A fractured stick of lactic acid with added ultra-high molecular weight LAHB (left) exhibits obvious white discolorations at the fracture face, which is a sign of plastic deformation in toughened materials. On the other hand, pure polylactic acid (right) does not show such whitening, which is a sign of brittle materials. Credit: Koh Sangho Engineered … Read more
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Algorithms were supposed to make our lives easier and fairer: help us find the best job applicants, help judges impartially assess the risks of bail and bond decisions, and ensure that health care is delivered to the patients with the greatest need. By now, though, we know that algorithms can be … Read more
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) heard in September 2023 a case brought by six Portuguese youths accusing governments of moving too slowly to counter climate change. The battle against climate change is increasingly being fought in the courtroom, as national governments, specific laws and individual companies are targeted over their role in the … Read more
Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of the so-called “God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, has died at age 94, the University of Edinburgh said Tuesday. The university, where Higgs was emeritus professor, said he died Monday “peacefully at home following a short illness.” We are … Read more
Crowds of people across Canada flocked to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse on Monday in a highly anticipated celestial event — one that could concern some who didn’t take precautions concerned about their eye health. Looking at the sun directly during a solar eclipse or even otherwise without internationally certified glasses could … Read more
Jonathan Raa | Nurphoto | Getty Images Think a friend or colleague should be getting this newsletter? Share this link with them to sign up. Hi folks! Two competing cell therapies from Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson both got good news from the Food and Drug Administration on Friday. But J&J’s drug is … Read more
Respiratory syncytial virus – viral vaccine under research Hailshadow | Istock | Getty Images A vaccine from Pfizer showed the potential to protect adults ages 18 to 59 who are at increased risk of getting severely sick from respiratory syncytial virus in a late stage clinical trial, the company said Tuesday. The initial data suggests … Read more
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Just two emails, at the right time with the right message, can make a big difference for students who are the first in their families to go to college. A recent Washington State University study highlighted the power of an instructors’ growth mindset—the belief that abilities are not innate but can … Read more
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Responsible owners of the UK’s 22 million cats and dogs may well have followed advice from many vets to treat pets with a monthly preventative “spot on” flea and tick treatment. However, these treatments are polluting our rivers and could pose a health risk to pet-loving families, according to new research. … Read more
Clumps of debris from a disrupted planetesimal are irregularly spaced on a long and eccentric orbit around the white dwarf. Individual clouds of rubble intermittently pass in front of the white dwarf, blocking some of its light. Because of the various sizes of the fragments in these clumps, the brightness of the white dwarf flickers … Read more
