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AI Breakthrough: This New Concrete Could Last Centuries and Capture Carbon
Imagine concrete that repairs itself or absorbs carbon dioxide from the air; it sounds like a sci-fi fantasy, but researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering are working to make it a reality. They’ve developed an AI model called Allegro-FM, which can simulate the behavior of billions of atoms simultaneously. This breakthrough could revolutionize materials design and help address climate change. The world is grappling with severe climate issues, from hurricanes and wildfires to melting glaciers. A significant contributor to these problems is carbon dioxide emissions. Concrete production alone accounts for about 8 percent of global CO2 emissions. In light of these challenges, Aiichiro Nakano and Ken-Ichi Nomura from USC Viterbi have been exploring ways to capture carbon dioxide during concrete production. Their project Allegro-FM has made a surprising theoretical discovery: it might be possible to recapture CO2 emitted during concrete manufacturing and reincorporate it into the concrete itself. "You can just put the CO2 inside the concrete, and then that makes a carbon-neutral concrete," Nakano explained. Nakano and Nomura, along with colleagues Priya Vashishta and Rajiv Kalia, are researching "CO2 sequestration," which involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide. By simulating billions of atoms at once, Allegro-FM allows them to test various concrete chemistries virtually, speeding up development while reducing costs. What makes Allegro-FM notable is its scalability. Traditional simulation methods handle thousands or millions of atoms; Allegro-FM can simulate over four billion atoms efficiently on the Aurora supercomputer at Argonne National Laboratory. This capability is roughly 1,000 times larger than conventional approaches. The model covers 89 chemical elements and predicts molecular behavior across diverse applications such as cement chemistry and carbon storage. "Concrete is also a very complex material...traditionally, we didn't have a way to simulate phenomena involving concrete material," Nomura noted. Besides being fire-resistant—a valuable trait given recent wildfires—this new type of concrete could last much longer than modern versions by forming a durable "carbonate layer" when infused with CO2. Behind this innovation lies an appreciation for how AI accelerates complex tasks. Traditionally, simulating atomic behavior required intricate quantum mechanics calculations. However, advancements in machine learning allow researchers to generate training sets for AI models instead. Allegro-FM predicts interaction functions between atoms without needing separate formulas for each element on the periodic table. It simplifies simulations by allowing nearly all elements to be modeled simultaneously using AI rather than relying solely on supercomputers. "The traditional approach is to simulate a certain set of materials...but you cannot simulate [that] with...a drug molecule," Nomura said about past limitations.
Score (90)
What Experts Suggest You Say When Comforting the Grieving
When someone we know loses a loved one, most of us want to say the right thing but often end up feeling tongue-tied. We want to help, but grief is messy, unpredictable, and easy to fumble if we lean on clichés. “Losing a loved one is the most significant source of stress we experience,” researchers say. Yet many of the things we say in those moments, meant to comfort, can make someone feel worse. “When we say the wrong thing, we're often trying to make ourselves feel better about someone’s pain,” said Rebecca Feinglos, a certified grief support specialist. “But grief isn't meant to be comfortable for anyone, not for the person experiencing it, nor for the people watching.” What not to say Phrases like “everything happens for a reason,” “at least they’re not suffering anymore,” or “you need to stay strong” are commonly said but often land badly. They can sound like attempts to explain away the pain, or like instructions on how someone should grieve. Even well-meaning comments about faith, timelines (“you need to move on”), or comparisons (“I know exactly how you feel”) can be received as dismissive. “Someone who’s grieving a loss is already carrying an impossible weight,” Feinglos said. “The last thing they need is to feel like they're carrying it wrong.” Psychologist Aimee Daramus adds that religious beliefs or platitudes about a “better place” can hurt if the grieving person doesn’t share that belief. And knowing a death was expected doesn’t soften the blow. “Grief has no timeline,” she said. What helps instead Experts say the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there. “The most powerful thing you can offer someone who's grieving isn't advice or explanations, it's your presence,” said Feinglos. Sit with them. Listen without trying to fix it. Simple, honest words often matter most: “I’m so sorry this is happening.” “This really sucks.” “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here.” Other practical advice from Feinglos and Daramus: Follow their lead. Some days they’ll want to talk, other days they won’t. Let