Scientists from enemy nations create a beacon for peace in the Middle East
They’ve built a machine in the desert in the heart of the Middle East. Israelis will use it — and so will Iranians, Jordanians, Turks, Pakistanis and many others. Scientists from countries recently at war or without diplomatic relations will work side by side — Muslims, Jews, Read More...
Sound-dampening earbuds let you control real world audio like a volume button
Knops work mechanically to reduce real-world noise to very low levels. Sound can be a wonderful thing, but too much noise can mark the onset of migraines and hearing decay. Billed as an “acoustic hearing solution” that enables full control over the surrounding sounds you hear, this Read More...
Why we forgo self-interest for others' sake
Would you return a lost wallet filled with cash? Many people would, even if no one could know they pocketed the money. It’s obvious why we adhere to moral principles in public—we’ll get punished or shamed if others see us breaking the rules. But why are we so willing to do the right thing Read More...
Researchers report new, more efficient catalyst for water splitting
University of Houston physicists have discovered a catalyst that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, composed of easily available, low-cost materials and operating far more efficiently than previous catalysts. That would solve one of the primary hurdles remaining in using water to produce Read More...
MIT scientists have developed low-energy process for cleaning polluted water
Scientists at MIT have created an electrochemical process able to selectively get rid of organic pollutants in water, which can be harmful even in minimal amounts. Typically, a lot of energy or chemicals are required to remove dangerous contaminants, but this new process is different, relying on a Read More...
This is how clothing companies can tackle microfiber pollution
Microfiber pollution is a major source of pollution in the world’s oceans as these fibers are gobbled up in aquatic organisms, including the fish that end up on our plate. In fact, a single fleece jacket can release a million fibers in a single washing. The apparel industry has been slow to the Read More...
'Artificial blowhole' generates electricity from ocean waves
Solar and wind power are amazing sources of energy, but the issue is that there isn’t always a shining sun or gusty breeze. There are, however, always waves on the coast. And with the help of a new device made by an Australian company, harnessing the endless motion of the ocean becomes very Read More...
America's first offshore wind farm leads to the closing of diesel plant
As of May 1, an island off the coast of Rhode Island became the first location in the U.S. to be powered by an offshore wind farm. The island’s 2,000 residents will now get their electricity from a wind farm nearby, eliminating the need for a diesel plant that was burning about one million Read More...
Learn how to say "yes", and unlock the powers that it beholds
"Yes" is a powerful word. Saying yes can push you to go out of your comfort zone, or to do things that you would originally have been scared of. And the thing is, the very act of saying yes and doing those things can undo the fear within you, unlocking an ability to build stronger social ties that Read More...
Germany legalizes self-driving car tests
German automakers won't have to bring their experimental autonomous cars to California for testing anymore. The country has just approved a law allowing companies to test their self-driving cars on its roads, so long as they follow a set of conditions. Perhaps the most important requirement is that Read More...