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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The World's First Nuclear Explosion Created a Rare Form of Matter
Eighty years ago today, at 5:29 am on the morning of 16 July 1945, in the state of New Mexico, a dreadful slice of history was made. The dawn calm was torn asunder as the United States Army detonated a plutonium implosion device known as the Gadget – the world's very first test of a nuclear bomb, known as the Trinity test. This moment would change warfare forever. The energy release, equivalent to 21 kilotons of TNT, vaporized the 30-metre test tower (98 ft) and miles of copper wires connecting it to recording equipment. The resulting fireball fused the tower and copper with the asphalt and desert sand below into green glass – a new mineral called trinitite. Decades later, scientists discovered a secret hidden in a piece of that trinitite – a rare form of matter known as a quasicrystal, once thought to be impossible. Related: "Quasicrystals are formed in extreme environments that rarely exist on Earth," explained geophysicist Terry Wallace of Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2021. "They require a traumatic event with extreme shock, temperature, and pressure. We don't typically see that, except in something as dramatic as a nuclear explosion." Most crystals, from the humble table salt to the toughest diamonds, obey the same rule: their atoms are arranged in a lattice structure that repeats in three-dimensional space. Quasicrystals break this rule – the pattern in which their atoms are arranged does not repeat. When the concept first emerged in the scientific world in 1984, this was thought to be impossible: crystals were either ordered or disordered, with no in-between. Then they were actually found, both created in laboratory settings and in the wild – deep inside meteorites, forged by thermodynamic shock from events like a hypervelocity impact. Knowing that extreme conditions are required to produce quasicrystals, a team of scientists led by geologist Luca Bindi of the University of Florence in Italy decided to take a closer look at trinitite. But not the green stuff. Although they're uncommon, we have seen enough quasicrystals to know that they tend to incorporate metals, so the team went looking for a much rarer form of the mineral – red trinitite, given its hue by the vaporized copper wires incorporated therein. Using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, they analyzed six small samples of red trinitite. Finally, they got a hit in one of the samples – a tiny, 20-sided grain of silicon, copper, calcium and iron, with a five-fold rotational symmetry impossible in conventional crystals – an "unintended consequence" of warmongering. "This quasicrystal is magnificent in its complexity – but nobody can yet tell us why it was formed in this way," Wallace said in 2021, when the team's results were published. "But someday, a scientist or engineer is going to figure that out and the scales will be lifted from our eyes and we will have a thermodynamic explanation for its creation. Then, I hope, we can use that knowledge to better understand nuclear explosions and ultimately lead to a more complete picture of what a nuclear test represents." The discovery represents the oldest known anthropogenic quasicrystal, and it suggests that there may be other natural pathways for the formation of quasicrystals. For example, the fulgurites of molten sand forged by lightning strikes, and material from meteor impact sites, could both be a source of quasicrystals in the wild. The research could also help us better understand illicit nuclear tests, with the eventual aim of curbing the proliferation of nuclear armaments. Studying the minerals forged at other nuclear testing sites could uncover more quasicrystals, the thermodynamic properties of which could be a tool for nuclear forensics. "Understanding other countries' nuclear weapons requires that we have a clear understanding of their nuclear testing programs," Wallace said. "We typically analyze radioactive debris and gases to understand how the weapons were built or what materials they contained, but those signatures decay. A quasicrystal that is formed at the site of a nuclear blast can potentially tell us new types of information – and they'll exist forever." The research was published in PNAS. An earlier version of this article was published in May 2021. Related News Sound of Earth's Flipping Magnetic Field Haunts Again From 780,000 Years Ago Extreme Conditions of Early Universe Recreated in Collider Experiment Dark Matter Search Could Lead Us to a New Kind of Star Solve the daily Crossword
Phone Arena
02-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Motorola's next big launch is set for next week
The Moto G96 is the next major device coming from Motorola. The US based company has just confirmed that the phone that we told you about last week will be officially introduced in India on July upcoming smartphone is Motorola's top-of-the-line Moto G series phone, which is mirrored in the device's specs. Just like many of Motorola's mid-range handsets, the Moto G96 offers fans the option to pick up a premium-like version that features a faux leather back panel. Now, Motorola hasn't yet revealed all the Moto G96's specs, but many of them are listed on the phone's dedicated page at Flipkart. For example, the US-based handset maker confirmed the phone's 6.67-inch curved pOLED display features 144Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. We also know the Moto G96 is powered by a mid-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. Motorola