them guide the conversation. Respect their style of grieving. Some cry, some keep busy. There is no right way. Avoid polite lies. If you didn’t know their loved one, ask what you can do to help instead of saying something hollow. Offer concrete help. Drop off food, run errands, and help with chores. Everyday tasks can feel overwhelming when someone is in shock. Mark the hard dates. Reach out on birthdays, anniversaries, or diagnosis dates that might reopen wounds. “A simple ‘I'm thinking of you today’ can mean everything,” said Feinglos. Keep checking in. Often, support fades just when the reality of the loss settles in. Text or call weeks and months later. Be patient. Healing doesn’t have a timeline. Don’t pressure them to “move on.” And if you realize you said the wrong thing? “It’s never too late to circle back,” said Feinglos. “‘I've been thinking about our conversation, and I realize that might not have been what you needed to hear.’” There’s no perfect script for these moments. What matters, Feinglos says, is showing up and staying present. “Supporting someone through grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to have all the answers.”
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Elton John Is Celebrating 35 Years Sober with a Heartfelt Tribute to Family and Fans
Sir Elton John is celebrating 35 years of sobriety this week, sharing the occasion with fans and family through a heartfelt Instagram post. John, now 78, marked the day with a touching photograph featuring handmade cards from his sons, Elijah and Zachary, alongside a bouquet of flowers. “Grateful for all the love on my sobriety birthday,” he wrote. John’s struggle with addiction is no secret. His journey to recovery was famously depicted in the biopic Rocketman released in 2019. In various interviews, John has reflected on how addiction nearly consumed him during the peak of his fame. The catalyst for change came after the death of Ryan White in 1990. White was a teenage AIDS activist whom John had befriended. This tragic event spurred him into action; that same year, he checked himself into Parkside Lutheran Hospital in Chicago on July 29 to begin rehabilitation. Since then, Elton John's life has taken a dramatic turn for the better. In a photo shared last year, he displayed his sobriety chip inscribed with "34 years clean and sober" and expressed how fulfilling his life has become since achieving sobriety. “My sobriety has brought me everything that I could possibly wish for,” John said back in 1994. "I am a survivor." He explained that even though life still presents challenges, facing them without resorting to substances is empowering. Throughout his recovery process and beyond, Elton John has turned into an advocate for others battling similar issues. He has offered support to fellow artists like Boy George and served as Eminem’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor—a detail revealed in his memoir Me. While music may be what he's known for globally, this achievement marks another significant chapter in Elton John's storied life; one where resilience plays center stage without fanfare or spotlight, but makes an indelible impact nonetheless.
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Score (91)
This Tiny Taco Stand is Mexico City's First Michelin-Starred Taquería
In a city teeming with countless taco stands, Taquería El Califa de Leon in Mexico City has achieved something extraordinary. This modest establishment, nestled in the Colonia San Rafael neighborhood, recently earned a Michelin Star. It's a first for any taco stand in Mexico. The recognition comes from the first Michelin Guide ever published for Mexico. It lauds Chef Arturo Rivera Martínez's commitment to quality over quantity. With only four items on their menu and seating for 11 patrons, this taqueria sets itself apart with its simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients. "The secret is the simplicity of our taco," said Rivera Martínez to the Associated Press. "It has only a tortilla, red or green sauce, and that's it. That, and the quality of the meat." It's this minimalist approach that caught the attention of Michelin inspectors. The Michelin guide specifically praised the tortilla as "excellent… elemental, and pure." Much like how pizza aficionados prize dough quality, taco enthusiasts know that a great tortilla is foundational to a superior dish. The standout item at Taquería El Califa de Leon is their Gaonera taco. Named after Mexican bullfighter Rodolfo Gaonera, this creation highlights thinly sliced meat seasoned with just salt and lime. The two homemade sauces—while flavorful—are described by Michelin as "almost unnecessary" given the strength of the core ingredients. Mexico's culinary reputation continues to rise internationally. Its diverse cultural influences and favorable growing conditions make it a fertile ground for innovative cuisine. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, expressed his enthusiasm: "What a joy it is to honor the uniqueness of the Mexican gastronomic landscape in Mexico City." This accolade showcases not only Taquería El Califa de Leon's excellence but also hints at Mexico City's burgeoning status as a global food destination.
