Opinion – navigating algorithmic anxiety has become exhausting
As Instagram faces pressure to stop displaying only what it deems ‘most engaging’, it’s time we assessed the impact of engineered content that influences us in ways we’d otherwise steer clear of. Fairly recently, I attended an event intended for likeminded people to gather and discuss their interests. Situated in a...
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Scientists believe ‘space bubbles’ could help ease climate change
Researchers at MIT are advancing a concept to slow or potentially reverse climate change. It involves placing massive silicon bubbles at the direct point between the sun and our planet. Admittedly, this concept is a little wacky, but when we hear that research in the field of solar geoengineering is...
Innovative ‘sand battery’ is green energy’s beacon of hope
Two young engineers have succeeded in using sand to store energy from wind and solar by creating a novel battery capable of supplying power all year round. When you think of batteries, you probably think of lithium. If you’re old enough to remember when one started corroding inside your CD...
‘PowerWash Simulator’ players are aiding mental health research
PowerWash Simulator players can actively take part in a research project studying the link between gaming and mental health. All they need do, is download the Steam beta titled ‘Research Edition 2022.’ While some publishers are obsessed with pushing new technological boundaries within their games and chasing awards, others are...
There may be no link between serotonin levels and depression
A major review of 17 existing studies has uncovered ‘no convincing evidence’ depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. According to new research, depression may not be caused by low levels of serotonin. The finding comes after University College London conducted a major review of 17 existing studies and realised there...
NASA plans to send swimming robots to habitable ocean worlds
Most nearby planets thought to be habitable are completely covered in water. With many taking years to get to, NASA has secured funding for a project that will help us get a look into their depths. As humans come to grips with the possibility of one day living on another...
Could GreenForges’ underground farms solve agriculture’s space issue?
Already taking up 11% of the Earth’s surface, the agriculture industry is running out of space to keep up with growing food demands. While most innovators are looking to fix the issue with vertical farming solutions, GreenForges is utilising the ground beneath our feet. When delving into growth projections for vertical farming, it turns out the sky actually does have its limits. The agriculture industry has constantly battled against a dwindling...
Drug that increases human lifespan to 200 years is in the works
Taken in pill form, the drug would eliminate cells in the human body that are responsible for advancing the ageing process – potentially doubling our lifespan. But is this desirable? Are you ready to live an additional hundred years? British computational biologist Dr Andrew Steele has published a new book on the longevity of human life, arguing it is entirely feasible for us to live well beyond a single century with...
Future trains could utilise carbon capture on wheels
Trains of the future could scrub the air of carbon dioxide rather than pumping it out of their smokestacks. The new concept, outlined in science journal Joule, could reportedly capture emissions for less than $50 USD per ton. As it stands, the only thing we’re on track for is dangerous levels of climate warming. A recent consensus among environmental scientists, is that transitioning away from pollutant industry practices will not be...
How a forensic spray is keeping women safe
SmartWater – a technology that was originally designed to catch burglars and thieves – is being used by victims of domestic abuse, allowing police to prosecute harassers for restraining order breaches. In the last year, around 2.3 million people in England and Wales have experienced domestic abuse, with around one in five of the UK’s reported homicides during that time allegedly related to this form of violence specifically. The issue...
