Aurora records reveal shortened solar cycle during Maunder minimum
Sunspots change in number depending on how much magnetic activity the solar dynamo generates. But there's not total chaos: These changes occur in a cycle, which lasts about 11 years on average. The sun also experiences extended periods of low activit.....»»
Aurora raises nearly $500 million more for self-driving technology efforts
Self-driving technology companies continue to suck up cash with Aurora, Cruise and Waymo getting more funding......»»
Study analyzes potato-pathogen "arms race" after Irish potato famine
In an examination of the genetic material found in historic potato leaves, North Carolina State University researchers reveal more about the tit-for-tat evolutionary changes occurring in both potato plants and the pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish.....»»
New Macs in 2025 rumored to get at least one major design refresh
The Mac update cycle for the rest of 2024 and into 2025 will include the expected M4 chip updates — and at least one major product design refresh, according to a new rumor.Apple's entire Mac lineup is likely to see M4-based refreshes, starting in l.....»»
Born to modulate: Researchers reveal origins of climate-controlling particles
Aerosol particles are tiny. Swirling suspended in the air around us, most are smaller than the smallest bug, thinner than the thinnest hair on your head, gossamer specks practically invisible to the naked eye. Newly formed ones are nano-sized. Yet th.....»»
Scientists discuss why we might not spot solar panel technosignatures
One of NASA's key priorities is understanding the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. NASA has not found any credible evidence of extraterrestrial life—but NASA is exploring the solar system and beyond to help us answer fundamental questi.....»»
We sure hope this Darksiders teaser is for a proper sequel
THQ Nordic teased a new project in the Darksiders series at the end of its showcase, but it didn't reveal what it could be......»»
Silicon plus perovskite solar reaches 34 percent efficiency
There are still longevity problems, but things continue to get better. Enlarge / Some solar panels, along with a diagram of a perovskite's crystal structure. (credit: Subhakitnibhat Kewiko) As the price of silicon panels.....»»
Researchers identify useful emission lines in the sun"s outer atmosphere
When studying the solar spectrum, researchers often search for specific emission lines: prominent wavelengths emitted by ions as their electrons transition from higher to lower energy levels. Emission spectra of two iron ions, Fe IX and Fe X, are par.....»»
How solar panels went from ’50s satellites to your backyard
From Einstein's theories of light to Bell Lab's revelations about doping silicon, solar power has been inching toward its current craze for more than a century. Here's how we got here......»»
First full 2-D spectral image of aurora borealis from a hyperspectral camera
Auroras are natural luminous phenomena caused by the interaction of electrons falling from the sky and the upper atmosphere. Most of the observed light consists of emission lines of neutral or ionized nitrogen and oxygen atoms and molecular emission.....»»
Japan sees hottest July since records began
Japan sweltered through its hottest July since records began 126 years ago, the weather agency said, as extreme heat waves fueled by climate change engulfed many parts of the globe......»»
Scientists reveal transport mechanism of norepinephrine transporter and binding mode of small molecule and peptide drugs
Noradrenaline (NA) is an important monoamine neurotransmitter in the nervous system. The noradrenaline transporter (NET) located on the presynaptic membrane can transport NA into presynaptic neurons......»»
Chemical and transportation industries could boost with new catalyst coating
Coupling electrochemical conversion of the greenhouse gas CO2 with renewable electricity sources—such as solar and wind—promises green production of high-demand chemicals and transportation fuels. Carbon dioxide coupling products such as ethylene.....»»
Economists uncover hidden influence of top campaign donors
The death of a top donor during an electoral cycle decreases the likelihood that a candidate will be elected by more than three percentage points, according to an innovative new study by Cornell economists and colleagues......»»
Medieval French diets discovered through isotope analysis reveal social and religious influences
Archaeologists working in the Languedoc region in southern France have used stable isotopes to reveal new insights into medieval dietary practices. The research, published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences by lead author Dr. Jane Holmstr.....»»
"Squishy" lasers could reveal how tumors and babies grow
New "squishy" lasers could help solve the mystery of the biological forces that control the development of embryos and cancerous tumors......»»
Predicting solar storms before they leave the sun
When giant solar storms hit Earth, they trigger beautiful auroral displays high in Earth's atmosphere. There's a dark side to this solar activity, though. The "space weather" it sets off also threatens our technology. The potential for damage is why.....»»
A new study shows how the sun could permanently capture rogue planets
Interest in interstellar objects (ISOs) was ignited in 2017 when 'Oumuamua flew through our solar system and made a flyby of Earth. Roughly two years later, another ISO passed through our solar system—the interstellar comet 2I/Borisov......»»
4 key moments in Fisker"s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings
Fisker won permission from the bankruptcy court in mid-July to sell more than 3,000 Oceans in inventory for $46.3 million, for an average price just over $14,000, according to court records......»»
How Kepler’s 400-year-old sunspot sketches helped solve a modern mystery
A sharp decline in sunspot activity in the 17th century has long puzzled astronomers. Enlarge / A naked-eye sunspot group on May 11, 2024. There are typically 40,000 to 50,000 sunspots observed in ~11-year solar cycles. (credit:.....»»