Glitter could stop sea creatures forming shells
Glitter may seem like a nuisance to parents after a child's birthday party, but its effect on sea life can be far worse.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that glitter, which is made of plastic and aluminium, alters the chemistry of seawater — potentially interfering with the growth of coral, molluscs and sea urchins and other marine life.
The affected species build their bodies out of calcium crystals in the water. However, researchers found that when glitter is submerged in seawater, calcium crystals begin to form upon it within minutes, far faster and in different shapes than they would form in unpolluted water.
The scientists fear creatures struggle to build shells with these sorts of crystals, which form on specks of glitter after they
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Tory MP accused of asking for client's help with parliamentary questions
A former Tory minister allegedly asked for help in writing parliamentary questions from a company that paid him £60,000 a year. George Freeman canvassed the director of GHGSat, a green technology firm, on 'what to ask' Labour ministers about, according to leaked emails. On Saturday night, Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, was facing pressure to strip the whip from the Conservative MP, who has referred himself to the Commons watchdog. Mr Freeman, who served as a science minister under Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, said: 'I don't believe I have done anything wrong.' The Times obtained emails that were sent between him and a director at the firm, which hired him as a paid adviser last year. In the exchanges, the MP reportedly raised 'what to ask about' when he submitted written questions related to the sector in which the firm works. In one, he asked whether the business could help him 'get the wording right', which he could 'convert into parliamentary language'. The Times reported that some of the written questions he then submitted used the same phrases that had been suggested by the company. Commissioner to investigate Mr Freeman started working for the firm, which uses satellites and aircraft to help businesses monitor their emissions, last April. But a spokesman for GHGSat confirmed that he no longer worked for it, telling The Times: 'GHGSat retained George Freeman MP for a brief period to help GHGSat understand and navigate the geopolitical environment in the UK and Europe. 'GHGSat signed a services agreement with Mr Freeman that did not include any lobbying activities and was concluded on the basis of the terms laid out by the advisory committee on business appointments. GHGSat takes all applicable laws and regulations concerning lobbying extremely seriously.' As well as his role as a constituency MP, Mr Freeman also sits on the Commons committee on Science, Innovation and Technology. He has referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who will investigate whether there was a breach of the rules. Labour and the Liberal Democrats called on Mrs Badenoch to remove the Tory whip from him whilst the investigation was carried out. A Labour spokesman said: 'George Freeman has referred himself for investigation, so now Kemi Badenoch must suspend him from the Tory whip.' Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader, said: 'This looks like the same old sleaze and scandal people have come to expect from the Conservative Party. 'Kemi Badenoch should immediately suspend the whip from George Freeman while this is investigated. Failure to act would confirm that, even after being booted out of government, the Conservatives are still hopelessly out of touch.' A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'George Freeman MP has referred himself to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. It would be inappropriate for the Conservative Party to comment further whilst the Commissioner's inquiries are ongoing.' 'Very concerned' over leaking of emails Mr Freeman was elected to his Mid Norfolk constituency in 2010. Were he found to have broken the rules, he could ultimately be suspended from Parliament. If an independent panel handed down a suspension of more than 10 days, that would trigger a recall petition for a by-election in the seat. In a statement, Mr Freeman said he was 'very concerned' at the leaking of his private emails, which he had referred to the police. He said: 'As a long-standing advocate of important new technologies, companies and industries, working cross-party through APPGs and the select committee, I regularly ask experts for clarification on technical points and terminology, and deeply respect and try to assiduously follow the code of conduct for MPs and the need to act always in the public interest. 'Throughout my 15 years in Parliament and government, I have always understood the need to be transparent in the work I have done for and with commercial clients and charities and am always willing to answer any criticism. 'I don't believe I have done anything wrong, but I am immediately referring myself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and will accept his judgement in due course. I am very concerned at the unauthorised and targeted access to my emails and diary, which I have raised with the police and Parliamentary authorities.' The revelations will reignite the debate around MPs' second jobs and whether they leave them open to potential conflicts of interest.
