Category Archives: Science

Science, technology

Proton batteries

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At The Guardian I found a very interesting article:

Look, no lithium! First rechargeable proton battery created.

According to the article, a team of researchers at the RMIT University in Melbourne have created a battery that instead of scarce lithium, uses carbon and hydrogen. The main benefit of this new type of battery, is that carbon and hydrogen are abundant and hence cheap materials.

With the increased popularity of electric vehicles, the demand for batteries increases and hence the demand for lithium and also its price. The limited abundance of lithium is a serious bottleneck for a more sustainable fleet of cars.

According to the scientists who made this proton battery it will take five to ten years, before it will be commercially available.

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Moon, Science, space colonization

Space news

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We want to share two news stories on ScienceDaily relevant for space colonization.

Roadmap to enhance radioresistance for space colonization.

Cosmic radiation is by far the most serious threat for space settlement, both orbital and surface-based ones. Without adequate protection from cosmic radiation, human space colonization will be impossible. Therefore research to protect humans against this radiation is of crucial importance.

Widespread water on the Moon

Water is indispensable for human life and hence the presence of water is of critical importance for any Moon-based settlement. Contrary to previous scientific understanding, there appears more water on the Moon. However, this water is primarily contained as hydroxy into lunar stones.

Education, Science

The benefits of daily puzzles

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Earlier we proposed that solving puzzles should be a school subject. A study by researchers at the University of Exeter shows that solving puzzles like crosswords on a daily base, strongly improves one’s cognitive abilities at old age. More precise: regular puzzle solving is linked to better memory and thinking skills.

This study supports our proposed policy of including puzzle solving in the curriculum of schools, as it suggests that this will improve overall intellectual skills and hence will likely have a positive effect on academic performances.

Daily crosswords linked to sharper brain in later life (Science Daily)