law

The first law of thermodynamics: What is it?

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The first law of thermodynamics tells us the amount of energy in the universe is constant and can neither be destroyed nor created. The evolution of the universe is therefore about a constant transformation of energy from one form to another. But no matter how many stars and planets the universe creates, how many civilizations … Read more

There’s a Hidden Mathematical ‘Law’ in The Sand Megaripples Found All Over Earth

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Wherever there is sand and an atmosphere, prevailing winds may whip the grains into undulating shapes, pleasing to the eye with their calming repetition. Certain sand waves, with wavelengths between 30 centimeters (almost 12 inches) and several meters (around 30 feet), are known as megaripples: they’re between ordinary beach ripples and full dunes in size, … Read more

CA Law Aims to Turn Food Waste into Renewable Energy

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California is poised to launch the nation’s biggest program to prevent food waste from going into landfills as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate clean energy. A law taking effect in January will require municipalities across the state to collect food waste for its potential use in making renewable natural gas for … Read more

Kepler’s Third Law: The movement of solar system planets

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Kepler’s Third Law is the last of the revolutionary theorems by German astronomers Johannes Kepler and explains planetary orbits around the sun. Before Kepler outlined his laws of planetary motion in the early 17th century, humankind’s knowledge of the solar system and beyond was in its infancy and largely remained a mystery. At the time … Read more

Space law hasn’t been changed since 1967 – but the UN aims to update laws and keep space peaceful

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This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com’s Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. Michelle L.D. Hanlon, Professor of Air and Space Law, University of Mississippi Greg Autry, Clinical Professor of Space Leadership, Policy and Business, Arizona State University On Nov. 15, 2021, Russia destroyed one of its own old satellites using a missile … Read more

Gene-edited food: UK plans to embrace technology shouldn’t harm animal welfare, say ethicists

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Gene-edited foods may one day be sold in UK shops, but ethicists warn that using the technology in livestock may exacerbate animal welfare issues if, for example, it leads to the creation of disease-resistant animals that can be housed together more densely Environment 1 December 2021 By Adam Vaughan Gene editing could exacerbate animal welfare … Read more

Anti-trolling law: Australian legislation could be used to target political critics

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A law intended to tackle anonymous trolls on social media is unlikely to stop online bullying, but it could allow Australian government ministers to continue a trend of suing their critics Technology | Analysis 7 December 2021 By Alice Klein Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 2 December 2021 MICK TSIKAS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Australia’s prime minister Scott … Read more

New Zealand smoking ban: Will it work if it ignores vaping?

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Outlawing the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008 and mandating low-nicotine cigarettes for others will help New Zealand reach its smoke-free vision, but vaping will still be an issue Health | Comment 10 December 2021 By Alice Klein Cigarettes may soon be difficult for young people in New Zealand to access Roberto Sorin/Shutterstock … Read more