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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 16-May-2026 12:15 ET (16-May-2026 16:15 GMT/UTC)
Scientists estimate sunlight in 18th and 19th century Tokyo using historical diaries
Research Organization of Information and SystemsSunlight, or solar radiation, is a critical factor in determining local weather, crop productivity, and climate. Before current instruments were available to accurately and automatically determine solar radiation at a given location, daily weather diaries were kept in Japan by aristocrats and farmers alike. A research team leveraged a digitized daily weather diary to estimate the solar radiation in Tokyo between 1720 and 1912, and validated the data against estimation from observed sunshine duration since 1896. The analysis detected two periods of low sunlight that coincided with two famines in Tokyo’s history.
- Journal
- Climatic Change
- Funder
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Research Organization of Information and Systems
Shaping the future of quantum networks: Optimal control of flying qubits
The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityWith the development of quantum chips, quantum communication is becoming essential for quantum computing and quantum networks. Flying Qubits, quantum information carried by photons, play a vital role in transferring data between nodes. Prof. Guofeng ZHANG, Professor of Department of Applied Mathematics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to developing precise control methods for flying qubits, aiming to significantly improve the reliability and fidelity of quantum information transfer in future technologies.
- Journal
- Physical Review Applied
Why we choose the wrong expert on purpose
University of California - Irvine- Journal
- Scientific Reports
Serial dependence in numerosity perception generalizes across different sensory modalities
Osaka Metropolitan University- Journal
- Acta Psychologica
New CHEST research statement identifies critical gaps in the science guiding e-cigarette regulation
American College of Chest Physicians- Journal
- CHEST Journal
Study compares hydrogen transport options in Europe to identify cost-effective and low-impact pathways
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal CenterThis paper presents a techno-economic assessment (TEA) combined with an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of various hydrogen delivery options within Europe, aiming to identify the most sustainable and cost-effective methods for transporting renewable hydrogen. Five hydrogen carriers—compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and a liquid organic hydrogen carrier—are compared, assuming that hydrogen is produced via renewable electrolysis in Portugal and transported to the Netherlands by either ship or pipeline. The findings align with much of the existing literature, indicating that the most economically and environmentally sustainable options for long-distance hydrogen delivery are shipping liquid hydrogen and transporting compressed hydrogen via pipeline. Chemical carriers tend to involve higher costs and environmental impacts, largely due to the additional energy and materials (e.g., extra solar panels) required in hydrogen conversion steps (i.e., packing and unpacking). While the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, further research is needed to address the limitations of multi-criteria assessments for emerging hydrogen technologies, particularly the uncertainties associated with the early development stages of processes along the hydrogen value chain. Future research should also focus on extending the scope of sustainability assessments and enhancing model reliability, especially for underrepresented environmental and social impact categories.
- Journal
- ENGINEERING Energy
Losing relationships over politics
University of California - Irvine- Journal
- PNAS Nexus
A study on intergenerational coexistence at the university helps dismantle stereotypes associated with ageism
Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelonawo researchers from the Department of Humanities at Pompeu Fabra University have analysed the experiences of older students in an intergenerational lifelong learning programme at UPF. The study helps dismantle stereotypes associated with age and ageism: the older students’ accounts demonstrate that ageing cannot be confined to stories of decline or success, but is continuously shaped by shifting social, emotional and academic circumstances. The research highlights a range of challenges and opportunities linked to intergenerational coexistence within the classroom and shows how this practice fosters the exchange of experiences and enriches academic debate. It also proves that older students contribute knowledge, diverse life experiences and a high level of motivation for learning, factors which also benefit their younger peers and the broader university community.
- Journal
- Educational Gerontology
- Funder
- Ministerio de Ciencia, European Regional Development Fund