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Youtube to Roll Out New AI-powered Technology Aimed at Identifying Teen Users
YouTube is stepping up its game to protect young users. On Tuesday, the video-sharing site announced it's rolling out a new age-estimation technology aimed at identifying users under 18. The goal? To shield teens from harmful content. The new feature uses artificial intelligence to make its assessments. It won't rely solely on the birth date users provided when they signed up. Instead, it will consider the types of videos watched, their categories, and how long someone has had their account, according to James Beser, YouTube's director of product management. If this tech flags someone as under 18, YouTube plans to take extra steps. This includes disabling personalized advertising and limiting repetitive views of certain types of content. And if YouTube mistakenly identifies someone's age, there's a way to correct it: users can upload ID to set things straight. "We will only allow users who have been inferred or verified as over 18 to view age-restricted content that may be inappropriate for younger users," stated YouTube in a blog post. YouTube remains highly popular among teens. A recent Pew survey found that ninety percent of teens aged 13 to 17 used YouTube last year. That's quite a bit more than those using TikTok at sixty-three percent. This isn't a sudden move by YouTube. CEO Neal Mohan introduced the idea back in February. The tool is part of broader efforts like supervised accounts that let parents keep an eye on their kids' viewing habits more closely. YouTube has also been using AI to root out harmful content for some time now. However, since President Trump took office again in January, the platform shifted its policy somewhat toward "freedom of expression," as reported by The New York Times. For now, YouTube will test this age-detection tool with a small group of U.S. users before expanding its rollout. They've already seen success with it in other markets but haven't shared specifics about where these are.
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Estate Sale Find: $25,000 Salvador Dalí Painting Discovered in Unexpected Treasure
In an unexpected twist at a London auction, a savvy bidder managed to snap up a lost Salvador Dalí artwork for just £150, which is about $180. This bargain find is now set to resell for as much as 200 times that amount. The artwork, titled Vecchio Sultano or Old Sultan, was painted by Dalí in 1966 as part of a commission for 500 illustrations based on The Arabian Nights. However, the Spanish Surrealist abandoned the project after completing only 100 pieces. Half of these works stayed with the Italian couple who commissioned them, Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto. The rest were never published and are believed to be lost. Gabrielle Downie, a fine art specialist at Cheffins in Cambridge, told the Guardian about Dalí’s fascination with Moorish culture. "Dalí was quite obsessed with Moorish culture and believed himself to be from a Moorish line," she said. The lucky bidder, operating under the pseudonym John Russel while speaking to the Guardian, stumbled upon the painting during an in-person auction clearing out items from a London apartment. He described the experience as unpredictable since only those present could see what was being sold. "Most of the time, I buy stuff that I like," Russel explained. "On this occasion, I was really taking a bit of a punt because I wasn’t sure I’d have it on the wall." Despite his uncertainty and an auction room nearly devoid of competition, Russel walked away with an original piece by Dalí for just £150. Russel’s instincts were spot-on. His years spent watching shows like Fake or Fortune helped him identify potential fakes. A closer inspection revealed Sotheby’s stickers on the back of the frame that suggested authenticity. To confirm his hunch, he purchased an old Sotheby's catalogue where Vecchio Sultano had been previously verified by a renowned Dalí scholar. With its origins confirmed, Vecchio Sultano is now poised to go back under the hammer at Cheffins Fine Art in Cambridge. This time it’s expected to fetch between $25,000 and $37,000—a significant leap from its initial purchase price.
