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Virginia Tech discovery could provide huge boost to hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure

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Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the entire Universe. It fuses into helium, powering the stars, but it is also used as a fuel here on Earth. The technology is over 150 years old and remarkably simple, at least in theory. A hydrogen fuel cell consists of a pair of electrodes separated by a proton exchange membrane. Hydrogen from the fuel tank enters the cell from one side, where a chemical reaction splits it up into a proton and an electron. The electrolyte membrane allows the protons to pass through, but not the electrons, which have to follow a different path, creating the electric current. The protons and electrons meet on the other side of the membrane and combine with oxygen from the atmosphere to create the most harmless by-product you can imagine – pure water.

Basic hydrogen fuel cell. Graphic by Marc Marshall, Schatz Energy Research Center

Basic hydrogen fuel cell. Graphic by Marc Marshall, Schatz Energy Research Center

There’s been talk of the coming “hydrogen economy” for years now, but technical and logistical problems have hampered progress significantly. For one thing, hydrogen is difficult and inefficient to make. It is usually obtained either from natural gas (a process which releases CO2, which sort of defeats the purpose of using a clean source of energy) or through water electrolysis (basically using an electric current to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, but once again the problem is we often use fossil fuel to produce the electricity in the first place). The second problem is the infrastructure, or lack thereof. Same as electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles don’t have enough refueling stations to make them viable. This year, however, things seem to be better than ever for hydrogen cars.

A group of scientists from Virginia Tech have just announced they’ve found a way to efficiently extract large quantities of hydrogen from xylose, a type of sugar which is highly abundant in plants. The team, led by Percival Zhang, managed to obtain high-purity hydrogen at normal atmospheric pressure and 50 °C (122 °F) temperature, using a cocktail of over a dozen enzymes sourced from microorganisms. Pre-treated corn stover (leaves and stalks), the most abundant agricultural residue in the U.S., was used as “raw material.”

Even before this technological breakthrough, steps for improving the logistical side of the problem were already being made. Taking a page out of Tesla’s book, Toyota has released all of its patents for fuel cell technology in January, as it showcased its new fuel cell vehicle called Mirai during the 2015 CES. This kind of move isn’t entirely unselfish – both Tesla and Toyota have a vested interest in the developing of infrastructure for electric and hydrogen powered cars, so the more companies are working with these technologies, the better it is for everyone. Also, California has been actively trying to create a fuel cell vehicle infrastructure for years, and has more stations than any other region in the world. While this still only means there are only a handful of hydrogen stations in the Golden State, dozens more are in development and are expected to be opened in the next couple of years, enough to make the technology viable. And we’re talking about one of the largest and richest states, whose economy would place it in the top 10 countries in the world by GDP if it were independent. A California success story would be a huge boost symbolically, but also in economic terms, and could provide the impetus for further nationwide and worldwide development.

Who doesn’t enjoy listening to a good story. Personally I love reading about the people who inspire me and what it took for them to achieve their success. As I am a bit of a self confessed tech geek I think there is no better way to discover these stories than by reading every day some articles or the newspaper . My bookcases are filled with good tech biographies, they remind me that anyone can be a success. So even if you come from an underprivileged part of society or you aren’t the smartest person in the room we all have a chance to reach the top. The same message shines in my beliefs. All it takes to succeed is a good idea, a little risk and a lot of hard work and any geek can become a success. VENI VIDI VICI .

Technology

The Right to Repair bill in Oregon has been enacted into law

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Governor Tina Kotek has signed Oregon’s SB 1596. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has enacted the Right to Repair measure, which includes a clause that has the ability to enhance its strength compared to the versions of the bills in California and Minnesota. This legislation is the initial prohibition on the practice known as “parts pairing,” which necessitates the utilization of specific proprietary components for the purpose of repair. The process of parts pairing prevents third-party repair services from substituting a malfunctioning component with a non-brand component, as it is incompatible with the company’s software. Typically, individuals would see error messages while attempting to install an unauthorized component, compelling them to make a purchase directly from the company.

