Climate scientist finds large errors in a global climate pollution database

The finding of large gaps in the climate data are maybe not so surprising. They do note that the way data is collected and the use of automation does affect the data that’s reported. 

And of course there is observer bias. But they note:

“We will never estimate emissions with perfect accuracy, but we must ensure that the data shared with policymakers and the public is unbiased and meets best practices and the most rigorous scientific standards available. Without this, we mislead decision makers and potentially lose public trust in our ability to tackle climate change.”

And yes. That should be the fundamental basis for all scientific endeavor. 

https://phys.org/news/2026-05-climate-scientist-large-errors-global.html

Beavers Turn Rivers Into Powerful Carbon Sinks, Study Finds

Let’s give it up for the beavers!

They turn out to be more important in a changing climate than anyone ever assumed. 

 

https://scitechdaily.com/beavers-turn-rivers-into-powerful-carbon-sinks-study-finds/

A Chemical Breakthrough That Could Fix the Plastic Crisis

Denovia, a company based in Canada, has come up with a compound that more efficiently breaks down plastics and lower temperatures, meaning that plastic waste can be recycled at scale. 

There’s more to be done, but it’s a step in a better direction.  

https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/technology/articles/chemical-breakthrough-could-fix-plastic-000100369.html

Scientists build near-invisible solar cells thinner than human hair

Here’s another step forward in the development of solar cells.  Thin, transparent cells that can cover a surface and still be clear enough to see through is an intriguing use case.  

https://interestingengineering.com/energy/ultrathin-transparent-solar-cells-ntu

Nasa Beamed 484 Gigabytes From The Moon, And It Could Redefine How Humans Experience Deep Space Forever

I noted on a previous post that nasa was using a laser to send compressed data back to earth. It had less lag than a traditional radio broadcast (as we used in Apollo), and contained way more data in the stream. They were able to broadcast near HD video from the spacecraft. 

Here some additional details on how this worked, and what they learned. 

https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/05/nasa-just-beamed-484-gigabytes-from-moon/

Scientists “bottle the sun” with a liquid battery that stores solar energy | ScienceDaily

The intent here is:

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara believe they may have found an answer that avoids the need for massive battery systems or reliance on the electrical grid. Writing in the journal Science, Associate Professor Grace Han and her research team describe a new material capable of absorbing sunlight, storing that energy in chemical bonds, and later releasing it as heat whenever needed. The material is based on a modified organic molecule called pyrimidone and represents a new step forward in Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) energy storage technology.

Now that’s an advancement in a clean energy storage system. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260513221821.htm

The DOJ Is Demanding Apple And Google Identify Over 100,000 Users Of This Car App

This can’t end well. The DOJ asking for a list of everyone who downloaded an app sets a dangerous precedent for surveillance. These people may not have done anything wrong, or perhaps downloaded it in error. 

And yet their names will appear on a list that will surely lead to enforcement.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2026/05/14/government-demands-apple-and-google-identify-over-100000-users-of-car-app/