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A New App is Helping Farmers Outsmart Plant Disease and Save Billions
A group of scientists in Wales are working on an innovative way to tackle a major agricultural problem: late potato blight. This water mold is no small issue; it's responsible for around $4 billion in losses each year. Late blight can be devastating, affecting 20 percent of global potato production. The team from Aberystwyth University has turned to artificial intelligence for a solution. They're developing a smartphone app capable of detecting the early signs of blight on potato leaves before they're visible to the human eye. Aiswarya Girija from the university's Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences explained to the BBC that potatoes rank fourth as a staple crop worldwide, making this not just an agricultural concern but also one of food security. The DeepDetect project is using image datasets of both healthy and diseased potato leaves to train their AI system. The goal is to create an early-warning system that could eventually cover all areas where potatoes are grown, which includes around 14,000 hectares in Wales alone. Such an early detection tool could help farmers take preventative action without relying solely on expensive chemical fungicides, which can have negative impacts on human health and biodiversity. Historically, late blight has been notorious for causing significant damage. It was behind three major potato collapses in Europe during the 19th century. By providing timely alerts through this new app, farmers might better protect their crops and financial stability while contributing to global food security. This isn't the only instance where AI is being used creatively in agriculture. For example, a vertical strawberry farm in Virginia employs AI technology to produce strawberries with peak-season flavor throughout the year. As researchers continue developing this potentially game-changing tool at Aberystwyth University, there's hope that it will soon benefit not just Welsh farmers but those across other regions as well.
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5 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites This Summer
In a recent discussion with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the podcast Chasing Life, Historian Dr. Timothy C. Winegard shared insights into how mosquitoes operate and offered advice on keeping them at bay during summer months. He explained that mosquitoes primarily hunt through sight and smell; they detect heat signatures using thermal vision and can smell carbon dioxide from over 60 meters away. Drinking alcohol raises body temperature, making people more visible targets for mosquitoes. Winegard also emphasized the importance of staying cool and wearing light-colored clothing since dark clothes retain heat and attract mosquitoes. Applying insect repellent remains the best defense against bites, but thorough application is key. “DEET is still the gold standard,” Winegard said, while oil of lemon eucalyptus provides a plant-based alternative. To further limit mosquito encounters, eliminate standing water in your vicinity as female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water—even small amounts like what's found in a bottle cap can suffice. Skipping showers might help too; being “pungently rancid” increases skin bacteria levels that repel mosquitoes. However, clean feet are crucial since foot bacteria attract mosquitoes. Contrary to popular myths, factors like gender or hair color don't influence who gets bitten more often. Instead, blood type plays a role—those with type O blood seem to attract twice as many bites as individuals with type A blood. For those keen on avoiding mosquito attention this summer, these practical tips could be lifesavers, or at least itch-savers, while enjoying outdoor activities in warmer weather.
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5,000-Year-Old Neolithic Monument in Northern England Finally Gets the Protection It Deserves
England is stepping up efforts to protect one of its ancient treasures, the Dudderhouse Hill long cairn. This Neolithic burial site is now a "scheduled monument," meaning it enjoys the highest level of heritage protection available in the country. Located within the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, this designation makes it illegal to alter or harm the site. Archaeologists believe that early farmers constructed this burial site sometime between 3400 and 2400 B.C. It likely served as a final resting place for certain body parts rather than whole bodies. Mark Brown from the Guardian highlights that after natural decomposition, specific parts were transferred to the cairn. But this isn't just any pile of stones. It possibly marked changing seasons or defined community territory. Paul Jeffery from Historic England explained to the Guardian that building such a structure demanded significant communal effort—specialist stonemasons and engineers would have been essential. He emphasized that these monuments symbolized ownership and identity. Initially, this structure might have had elaborate chambers. Now, only an oval mound remains; it's about 23 meters long, 12 meters wide, and just under a meter tall, partially cloaked in grass. As Jeffery told BBC News, "It doesn’t look particularly impressive," which has led some visitors to underestimate its significance. Recently, visitors have inadvertently damaged the site by removing stones to create hiking markers, a practice authorities aim to prevent with this new protected status. Joe Ware at the Art Newspaper noted this unintentional vandalism as a key reason for seeking protection. Myra Tolan-Smith from Historic England hopes this newfound status will increase public awareness of its importance and vulnerability. Now with official recognition in place, signs will soon inform visitors about its historical significance while restoration begins on recent damage.
