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Energy Technology Perspectives 2024

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The deepening connections between energy, trade, manufacturing and climate are the focus of this latest edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP), the IEA’s flagship technology publication. Building on the comprehensive assessment of clean energy technology supply chains set out in ETP-2023, this year’s edition offers cutting-edge analysis based on rich and detailed new data, granular surveys of industry, and a bottom-up approach to fresh modelling. Its significance is amplified by what has been, until now, a dearth of information in this space, and it will provide policymakers with an in-depth, quantified basis to inform their deliberations for years to come. The new energy economy that is emerging presents major opportunities for countries looking to manufacture clean technologies , their components and related materials. But it also presents challenging decisions for governments, which face tensions and trade-offs based on the industrial and trade policies they opt to pursue
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Understanding SERB's Role In India's Science Ecosystem

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The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, plays a pivotal role in fostering and nurturing a vibrant scientific ecosystem within the nation. Established in 2008 , SERB’s mandate is to promote basic research in science and engineering and encourage a culture of innovation.                           The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) is a cornerstone of India’s science and technology landscape, dedicated to advancing research across diverse scientific disciplines. Created to empower India’s scientific community, SERB offers an array of programs that cater to individual scientists, early-career researchers , and collaborative projects, emphasizing both foundational and applied research. Key initiatives include funding for young scientists, impactful partnerships with global institutions, and specialized grants that focus on areas of national priority like healthcare, sustaina
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Researchers explain the intricate interactions that shape DNA organization

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Imagine if understanding how DNA folds could unlock new breakthroughs in medicine — researchers have now developed a multilayer model that explains the intricate folding and packaging of chromatin, accounting for the complex physical, chemical, and structural constraints of chromosomes. DNA is packed into chromatin by wrapping around proteins called histones, forming small units called nucleosomes — like “beads on a string,” with the DNA as the string. These nucleosomes coil into thicker fibers, which then twist and fold into tightly packed chromosomes. In each human cell , the DNA stretches about two meters long, yet through this intricate compaction process, it fits neatly inside a nucleus that is much smaller than a strand of human hair. This efficient system allows the long strands of DNA to fit neatly inside the cell’s nucleus while keeping it organized and accessible for important tasks like gene expression and cell division. Over the years, researchers have developed many mode
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Quantum entanglement allows scientists to track time more accurately

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Scientists have built atomic clocks with unprecedented levels of precision by harnessing quantum entanglement. From ancient sundials to the most sophisticated watches, humankind’s efforts to keep track of time have driven scientific and technological development. Today, accurate timekeeping is critical to countless applications, including air-traffic controllers and GPS satellites. Now, scientists have found a way to achieve precision beyond the limits of current timekeeping technology thanks to the phenomenon of quantum entanglement. “What we’re able to do is divide the same length of time into smaller and smaller units,” said Adam Kaufman, senior author of the study and a fellow at JILA, a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “That acceleration could allow us to track time more precisely.” Beyond helping us make more accurate clocks, this research could contribute to the development of new quantum techno
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Oldest quasars ever observed in early universe are extremely lonely

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The oldest quasars ever observed in the early universe are not just incredibly distant but also extremely lonely. These ancient cosmic objects, which date back more than 13 billion years, formed when the universe was less than a billion years old. Powered by supermassive black holes, quasars emit immense energy, outshining entire galaxies. However, what makes these quasars particularly intriguing is their isolation—they are situated in vast cosmic voids, far from other galaxies, stars, and celestial structures. In contrast to the modern universe, which is teeming with galaxies and interconnected cosmic structures , these ancient quasars are surrounded by emptiness. Their solitary existence challenges current models of galaxy formation, which suggest that such massive black holes typically reside in dense environments. This discovery prompts scientists to reconsider how these quasars grew so massive in such sparse regions. The study of these lonely quasars offers valuable insights in
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Singling out signatures of attention

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The human brain is a complex organ with over 80 billion neurons. But it can still trip up when it comes to multitasking. Trying to send an email at the same time as talking to someone can almost be enough to short-circuit our synapses, leaving us distracted and prone to making mistakes.   “The brain is a very large, complex, connected network, but even with simple things, bottlenecks happen. It’s very hard to do two unpractised actions at the same time,” explains Sridharan Devarajan, Associate Professor at the Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Sridharan has long been fascinated by attention – how our brain decides to focus on one specific object in front of us and not get distracted by other objects in the background. In two recent studies, his team has teased out distinct brain regions and mechanisms involved in our ability to pay attention. Such insights can help scientists better understand and treat attention-related brain disorders. Until recently, s
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Quantum Scale Sensors used to Measure Planetary Scale Magnetic Fields

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Magnetic fields are everywhere in our solar system. They originate from the Sun, planets, and moons, and are carried throughout interplanetary space by solar wind. This is precisely why magnetometers—devices used to measure magnetic fields—are flown on almost all missions in space to benefit the Earth, Planetary, and Heliophysics science communities, and ultimately enrich knowledge for all humankind. These instruments can remotely probe the interior of a planetary body to provide insight into its internal composition, structure, dynamics, and even evolution based on the magnetic history frozen into the body’s crustal rock layers. Magnetometers can even discover hidden oceans within our solar system and help determine their salinity, thereby providing insight into the potential habitability of these icy worlds. Fluxgates are the most widely used magnetometers for missions in space due to their proven performance and simplicity. However, the conventional size, weight, and power (SWaP)
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