confirmed the Moto G96 packs 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal memory. A cheaper version with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage will be available too. As far as the camera goes, the most important details revealed by Motorola include a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-700C sensor housed by the main camera, as well as a 32-megapixel selfie snapper. The phone has a dual camera, but there's no information about the second one. The best part is that the Moto G96 comes with a pretty decent 5,500 mAh battery, which promises up to 35 hours of talk time, 32 hours of video playback, or 119 hours of music. We were surprised to see that Motorola will only offer three years of security updates for the Moto G96. Although the US-based company typically offers two/three years of OS updates and three/four years of security updates, Motorola made some important steps toward increasing the software support period it offers to its first smartphone to receive five years of OS updates and five years of security patches, Moto Edge 50 Neo, was launched back in September, so we thought every other phone launched by Motorola will follow the new policy, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Motorola Moto G96 will be available in four Pantone colors | Image credit: Motorola Motorola is one of the very few companies that uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which means very little competition for the Moto G96. Unless you don't mind getting a similar mid-range phone but powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200/7300 processor, which nearly the same when it comes to are quite a few mid-range phones that match the description, such as the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro, Redmi Note 14 Pro, Infinix Note 50x, Nothing Phone (2a), and Motorola Edge 50 Neo. Even the Moto G86, one of the phones announced back in May and is expected to hit shelves in July, is using a MediaTek 7300 chipset. Basically, it all comes down to how much the Moto G96 will cost, something that we'll hopefully find out soon because Motorola is still mum on the matter. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Geeky Gadgets
16-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Head-to-Head: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. the Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Ultra represent the pinnacle of modern smartphone technology, catering to distinct user preferences. While the S25 Ultra is designed for those seeking a feature-rich, productivity-focused device, the S25 Edge emphasizes portability and simplicity without compromising on performance. Both models share a foundation of premium craftsmanship and innovative hardware, but their differences in design, camera systems, battery life, and features make them suitable for different types of users. The video below from Sakitech gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Build and Design: Portability vs. Functionality Both the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Ultra are constructed with premium materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a grade 5 titanium frame, making sure durability and a luxurious feel. However, their designs cater to different priorities: S25 Edge: Weighing just 163 grams, the S25 Edge is exceptionally lightweight and slim, making it ideal for one-handed use and users who prioritize portability. Its minimalist design ensures ease of handling without sacrificing durability. Weighing just 163 grams, the S25 Edge is exceptionally lightweight and slim, making it ideal for one-handed use and users who prioritize portability. Its minimalist design ensures ease of handling without sacrificing durability. S25 Ultra: With a heavier and bulkier build, the S25 Ultra is crafted for functionality. Its anti-reflective display coating enhances usability in bright environments, making it a practical choice for outdoor use, though it sacrifices some portability. The choice between these two designs depends on whether you value compactness or enhanced usability in various conditions. Performance and Storage: Power Meets Choice Both models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, delivering exceptional performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. However, their storage options cater to different user needs: S25 Edge: Available in 256GB and 512GB variants, the S25 Edge is well-suited for users with moderate to heavy storage requirements, such as storing photos, videos, and apps. Available in 256GB and 512GB variants, the S25 Edge is well-suited for users with moderate to heavy storage requirements, such as storing photos, videos, and apps. S25 Ultra: In addition to the 256GB and 512GB options, the S25 Ultra offers a 1TB variant, making it ideal for users who need extensive storage for media libraries, professional files, and large applications. Both devices ensure smooth performance, but the S25 Ultra's expanded storage options make it a better choice for power users. Display: Size and Usability The displays on the S25 Edge and S25 Ultra are designed to deliver an immersive viewing experience, with both featuring AMOLED technology, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a peak brightness of 2600 nits. A 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and gaming. However, the screen sizes and usability differ: S25 Edge: The 6.7-inch display strikes a balance between screen size and portability, making it comfortable for everyday use without feeling cumbersome. The 6.7-inch display strikes a balance between screen size and portability, making