The new regulations prohibit the act of blocking an independent provider from utilizing off-brand components. The performance of a gadget that has been repaired using an unlawful component is being diminished. The inclusion of error messages and cautions is prohibited. The prohibition on component pairing does not extend to devices that have previously been released but rather applies exclusively to those made subsequent to January 1, 2025.

Although there has been a shift in the stance of manufacturers such as Apple in recent years, with a growing endorsement of the Right to Repair campaign, the issue of Oregon’s parts pairing law remains a subject of disagreement. In a testimony, Apple senior manager John Perry expressed his company’s concurrence with the overwhelming majority of Senate Bill 1596. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the potential security ramifications associated with permitting the utilization of unauthorized components, such as biometric sensors, for the purpose of replacement.

Nevertheless, Oregon’s legislation currently mandates the prohibition of parts pairing as well as the provision of suitable parts to device owners at affordable costs and without any significant requirements. Companies are obligated to provide repair shops with documentation detailing the necessary procedures for repairing their equipment, along with any specific instruments required for the repair process. The regulations will be applicable to all mobile phones purchased after July 1, 2021, as well as all other consumer electronic devices purchased after July 1, 2015.

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Astronomy

The initial observation of the magnetic fields surrounding the supermassive black hole within our galaxy is quite remarkable

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The team responsible for capturing the initial photograph of a black hole has now unveiled a fresh image of Sagittarius A*, the colossal black hole located at the core of the Milky Way. This new image is observed using polarized light, marking the first instance of such a visual representation. The recorded image depicts the magnetic field patterns encircling the black hole, resembling those observed in the vicinity of M87*. This observation implies the potential presence of robust, twisted, and well-structured magnetic fields within black holes.

In order to create a single array of dimensions equal to Earth’s, radio telescopes located all over the world are utilized by the Event Horizon Telescope, an international collaboration that makes it possible to image a black hole. Should you have that kind of resolution in your vision, you could see a doughnut on the moon. The initial visual representation of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) and the significantly larger and more potent black hole located at the core of the enormous elliptical galaxy Messier 87 has been provided. In 2021, it successfully detected the magnetic fields of M87*, marking the first instance of a black hole being detected using polarized light.

The team has successfully utilized the polarization of light to visualize the magnetic fields of Sgr A*, marking the first instance of such an application. Light is generated through the oscillation of electromagnetic waves, and when these waves oscillate in a specific direction, they are referred to as polarized. 3D glasses function by utilizing two lenses with distinct polarization, allowing just a portion of the light to enter. This enables our brains to generate a three-dimensional image within our mind. Polarized light reduces glare from strong light sources, allowing the researchers to see the black hole’s edge more clearly and precisely delineate the magnetic field lines inside of it.

“We have acquired polarimetric images of the black hole located at the center of our galaxy, Sgr A*, at the event horizon scale for the first time,” stated Professor Mariafelicia De Laurentis, Deputy Project Scientist at the EHT and professor at the University of Naples Federico II, in an interview .

The polarization of light allows for the observation of a highly intricate and well-organized magnetic structure surrounding the black hole, as depicted in these photos. The inclusion of polarized light in these photographs is critical, as it enables us to visually perceive and comprehend the intricate structure of the magnetic field around the black hole, a vital element that cannot be adequately represented by non-polarized light alone.

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Plasma, composed of charged particles, exhibits motion along the magnetic field lines surrounding a supermassive black hole. When these particles rotate, they generate a polarization pattern on the light that is oriented at a right angle to the magnetic field. The measurement of polarization provides precise information regarding the manner in which the magnetic field is around the supermassive black hole.

According to Professor De Laurentis, the significance of polarization in the examination of black holes lies in its ability to furnish valuable insights on the geometry and dynamics of the magnetic fields encompassing the black hole. These fields are of significant importance in the processes of accretion and jet emissions since they have a direct impact on the observation of black holes and our comprehension of the underlying physics that control these extraordinary entities.

The processes of accretion and jet emissions are not commonly observed in our neighboring supermassive black hole. Sagittarius A* is rather tranquil and serene compared to other black holes, which is advantageous because even at a distance of 26,000 light-years, an active supermassive black hole may still exert a significant influence. These objects have the ability to influence the fate of a whole galaxy.

