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Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels were key to industrialization and rising prosperity, but their impact on health and the climate means that we should transition away from them.
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The latest blog posts to take off on Hacker News. 2,419 posts.
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If the number of children is not growing, why is the population still increasing
50 years ago, the total fertility rate was five. This figure has more than halved. Yet the global population is still rising — why?
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New Causes of Autism Found in Noncoding DNA
Leveraging artificial intelligence techniques, researchers have demonstrated that mutations in so-called ‘junk’ DNA can cause autism. The study, published May 27 in Nature Genetics, is the first to…
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The geometry of an electron determined for the first time
Physicists at the University of Basel are able to show for the first time how a single electron looks in an artificial atom. A newly developed method enables them to show the probability of an electron being present in a space. This allows improved control of electron spins, which could serve as the smallest…
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An old artifact kept in a vault outside Paris is no longer the standard kilogram
The international standard measurement of the kilogram is being officially changed on May 20, for the first time making all standard units defined in terms of basic physical principles instead of particular human-made objects. MIT professor and Nobel laureate Wolfgang Ketterle explains the change.
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Public's Dread of Nuclear Power Limits Its Deployment
In the ongoing effort to decarbonize U.S. energy production, one energy source often attracts great controversy.
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What was the death toll from Chernobyl and Fukushima?
When we think of nuclear safety, two accidents often come to mind: Chernobyl and Fukushima. What was the death toll and impact of these disasters?
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Death rates from energy production per TWh
Death rates are measured based on deaths from accidents and air pollution per terawatt-hour of electricity.
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Training the Brain to Eat Less Sugar
A recent study led by Evan Forman, PhD, a psychology professor in Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences, shows that a computer game can be used to train its players to eat less sugar, as way of reducing their weight and improving their health.
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Fasting Affects the Brain
Mark Mattson reveals the surprising brain benefits of fasting.
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The Relationship Between Profanity and Honesty (2017)
There are two conflicting perspectives regarding the relationship between profanity and dishonesty. These two forms of norm-violating behavior share common causes, and are often considered to be positively related. On the other hand, however, profanity is often used to express one’s genuine feelings, and could…
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Biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome identified
Stanford scientists devised a blood-based test that accurately identified people with chronic fatigue syndrome, a new study reports.
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What predicts students’ drinking habits? How much they think others are drinking
A new study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University examined students’ genetic risk of alcohol use, roommates’ drinking habits and the perception of peer drinking.
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Imperial College London Launches a Centre for Psychedelics Research
The first formal centre for psychedelic research in the world will launch at Imperial College London today.
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Green Material for Refrigeration Identified
Researchers from the UK and Spain have identified an eco-friendly solid that could replace the inefficient and polluting gases used in most refrigerators and air conditioners.
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Radioactive Waste – Myths and Realities
There are a number of pervasive myths regarding both radiation and radioactive wastes. Some lead to regulation and actions which are counterproductive to human health and safety.
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The global population pyramid
Global demographic transition signals a shift from young, growing populations to older, stable ones, reshaping societies and economies.
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What Is Suspension Trauma a.k.a. Harness Hang Syndrome?
orthostatic intolerance hypotension hang syndrome suspension trauma
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India will soon overtake China to become the most populous country in the world
Explore data from the United Nations World Population Prospects.
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Engineers create ‘lifelike’ material with artificial metabolism
Cornell engineers have constructed a DNA material with capabilities of metabolism, in addition to self-assembly and organization – three key traits of life.
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How to tell a raven from a crow (2012)
These black birds may belong to the same family and look similar in some ways, but several distinctive traits help set them apart.
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Battery Power's Latest Plunge in Costs Threatens Coal, Gas
Access the latest perspectives on the energy transition with samples of research reports and data-driven analysis from BNEF experts.