The human brain usually decays first after death, so how have thousands survived for 12,000 years? Scientists uncover the chemistry behind the mystery

Recent studies shed light on how some ancient brains manage to endure over time. The availability of oxygen is pivotal in influencing the survival of brain proteins post-mortem. In moist, low-oxygen environments, decomposition favors protein cross-linking, which fortifies these proteins against degradation. This explains the remarkable preservation of certain ancient brains while other bodily tissues…

Columbia engineers built a pigment-free polymer coating filled with microscopic air pores; under Arizona desert sun, the coated surface stayed about 6°C below ambient air

Columbia Engineering researchers developed a porous polymer coating that can cool surfaces below the surrounding air temperature without using electricity. The coating replaces conventional white pigments with nano-to-microscale air voids that reflect sunlight and release heat towards the sky. Tests showed the surface stayed about 6°C below ambient temperature in Arizona and 3°C below it…

Columbia engineers built a pigment-free polymer coating filled with microscopic air pores; under Arizona desert sun, the coated surface stayed about 6°C below ambient air

Columbia Engineering researchers developed a porous polymer coating that can cool surfaces below the surrounding air temperature without using electricity. The coating replaces conventional white pigments with nano-to-microscale air voids that reflect sunlight and release heat towards the sky. Tests showed the surface stayed about 6°C below ambient temperature in Arizona and 3°C below it…

Savannah audited 39,000 Flock searches and found 34 unjustified; 6 employees were fired and 4 have now been arrested

Four former Savannah Police Department employees have been arrested over alleged misuse of the Flock Safety license plate reader system. The arrests followed an internal audit of 39,000 searches, which flagged 127 for review and found 34 were unjustified. Six employees were fired, while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the case.

Hawaii mixed recycled fishing nets into an Oahu road; 11 months later, researchers found no more polyethylene microplastics than in regular asphalt

Hawaii’s urgent plastic waste dilemma has prompted researchers to investigate an innovative solution: incorporating recycled fishing nets into asphalt for road construction. Throughout an eleven-month study, it was discovered that these eco-friendly roads released no more microplastics than their traditional counterparts. Significantly, tire wear was the major contributor to microplastic presence in road dust, highlighting…

Kerala Plus One improvement exam 2026 timetable released: Check dates, fees and exam timings

The Kerala Department of General Education has released the Plus One improvement exam timetable. Examinations for various categories will commence on October 12, 2026. Application deadlines with and without fines are clearly specified by the department. The timetable details specific dates and timings for different subjects. Candidates must adhere to the application and fee payment…

Dolly Parton dies at 80: Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook pays tribute to America’s music icon

American music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of eighty. Tributes poured in from global figures like Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai. Bezos remembered Parton for her music, generosity, and lasting impact. Pichai noted how Parton transcended generations and made a global impact. Parton’s career spanned music, television, and films, alongside significant philanthropic…

What happens when you put tape on your suitcase wheels before travelling: The surprising reason behind this simple luggage hack

A simple travel trick involves using adhesive tape on suitcase wheels. This tape acts as a temporary barrier against dirt and debris. Travellers should clean wheels and choose tape that peels away easily. Avoid covering moving parts and always remove the tape after the journey. This hack protects wheels during travel and storage while keeping…

In 1998, Israel closed the Hiriya landfill after decades of waste had formed a 60-metre mound; years later, methane wells, trees and trails helped transform the site into the centrepiece of a 2,000-acre park

Hiriya landfill, once a sprawling heap of trash in Israel, ceased operations in 1998, paving the way for innovative environmental solutions. With comprehensive gas management strategies and landscape restoration initiatives, the site moved towards safety, battling issues like harmful emissions and slope instability. The establishment of methane wells significantly reduced greenhouse gases, garnering global recognition.