In 2018, geoengineers proposed that spreading hollow glass microspheres over sea ice would protect it from melting. However, a new study argues the glass beads would likely accelerate loss of sea ice instead.
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With more than 100 million items in the Library of Congress collections, it can be difficult for Library staff to showcase all the wonderful items in storage and educate the public on their importance. Last week, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden realized the perfect opportunity to highlight one very special item—a glass flute gifted to U.S. president James Madison—through a collaboration with pop megastar and classically trained flutist Lizzo.
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Using additive manufacturing to repair objects in difficult-to-access locations, such as at the top of tall buildings, is not convenient because the 3D-printing equipment cannot be transported there easily. An international team of researchers developed a swarm of cooperative, 3D-printing drones that can print materials for building or repairing structures while flying.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are another option besides electric vehicles to decarbonize the transportation industry. Brussels-based taxi company Taxis Verts just launched a one-year pilot project exploring the potential of using hydrogen fuel cell cars in its fleet.
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On Sept. 7, 2022, Canadian mining startup The Metals Company announced the International Seabed Authority greenlit their plan to conduct an industrial seafloor mining trial to extract polymetallic nodules. While marine scientists are concerned about the environmental effects of deep-sea mining in general, an investigative report by The New York Times questions the choice of The Metals Company to conduct this trial.
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The inclusion of students with visual impairments in chemistry courses requires explicit and systematic effort. Researchers led by Baylor University explored creating lithophanes featuring data found in the chemical sciences to make scientific data accessible to everyone regardless of eyesight level.
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More than two years have passed since a massive stockpile of ammonium nitrate exploded at the port of Beirut, killing hundreds and displacing thousands in the capital of Lebanon. The restoration of some shattered ancient glass vessels by a collaborative international partnership serves as a microcosm for the larger restoration efforts.
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Lack of infrastructure and affordability are barriers to electric vehicle adoption in many emerging countries. Swedish-Kenyan mobility startup Roam aims to overcome those hurdles with its range of electric mobility product offerings.
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The price of buying an electric vehicle is a big hurdle to widespread EV adoption. California-based startup Autonomy pitches the vision that its EV subscription service will allow anyone to drive electric without the long-term commitment of a traditional loan or lease.
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The Minerals Security Partnership, announced during the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention in mid-June 2022, is an 11-member multinational partnership initiative that aims to bolster critical mineral supply chains. Learn more about who is involved and India’s possible interest in joining the partnership.
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