Latest news with #deserts
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Contributor: The true cost of abandoning science
Any trip to the dark night skies of our Southern California deserts reveals a vista full of wonder and mystery — riddles that astrophysicists like myself spend our days unraveling. I am fortunate to study how the first galaxies formed and evolved over the vast span of 13 billion years into the beautiful structures that fill those skies. NASA's crown jewel, the James Webb Space Telescope, has delivered measurements of early galaxies so puzzling that, more than three years after its launch, we are still struggling to understand them. My work on ancient galaxies may seem to have no relevance to the enormous challenges that confront our nation every day. But if we look back over the last 80 years, ever since World War II turned America into the epicenter of global science, curiosity-driven investigation — in astronomy, quantum materials, evolutionary biology and more — has been a pillar of American progress. But science in America is now under dire threat. President Trump's administration is laying waste to both national laboratories and federal support for academic science. Scientific staff is being sharply reduced from the National Park Service to the National Science Foundation and everywhere in between. Looking at the president's science funding proposals across many agencies, the 2026 fiscal year budget calls for a 34% cut to basic research. The plan slashes NASA's budget to the lowest amount since human space flight began more than 60 years ago, canceling or defunding dozens and dozens of NASA missions. Already, the NSF has halved support for the most promising American graduate students. Read more: Contributor: Those cuts to 'overhead' costs in research? They do real damage Scientists are speaking up against this destruction, of course. There are strong practical reasons to back science: It is a powerful engine for economic growth, and it is essential for understanding and mitigating the dangers of the natural world — whether they be the Los Angeles wildfires (which my family fled in January) or the tragic floods in Texas last month. As important as these pragmatic arguments are, their focus on quantifiable, short-term benefits undervalues the true worth of the scientific enterprise. Occasionally, curiosity-driven inquiry — basic science — rapidly enables new technology, but more often its first impact is the wonder we experience at novel measurements, whether contemplating ripples in space-time generated by colliding black holes, underwater ecosystems that draw energy from geothermal vents rather than the sun, or the relic microwave radiation of the Big Bang. The practical impacts that follow are unpredictable; if the goal is to explore the unknown, then the benefits are also unknown. (Let us not forget that even Columbus was sorely mistaken about what his journey would uncover!) Only through hard work to understand and unpack new discoveries do their full benefits become clear, and that can take decades, as with how Einstein's theory of relativity (published from 1905 to 1915) eventually enabled GPS technology. Read more: Contributor: Ending LGBTQ+ health research will leave science in the dark Government support is essential in this process. Although Hollywood often portrays scientific discovery as the work of lone geniuses, far more often it is an incremental process, inching ahead through insights from disparate research groups leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure (such as Arctic research facilities and orbiting telescopes), which can only be built through the focused resources of government investment. Every American taxpayer has helped enable innumerable scientific advancements because they are largely due to our nation's investments in the public goods of people and facilities. Of course, these advances have cost money, and we must always ask how best to balance the long-term benefits of science against our country's other urgent needs. (The enormously popular James Webb Space Telescope, for example, was massively over budget, which led to budget-estimation reforms at NASA.) In 2024, the total science budget, outside of medical research (and its obvious practical benefits), was about $28 billion. This is a large number, but it is still just over one-half of 1% of all spending outside of Social Security and Medicare: For every $1,000 in spending, about $6 — one tall Starbucks Caffè Mocha or Big Mac in California — supports fundamental scientific inquiry. Read more: Trump freezes $300 million in UCLA science and medical research funding, citing antisemitism Yet the current administration has chosen to hack away at budgets rather than do the hard work of self-examination and improvement. American science, and especially the emerging generation of young scientists, will not survive these cuts. If implemented, the administration's framework will choke off new technologies before they are only half an idea, leave fundamental questions about the universe unanswered and chase a generation of scientists to other countries. By any measure, American science is the envy of the world, and we now face a choice: to remain at the vanguard of scientific inquiry through sound investment, or to cede our leadership and watch others answer the big questions that have confounded humanity for millennia — and reap the rewards and prestige. Only one of those options will make the future America great. Steven R. Furlanetto is a professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA. If it's in the news right now, the L.A. Times' Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Solve the daily Crossword
