FDA rewrites rules of 'healthy' foods for first time in 30 years, striking items like white bread from the list while welcoming nutrient-rich options such as eggs and salmon. — 19 December 2024 (LINK)
— This shift means avocados, nuts, seeds, high-fat fish, eggs, and olive oil now qualify as "healthy". Conversely, sugary fruit snacks, heavily sweetened snack bars, fortified breakfast cereals, and yogurt or fruit punch high in added sugars — all of which previously earned the label — no longer make the cut.
New class of magnets promises to supercharge tech speeds by 1000x. — 19 December 2024 (LINK)
— The findings, published in Nature, demonstrate that altermagnetic materials can be precisely controlled in microscopic devices, marking a major step forward in magnetic and material science. Like antiferromagnets, altermagnets have antiparallel magnetic moments, which means they lack a macroscopic magnetic field. Yet they also exhibit a feature of ferromagnetism called time-reversal symmetry breaking. In a new study, the researchers showed that manganese telluride (MnTe) is a ferromagnet as predicted and imaged it on the nanoscale.
— "This is all very new to science —it was only earlier this year that scientists reported experimental evidence of altermagnets — and now this latest study has taken critical step forward, providing a blueprint for how these materials can be manipulated that others can work from."
'World's first' grid-scale nuclear fusion power plant announced in the US. — 18 December 2024 (LINK)
"Root Beer," "Pepsi" and "Polar" are 2024's most sought-after Rolex models in the pre-owned market, according to Bob's Watches — a leading online marketplace specializing in vintage Rolex watches. — 19 December 2024 (LINK)
— "Batman" experienced steady growth with a 10% increase in 2024. Whereas, "Root Beer" saw a massive rise of 433%, which points to a rising trend for the model. The "Pepsi" also had a significant resurgence, increasing by 134.8% in 2024, while the "Hulk" experienced flat growth after previous moderate increases. The demand for the "Polar" also rose by 157%, which indicates its growing appeal in the pre-owned market for Rolex.
In a real-world example of how construction materials can be reused, a team of 230 EPFL students in Lausanne is building a community pavilion in Ecublens, near the campus, through a low-tech, participative approach. — 13 December 2024 (LINK)
— There's only a few months to go until the pavilion is complete. rebuiLT was launched at EPFL in 2022 as a MAKE project intended to promote circular economy principles. It's being carried out through an initiative involving EPFL, the municipality of Ecublens and various construction-industry organizations.
— The framework and rooftop of the main edifice — large concrete structures taken from a building slated for demolition in Renens — are in place. The walls, made of straw bale and coated in clay, went up this summer, and the windows and a sink were recently installed.
Coffee prices rise to nearly 50-year high due to weather changes in Brazil. — 12 December 2024 (LINK)
— Prices are up more than 83% so far this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that raw Arabica coffee prices soared to a record high of nearly $3.44 per pound, which beat the prior record of $3.35 from 1977.
Coffee prices rise to nearly 50-year high due to weather changes in Brazil. — 12 December 2024 (LINK)
— Prices are up more than 83% so far this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that raw Arabica coffee prices soared to a record high of nearly $3.44 per pound, which beat the prior record of $3.35 from 1977.
The 19 greatest Rolex watch models ever, ranked. — 12 December 2024 (LINK)
Darlington Public School in Sydney's inner-city awarded World Building of the Year in international competition. — 11 December 2024 (LINK)
— The innovative building, which features a unique curved screen and plenty of natural light and ventilation, was designed by Australian-based company fjcstudio. It is the second time fjcstudio has won World Building of the Year, with the firm awarded for its design of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki in 2013.
— Darlington Public School's design has sawtooth roofs to capture sunlight and glazing for filtering light. Indigenous art created by students and families connected to the school were also featured prominently in the new facility.
Should you use the shiny or dull side of aluminum foil? It doesn't matter. — 8 December 2024 (LINK)
Scientists confirm crabs really can experience pain after all -- and probably other crustaceans, too. — 6 December 2024 (LINK)
Belgium becomes first country to give sex workers robust labour rights and protections. — 2 December 2024 (LINK)
November 2024
British MPs back landmark bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales for adults with less than six months to live. — 29 November 2024 (LINK)
Australia passes controversial social media ban for teens. — 28 November 2024 (LINK)
There's a surprisingly easy way to remove microplastics from drinking water: boil the water first. — 27 November 2024 (LINK)
140 women are murdered every day by relatives, UN Women report reveals. 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence: 25 November - 10 December 2024 (Human Rights Day). — 26 November 2024 (LINK)
18 hacks "poor people" in the U.S. swear by to make their money go further. — 26 November 2024 (LINK)
Six overlooked women who pioneered early computer art. — 26 November 2024 (LINK)
Swiss government adopts three-pronged approach to end violence against women. — 25 November 2024 (LINK)
Locals never use Heathrow Express pricey transportation option after landing in London: alternatives can be nine times cheaper. — 25 November 2024 (LINK)
The U.K. will electronically monitor U.S. tourists from January. Its Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA) started in 2023 and was just required for travellers from some Middle Eastern countries. — 25 November 2024 (LINK)
Drones will clear Mt Everest garbage from March 2025. — 24 November 2024 (LINK)
Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) members created 1,000x more plastic than they cleaned up, Greenpeace investigation finds. — 22 November 2024 (LINK)
Catholic News Agency: No, 'AI Jesus' isn't actually hearing confessions: fact check: the parish notes on its website that the AI installation is intended for conversations, not confessions, which can only be performed by a priest or bishop, and never in a virtual setting. — 21 November 2024 (LINK)
Scientists take huge step forward in mapping all 37 trillion cells in the human body. — 20 November 2024 (LINK)
Ancient Aztec death whistle had a terrifying effect on the human brain, University of Zurich study finds. — 20 November 2024 (LINK)
World Cheese Awards: Portugal 1, Switzerland 2 and 3. Spain 4, U.S. 5. — 20 November 2024 (LINK)
9 animals that have gone extinct in the past 50 years. — 20 November 2024 (LINK)
The banana is about to go extinct — but there might be a solution. — 18 November 2024 (LINK)
Brilliant AI bot imitates a granny to keep phone scammers on the line for hours. — 18 November 2024 (LINK)
"We make mistakes" start-up funder is a huge success: CEOs should tell it like it is. — 18 November 2024 (LINK)
Second biggest exhibition of Banksy's work is in a small Swiss town. — 18 November 2024 (LINK)