#2197 27.08.2023 19:11 AP

Aeon: We are not empty

The concept of the atomic void is one of the most repeated mistakes in popular science. Molecules are packed with stuff

The empty atom picture is likely the most repeated mistake in popular science. It is unclear who created this myth, but it is sure that Carl Sagan, in his classic TV series Cosmos (1980), was crucial in popularising it. After wondering how small the nuclei are compared with the atom, Sagan concluded that

[M]ost of the mass of an atom is in its nucleus; the electrons are by comparison just clouds of moving fluff. Atoms are mainly empty space. Matter is composed chiefly of nothing.


#2183 23.08.2023 20:07 AP
RZ114 CERN: CMS

Aufbau, Funktion und Aufgabe des CMS-Detektors am CERN

Der CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) ist einer der beiden Detektoren, die gemeinsam den Nachweis des Higgs-Bosons ermöglicht haben und ist eine dieser gigantischen Strukturen 100m unter der Erde am CERN and dem die vom LHC beschleunigten Teilchen untersucht werden.

Wie schon in den ersten beiden Raumzeit-Folgen der CERN-Serie ist der Gesprächspartner wieder ein Österreicher: Wolfgang Adam vom Institut für Hochenergiephysik.


#2171 16.08.2023 23:51 AP

Boingboing: How often should you wash your jeans and other clothes? Doctors give some shocking answers

In fact, when it comes to jeans, Dr. Anthony Rossi of the American Academy of Dermatology said, "I personally don't wash my jeans." In his opinion, compromising the fabric of a nice pair of jeans isn't necessary unless they are truly soiled or stinky — a good jean material will hold up better if you keep them away from the washing machine, and not washing them won't hurt you.


#2079 15.07.2023 21:02 AP

CNBC: FDA says soda sweetener aspartame is safe, disagreeing with WHO finding on possible cancer link

“Aspartame is one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply. FDA scientists do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions,” an agency spokesperson said late Thursday shortly after the WHO released its findings.

[...]

An adult who weighs 70 kilograms, or 154 pounds, would have to drink more than nine to 14 cans of aspartame-containing soda daily to exceed the limit and potentially face health risks.