In the world of polymer electrolytes, finding a good mix of fire safety and conductivity is a big deal. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a common material used in these electrolytes, but it has a couple of issues. It burns easily and doesn't conduct electricity very well. This makes it tricky to use in
Some people find it hard to be in loud places. This could be a bustling restaurant, a lively party, or even a crowded subway. For them, focusing on conversations in such settings is a real challenge. The reason behind this struggle might finally be clear, thanks to recent findings. The brain has tw
In the Swiss Alps, there is a fascinating spot called Lavey-les-Bains. This place is known for its thermal waters. Scientists have been studying how the water changes with the seasons. They found that the water's electrical conductivity varies greatly throughout the year, even down to 500 meters bel
Soil is a living, breathing thing. It's not just dirt under our feet. It's a complex web of life that supports plants, animals, and even us. But what happens when the weather turns harsh? How does soil handle drought and heat? Scientists wanted to find out. They looked at different types of soil. So
Sodium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their potential in large-scale energy storage. They are cost-effective and use abundant resources, making them a strong contender for the future. One of the biggest challenges is their performance in cold environments. Traditional batteries often strugg
Quantum particles have a peculiar behavior. They can be in multiple places all at once. This is due to a property called the wave function. The wave function is like a map that shows where a particle is most likely to be found. When someone measures the particle's position, the wave function collaps
The space race is heating up, with SpaceX reaching a major milestone. The company just completed its 500th Falcon launch. This is a big deal. It shows how far they've come in a short time. Meanwhile, across the pond, things aren't going so well for the UK's Reaction Engines. They've hit a snag.
Plants face a lot of challenges from their environment. They have to deal with droughts, salt, extreme temperatures, and even attacks from pests and diseases. To handle these issues, plants use special tools called transcription factors. These tools help plants respond to stress by turning specific
The quest to improve energy storage and conversion has led to some clever tricks with carbon materials. One standout method involves using a special salt to create carbon nanosheets with plenty of defects and pores. These aren't flaws, but features that make the carbon better at storing energy and c
Japan's space ambitions have been on full display. A private Japanese company has been trying to make history by successfully landing a robotic spacecraft on the moon. This isn't their first attempt, but the outcome is still up in the air. The company, based in Tokyo, is part of a new wave of priva
