That's pretty cool. Scientists have refined what's known as a Stirling engine - one that captures heat dissipation to generate power - to collect heat that's being released from the earth at night.
They're calling it a sort of reverse solar cell.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Experts warn ongoing concern with Atlantic Ocean will be direct threat to dozens of nations: 'Consequences for at least 1,000 years to come'
There have been several articles about changes to the Atlantic current that will have a direct impact on our climate.
And why is it changing? It's maybe still debatable, but appears to be as a result of the worlds changing climate. Then this will have a follow on effect on our climate.
Canada launches $1.2 billion push to attract talent, as U.S. charges $100,000 fee for H-1B visas - CBS News
You go, Canada! Way to try and build yourself into a competitive world power.
Scientists will be happy to make there way to the great white north and help build something lasting.
A 180-Year Assumption About Light Was Just Proven Wrong : ScienceAlert
I always enjoy reading about how scientific notions, assumptions, and theorems can be challenged and sometimes disproved or updated.
Here's a case where the Faraday effect on light was shown to be affected by magnetic fields. It's a bit to digest, but the basic idea is that light that is polarized can be nudged by a magnet, in addition to electric fields (which was known).
And they sum it up thusly.
Finally, this work is tantalizing because it reminds us of one of the cornerstones of science – namely, that researchers may discover other as-yet unknown properties of light or other electromagnetic phenomena at any time, even in well-established models.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
A fun podcast
I recently listened to a podcast from Radio Lab called "the creation story" ... it was an interesting half hour or thereabouts.
Latif (the host) interviewed Ella al-Shamahi, who is described as a real-life Indiana Jones. She is quite interesting and explores anthropology and history through her work, and several shows she hosts.
But this podcast was about her story, and how she got here. She was born Muslim (in England) and followed all the traditions and beliefs growing up. When she went to school, she decided that she was going to prove Charles Darwin wrong because evolution couldn't be a thing.
And as you might guess, she couldn't. Because evolution is demonstrably true and try as she might to poke holes, the evidence didn't support her point of view.
So....she changed directions and now tries to elucidate and educate others, but not in a confrontational way. I found that most interesting, and wanted to share.
A few things are worth noting: it's okay to question the world around you, but you should keep an open mind. Trust science and look at the body of evidence that's presented to you (rather than something "your crazy uncle" posted). And realize that some people need time to get to a sort of enlightened thinking (and some may never get there), but you can take an approach where you share ideas and try and explain what you know while listening to why they believe in something that may not be reality.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
How Blue Origin Plans to Beat SpaceX to the Moon
Blue origin - until very recently - was known for providing space tourism. People with a bit of money to burn were taken aboard a flight that let them experience weightlessness.
But the purpose of these missions was to slowly grow the company's ability to get into space. To test out their rockets, and their reusability.
And so they started launching satellites, and in early November had a rather remarkable moment where the booster returned and "missed" the drone ship it was to land on by a few yards or so. The rockets fired and it hung in the air while the drone ship moved underneath it, then it landed successfully.
Next stop is a moon venture. They are planning missions in 2026, because they feel they are ready.
The rockets they'll use are purpose built, and not as heavy as starship, and won't require the complexity of refueling.
Okay, game on. Let's see what Jeff Bezos can do.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The cryptobros bought themselves a president (plus, we’re in The Guardian)
I received this earlier today. Thought it's worth sharing, if you want to understand one of the bigger things that's happening right now.
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