PBS: Daylight saving time causes lower productivity and higher health care costs, studies say
Investigations into the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster revealed that key decision-makers worked on little sleep, raising concerns that fatigue impaired their judgment. Similarly, in 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill resulted in a massive environmental catastrophe. The official investigation revealed the third mate, in charge of steering the ship, was running on too little sleep, among other problems.
While these specific disasters were not caused by daylight saving time, they are conclusively linked to fatigue, based on postaccident investigations and reports. They underscore the well-documented dangers of sleep deprivation and fatigue-related errors. Yet a vast body of research shows that every year, the shift to daylight saving time needlessly exacerbates these risks, disrupting millions of Americans' sleep and increasing the likelihood of accidents, health issues and fatal errors.
⋮
I’m a neurologist who specializes in sleep health. I’ve seen firsthand the negative impacts of poor sleep; it has enormous personal and economic consequences.
Yet despite overwhelming research supporting better sleep policies – such as delaying school start times to align with adolescent biology and the adoption of permanent standard time – these issues remain largely overlooked in public policy discussions.
Laptop mag: I switched from a Kindle ereader to Kobo for a week — here’s why I’m never going back
Last month, Amazon announced it was removing a feature that allowed users to download their Kindle books to their PC, whether to backup those books or use a tool like Calibre to read them on a non-Kindle device. With this feature gone, the only way to read Kindle books is now on a Wi-Fi-connected Kindle or the Kindle app.
This announcement sparked frustration for a lot of readers, prompting many (myself included) to take a closer look at the Kindle’s closest rival, Kobo. If you’re also considering making the switch, you might be skeptical about whether or not it’s really worth it or whether Kobo ereaders can truly compare to a Kindle.
I switched to a Kobo ereader for a week to find out. My experience left me absolutely certain which ereader I’ll be using from now on.
Laptop mag: I switched from a Kindle ereader to Kobo for a week — here’s why I’m never going back
Last month, Amazon announced it was removing a feature that allowed users to download their Kindle books to their PC, whether to backup those books or use a tool like Calibre to read them on a non-Kindle device. With this feature gone, the only way to read Kindle books is now on a Wi-Fi-connected Kindle or the Kindle app.
This announcement sparked frustration for a lot of readers, prompting many (myself included) to take a closer look at the Kindle’s closest rival, Kobo. If you’re also considering making the switch, you might be skeptical about whether or not it’s really worth it or whether Kobo ereaders can truly compare to a Kindle.
I switched to a Kobo ereader for a week to find out. My experience left me absolutely certain which ereader I’ll be using from now on.
⋮
Like Amazon, Rakuten offers a range of Kobo ereaders, from the basic Clara BW to the feature-packed Libra Colour. I prefer small, light ereaders and didn’t really need a color display, so I went with the basic Kobo Clara BW (black and white). It’s effectively the Kobo equivalent of the Kindle Paperwhite.
ZME Science: Researchers tore down a Tesla and BYD battery to see which one’s better
Tesla champions high-energy, cylindrical cells like its 4680 battery, designed for maximum power and range. Meanwhile, BYD takes a different path with its Blade battery, a prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell that prioritizes safety, longevity, and affordability. Both represent cutting-edge innovation — but how do they differ, exactly?
⋮
Ultimately, the Tesla battery seems better suited for high-performance and luxury vehicles. Meanwhile, mass-market and commercial vehicles that value durability and reliability could make better use of the BYD’s approach.
ZME Science: Real Vs Artificial Christmas Tree: What the science says
Every year, the Christmas tree debate returns: Is it better to cut down a natural tree for a short-lived holiday display, or use an artificial one made from non-recyclable plastic? The answer is not as clear as you’d think and depends heavily on how the trees are grown, manufactured, or disposed of. Let’s dig into the facts and explore more sustainable alternatives.
ZME Science: No Sun? No Problem! Scientists Grow Plants Using Electricity Instead
The system is designed as a vertical farming model: solar panels on the roof provide energy for electrolysis, which takes place on the upper floors. Below, in stacked growing chambers, crops absorb acetate and grow in a carefully controlled environment. So far, researchers have successfully grown mushrooms, yeast, and algae using this method. They’ve already started experiments with tomatoes, lettuce, and other small crops. Eventually, they hope to modify staple crops like wheat and sweet potatoes to process acetate more efficiently.
“We have demonstrated at least a four-fold improvement in solar-to-food energy efficiency compared to photosynthesis,” the researchers write. If the United States were to fully adopt electro-ag, the authors estimate that agricultural land use could shrink by 88%, freeing vast areas for rewilding and carbon sequestration.
Last Updated: 08.Mar.2025 23:04 EST