However, the magnetic fields play a crucial role in the emission of high-energy jets for M87*. The phenomenon of the supermassive black hole emitting jets of particles with velocities approaching the speed of light, spanning around 5,000 light-years from M87*, has been documented. The observation of identical magnetic structures that drive extensive phenomena in M87 within our own supermassive black hole implies the existence of fundamental mechanisms that are common to all black holes.

According to Professor De Laurentis, the magnetic fields play a crucial role in regulating the accumulation of mass within black holes and the expulsion of very intense jets, which are considered to be some of the most remarkable occurrences in the cosmos. Understanding these areas lets us look into the strange things that happen close to black holes, which means testing theories of gravity and magnetohydrodynamics in situations where Einstein’s general relativity is very important.

This image of Sagittarius A* represents a significant advancement in comprehending the behavior of black holes and their impact on the galaxies they inhabit. Additionally, it serves as an excellent platform for testing theoretical models that describe the actions of black holes.

The aforementioned observations signify a significant technical achievement, demonstrating the capability of contemporary astronomy instruments and protocols. According to Professor De Laurentis, their work established a precedent for subsequent observational efforts and theoretical investigations, thereby expanding the frontiers of our comprehension of the cosmos.

The upcoming iteration of the Event Horizon Telescope will exhibit enhanced performance.

The research findings are documented in two scholarly articles published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Science

The Recurrence of Unexploded Bombs from World Wars

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The Earth possesses a substantial quantity of explosive bomb material, amounting to millions of tons, primarily originating from the two global conflicts that occurred throughout the 20th century. Although a significant portion of these entities has been neglected and overlooked in recent decades, recent studies have revealed that a considerable number of them contain a chemical compound that renders them progressively more susceptible to detonation over time.

Amatol, a potent explosive compound derived from a blend of TNT and ammonium nitrate, was extensively employed in various explosive devices utilized throughout World War One and World War Two. These devices encompassed airplane bombs, shells, depth charges, and naval mines.

Additional frequently employed explosives, such as pure trinitrotoluene (TNT) or pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), exhibit generally consistent stability throughout time and do not exhibit an increase in their level of hazard compared to their first stages. Nevertheless, Amatol exhibits an increasing susceptibility to effect over time when subjected to specific settings.

Two scientists from the University of Oslo and the University of Stavanger in Norway conducted a series of experiments where they applied weights to five samples of amatol explosives obtained from battlefields. This finding demonstrated that the bombs exhibited a higher degree of sensitivity to impact than previously acknowledged, and their volatility progressively escalated as they underwent aging.

The observed change in temperament can be attributed to the chemical reactivity of amatol with other substances present in the natural environment.

The study authors note that the presence of moisture, coupled with other conditions, can enhance the impact sensitivity of amatols.

It is widely acknowledged that explosive compositions, including ammonium nitrate, have the potential to undergo sensitization upon exposure to trace amounts of metals or interactions with metals. “The presence of these metal contaminants can undergo a chemical reaction with ammonium nitrate, resulting in the formation of complex salts and the sensitization of the mixture,” they state.

The presence of unexploded bombs from World War II is a frequent occurrence, often resulting in significant disruptions.

In February 2024, a German bomb weighing 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) was found in a backyard in Plymouth, UK. More than 100 military personnel and specialists in bomb disposal were sent, while a significant number of surrounding inhabitants were compelled to flee, paradoxically signifying one of the most extensive evacuation endeavors since the conclusion of the Second World War.

Fortunately, the detonation of the device was executed without any casualties; nonetheless, such occurrences can occasionally culminate in terrible outcomes. In 2008, a total of 17 individuals sustained injuries at a building site located in the German town of Hattingen. The incident occurred when an excavator collided with a 250-kilogram (550-pound) bomb from the World War II era, resulting in its detonation.

Recent research suggests that occurrences involving unexploded bombs, such as the one described, have the potential to escalate into a significant issue. In conclusion, the researchers emphasize the importance of informing individuals responsible for dismantling unexploded explosives of the heightened sensitivity of amatol to impact.

The recent research findings have been published in the esteemed publication, Royal Society Open Science.

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