Highly selective membranes: Researchers discover how water can affect its own filtration

Membranes with microscopic pores are useful for water filtration. The effect of pore size on water filtration is well-understood, as is the role of ions, charged atoms that interact with the membrane. For the first time, researchers have successfully described the impact water molecules have on other water molecules and on ions as part of the filtration mechanism. The researchers detail a feedback system between water molecules that opens up new design possibilities for highly selective membranes. Applications could include virus filters.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-highly-membranes-affect-filtration.html

London Heathrow unveils rapid pre-flight virus tests

London's Heathrow airport on Tuesday began to roll out paid-for rapid coronavirus testing, with results in one hour, as it seeks to boost demand decimated by the deadly pandemic.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-london-heathrow-unveils-rapid-pre-flight.html

NATO to set up new space center amid China, Russia concerns

To a few of the locals, the top-secret, fenced-off installation on the hill is known as "the radar station." Some folks claim to have seen mysterious Russians in the area. Over the years, rumors have swirled that it might be a base for U.S. nuclear warheads.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-nato-space-center-china-russia.html

Crew in no danger after ISS issues resolved: Russia

The International Space Station is now working normally with no danger to its occupants after the crew managed to resolve a series of technical issues overnight, Russia's space agency said Tuesday.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-crew-danger-iss-issues-russia.html

Declines in shellfish species on rocky seashores match climate-driven changes

The waters of the Gulf of Maine are warming faster than oceans almost anywhere on Earth. And as the level of carbon dioxide rises in the atmosphere, it's absorbed by the oceans, causing pH levels to fall. Ocean acidification makes it difficult for shellfish to thicken their shells—their primary defense against predators.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-declines-shellfish-species-rocky-seashores.html

'Like the speed of the wind': Kenya's lakes rise to destructive highs

Peering into the lake, the village elder struggled to pinpoint where beneath the hyacinth and mesquite weeds lay the farm he lived in his entire life until the water rose like never before and swallowed everything.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-kenya-lakes-destructive-highs.html

SK Hynix in $9 bn deal for Intel's flash memory chip business

The world's second-largest chipmaker, South Korea's SK Hynix, announced a record $9 billion deal Tuesday to buy Intel's flash memory chip operation as it seeks to bolster its position against rival behemoth Samsung Electronics.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-sk-hynix-bn-intel-memory.html

Large earthquake off Alaska prompts tsunami fears, fleeing

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake prompted a tsunami warning Monday for a nearly thousand-mile stretch of Alaska's southern coast, with waves over 2 feet at the nearest community as the threat subsided.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-large-earthquake-alaska-prompts-tsunami.html

China's super rich got $1.5 trillion richer during pandemic: report

China's super wealthy have earned a record $1.5 trillion in 2020, more than the past five years combined, as e-commerce and gaming boomed during pandemic lockdowns, an annual rich list said Tuesday.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2020-10-fortunes-china-internet.html

Democracy: Millennials are the most disillusioned generation 'in living memory'—global study

Young people's faith in democratic politics is lower than any other age group, and millennials across the world are more disillusioned with democracy than Generation X or baby boomers were at the same stage of life.

source https://phys.org/news/2020-10-democracy-millennials-disillusioned-memoryglobal.html