial sensor, it can measure inertial quantities with unprecedented…
Recent studies have revealed that Uranus emits more energy than it receives from the sun, contradicting previous findings from the Voyager spacecraft. This discovery suggests that Uranus has internal heat, likely leftover from its birth, and raises questions about the planet’s unique characteristics, such as its axial tilt of 98 degrees. Forecast for 6 months:…
Researchers at the IBS Center for Climate Physics have simulated the effects of a medium-sized asteroid impact on Earth’s climate. The study reveals that such an event would lead to a dramatic disruption of the climate, atmospheric chemistry, and global photosynthesis. The impact would cause a “global impact winter” with reduced sunlight, cold temperatures, and…
Mathematicians at New York University’s Courant Institute and the University of British Columbia have finally solved the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture, a problem that has puzzled experts for over a century. The solution, which involves finding the most efficient way to point a pencil in every direction while minimizing the space it moves through, has far-reaching…
A recent episode of The Deep End podcast sheds light on the often-misunderstood world of mental health, particularly depression. The discussion highlights the stigma surrounding mental illness and the shame that comes with seeking treatment. Experts and individuals who have struggled with depression share their experiences, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and acceptance. Forecast…
Scientists in Japan and Taiwan have made a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape our understanding of the Earth’s interior. Experiments conducted by Haruki Takezawa and Kei Hirose at the University of Tokyo suggest that the Earth’s core could contain a vast reservoir of primordial helium-3, a light noble gas that was present when the planet…
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic five years ago, but the virus continues to evolve and infect people worldwide. Despite dropping death and hospitalization rates, the pandemic has provided insights into health inequities, flaws in healthcare systems, and the power of collaboration. Scientists have learned much about the virus, but managing COVID-19 as…
The pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has sparked intense debate among experts, with some hailing it as a revolutionary breakthrough and others dismissing it as a marketing term. Despite the unclear definition of AGI, tech companies continue to push for its development, with some claiming significant progress. However, experts warn that the hype surrounding…
A team of researchers from Linköping University in Sweden and Cornell University in the US has made a significant breakthrough in recycling perovskite solar cells, a promising material for next-generation solar panels. The team has developed a simple, non-toxic, water-based solvent to recycle almost all components of perovskite solar cells, which can be used to…