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This Cheetah Cub Found an Unlikely Best Friend in a Playful Puppy at an Australian Zoo
When a cheetah cub at an Australian zoo needed a companion, keepers found her one with four legs and a wagging tail. Rozi, whose name means “rose” in Swahili, was born in February at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo after her mother, Siri, went into premature labor and had to undergo an emergency cesarean section. Siri survived, but she didn’t produce milk, leaving keepers to hand-raise Rozi at the zoo’s wildlife hospital. After months of care, Rozi was moved to the zoo’s cheetah breeding facility, where she met her new playmate: Ziggy, a Labrador–kelpie–collie mix puppy. The two were introduced when they were just over two months old. “They match each other so well with their energy level, the type of play that they do and their size,” cheetah keeper Jordan Michelmore told New Scientist. “The dopeyness, the lightheartedness and the looseness of a puppy seem to match Rozi pretty well for this stage of life.” This pairing may seem unusual, but zoos have used dogs as companions for young cheetahs for decades. The San Diego Zoo pioneered the practice more than 30 years ago, and it has since been replicated around the world. Rozi’s own mother, Siri, was paired with a retriever–mastiff mix named Iris as a cub. In 2015, the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia gave a cheetah cub named Kumbali a puppy companion, Kago. At the time, the zoo explained that while such a pairing would never happen in the wild, “the positive outcomes outweigh any negative. … The dog has a calming influence, because the cheetah will take behavioral cues from the dog—learning not to fear his surroundings, but instead embracing them with confidence.” In the wild, female cubs spend their first year with their mother and siblings, playing and learning essential behaviors. Ziggy now fills that role for Rozi. “Rozi is able to develop those same behaviors with Ziggy that she would otherwise have done with real siblings,” Michelmore said. “So, Ziggy is providing that sort of pseudo-sibling relationship for her.” Not just any dog can fill that role. Zoos look for confident, friendly dogs of similar size and temperament, rather than shy or smaller breeds, explained Linda Castañeda of the Cincinnati Zoo in an earlier interview with The Wall Street Journal. Ziggy “truly does seem like the best dog for the job,” Michelmore said. The bond will not last forever. Female cheetahs typically become solitary around their first birthday. When that time comes, Ziggy will be adopted by a zoo staff member, while Rozi, like her mother before her, will prepare to enter the regional breeding program. Taronga Western Plains Zoo was the first zoo in Australasia to breed cheetahs successfully. With only about 6,500 cheetahs left in the wild, the species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans.
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Scuba Divers Pull Off Incredible Rescue Mission: Lost Wedding Ring Found in River!
A paddleboard outing on the River Great Ouse turned into a rescue mission when a London firefighter lost his wedding ring and had to call in scuba divers to get it back. Ant Crocker, 34, was out on the water at Cardington Lock near Bedford on Friday when the ring slipped off his finger and sank. His wife Danielle “wasn't happy” when he told her, he admitted. After trying and failing to retrieve it himself using swimming goggles, Crocker contacted Bedford Scuba Divers for help. "If they weren't looking for a ring, they would have been looking for a body," he joked. Three divers came out the next day. Within five minutes, they found the ring about three metres down. "I was over the moon – I was so relieved," Crocker said. Diver Mags Martin said the ring was easy to spot once their torches lit up the riverbed. "Because we had torches, it glinted in the torchlight," Martin explained. He added that Crocker was “dumbfounded” by how quickly the search ended. "He couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe it was so quick, either." The group says they often help find objects that sink to the river bottom, and this was the third time they’ve been called out to recover a wedding ring.