Discarded cellphone screens are part of the e-waste problem.Getty ImagesFederal researchers are making gains in experiments to ease the process of harvesting recyclable materials in electronic waste from discarded cellphones and computers.Scientists at two leading national laboratories under the U.S. Department of Energy are pioneering solutions to solve the growing and tedious problem of recycling e-waste.The Problem of e-wasteE-waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world, the World Health Organization noted in an October 2024 fact sheet.Less than one-fourth of the 62 million tonnes of e-waste generated globally in 2022 was verified as being recycled from the millions of broken and obsolete electrical and electronic devices tossed into the trash per year, according to WHO.Millions of tonnes of e-waste are recycled using unsound activities, as well as being stored in homes and warehouses, dumped, and illegally exported, WHO stated. When e-waste is recycled using unsound activities, it can release up to 1,000 different chemical substances into the environment, including known neurotoxicants such as lead.Two New Tactics Discovered at Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryBattery innovation. gettyTwo new methods developed by Richland, Wash.-based Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryPNNL is one of the DOEs top laboratories for scientific discovery and technical innovation in chemistry, data analytics and Earth science. In recent efforts, PNNL materials scientists have been working on how to extract critical minerals such as:Dysprosiumused in magnets for hard drives and flash (thumb) drives,Neodymiuma component in hard drives, cellphones and televisions, andManganesein lithium ion batteries.One project tackled both neodymium and dysprosium. Scientists created a device funneling dissolved e-waste from both substances. Then they used a chemical solution to split and extract both neodymium and dysprosium as purified solids. The new technique was completed in a few hours compared to traditional methods that require as long as a full week to accomplish.Another PNNL innovation involved a demonstration project that used a gel-based system to dissolve and extract manganese from lithium batteries. This new method is being viewed as a potential solution for how to best recycle cobalt, lithium and nickel from discarded batteries.Argonne National Laboratorys New Way to Make, Recycle Electronic Lighting ComponentsRobotic arm welding and installing component at semiconductor circuit board.gettyScientists at Illinois-based Argonne National Laboratory spearheaded a project to make and recycle luminescent polymers in semiconductor materials that light up such electronics as computer screens and car dashboard navigation displays.ANL is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center where scientists and engineers work to solve national problems through innovation.Recycling this electronic waste is complex, requiring expensive and energy-inefficient processes. Although there is an economic incentive to recycle the key semiconducting materials in this case, luminescent polymersthere has been no method to achieve this due to the challenge of designing those materials at the molecular level, PNNL noted when it announced the discovery in July.ANL led a team that included researchers from the University of Chicago, Purdue University and Yale University to tackle this problem. The solution they found was to create a new type of biodegradable and recyclable luminescent polymers for light-emitting semiconductors. This unique invention includes adding a chemical into the process that enables the e-waste to be broken down under heat or with mild acid for recycling.This is a $46 billion-a-year industry, and it is only growing, Jie Xu, the lead ANL scientist on the project, noted when the discovery was made public. By 2032 the industry is estimated to grow to $260 billion. With this method, we can eliminate this type of electronic waste that would otherwise be piling up in landfills.

