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07 May 2020: Galileo and the science deniers, and physicists probe the mysterious pion

Nature Podcast

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The Effects of City Expansion on Biodiversity Loss

Painting buildings white can help keep interiors cool and reduce the need for air conditioning by reflecting the sun's energy. A team of researchers in China and the US have now shown a way to add a splash of colour to buildings without sacrificing cooling capabilities. Their solution involves painting a colourful topcoat, less than 100 micrometers thick, on top of a white undercoat. The near infrared portion of sunlight, which carries about 50% of the light's heat, passes through the eye-catching topcoat, but is then reflected by the white layer underneath.

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