How many trees does it take to cool a city? Researchers develop tool to set urban tree canopy goals
Cities around the globe are increasingly experiencing dangerous heat as urban concrete and asphalt amplify rising temperatures. Tree-planting programs are a popular, nature-based way to cool cities, but these initiatives have been largely based on gu.....»»
Advanced atom interferometer could help with "the embarrassing problem" of dark matter
Assuming dark matter exists, its interactions with ordinary matter are so subtle that even the most sensitive instruments cannot detect them. In a new study, Northwestern University physicists now introduce a highly sensitive new tool, which amplifie.....»»
Seeing no road to profit, GM shutters Cruise
GM decides to cut its losses, will focus on partial automation for passenger cars. After spending more than $10 billion to try to develop an autonomous robotaxi, General Motors is.....»»
Apple rumored to work with Broadcom on first server chip for AI, putting conversational Siri timeline in focus
In a heavily paywalled article, The Information reports that Apple is partnering with Broadcom to develop a new AI chip specifically designed for server use. Apple currently runs Apple Intelligence through its M-series chips on its servers through a.....»»
Hedgehogs" hibernation patterns show surprising flexibility
Research has found hedgehogs living in the same, semi-rural area have wide variation in hibernation timing and pattern, with some entering hibernation as much as three months later than others. The researchers say this flexibility could help them ada.....»»
BadRAM: $10 hack unlocks AMD encrypted memory
Cybersecurity researchers have identified a vulnerability (CVE-2024-21944, aka BadRAM) affecting ADM processors that can be triggered by rogue memory modules to unlock the chips’ encrypted memory. The SPD chip can be modified using an off-the-s.....»»
Open source malware up 200% since 2023
Sonatype’s 2024 Open Source Malware Threat Report reveals that the number of malicious packages has surpassed 778,500 since tracking began in 2019. In 2024, researchers examined how threat actors leverage malicious open-source packages to targe.....»»
Scientists develop coating for enhanced thermal imaging through hot windows
A team of Rice University scientists has solved a long-standing problem in thermal imaging, making it possible to capture clear images of objects through hot windows. Imaging applications in a range of fields—such as security, surveillance, industr.....»»
Rethinking the quantum chip: Engineers present new design for superconducting quantum processor
Researchers at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) have realized a new design for a superconducting quantum processor, aiming at a potential architecture for the large-scale, durable devices the quantum revolution dem.....»»
Milan under stress due to heat waves: Study reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies
A new study has analyzed the impact of heat waves on the cardiovascular health of Milan residents. The results show that in 18 highly vulnerable districts, home to 23% of the city's population, the risk of cardiovascular emergencies increases by 22%.....»»
Understanding bribery: Why people choose to give bribes
McGill-led researchers developed a model of the factors that go into citizens' calculations about whether to bribe officials, information that can help authorities fight corruption......»»
New tools for tourism businesses to meet sustainable development goals
Quality control tools offer actionable solutions for businesses to build sustainability and address the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)......»»
First-ever Mediterranean mako shortfin shark tagged for conservation
Virginia Tech researchers successfully tagged a young shortfin mako shark in the Mediterranean during the summer of 2023, the first time that this has been done in the region. These sharks are critically endangered not only in the Mediterranean but a.....»»
New set of human rights principles aims to end displacement and abuse of Indigenous people
For more than a century, conservationists have worked to preserve natural ecosystems by creating national parks and protected areas. Today the Earth faces a global biodiversity crisis, with more than 1 million species at risk of extinction. This make.....»»
Predicting atomic structures proves useful in energy and sustainability
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have developed a new approach that combines generative artificial intelligence (AI) and first-principles simulations to predict three-dimensional atomic structures of highly complex materia.....»»
Study challenges assertion that mealworms break down polystyrene
The capability of mealworms to digest and break down plastics has been challenged in a study led by researchers from The University of Western Australia......»»
Researchers call on European Commission to protect groundwater and subterranean life from pollution
The subterranean world holds a value that is often underestimated. Its significance seems to escape notice, particularly its vital role in storing drinking water—a resource long taken for granted—and its contribution to biodiversity, harboring un.....»»
Scientists develop cost-effective lasers for extended short-wave infrared applications
Current laser technologies for the extended short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral range rely on expensive and complex materials, limiting their scalability and affordability. To address these challenges, ICFO researchers have presented a novel approach.....»»
Once-endangered Kirtland"s warblers show extensive signs of inbreeding in genome
The genome of a once-endangered songbird shows extensive signs of inbreeding, according to a new study by Penn State researchers. Because inbreeding can negatively impact survival and reproduction, the results could guide continuing conservation effo.....»»
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Rivian R1S: Should you spend more?
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is set to be a great choice for those who want an affordable electric SUV, but how does it compete with the more expensive Rivian R1S?.....»»
CSAM victims sue Apple for $1.2B for dropping planned scanning tool
Thousands of CSAM victims are suing Apple for dropping plans to scan devices for the presence of child sexual abuse materials. In addition to facing more than $1.2B in penalties, the company could be forced to reinstate the plans it dropped after.....»»