it comfortable for everyday use without feeling cumbersome. S25 Ultra: The larger 6.9-inch display, enhanced with an anti-reflective coating, is perfect for users who frequently use their phones in bright outdoor settings or prefer a larger screen for productivity and entertainment. The choice here depends on whether you prioritize portability or a larger, more versatile display. Camera Systems: Everyday Use vs. Professional Photography Samsung has equipped both models with advanced camera systems, but their configurations are tailored to different photography needs: S25 Ultra: Boasting a quad-camera system, the S25 Ultra includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. This setup is ideal for professional-grade photography, offering versatility for capturing detailed landscapes, portraits, and zoomed-in shots. Boasting a quad-camera system, the S25 Ultra includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. This setup is ideal for professional-grade photography, offering versatility for capturing detailed landscapes, portraits, and zoomed-in shots. S25 Edge: Featuring a simpler dual-camera system with a 200MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, the S25 Edge is designed for everyday photography, providing excellent image quality without the complexity of additional lenses. Both models include a 12MP front-facing camera for high-quality selfies and video calls, making sure a consistent experience for social media and communication. Battery Life and Charging: Longevity vs. Portability Battery performance is a key differentiator between the two models, reflecting their distinct design philosophies: S25 Ultra: Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the S25 Ultra offers up to two days of moderate use, making it ideal for users who need extended battery life. It supports 45W wired charging, allowing faster recharging times, as well as wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience. Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the S25 Ultra offers up to two days of moderate use, making it ideal for users who need extended battery life. It supports 45W wired charging, allowing faster recharging times, as well as wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience. S25 Edge: Featuring a smaller 3,900mAh battery, the S25 Edge provides a full day of use, aligning with its lightweight and portable design. While its charging speeds are slightly slower, it supports wireless and reverse wireless charging, making sure flexibility for users on the go. The S25 Ultra is better suited for users who prioritize battery longevity, while the S25 Edge caters to those who value portability. Software and Features: Shared Innovation with Key Differences Both devices run Samsung's One UI 7.0, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. They share several innovative features, including: IP68 water and dust resistance: Ensures durability in various environments. Ensures durability in various environments. Stereo speakers: Deliver immersive audio for media consumption. Deliver immersive audio for media consumption. Wireless and reverse wireless charging: Provide added convenience for charging accessories and other devices. Provide added convenience for charging accessories and other devices. Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor: Offers secure and fast unlocking. The S25 Ultra distinguishes itself with S Pen functionality, making it an excellent choice for productivity-focused users who need tools for note-taking, drawing, or precise navigation. Pricing: Balancing Cost and Features The pricing of these models reflects their respective feature sets: S25 Edge: Starting at $1,100, the S25 Edge offers flagship performance in a lightweight and affordable package, making it an attractive option for users who want a premium smartphone without the added bulk. Starting at $1,100, the S25 Edge offers flagship performance in a lightweight and affordable package, making it an attractive option for users who want a premium smartphone without the added bulk. S25 Ultra: Priced at $1,300, the S25 Ultra justifies its higher cost with advanced features such as the quad-camera system, larger battery, S Pen support, and a 1TB storage option, catering to power users and professionals. Both models deliver excellent value, with the choice ultimately depending on your specific needs and budget. Choosing the Right Galaxy S25 for You Deciding between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Ultra comes down to your personal preferences and priorities: S25 Ultra: Ideal for users who require a comprehensive feature set, including advanced cameras, S Pen functionality, a larger battery, and extensive storage options. It is perfect for professionals and power users who demand versatility and performance. Ideal for users who require a comprehensive feature set, including advanced cameras, S Pen functionality, a larger battery, and extensive storage options. It is perfect for professionals and power users who demand versatility and performance. S25 Edge: Best suited for those who value a slim, lightweight design and a more affordable flagship experience. It is an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and simplicity without sacrificing quality. Both models embody Samsung's commitment to innovation and quality, making sure a premium smartphone experience tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Expand your understanding of Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Source & Image Credit: sakitech Filed Under: Android News, Gadgets News, Mobile Phone 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.
