Tech Bites

A novel crystal-based technology has been identified as a potential solution for sustainable cooling systems. Current refrigeration and air conditioning devices rely on liquid-based systems to absorb heat through evaporation and condensation. While effective, these fluids contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when leaked, intensifying global warming. Efforts to counteract this environmental impact have led to the development of an alternative cooling mechanism based on plastic crystals, which possess a unique molecular structure capable of transforming under pressure. How the Technology Works According to researchers at Deakin University, plastic crystals exhibit a transformative ability when subjected to extreme pressure. Their molecular orientation shifts from a disordered state to a structured grid, absorbing heat as the pressure is released. This heat absorption process facilitates cooling, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants. Un...

The study of the Sun and its influence on the solar system is expected to make significant strides in 2025. The year will bring new developments driven by an active solar cycle, upcoming spacecraft missions, and a strategic roadmap for the next decade. Researchers are focused on unlocking key mysteries of the sun, whose activity impacts life on Earth and extends far beyond Pluto. These efforts aim to provide critical insights into solar processes and their effects across the solar system. Solar Cycle 25 and Ongoing Activity According to NASA, the Sun is currently in the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle. This period has produced numerous solar flares and outbursts that are being closely monitored. Instruments such as the largest solar telescope and spacecraft that have made record-setting approaches to the sun have played a key role in collecting data. Despite not breaking records, Solar Cycle 25 has generated valuable observations that have propelled research forward. ...

Organic carbon preservation in ocean sediments, a phenomenon critical to the Earth's carbon cycle, has been illuminated by new research. The study explores mechanisms that prevent organic carbon from breaking down, a process vital for climate regulation. Preserved carbon, over time, can transform into fossil fuels, locking away carbon dioxide—a leading contributor to climate change . These findings offer insights into the Earth's natural systems that regulate carbon levels and influence the formation of oil and gas reserves. Study Identifies Key Carbon Preservation Mechanisms According to a study led by scientists from The University of Manchester and the University of Leeds and published in the journal Nature Geoscience, two primary processes—sorption and molecular transformation—are crucial for carbon storage in ocean sediments. Sorption involves the uptake of carbon by mineral surfaces, while molecular transformation converts small, reactive molecules into larger, stab...

Seasonal variations in Lake Mendota in Wisconsin, US, appear to drive rapid evolutionary changes in bacterial species, as revealed through a long-term genetic study. Bacteria within the lake adapt to changing environmental conditions, with species undergoing significant genetic shifts over time. Despite these changes, many bacteria return to nearly identical genetic states each year, creating a cyclical pattern of evolution. The findings shed light on how microbial life responds to seasonal pressures, offering insights into broader ecological and evolutionary processes. Bacterial Evolution Observed Over Decades According to a study published in the Nature Microbiology journal, bacterial populations in Lake Mendota adapt to environmental shifts caused by the lake's seasonal changes. Researchers examined genetic material from a unique archive of 471 water samples collected over 20 years. Each year, bacteria responded to varying conditions, such as algae blooms in summer and ice ...

Supermassive black holes are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies, including our Milky Way . However, in certain cases, two such black holes are thought to orbit one another, forming binary systems. These gravitationally bound pairs could provide significant insights into the dynamics of galaxy formation and the behaviour of space-time. Detecting them, however, presents challenges due to their nature, as they cannot be observed directly using traditional telescopes. Gravitational Waves and Galactic Collisions According to research, as reported by The Conversation, binary black holes can form when galaxies merge. During such collisions, the black holes from the merging galaxies are brought closer by gravitational forces. Eventually, they may create a binary system before combining into one larger black hole over millions of years. These systems emit gravitational waves, ripples in space-time predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. Observatories...

The flight dynamics of birds have inspired researchers to explore innovative enhancements for aeroplane wings. Featherlike flaps, designed to resemble the covert feathers seen on bird wings, have demonstrated the potential to improve lift, reduce drag, and prevent stalls. These advancements, inspired by avian flight mechanisms, aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of aircraft, particularly during challenging manoeuvres such as landings or flights through turbulent conditions. The findings suggest promising applications for both commercial and specialised aviation. Findings from Recent Research According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, lightweight flaps mimicking covert feathers were tested on model airplane wings in a wind tunnel. It was observed that these flaps improved airflow around the wings, resulting in a significant increase in lift by up to 45 percent and a reduction in drag by 31 percent. Unlike conventional wing flaps operat...

iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition was launched in China as an upgraded variant of the iQoo Z9 Turbo . The latest Turbo series handset has a 6,400mAh battery and it runs on the OriginOS 5 skin based on Android 14. The iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset under the hood and it boasts a 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit. The standard variant was unveiled in April last year with a 6,000mAh battery.  iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition Price Price of iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition starts at CNY 1,899 (roughly Rs. 21,000) for the 12GB+ 256GB model. The 12GB+ 512GB, 16GB+256GB, and 16GB+512GB variants are priced at CNY 2,199 (roughly Rs. 25,000), CNY 2,099 (roughly Rs. 24,000), and CNY 2,399 (roughly Rs. 30,000), respectively. The brand launched the vanilla iQoo Z9 Turbo in April last year  with an initial price tag of CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,000). iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition The dual-SIM (Nano) iQ...

HMD Key was launched in select global markets on Thursday. The new phone comes as a budget offering with 4G connectivity. It is powered by a Unisoc 9832E chipset and runs on Android 14 Go edition out-of-the-box. The phone is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera sensor with support for autofocus alongside an LED flash unit and a 5-megapixel selfie shooter. The handset has an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. The company has yet to confirm if the phone will launch in India. HMD Key Price, Availability, Colour Options HMD Key price is set at GBP 59 (roughly Rs. 6,300) in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The company has not yet detailed the handset's availability in other regions. The phone is available in two colourways — Icy Blue and Midnight Black. HMD Key Specifications The HMD Key sports a 6.52-inch display with a resolution of 576 x 1,280 pixels, a refresh rate of 60Hz, 460 nits peak brightness level, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. T...

Telegram is rolling out several new features with its first update of 2025, the company announced on Wednesday. As part of the changes, the instant messaging app gives users the ability to convert received gifts into collectibles which come with special attributes and can be transferred to others. Additionally, the update brings an in-app QR code scanner, service message reactions, emojis in folder names, extra message search filters, and more features. The company says that this was meant to be the 17th major update of 2024 but could not meet the deadline due to a “lack of attention from Apple's review team”. New Features on Telegram Telegram detailed its new features in a blog post . As per the company, the gifts received on Telegram can now be upgraded to collectibles. They can be transferred to other users or auctioned on NFT marketplaces. Upgrading a gift into a collectible unlocks a new appearance with custom variations designed by Telegram artists. The instant messagin...

Apple TV+ will be available for free streaming from January 4 to January 5, 2025, giving viewers a chance to explore its critically acclaimed library of movies and series at no cost. Known for its emphasis on high-quality, original content, Apple TV+ has gained recognition for its limited but excellent catalog. This weekend provides a perfect opportunity for new viewers to experience the platform's standout films and shows. Here are the top five movies and series you should binge-watch, with details about their release dates, genres, casts, and compelling plots. Ted Lasso Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple Ted Lasso follows the story of an optimistic American football coach, played by Jason Sudeikis, who is hired to manage a struggling English soccer team despite having no experience with the sport. What begins as a cynical ploy by the team's owner soon transforms into a heartwarming tale of perseverance, ...