Columbia Engineers Fuse Metasurfaces with 2D Materials for Next-Gen Tech

Columbia Engineering Breakthrough: Metasurfaces Meet 2D Materials

Columbia University engineers have achieved a major milestone by successfully integrating metasurfaces with 2D materials. This innovative approach, led by Professor Jim Schuck from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, paves the way for advanced technology in optics and electronics. The team’s cutting-edge method could revolutionize how we manipulate light and information at the nanoscale.

Columbia Engineers integrate metasurfaces with 2D materials

Why This Matters for the Future of Tech

Combining metasurfaces—ultra-thin, engineered surfaces that control light—with ultra-thin 2D materials opens doors to faster, more efficient devices. Imagine computers, cameras, and sensors that are not only smaller but also smarter! This research could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing, next-generation displays, and even secure communications.

Honestly, the future is starting to look like something out of a sci-fi movie—and these engineers are the scriptwriters. If you thought your smartphone was cool, just wait for devices built on this technology. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be wearing sunglasses that can see through walls.

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miragenews.com

Scientists Uncover 40,000-Year-Old Mammoth RNA: A Glimpse into Prehistoric Life

Groundbreaking Discovery: Ancient Mammoth RNA

In an extraordinary scientific breakthrough, researchers have managed to extract RNA molecules from a woolly mammoth that lived almost 40,000 years ago. This never-before-seen biological snapshot offers a rare and intimate look into the final moments of a young mammoth, shedding new light on a species that has captivated our imagination for centuries.

40,000-year-old mammoth RNA discovery

The oldest genetic remains ever found were discovered in the preserved tissues of this remarkable creature. Scientists believe this breakthrough could help us understand not only why mammoths vanished but also how such ancient DNA and RNA can survive for millennia. If you ever wondered what a mammoth’s last tweet would be—well, scientists just decoded it. (Turns out, it was mostly about the Ice Age getting a little too chilly.)

A Window into the Distant Past

This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for research into extinct species and even the potential for de-extinction efforts in the future. The fact that researchers can analyze RNA—something far more fragile than DNA—from such old remains is both inspiring and a little mind-blowing. Next time you complain about losing your old emails, just remember: these scientists recovered messages from the Ice Age!

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Israel Launches New Attacks on Gaza as Recovery Efforts Begin

Intense Strikes Hit Gaza Amid Recovery Operations

Israel has launched a fresh wave of artillery and air attacks across multiple areas in Gaza, targeting locations near Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir el-Balah, and Gaza City. These strikes come at a time when large-scale recovery operations to retrieve bodies from the rubble are set to begin. The situation on the ground remains dire, with residents and first responders bracing for a challenging and emotional task ahead.

Israel attacks Gaza, artillery and air strikes in Rafah, Khan Younis, Deir el-Balah, Gaza City
The renewed violence underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Each strike leaves behind more destruction, making the path to recovery longer and more painful for countless families. Even as efforts to recover bodies intensify, the threat of further attacks looms over rescue teams and survivors alike.

Sometimes, it feels like hope is the only thing more resilient than the buildings in Gaza. As people begin the heart-wrenching work of recovery, the need for peace and stability has never been more urgent. One can only hope that the world pays attention—not just to the loudest blasts, but to the quiet strength of those who persist.

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How X Is Fighting Bots: New Feature to Show Account Details

Elon Musk’s X Unveils ‘About This Account’ to Battle Bots

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is rolling out a new feature called ‘About This Account’. This update aims to curb the overwhelming presence of bots on the platform. The feature will display detailed information about user accounts, helping users easily spot fake or suspicious profiles. Elon Musk's X new feature against bots

Taking On the Bot Menace

Users can now access extra details about accounts, such as creation date and activity patterns. This transparency helps real people connect and interact, while making it tougher for bots and trolls to hide. X hopes this move will restore trust and improve conversations on the platform.

Honestly, it’s about time! If you’ve ever argued with a bot at 3 AM, you know how much we need this. Let’s hope the bots don’t get jealous and start their own platform.

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Read more at NewsBytes

iPad Air 2026: Latest Rumors, Features, and What to Expect

What’s on the Horizon for the iPad Air 2026?

Apple fans, get ready! The iPad Air is rumored to get a major update in 2026. The tech giant plans to refresh several iPads, including the iPad Air, the budget-friendly iPad, and the compact iPad mini. Insiders expect the new iPad Air to launch early in the year, possibly bringing fresh design tweaks and upgraded hardware. Leaked iPad Air 2026 render

Rumored Features and Upgrades

Apple loves to keep us guessing, but rumor mills are working overtime. Speculation points to a faster processor, possibly the next-gen M-series chip, and even more vibrant display options. The iPad Air might also get improved cameras and longer battery life—because who doesn’t want to binge-watch with fewer interruptions? Plus, we could see new color options that will make you want to upgrade just for the aesthetics.

As usual, Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, leaving fans to dream up all sorts of wild features. Will 2026 finally be the year we get a holographic display? Probably not, but one can hope! Until then, keep your eyes peeled for more leaks and rumors.