The Guardian
11 hours ago
- The Guardian
Beastly Britain by Karen R Jones review – how animals shaped British identity
When newts go a-wooing, sometime in the spring, their signature move is the handstand. Girl newts cluster round to watch, while the boy newts flip on to their creepily human hands and shake their tails in the air. The waggiest newt is the winner, although the actual act of love is a strictly no-contact sport. The male deposits a packet of sperm on an underwater leaf for the female to collect and insert into her own reproductive tract. The whole business is best thought of, says Karen R Jones, as a 'sexually charged game of pass-the-parcel'. This kind of anthropomorphising often strikes naturalists as unscientific or even downright distasteful. But Jones is an environmental historian and her methodology allows, indeed impels, her to start from the principle that Britain's human and animal populations are culturally entwined. Consequently, we cannot 'see' a fox, hedgehog or newt without bringing to it a rich stew of presumptions and fantasy, drawn from childhood picturebooks, out-of-date encyclopedias and, in my case, the 1970s TV classic Tales of the Riverbank, in which small critters say funny things in the West Country burr of . This pre-knowing can have a radical impact on the chances of a particular species flourishing or going under. Take hedgehogs, which, Jones tells us in this beautifully written book, have been in Britain for the last 15m years. They witnessed the extinction of the woolly mammoth and saw the first humans arrive in Europe. It was at this point that they started to pick up a reputation for general malevolence. Bandit-like, hedgehogs were reputed to sneak into human settlements at night and steal poultry eggs (true) and suck the udders of sleeping cows (almost certainly false). Their ability to munch on toxic toads without getting sick (true) and willingness to ferry any witch who had lost her broomstick (surely very uncomfortable) confirmed that hedgehogs had gone over to the dark side. No wonder that killing them counted as a public service: the records of one Cheshire village show 8,585 hedgehogs destroyed over a 35-year period in the late 1600s. How different from today, when the hedgehog routinely tops those 'Britain's favourite animal' polls. Now we build shelters for them in our gardens and worry about how they will fare when crossing the road. This radical shift of opinion, says Jones, can be traced back to one hugely popular book, Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. Mrs Tiggy-Winkle is an industrious washerwoman who keeps her neighbours, including Peter Rabbit and his signature blue coat, spick and span. The influence of Potter's 1905 classic has been so enduring that, when a charity was set up in 1983 to care for injured hedgehogs, it was obvious what its name should be. These days, Tiggywinkles is the largest wildlife hospital in the world. Beastly Britain is full of stories like this, which take an everyday animal – newt, hedgehog, pigeon, sheep, flea – and map out both its physical life (a matter of burrows, breeding cycles and flight paths) as well as its cultural traces, which concern legend, loathing and desire. Often these two kinds of knowing collide in startling ways. Take sheep, which are mostly seen as 'white noise in the countryside', bland and bleating and only good for counting yourself to sleep. In fact, Jones reveals, they are crackingly clever, able to recognise the faces of up to 50 of their sheep-friends, not to mention their human guardians. The revelations keep on coming. For instance, that we are still living among dinosaurs. The next time a pigeon swoops down to steal a chip, take a close look at its scaly, reptilian feet. They are the legacy of the Archaeopteryx, a winged dinosaur the size of a raven, with a bony tail, flight feathers and an ability to glide over short distances. Less persuasive, though even more intriguing, is the possibility that a pod of plesiosaurs still bobs off the Devon and Cornwall coast. How else to account for the string of sightings of a giant grey sea snake, with a long neck, snakey head and vicious tusks? The rational part of us knows that this sea monster is likely to be a basking shark or a giant piece of flotsam. Our dreaming part longs for it to be a remnant from ancient times, what Jones calls a 'proximate peculiar', that refuses to quite come into view. Beastly Britain by Karen R Jones is published by Yale (£20). To support the Guardian, order your copy at Delivery charges may apply.
