In recent years, the pervasive presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed “forever chemicals,” has raised alarm bells in both scientific and environmental circles. These compounds are synthetic chemicals characterized by their remarkable resistance to heat, water, and stains, leading to their widespread adoption in consumer products such as waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware,
The quantum domain offers an intriguing playground for scientists, where fascinating states of matter can arise from the interplay of various quantum states. These phenomena, which are often imperceptible in classical systems, enable the creation of macroscopic states featuring unusual quantum excitations unique to their specific configurations. Researchers are now exploring the frontiers of this
In the landscape of computational technology, the progress we’ve made in microchip innovation is staggering. The smartphones we wield today possess computational capabilities that would have classified them as supercomputers in the early 1990s. However, the landscape is shifting once again, propelled by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things
The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on December 25, 2021, marked a monumental leap in our quest to understand the cosmos. After three decades of meticulous planning and technological advancements, this unparalleled instrument has already begun to unravel some of the most profound enigmas related to the origins of stars, galaxies, and
Moiré superlattices, formed by precisely aligning two layers of two-dimensional materials at a small twist angle, have captivated the attention of physicists due to the vast array of unexplored physical phenomena these structures can reveal. The unique geometrical and electronic characteristics of moiré materials allow for the emergence of exotic phases of matter, which are
The phenomenon of climate change is manifesting in various ways across the globe, with one pressing issue being the intensified heat felt in urban areas, particularly in cities located in the Global South. With an increasing number of these cities facing extreme heat conditions, the lack of accessible green spaces significantly exacerbates the problem. New
The concept of the expanding Universe has fascinated scientists and laypeople alike for generations. With bread dough or muffin batter, we can visualize expansion within a pan, where ingredients spread apart. However, this analogy falls flat when trying to understand cosmic expansion. Unlike dough that expands into a defined space, the Universe expands within itself—there
In a remarkable innovation, researchers spearheaded by Toshiki Sugimoto at the Institute for Molecular Science have unveiled pivotal insights regarding the role of photocatalysts in hydrogen evolution processes. Their study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, utilizes state-of-the-art operando Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy synchronized with a Michelson interferometer. This combination allowed the
Microplastics have become a topic of significant concern in recent years, permeating various aspects of our environment and daily lives. Their presence has been detected in everything from human tissues to ancient geological formations and even in bottled water. However, many consumers remain unaware of the extent to which these minute plastic particles can infiltrate
The enigma surrounding dark matter continues to captivate scientists, with a pivotal breakthrough potentially just moments away. Recent predictions by astrophysicists at the University of California, Berkeley suggest that the next eruption of a nearby supernova could shed light on the existence of axions—hypothetical particles believed to be a primary component of dark matter. This