Results for: Science

A groundbreaking study has discovered microplastics in the human brain, highlighting the alarming reality of plastic pollution and its potential impact on human health. The research, conducted by scientists in Brazil and Germany, found microplastics in the olfactory bulb, suggesting that breathing in indoor environments could be a significant source of brain pollution. This discovery has sparked global calls for immediate action on plastic’s impact on human health, with experts demanding a strong UN Global Plastics Treaty to address the issue.

Scientists are proposing to revive ocean iron fertilization (OIF) as a potential solution to climate change. Despite past controversies and international bans, researchers are planning a new set of trials to assess the technique’s effectiveness and ecological impacts. The goal is to use iron to stimulate phytoplankton growth, which can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, concerns remain about potential negative consequences for marine ecosystems.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and has the potential to address major global challenges. This article explores how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude 3 are being used to improve sustainability, aid humanitarian efforts, and democratize access to healthcare and coding.

Windracers, the manufacturer of the self-flying cargo aircraft ULTRATM, has secured a contract to provide two ULTRA aircraft to NORCE, a Norwegian research institute, for scientific survey missions in Antarctica. These aircraft will support the Troll Observing Network (TONe), a comprehensive research initiative aimed at understanding the complex environmental processes occurring in Antarctica.

For the first time, astronomers have captured detailed images of turbulent activity on a star other than our sun. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, researchers observed enormous gas bubbles roiling on the surface of R Doradus, a red giant star. These bubbles, which can swell to 75 times the size of our sun, are driven by heat rising from the star’s core and provide insights into the evolution of stars.

The 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards showcased breathtaking images of marine life, including a whale mid-gulp, a seagull riding a sea turtle, and a deadly mini octopus. The winning photographs captured the diversity and beauty of the ocean, highlighting the importance of marine conservation.

The global cell expansion market is projected to experience significant growth, reaching US$ 40.1 billion by 2034. This expansion is driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in cell culture techniques, and growing investments in regenerative medicine. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing cell expansion processes, while the shift towards decentralized healthcare and point-of-care treatments is driving the development of portable and user-friendly technologies.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has suspended an operation to remove a sample of highly radioactive material from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant due to a technical problem. The removal of fuel and debris remains the most challenging aspect of decommissioning the facility, which was severely damaged by a tsunami in 2011.

The aging Voyager 1 spacecraft, humanity’s most distant object in interstellar space, has faced a thruster issue, jeopardizing its ability to communicate with Earth. Through innovative engineering and careful planning, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) successfully revived a dormant thruster system, allowing the Voyager to once again point towards Earth. This achievement highlights the ingenuity and dedication of the team responsible for maintaining this groundbreaking spacecraft, which continues to provide valuable scientific data from the edge of our solar system.

A groundbreaking brain implant developed by Synchron has enabled an ALS patient to control Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant using only his thoughts. This technology opens doors for individuals with disabilities to regain independence and interact with smart home devices in a hands-free and voice-free manner.