Geeky Gadgets
13 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Forget Lithium Batteries : Sodium-Based Fuel Cells Are Here
What if the future of aviation didn't rely on heavy lithium-ion batteries or complex hydrogen systems, but instead on a fuel as simple and abundant as sodium? At MIT, researchers are turning this bold vision into reality with a new sodium-based fuel cell. Capable of achieving energy densities up to five times greater than traditional lithium-ion batteries, this innovation could redefine what's possible for electric aircraft. Imagine a world where long-haul electric flights become not just feasible but efficient, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. Yet, as with any innovative technology, challenges such as power density and scalability loom large, demanding creative solutions and further exploration. In this breakdown, Ziroth uncover how this molten sodium-powered system works, why it holds such promise for aviation, and the hurdles it must overcome to take flight. From its ability to capture carbon dioxide to its dynamic weight-reduction feature, the sodium-based fuel cell offers a glimpse into a cleaner, more efficient future for air travel. But the story is far from complete—questions about environmental impact and thermal management remain unanswered. Could this technology truly transform aviation, or will its limitations ground its potential? Let's explore the possibilities and complexities of this innovative innovation. Sodium Fuel Cell Innovation The Importance of Energy Density in Aviation Energy density is a crucial factor in aviation, directly influencing the range and efficiency of electric aircraft. The sodium-based fuel cell achieves an impressive energy density of 1,000–1,400 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing the 200–300 Wh/kg range of traditional lithium-ion batteries. This four- to fivefold increase could enable electric aircraft to undertake longer flights, meeting one of the aviation industry's most pressing requirements. While increasing the sodium fuel supply can further enhance energy density, it introduces a trade-off: a reduction in power density. Balancing energy storage with power output is a key engineering challenge that must be resolved to make this technology viable for commercial aviation. Addressing this issue will require innovative design solutions and advanced materials to optimize performance without compromising efficiency. The Inner Workings of the Sodium-Based Fuel Cell The sodium-based fuel cell is built around a straightforward yet innovative design, consisting of three primary components: Molten Sodium Fuel: Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Beta-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE): This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. Porous Nickel-Based Foam Cathode: Assists the electrochemical reactions required to produce power efficiently. During operation, sodium ions migrate through the solid electrolyte, generating electricity as the sodium fuel is consumed. This design eliminates the need for heavy, pressurized hydrogen tanks, offering a lighter and more practical alternative to traditional fuel cells. The simplicity of the system also reduces manufacturing complexity, potentially lowering production costs and improving scalability. MIT Sodium Fuel Cell Explained Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into energy with other articles and guides we have written below. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability One of the most compelling aspects of this technology is its potential environmental benefits. The sodium-based fuel cell produces water and sodium hydroxide as byproducts. Sodium hydroxide reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. This reaction offers two notable environmental advantages: Carbon Capture: The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Ocean Deacidification: By neutralizing excess carbon dioxide, the technology could help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, a growing environmental concern. However, the localized distribution of these byproducts raises questions about their long-term environmental impact. Further research is essential to evaluate and mitigate any unintended ecological consequences, making sure that the technology aligns with broader sustainability goals. Advantages Over Existing Energy Systems The sodium-based fuel cell offers several distinct advantages compared to current energy storage and generation technologies: No Pressurized Storage: Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Dynamic Weight Reduction: As the sodium fuel is consumed during operation, the system becomes progressively lighter. This feature mirrors the fuel consumption dynamics of conventional jet engines, enhancing efficiency and performance in aviation applications. These advantages position the sodium-based fuel cell as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for long-range electric flights. Its lightweight design and high energy density could enable electric aircraft to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite its potential, the sodium-based fuel cell faces several technical and practical challenges that must be addressed to enable widespread adoption: Low Power Density: The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. Thermal Management: Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Environmental Concerns: While the carbon capture potential is promising, the localized impact of byproducts such as sodium bicarbonate needs thorough evaluation to ensure ecological safety. Overcoming these challenges will require significant advancements in materials science, engineering, and environmental research. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government will be essential to accelerate the development and deployment of this promising technology. Applications and Commercialization Efforts The sodium-based fuel cell holds significant promise for the aviation industry, particularly for long-haul electric flights. Air travel accounts for approximately 10% of global transportation emissions, making it a critical target for decarbonization. By offering a lightweight, high-energy alternative to existing technologies, this innovation could play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and operational costs in the aviation sector. To bring this technology to market, a startup named Propel Aero has been established. Led by experienced clean-tech innovators, Propel Aero aims to refine the sodium-based fuel cell and scale it for commercial use. While the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges, the involvement of dedicated industry players underscores the technology's potential to transform electric aviation. As research and development efforts continue, the sodium-based fuel cell could emerge as a cornerstone of the next generation of sustainable aviation technologies. Its unique combination of high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits positions it as a compelling solution for the future of air travel. Media Credit: Ziroth Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
