Nearly a decade after Volkswagen’s “dieselgate” scandal rocked the automotive industry, former CEO Martin Winterkorn is finally facing trial. The scandal, which came to light in 2015, revealed that VW had been using software to manipulate emissions levels in millions of vehicles worldwide. This led to one of Germany’s most significant post-war industrial scandals, tarnishing
Peptides, short chains of amino acids, play crucial roles in the body by building structures, speeding up chemical reactions, and supporting the immune system. The specific function of a protein is determined by how its amino acids interact and aggregate into a three-dimensional structure. Scientists have been investigating how short peptide chains aggregate together to
Cannabis, a commonly used substance in the United States, has been the subject of a recent study that suggests it may have significant effects on the human body’s epigenome. The epigenome functions as a set of switches that can activate or deactivate genes, ultimately altering how our bodies function. This study, conducted by epidemiologist Lifang
Back in July 2020, the Tianwen-1 mission launched by China’s CNSA successfully entered the orbit of Mars. This groundbreaking mission comprised an orbiter, a lander, two deployable cameras, a remote camera, and the Zhurong rover. Its primary objective is to delve deep into Mars’s geology and internal structure, analyze its atmosphere, and seek signs of
The COOLBat joint research project is paving the way for the future of electric vehicles by developing next-generation battery enclosures with more charging power, higher range, and lower environmental impact. This collaborative effort between the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and several partners is focused on revolutionizing the way battery enclosures
The advancement of renewable energy sources such as wind power has led to a growing need for accurate and reliable testing of wind turbine systems. With the rise of offshore wind farms and larger turbines, ensuring the grid stability and compliance of these systems has become a significant challenge for manufacturers. In response to this
In the realm of computer science, the concept of bipartite matching has long been a challenging and intriguing problem. This process, which involves pairing two distinct sets of elements in a way that maximizes overall satisfaction, has applications in various fields ranging from ridesharing to medical residency programs. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Associate Professor Saket
As technology advances, self-driving vehicles powered by artificial intelligence are becoming more prevalent in today’s society. However, the reliance on AI systems raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities to attacks. Ongoing research at the University at Buffalo delves into the security risks associated with autonomous vehicles, shedding light on the potential for malicious actors to exploit
In a 1998 paper, the founders of Google, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page, expressed concerns that the goals for online advertising may not always align with providing useful internet search results. Fast forward to the present day, and Google has faced criticism for putting profits ahead of user experience. Ed Zitron, a high-profile technology-industry critic,
Particle accelerators have long been a crucial tool in scientific research, enabling the study of fundamental particles and processes that occur at minuscule scales. Traditional particle accelerators, which can stretch for kilometers, have paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries. However, the emergence of laser-plasma accelerators is changing the game by offering a more compact and
The research conducted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist, Társilo Girona, sheds light on the possibility of providing the public with days or even months of warning before a major earthquake strikes. By analyzing two significant earthquakes in Alaska and California, Girona and his team discovered a method that could potentially revolutionize earthquake forecasting.
In a world where bacteria are rapidly outsmarting antibiotics, researchers have turned to the human gut as a potential goldmine for new weapons in the war against disease. With the human gut containing approximately 100 trillion microbes, it serves as a competitive environment where only the fittest survive. Scientists in the US embarked on a
In Nairobi, Kenya, a new trend in dining has emerged with the introduction of robots serving food in a bustling cafe. This innovative concept has captivated the attention of both young and old patrons, who are fascinated by the sight of robots gliding among human waiters to deliver freshly prepared meals. The Robot Cafe, located
Recent analysis of Victorian-era books has revealed the presence of toxic materials such as lead and chromium, once used to imbue cloth-bound books with vibrant hues. Although casual contact with these heavy metals is not likely to cause serious harm, those who handle antique books frequently, such as librarians and book dealers, are at a
Delving deep into the vast expanse of our galaxy, researchers have discerned faint signs of a tumultuous history that shaped the Milky Way as we know it today. Amidst the swirling gases and twinkling stars, there lies a narrative of past cosmic conflicts, waiting to be unraveled. Recent findings, gathered through the Gaia satellite, have