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The Manmade Clouds That Could Help Save the Great Barrier Reef

1 month 2 weeks ago
Scientists led by Daniel Harrison at Southern Cross University conducted their most successful test of marine cloud brightening technology in February, deploying three vessels nicknamed "Big Daddy and the Twins" in the Palm Islands off northeastern Australia. The ships pumped seawater through hundreds of tiny nozzles to create dense fog plumes and brighten existing clouds, aiming to shade and cool reef waters to prevent coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. Harrison's team has been investigating weather modification above the Great Barrier Reef since 2016 and represents the only group conducting open-ocean cloud brightening experiments. The localized geoengineering approach seeks to reduce stress on corals that forces them to expel symbiotic algae during heat waves.

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Clean Cyclists Now Outperform Doped Champions of Tour de France's Past

1 month 2 weeks ago
Current Tour de France competitors are faster than the sport's notorious doping-era champions, according to an analysis. Tadej Pogacar produced approximately 7 watts per kilogram for nearly 40 minutes during a crucial mountain stage in last year's Tour de France. Jonas Vingegaard, generated more than 7 watts per kilogram for nearly 15 minutes during a failed attack attempt. Lance Armstrong, at his blood-doped peak two decades ago, averaged an estimated 6 watts per kilogram and took nearly six minutes longer than Pogacar on the same Pyrenees climb in 2004. The performance gains stem from multiple technological advances. Every rider now uses power meters that provide real-time performance data. Nutrition has shifted from minimal fueling to constant calorie replenishment with precisely measured food intake. Equipment undergoes extensive wind tunnel testing to reduce drag coefficients. Teams use apps like VeloViewer to preview race courses and weather forecasting to optimize wheel selection. "The bias is in favor of clean athletes: that you can be clean and win," said Travis Tygart, chief executive of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

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