The recent developments concerning the Brazilian social media scene have spotlighted the tumultuous relationship between Elon Musk’s platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Brazilian Supreme Court. Alexandre de Moraes, an influential Supreme Court Justice, has been at the forefront of this clash, further complicating the already adversarial situation that has seen X blocked
Technology
On October 2, 2023, the United Kingdom officially closed down its last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, marking a major milestone in the global transition to sustainable energy. This decisive closure positions Britain as the first nation among the G7—an alliance of the world’s wealthiest nations—to completely cut ties with coal for electricity generation. The end
The demand for high-performance batteries, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronics, has escalated in response to the growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable transportation. Researchers are increasingly focused on the development of innovative battery technologies, with much of the attention squarely on cathode materials. Particularly, layered lithium-rich transition metal oxides have captured
On a recent Monday, a significant service outage struck Verizon customers throughout the United States. The disturbance impacted tens of thousands of users, as indicated by outage monitoring service DownDetector, which reported an influx of over 100,000 complaints shortly after 11 a.m. ET. Although this number reduced later in the day, around 48,000 customers were
As the intersection of technology and psychology continues to evolve, innovative solutions for phobias are emerging. A notable study conducted by researchers at Monash University showcases a pioneering approach to combat aquaphobia—an intense fear of water. By leveraging an extended reality (XR) system within flotation tanks, this research represents a significant leap forward in therapeutic
The persistent rise in global temperatures has brought urban heat management to the forefront of discussions regarding climate resilience. A recent research study conducted by academics from University College London (UCL) and the University of Exeter has shed light on a potential solution that could have significantly thwarted the effects of the blistering heat during
Electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionized the automotive market, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, as EV adoption grows, so does the need for awareness about their vulnerabilities, particularly in extreme weather conditions. With the increasing frequency of major storms, such as Hurricane Helene, it is crucial for EV owners in affected areas
As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies through targeted action plans and policies, the relationship between gas and electric utilities has become significantly strained. The traditional segregation between these two sectors, once established to manage distinct operational domains, is now under scrutiny. Scholars from Stanford University and the University of Notre Dame propose a
In a remarkable turnaround, Nepal has shifted from a nation plagued by chronic power outages to one boasting abundant hydropower, allowing electric vehicles (EVs) to flourish. Just a decade ago, frequent blackouts were a part of daily life for millions of Nepalis, complicating even the simplest tasks. Today, thanks to a surge in dam construction,
Soft robotics has seen significant advancements in recent years, particularly with the development of Fabric-Based Soft Pneumatic Actuators (FSPAs). These innovative devices are designed to manipulate their shapes through inflation and deflation, providing a level of flexibility and safety that traditional robotics cannot match. As our understanding of materials and mechanics deepens, FSPAs offer promising
Recent advancements in indoor heating technologies have prompted researchers to explore energy-efficient and comfortable heating solutions. A significant breakthrough reported in the journal Engineering introduces a novel heating terminal that combines radiant and convective heating options, tailored for intermittent heating applications. This innovation holds the promise of transforming how we achieve thermal comfort indoors, particularly
In late November 2020, an anxious throng of gamers prepared themselves for the elusive online quest of securing a PlayStation 5. The pandemic had pushed entertainment enthusiasts more towards digital escapism, with social distancing and lockdowns providing little else to occupy their time. The PlayStation 5 heralded the dawn of true 4K gaming experiences with
The ongoing labor strike by Boeing workers has reached a critical juncture, with negotiations between the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the aviation giant stalling completely. Approximately 33,000 U.S. employees in the Pacific Northwest region have embarked on a strike that began on September 13 after an overwhelming rejection of a
On Friday, the UK government took a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities by acquiring a crucial semiconductor factory in Newton Aycliffe, located in northeast England. This facility is uniquely positioned as the only secure site in the UK capable of manufacturing gallium arsenide chips, which are essential components for a variety of electronic
In the field of civil engineering, concrete remains a cornerstone material, but its variations can significantly affect structural performance. One of the most advanced forms of concrete is Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), which is recognized for its superior strength and durability. However, the challenge of optimizing UHPC’s potential intensifies when it is confined using Fiber-Reinforced Polymers