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☀️ EV range-increasing wine, world’s largest solar roof, WWII-era ‘ghost ship’ found

Plus: Japan’s tokamak sets world record, achieves plasma volume of 160 cubic meters

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Dubai has taken a significant step towards renewable energy with a groundbreaking initiative at its airports.

Recently, Dubai Airports announced a partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, a subsidiary of DEWA, to begin the world’s largest rooftop solar panel installation project at an airport.

By harnessing solar power, Dubai Airports aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener aviation industry. Dive deeper into this Must-Read.

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MUST-READ

A major clean energy initiative, set to be fully operational by 2026, it will involve the installation of 62,904 solar panels across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. This 39MWp phased project will generate 60,346MWh annually.

According to state news agency WAM, the solar panels will offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, which is equivalent to removing 5,000 cars from the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year.

Solar energy will supply 6.5% of DXB’s and 20% of DWC’s power needs, supporting Dubai Airports’ commitment to cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operations.

Researchers at the University of NSW have made a groundbreaking discovery in battery technology by using an unexpected source: food acids, including those found in wine.

They have developed a battery component from compounds found in food acids, which are common and often thrown away as waste.

“A novel battery component that uses food-based acids found in sherbet and winemaking could make lithium-ion batteries more efficient, affordable and sustainable,” said the researchers in a press release. 

Undersea investigators have made a remarkable breakthrough by locating the wreck of the USS Stewart, a storied World War II destroyer.

This discovery unveils an extraordinary wartime narrative, as the USS Stewart uniquely served both American and Japanese forces during the conflict, according to a recent press release.

Launching an ambitious mission to locate this legendary vessel, officials employed cutting-edge technology to test its capabilities. The landmark expedition kicked off on August 1, 2024, with the team aiming to find the Navy ship that had been deliberately sunk 78 years ago.

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HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY

SCIENCE

> The Fermi Paradox asks the question: If life (and, by extension, intelligent life) is common in the Universe, why has humanity yet to find any evidence of it? (More)

> A team of researchers from the University of Toronto claims that they observed photons leaving a material before they entered it. This is the first time scientists have come across evidence of negative time. (More)

> Microbiologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in a 2-billion-year-old rock located in northeastern South Africa. This incredibly ancient rock was not only habitable but still contained living microbes within its “sealed fractures.” (More)

ENERGY

> A tokamak device, jointly developed by Japan and Europe, has achieved a plasma volume of 160 cubic meters. The achievement has been officially certified by Guinness World Records. (More)

> Germany’s large-scale battery storage could increase by 500% within 2 years, according to the country’s Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar). (More)

> Researchers have developed a new kind of artificial plant that can generate electricity. Using five biological solar cells and photosynthetic bacteria, Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi and PhD student Maryam Rezaie created an artificial leaf “for fun” and then realized the concept has wider implications. (More)

INNOVATION

> Wuhan-based JFS Laboratory, a state-funded semiconductor research center, has announced a “milestone” in silicon photonics development. To overcome the limitations of electrical signals, which are nearing their physical limits, silicon photonics uses light for data transmission. (More)

> A diffraction casting breakthrough could overcome optical computing challenges. Unlike electronic systems, optical computing applications produce very low amounts of heat even when they are overloaded with work. (More)

> The Marine and Hydrokinetic Toolkit (MHKiT) helps researchers and developers harness marine renewable energy by providing standardized tools for data processing and performance evaluation. (More)

VIDEO

> BBC correspondent Marc Cieslak looks behind the scenes at the high-security facility monitoring digital threats ahead of the US election. (More)

> A stunning video shows sharks devouring sea urchins, spines and all. (More)

IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS

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FROM THE WEB

> Quantum researchers come up with a recipe that could accelerate drug development

> MIT engineers create a chip-based tractor beam for biological particles

> What time is it on the moon? China and the US are racing to decide

> North Korea's Kim threatens to destroy South Korea with nuclear strikes if provoked

> Alien civilizations are probably killing themselves from climate change, bleak study suggests

> Vietnam bird flu outbreak at zoos leaves dozens of tigers dead

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