Airdropped spinning-seed-inspired sensors could monitor soil moisture

Trees such as maples have “fruits” known as samaras, which consist of a seed joined to a papery wing. Scientists have now created artificial samaras, which could be used to quickly and easily monitor soil temperature from the air.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Airdropped spinning-seed-inspired sensors could monitor soil moisture

Selective warming film protects crops and infrastructure from cold nights

It’s a basic fact that temperatures drop at night, and that can damage crops, equipment and infrastructure. A team of scientists has created a new film that selectively absorbs and reflects different wavelengths of infrared light to efficiently keep ob… Continue reading Selective warming film protects crops and infrastructure from cold nights

Ultra-white ceramic cools buildings with record-high 99.6% reflectivity

Scientists in Hong Kong have demonstrated a new ultra-white ceramic material that can drastically cool buildings by reflecting sunlight and heat at record highs. The beetle-inspired material gets its ability from its nanostructure, stays tough to the e… Continue reading Ultra-white ceramic cools buildings with record-high 99.6% reflectivity

Monthly temperature for September hits another record high

With a continuing hot streak felt across the Earth, 2023 is now on track to be the warmest year on record. And September was no exception; in fact, it broke existing records by a large margin, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).Co… Continue reading Monthly temperature for September hits another record high

July 2023 ranked hottest month on record in past 170 years

NASA and NOAA have confirmed what many people have felt firsthand – July 2023 was the hottest month in recorded history, which goes back about a century and a half. The finding follows a worrying trend that has a decent chance of setting 2023 as the ho… Continue reading July 2023 ranked hottest month on record in past 170 years

A sweaty robot is helping us learn to deal with rising heat

The world is on track to outdo its previous hottest decade on record. Average temperatures hit a new high in early July, setting new benchmarks for hottest day and week, and the month looks like it may edge out June to claim another unenviable prize.Co… Continue reading A sweaty robot is helping us learn to deal with rising heat