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Solar shift, transforming the energy landscape
Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In deserts, on rooftops, floating on reservoirs and soon even stitched into our clothes — solar power is no longer just about traditional panels. In 2025, a wave of innovation is turning sunlight into energy with unprecedented efficiency and creativity. And it's happening at a scale that could redefine how nations power homes, cities and industries. One of the most exciting breakthroughs is the rise of perovskite solar cells. Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In January 2025, the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed new tandem cell designs that combine perovskite and silicon layers, demonstrating higher energy yields and improved stability. By mid-2025, a new world record was certified: 34.85 per cent efficiency in a tandem perovskite-silicon cell — underscoring the technology's rapid evolution. These next-generation modules are thin, flexible and can even be printed onto glass or fabric; opening doors to solar-powered windows, wearables and vehicles. Japanese companies have already begun mass-producing ultra-thin perovskite sheets for commercial applications. According to a report by EA Global, the technology is expected to move from pilot-scale to widespread deployment within the next two years. Meanwhile, industry leaders like Hanwha and Trina Solar are racing to commercialise tandem panels that offer higher output with lower material costs. Another innovation changing the solar landscape is bifacial panel design. These solar modules generate power on both the front and back sides; capturing reflected sunlight from the ground or surrounding surfaces. Once considered too unstable for everyday use, perovskites are now outperforming expectations, with laboratory efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. In combination with sun-tracking mounts and vertical installation, bifacial panels can boost energy output by up to 30 per cent. Greenlancer, a US-based solar platform, highlights the growing use of such systems in desert and high-reflectivity environments. Floating solar farms, also known as floatovoltaics, are also gaining momentum; with the installation of solar arrays on reservoirs and canals not only conserving land, but also benefitting from natural cooling effects that improve efficiency. According to a report by global market research firm IMARC Group, floating solar installations could grow by more than 20 per cent annually across Asia and the Middle East, particularly in water-scarce nations like Oman. Solar design is also evolving to blend seamlessly with architecture. Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, now allow solar modules to be incorporated into facades, roof tiles and even windows. Several Gulf cities are exploring BIPV for high-rise developments, where solar glass can reduce energy use without compromising design. Under the surface, materials science is advancing rapidly. Nanocoatings are improving panel durability and reducing glare, while new solar modules come equipped with artificial intelligence and sensor technology. These 'smart panels' can adapt in real time to optimise energy yield and detect issues before they become problems. Looking further ahead, researchers are developing energy-harvesting fabrics and quantum dot solar cells. While these technologies remain in the experimental phase, they hold promise for lightweight, portable power ideal for off-grid areas, emergency response and even consumer clothing. As reported in the Encyclopedia of Solar Materials, textile-based solar could soon transform tents, bags and uniforms into self-sustaining energy sources. This burst of innovation comes at a pivotal time. As demand for electricity soars — driven by data centres, electric transport and desalination — solar is emerging as one of the most scalable, fast-deploying and increasingly affordable solutions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of utility-scale solar power has dropped by over 80 per cent in the last decade, making it the cheapest source of new electricity in many parts of the world -even without subsidies. For the Gulf region, the implications are enormous. Oman is ramping up investments in solar-powered green hydrogen, aiming to become a regional leader in clean energy exports and decarbonisation. The Columbia Energy Policy Institute notes that countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also deploying some of the world's largest solar farms. These advances don't just serve climate goals — they promise long-term energy security in a rapidly warming world. From the shaded rooftops of Muscat to smart-integrated solar facades in Dubai and Riyadh, solar is steadily reshaping the energy equation. Its strength lies not just in its efficiency, but in its adaptability. As countries look to secure their energy future, the sun is no longer a distant source of potential — it's part of the plan.