Geeky Gadgets
13-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: First Take
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the latest addition to Samsung's flagship lineup, positioned between the S25 Plus and the S25 Ultra. With its ultra-thin profile, lightweight construction, and premium features, it caters to users who value portability and sleek design. However, this focus on aesthetics and portability introduces certain compromises, particularly in battery capacity and camera versatility, which may influence its appeal to different user groups. In the video below, Marques Brownlee gives us a look at the new Galaxy S25 Edge and its range of features. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build: Thin, Light, and Durable Measuring just 5.8 mm in thickness and weighing 163 grams, the Galaxy S25 Edge is among the thinnest and lightest smartphones in its class. Its flat-sided design, reinforced with durable titanium rails, offers a premium feel while making sure structural integrity. The 'floating island' camera module seamlessly integrates into the phone's silhouette, contributing to its modern and minimalist aesthetic. The device is available in three elegant color options: black, silver, and bluish silver. Both the front and back are protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, which enhances scratch resistance and durability. However, the absence of an anti-reflective coating on the display may reduce visibility under bright sunlight, which could be a drawback for outdoor use. Display and Performance: High-End Visuals and Power The Galaxy S25 Edge features a 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and smooth scrolling. This display matches the quality of the S25 Plus, making sure a premium visual experience for activities such as video streaming, gaming, and general browsing. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and supported by 12 GB of RAM, the S25 Edge provides seamless multitasking and smooth performance for demanding applications. Users can choose between 256 GB and 512 GB of internal storage, offering flexibility for those with varying storage needs. This combination of hardware ensures that the device remains competitive in terms of performance, even when compared to higher-tier models. Camera: Streamlined but Capable The S25 Edge incorporates a 200 MP primary camera, borrowed from the S25 Ultra, which delivers exceptional detail and clarity. Advanced software processing further enhances image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. However, the camera system is simplified compared to the Ultra, featuring only a 12 MP ultrawide lens as the secondary camera. This streamlined setup limits versatility, particularly for users who rely on telephoto or macro photography. While the camera system is capable of producing high-quality images, it reflects the phone's mid-tier positioning. Photography enthusiasts who require a more comprehensive camera setup may find the S25 Edge less appealing compared to its higher-end counterparts. Battery and Charging: A Trade-off for Portability The ultra-thin design of the Galaxy S25 Edge necessitated a smaller 3,900 mAh battery, which is a significant reduction compared to the 4,900 mAh battery found in the S25 Plus. This smaller capacity may not meet the needs of heavy users or those who require extended battery life for intensive tasks. Charging options include 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While these speeds are adequate for most users, they fall short of the faster charging technologies offered by some competitors. This trade-off highlights the balance Samsung aimed to achieve between portability and functionality. Who Is It For? Understanding the Trade-offs The Galaxy S25 Edge is designed for a specific audience that prioritizes portability, aesthetics, and premium features over raw performance or extended usage. However, the design choices result in certain compromises that potential buyers should consider: The reduced battery capacity may not satisfy users with high power demands. The simplified camera system lacks the versatility of higher-end models, limiting its appeal to photography enthusiasts. The compact design impacts cooling efficiency, which could affect performance during prolonged use. Despite these trade-offs, the S25 Edge offers a middle ground for users who want some Ultra-level features, such as the 200 MP camera and high-resolution display, without the bulk and weight of larger models. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who value portability and design above all else. Additional Features and Pricing The Galaxy S25 Edge retains practical features that are becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones, such as a physical SIM card tray. Its Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 construction ensures durability, though the lack of an anti-reflective coating on the display may affect usability in outdoor environments. Priced at $1,099, the S25 Edge is positioned between the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra, offering a balanced option for users who seek a premium experience without the added bulk or cost of the Ultra model. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a flagship device that emphasizes portability and design. Balancing Portability and Performance The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a thoughtfully crafted smartphone that caters to a niche audience. Its ultra-thin, lightweight build and premium features make it an appealing choice for users who prioritize portability and aesthetics. However, the trade-offs in battery capacity, camera versatility, and cooling efficiency may limit its appeal to those seeking a more robust or feature-packed device. Positioned as a mid-tier flagship, the S25 Edge strikes a delicate balance between performance, design, and practicality, making it a compelling option for users who value style and portability over all else. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Source & Image Credit: Marques Brownlee Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone 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.
