Non-Dusting Surfaces

Researchers from the University of Texas have imprinted surfaces with nanometer-sized pyramids and found it to drastically increase the amount of dust that just slips off. They produced the method to prevent dust from sticking to devices in outer space, where no one’s around to dust them, but the discovery might also reduce the need for cleaning agents for solar panels and windows. Paper here, press release here, and a short video here.

Science News Episode

Check out my newest episode of science news here. 

Mathematical Ability May Be Partly Genetic

A study of more than 1000 Chinese children in elementary school found that mathematical and reasoning skills were strongly linked to several genetic variants. Paper here, press release here.

Researchers Propose a One-Atom Computer

A group from Tulane University in Louisiana has shown that, at least theoretically, even a single atom can be used to perform calculations. They envision this would be done by shining light onto the atom, with the calculation result then extracted from the outgoing light. Paper here, press release here.

What Would It Take to Build an Air Conditioner for the Entire Planet?

In this week’s video, we talk about the “waste heat” that is generated by power plants, which warms up the planet in addition to the effect from carbon dioxide. How big is the effect and what can we do about it?

Support Sabine on Patreon!

There is a new 5th Patreon tier that’ll give you access to our videos ad-free and without sponsor messages, as well as access to certain new videos early.

Existential Physics: The Big Questions Raised by Modern Physics

A contrarian scientist wrestles with the big questions that modern physics raises, and what physics says about the human condition. Order it here today!