A new property of light has been discovered: self-torque

It turns out light can not only be twisted, but at different speeds.

Image source: pixpoetry on Unsplash
  • An unsuspected property of light, called "self-torque," had just been discovered.
  • The discovery will allow scientists to control the behavior of light in a new way.
  • The potential applications are still being worked out, but look very exciting.
Keep reading Show less
invention science medical research manufacturing telecom technology laser light twisted light discovery

NASA uncovers a 19-year fraud that caused failed missions

An investigation finds the cause of failed NASA launches and $700 million in losses.

NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory on the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Image credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin
  • An Oregon company provided falsified tests to a NASA rocket builder for almost two decades.
  • The company is now liable for $46 million in payments and the lab manager went to prison.
  • NASA can't test every single component itself, making it important the supply chain is protected.
Keep reading Show less
space manufacturing crime law astronomy justice system innovation NASA

Blood diamonds, stolen cars, sweatshops: Blockchain stops all that

The technology is poised to change how many companies operate.

content.jwplatform.com
  • Blockchain technology, as a digital ledger for economic transactions, is poised to "radically" impact companies across the board.
  • It may help reinforce the trust in certain markets as sensors collect data throughout production.
  • Blockchain might also create a marketplace for whistleblowing.
data technology cars mining innovation justice system manufacturing fish brian behlendorf

Income equality is getting worse. Can the co-op model solve this problem?

Co-ops are more pervasive than you think. They just suffer from a marketing problem.

Photo by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images.
  • The cooperative model accounts for $154B every year in America.
  • America leads the world with cooperatives, with over 30,000 businesses operating under this model.
  • Co-op advocate Nathan Schneider believes this model can help level the economic playing field.
Keep reading Show less
consumerism technology manufacturing investment innovation work

Japan finds a huge cache of scarce rare-earth minerals

Japan looks to replace China as the primary source of critical metals

Rare-earth magnets (nikkytok/Shutterstock)
  • Enough rare earth minerals have been found off Japan to last centuries
  • Rare earths are important materials for green technology, as well as medicine and manufacturing
  • Where would we be without all of our rare-earth magnets?
Keep reading Show less
mining materials cars medicine manufacturing sustainability natural resources