Gizmodo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Gizmodo
Download Asphalt 8: Airborne (free) for Windows, Android, APK and iOS
Asphalt 8: Airborne is the type of game that pulls you into high-velocity action as you speed ahead after hitting the accelerator. It does not simply mean going from point A and B via four-wheel vehicles. It is all about driving your car to extremes, jumping over ramps, demolishing your path on your way, and making the moves that every race appears to be beyond life. The game is partly an arcade game, laced with brilliant animation and sound that truly makes the heart beat in wild excitement. You do not play on a track, you play in cities, deserts, and any kind of wild place where each of them is designed to keep you wondering. These cars are powerful and feel super strong, and you can almost feel the roar of the engine as you get your way out of the traffic jam or drift unevenly around the corners. It is the event that makes you desire to do one more race. And when you fall off or skip a jump, it is difficult not to resume and play it over. It is all about fun, style, and speed, regardless of how many times one wipes out in the process of Asphalt 8: Airborne. Asphalt 8: Airborne has something that makes the game irresistible to gamers. One of the aspects of it is the speed. It is difficult not to be excited when you are flying down some track, avoiding cars, landing on ramps, and barrel-rolling. Controls are easy so that any player can learn the game and get entertained, and, at the same time, complicated so that a player can learn all the tricks in spotting every drift and shortcut. The game does not give you victories, but you have to attain them. This is why every victory is rewarding. There is not just a race against the computer or other live people over the Internet, but there is also the race against yourself, this time trying to get faster or trying to make a perfect stunt. The next reason why one should consider playing Asphalt 8: Airborne is the diversity associated with this game. The number of cars to unlock and update is loads: cool sports vehicles and potent muscle machines. The songs are equally diversified and courses are played in real-world-like locations that are full of shortcuts, dangers, and ramps that can be used to perform insane stunts. You also get the daily challenges and special events as part of the game that provide you with new targets and incentives to play. It is the type of game that does not make things stale. Whether you play just a few minutes here and there, you always have a feeling that there is something new to see or to try. And the most wonderful thing is that it gets the sensation of high-speed racing without your concern about the complicated setups and tuning. One can just take a plunge and have fun. Asphalt 8: Airborne is, as a matter of fact, free to download and play. In-app purchases also exist in the form of accelerated car unlocking, cosmetic and upgrade items, but it is possible to play the whole game without spending any money. The point is that it is planned in a way that you can enjoy it whether you choose to pay or not. The game Asphalt 8: Airborne should be played on a variety of platforms, which implies that it is simple to start either on mobile or on PC. It operates on Android phones and iPhone devices, which makes it ideal when it comes to mobile gaming. It is also available on Windows PC, where it works fine provided your system meets the minimum specifications. You can enter the action, race anywhere, with a phone, another device such as a tablet, or even a computer. You only have to ensure that your device is updated to have a good experience. And in case you want to experience something new in the style of racing, Need for Speed Heat is one of the games that may fit the bill. It combines up-tempo racing and an open world sensation that allows players to become street racers and earn their respect to go hand in hand with modifying their vehicles. The game interchanges the legality of the races in the day with the illegality of street racing at night, which gives an additional risk and reward feature that keeps you glued to the game. It has intense customization of the car and its style, which creates the feeling of uniqueness. You'll easily spend hours exploring the city, customizing your vehicles, and attempting to evade the police when, somehow, you lose your cool. The experience of driving in CSR 2 Realistic Drag Racing is a lot different. It does not involve spacious lines loaded with the ramp and tricks, but more on precision in drag racing. It is necessary to perfect when to change and upgrade the parts of your car to reduce your running time by a few fractions. It is not that much about wild stunts but about the competence and tactics. The vehicles are extremely detailed, and when you ensure your car is tuned up exactly the way it has to be to win in nail-biting races, there would be a huge feeling of fulfillment. It is a pretty good choice when you require a racing game that is closer to reality. Motorsport Manager goes in an entirely different direction. In this case, it is not you in the driver's seat. Rather, you are the decision maker of a racing team. You do all the job of hiring the drivers, to the pit strategies, and improving your cars. It is the game of making smart choices and responding to random curves of a race. This is ideal for players who enjoy the thought of racing but prefer having a different perspective experience. You will be busy making plans, doing analysis, and hoping that your plans will succeed as you see the action on the track.