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macrumors.com

New Miss Universe Crowned Amid Drama and Protests in Bangkok

Miss Universe 2024 Crowning Surrounded by Controversy

This year’s Miss Universe competition in Bangkok delivered more than just glitz and glamour—it came with a healthy dose of drama. Just weeks before the crowning, one contestant made headlines by walking out of a pageant event in protest, livestreaming her exit for the world to see. If that wasn’t enough to stir the pot, a now former judge alleged that the competition was rigged, throwing even more shade on the already tense event.

Miss Universe 2024 winner crowned in Bangkok amidst controversy

The show must go on, and so it did. In spite of the chaos, a new Miss Universe claimed the crown, marking another chapter in the pageant’s storied history. This year’s event reminds us that even the world of tiaras and evening gowns isn’t immune to real-world tension and a little bit of drama. After all, what’s a beauty pageant without a plot twist or two?

One thing’s for sure: The pageant world just proved it can be as unpredictable as reality TV. Who knew crowning a queen could come with so many cliffhangers?

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SpaceX Starship V3 Booster Faces Setback with Gas System Failure During Testing

SpaceX Starship V3 Booster Experiences Gas System Failure

SpaceX’s ambitious Starship program hit another bump as the Starship V3 booster exploded during a critical test. The incident unfolded at SpaceX’s testing facility, drawing attention from space enthusiasts and industry watchers alike. According to reports, the explosion was a result of a gas system failure, a stark reminder that even the most advanced space tech comes with its share of dramatic moments.

SpaceX Starship V3 booster explosion during testing

Testing Paves the Way for Future Success

Despite the fiery setback, SpaceX remains undeterred. Their relentless pace of testing and innovation is what keeps the space industry on its toes. Failures like these are just pit stops on the road to Mars. Elon Musk’s team will no doubt analyze the data, patch up the issues, and roll out another booster in no time. After all, what’s a little explosion between rocket scientists?

If you’ve ever felt like your Monday exploded, just remember: even SpaceX has ‘blast-off’ days that don’t go as planned!

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Engadget

Why Portfolios Matter More Than CVs in the Age of AI

The Rise of Portfolios in an AI-Driven World

Artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly transforming the job market. Gone are the days when submitting a traditional CV was enough to land your dream job. Today, employers want to see what you can actually do, not just what you claim on paper. That’s why building a strong, digital portfolio has become the new gold standard for students and professionals alike. Artificial Intelligence and Portfolios

Show, Don’t Just Tell

A portfolio lets you showcase real-world skills and demonstrate your expertise through projects, case studies, and creative works. Whether you’re a designer, coder, marketer, or writer, a portfolio reveals your hands-on abilities far better than a list of bullet points ever could. Plus, with AI scanning and sorting CVs at lightning speed, a unique portfolio makes it easier for you to stand out in a crowded digital crowd.

Let’s face it, in the age of smart machines, you need to prove you can do what robots can’t—think, create, and innovate! Maybe one day AI will build its own portfolio, but until then, it’s your chance to shine.

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Did Bill Ackman Make a Huge Mistake Selling This Hot AI Stock?

Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor known for his bold moves, just dumped a major artificial intelligence stock that Wall Street can’t stop talking about. Most analysts actually recommend buying this AI darling, but Ackman decided to sell in Q3, raising quite a few eyebrows across the financial industry.

Google office headquarters AI stock

Wall Street’s Surprising Reaction

While Ackman usually sets trends, this time analysts think he may have jumped the gun. The stock in question has outperformed most of its peers, riding high on the artificial intelligence wave. Many experts believe it’s just getting started—making Ackman’s exit seem a bit premature. Is this a rare misstep from the hedge fund titan, or does he see something everyone else missed?

When Billionaires Blink, Should You Follow?

If you’re betting your lunch money based on billionaire moves, remember: even the biggest names can get it wrong. Ackman’s move is a reminder to do your own homework. Maybe he knows something we don’t. Or maybe, just maybe, he’ll be buying back in at a higher price later—ouch!

Sometimes, the smartest guys in the room still forget their glasses.

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Astronomers Crack the Mystery of Ghostly Radio Relics in Space

Astronomers Unveil the Secrets of Radio Relics

For years, scientists have scratched their heads over the eerie ‘radio relics’ that appear in space when galaxy clusters collide. These ghostly structures, which emit powerful radio waves, have puzzled astronomers due to their immense size and mysterious origins. But thanks to a new set of computer simulations, researchers now believe they’ve finally figured out what causes these cosmic phenomena.

Visualization of radio relics in colliding galaxy clusters

The simulations show that when massive galaxy clusters crash into each other, they generate shockwaves that ripple through space. These shockwaves accelerate electrons to near-light speed, creating the enormous arcs of radio emissions we observe. It’s a bit like smashing cosmic bumper cars together and watching the sparks fly—except these ‘sparks’ are millions of light-years across!

What Does This Mean for Astronomy?

This breakthrough brings us one step closer to understanding the violent and energetic processes that shape our universe. It’s also a great reminder that even in the vast emptiness of space, there’s always a bit of cosmic drama going on. Next time you think your day is chaotic, just remember: somewhere out there, entire galaxies are colliding and making space art.

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