Michigan is suing major oil and gas companies, alleging they colluded to suppress competition from cleaner energy sources like solar power and electric vehicles, according to Ars Technica. Simultaneously, researchers are exploring innovative ways to store solar energy as heat for extended periods, as detailed by Ars Technica, while a study published in the Journal of Public Economics revealed long-term benefits for students from a teacher-incentive program in South Carolina, as reported by Phys.org.
The Michigan lawsuit, joining nearly a dozen other states in climate-related legal actions, differs from previous approaches by focusing on the alleged suppression of competition, rather than deception or misrepresentation of climate change risks, according to Ars Technica. Legal experts suggest this strategy could be a "game changer" if the state overcomes initial dismissal attempts by the industry defendants.
Meanwhile, scientists are working on molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage, a method to trap solar energy in molecules for later heat release, as described by Ars Technica. This approach could offer a solution for storing heat for days, weeks, or months, addressing the significant energy demand for heating, which accounts for nearly half of global energy consumption, with two-thirds currently met by fossil fuels.
In other news, a study published in the Journal of Public Economics found that a teacher-incentive program in South Carolina led to "striking long-term benefits" for students, including lower rates of felony arrest and reduced reliance on government assistance in early adulthood, according to Phys.org.
Additionally, the demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs has surged, with user numbers more than doubling since 2024, as reported by Vox. While fatigue and nausea are common side effects, new symptoms are emerging as more people use the drugs.
Finally, historical records from the US Forest Service, specifically the diaries of Reuben P. Box, a US Forest Service Ranger from 1927 to 1945, are now available, documenting forest management, fire suppression, and daily life in the northern California mountains, according to Hacker News. These diaries, digitized by Lance Orner, offer a glimpse into the past.
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