💡 Innovation
🧪 Two new methods break down forever chemicals using ordinary light
Scientists have developed two methods using ordinary visible light to break down forever chemicals. The methods work at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. The new methods could be an important step toward cleaning contaminated soil and water.
🧮 Google's quantum computer performs calculation in 5 minutes that would take longer than the universe's existence for a supercomputer
Google's new quantum computer solved a calculation in five minutes that would take longer than the universe's existence to solve with a regular supercomputer. The time it would take the supercomputer to do the calculation is nearly a million billion times longer than the age of the universe.
🛫 New aircraft engine makes supersonic flight cheaper and more climate-friendly
The engine is designed to run on liquid natural gas which costs one-tenth of traditional jet fuel and emits 30 percent less carbon dioxide.
💡 Musings of the Angry Optimist: A moral responsibility to accelerate
When we see a digital solution that works, we have a moral obligation to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from it, as quickly as possible.
🧬 CRISPR adapts crops and livestock to withstand warmer climate
Scientists have already created cattle with shorter coats for warmer climates and rice that can handle drier conditions. Several companies are now working to develop corn with shorter and stronger stalks that reduce the risk of damage during severe storms.
🌡️ New material captures CO2 more efficiently than large trees
A new yellow powder material captures carbon dioxide from the air 10 times faster than other materials. The material can be reused hundreds of times without decreased effectiveness.
🐷 AI interprets pig sounds to improve their well-being
A team of researchers has developed an AI algorithm that can translate different pig sounds into emotional states. The algorithm can distinguish between positive and negative emotions in pigs by analyzing their grunts, screams, and other sounds.
⚡ New drilling technology from the oil industry provides fossil-free electricity around the clock
The cost of drilling geothermal wells has decreased by 80%. Cold water is pumped down four kilometers into the ground through a hockey stick-shaped borehole and heated to steam by the heat down there. The steam returns through a parallel borehole and drives turbines that produce electricity.
🏆 Competition to accelerate quantum computers' societal benefits
XPRIZE has launched a global competition worth $5 million to develop practical quantum algorithms. The competition aims to accelerate the development of quantum computer applications that can solve important societal problems.