Anna Miroshina moved to Thailand and started her own real estate agency in Koh Samui, Thailand. Anna Miroshina 2025-03-31T00:14:01Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Anna Miroshina, 40, moved from Russia to Koh Samui, Thailand, over a decade ago.She started working at a friend's bar and now owns her own real estate agency.She considers the island home and has no interest in leaving.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Anna Miroshina, 40, owner of the real estate agency Siam.Villas in Koh Samui, Thailand. It has been edited for length and clarity.Twelve years ago, Imoved to Koh Samui, an island in the south of Thailand that has recently been in the spotlight because of the latest season of "The White Lotus."I was young and had started a career in IT career in Russia, but I didn't feel like I had a plan. I was grappling with issues in my personal life and fell into depression.My friend had opened a bar in Samui and asked if I'd like to help him for a year. I wanted to take a break from life at home, so I packed up my bags and left St. Petersburg.While working at the bar, I had a lot of free time and started exploring real estate on the side. I went on to become a freelance agent, as the income was much better than what I was making at the bar.I also changed my mind about going back to Russia, I wanted to stay in Thailand.Enjoying life in ThailandTwo years ago, I started my own real estate agency. In Thailand, you don't need a license to be an agent. In Samui, I have the right work-life balance.Whenever I'm tired, I go to the beach or stay on a neighboring island to recharge for a couple of days. When I was living in St. Petersburg, life often felt complicated and stressful. There was no outlet for relaxation.There isn't too much traffic on the island. In my car or motorcycle, it's only a seven-minute trip home from my office.Unlike the cold months in Russia, it's summer all year round in Samui. People are friendlier and life is just more relaxed. Everything feels slower and easier I live near the sea and get to dive and swim as often as I'd like. There's this Thai saying "sabai sabai" which means it's important to take it easy and enjoy life.As a woman, I feel safe living in Samui. Crimes, especially serious ones, are rare. I find the culture matriarchal, so women are well-respected. I feel like I'm on the same level here with everyone. Living and working in Russia was different, it felt like men ran the show, and women were often told to stay at home and take care of the household. It's part of why I run a business in Samui people empower me.I've been taking Thai language lessons for the past year and plan to apply for citizenship in the next two years. Miroshina spends her mornings exercising and lounging at the beach. Anna Miroshina The cost of island lifeMy typical day starts bright and early. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. to catch the sunrise. I spend my morning exercising and lounging at the beach. Work takes up most of my day advertising properties, consulting with prospective buyers, and scouting new locations. I often watch the sunset at around 6:30 p.m. before winding down an hour later and preparing for bed.Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. What is your job title? (1 of 2) Entry level positionProject managerManagementSenior managementExecutive managementStudentSelf-employedRetiredOther What products or services can you approve for purchase in your role? (2 of 2) Advertising / MarketingClient / Account ManagementCompany strategyHR / Training / Office supportManaging budgetsIT / Telecoms / TechRecruiting new employeesSalesSoftware developmentFinancialOtherNone of the above By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Thanks for sharing insights about your role. Living in Samui can be more expensive than in other parts of Thailand, especially if you're looking for comfort or luxury. While it's possible to find a small apartment for as little as $300 a month, many expats choose to stay in mid-range, slightly larger apartments with amenities like a common pool for about $1,300 a month. Those looking for a more luxurious life have the option of living in beachfront villas. Rentals for four- to five-bedroom houses with direct sea access usually start from $20,000 a month.No "White Lotus" real estate effectParts of "The White Lotus" were filmed just across from my office at the Anantara Bophut Resort. The show was filmed in Samui last year during high season, and there were traffic jams on the island. A couple of my friends worked on the set as extras. So far, "The White Lotus" hasn't had much impact on local real estate. I didn't see an increase in buyers or people moving here. People have been interested in Samui for years, even before the show.Three years ago, I realized I should stop renting and buy a house. I felt ready to commit. Samui is my home.Recommended video

Elon Musk's America PAC has spent $12 million on Wisconsin's Supreme Court election. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images 2025-03-31T00:04:48Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Wisconsin's high court declined to hear a case challenging Elon Musk's million-dollar handouts.Musk said he'd issue the checks at a Sunday town hall ahead of a pivotal state Supreme Court race.Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Musk's offer violated state law.The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a unanimous ruling on Sunday, declined to block Elon Musk from giving away $1 million checks to voters at a town hall in Green Bay in advance of a pivotal race for one of the court's seats on April 1.Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, had asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court early Sunday to prevent Musk from issuing the funds to voters, hours before the high-profile event."This case involves an issue of great public importance that requires urgent and authoritative resolution," Kaul wrote in his filing. He requested that the court issue an injunction "as soon as possible but no later than the planned event on Sunday evening."The ruling comes after the Wisconsin Court of Appeals on Saturday denied Kaul's bid to stop Musk from making the payments. Kaul had previously been denied a request for an emergency injunction by a county court judge.Kaul argued that Musk's planned giveaway violated a state law that makes it a felony to offer voters "anything of value" to influence their vote."Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote," Kaul wrote in his filing. "Yet, Elon Musk did just that."Last week, Musk deleted a post on X where he said he'd issue two separate $1 million checks "in appreciation for you taking the time to vote." In a new post, he wrote that entry to the town hall would be limited to individuals who sign a petition "in opposition to activist judges," adding that the two recipients of the $1 million checks would be spokesmen for the petition.The Wisconsin high court now has a 4-3 liberal majority. Tuesday's contest between liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel will decide the court's ideological direction moving forward. Musk has lined up behind Schimel.Schimel previously served as Wisconsin's attorney general for one term and was narrowly defeated in his 2018 reelection bid by Kaul.Musk's America PAC has spent over $12 million on the race, which is officially nonpartisan. However, as has been the case in recent years, the two parties have both lined up behind candidates in the state's Supreme Court contests. President Donald Trump endorsed Schimel, while Crawford has been backed by an array of Democrats, including former President Barack Obama.Recommended video

Will the two Zelda games get an upgrade on Switch 2? (Nintendo)The Monday letters page is not convinced bringing back the Wii U GamePad for Switch 2 is a good idea, as a reader thinks the Zelda movie shouldve been animated.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukUnnecessary changesVery interesting to see it confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will have special editions of Switch 1 games. I will be very interested to see what difference it will make and what games will be included, since the way they word it implies it wont be an automatic thing but more like a PlayStation 5 update.I would guess Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom will get one, as they both have some performance issues. But I dont see how something like Animal Crossing or even Mario Kart could really benefit. The mainline Pokmon games are a mess but its not a lack of horsepower thats the problem, but Game Freak being a bad game developer.Nintendo is very good at getting games to look good without pushing any technical barriers and even games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey, and Luigis Mansion 3 Im not sure how you improve them without completely remaking them? I guess you could add some ray-tracing and a 60fps option for Luigis Mansion but apart from Zelda Im not sure theres any game that would have changes that ordinary people would notice.HooperNo ideaI can very easily believe this rumour about the C button being to turn the Switch into a Wii U GamePad, thats absolutely the sort of thing Nintendo would do. They dont like to give up on an idea and I agree that Nintendo Land was a great game that Id like to see come back. Its not deep but its definitely the best party game Ive ever played.The problem is I never saw the GamePad used for anything else worthwhile. The GamePad bits of Star Fox were the worst part and everything else was just a map or inventory or other minor thing that you couldve easily done without (and have done in the games that have already been ported to modern formats).If Nintendo had any big ideas for the GamePad it sure didnt make that clear when the Wii U was around, so Im not sure what the point of bringing it back is. Maybe theyve had some late-breaking brainwave but if its just to port Nintendo Land over Im all for it, but it seems a strange use of their time and money.OnibeeGut reactionI was very on the fence regarding Assassins Creed Shadows, as I wasnt interested in the feudal Japan setting. Especially, as I would love to see one set in the Ancient Roman empire, but oh well. But for some reason I purchased it and having played through it for a bit here are my early thoughts.Its exactly what I expected from an Assassins Creed game. But visually I think the game looks gorgeous on my Xbox Series X. Im also starting to get interested in the Japanese culture. And I like Naoe very much. As for any debates or controversy over this game. I have little interest in any of that.To me it represents the worst of internet culture. Where rumours, hearsay, and various complaints spiral out of control, spurred on by narcissistic YouTubers, etc. Its the same thing when Xbox made some games multiformat. As an Xbox Series X owner I could not care less. But to listen to some people you would think its the end of the world. So yes, Im very much enjoying Shadows. Like I said, I bought it because I listen to my gut telling me to do so and I dont regret it, as its a great game.icelticghostEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukMass market pricingFirstly, I think everyone is way off with their price of the Switch 2. 400 may look cheap compared to Steam Deck and the other home consoles, but this is a family friendly machine that Nintendo needs parents to buy for their kids.The Nintendo 64 launched at 250 but was quickly slashed to 150. Now, while I dont think they will sell it at a loss, their profit on each console does not have to be that high in the beginning, Nintendo just need to get it in as many homes as it can.The fact that many people have stuck with the previous gen consoles because the PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X are so expensive is something Nintendo needs to overcome. Selling games is where the real money is, and a video game company has to sell consoles to do that.So, I will say the Switch 2 will launch for 299, which may seem unbelievable to some but that is still a lot of money; even though Nintendo have a fanbase that would pay anything and buy two as well. I think thats a lot more realistic than 400.SiFiJediGC: Nintendo always tries to sell its consoles at a profit and the OLED Model already launched at 309.99, but who knows maybe youre right. Hopefully well find out on Wednesday.A Link to middle ageA live action Zelda movie seems like such a bad idea to me. I guess the idea is that serious, or at least semi-serious, animated films dont do well but I wouldve thought How to Train Your Dragon would be the obvious comparison to make (especially when trying to sell an idea to a movie exec) of the type of tone youd be looking for from a Zelda movie.I know its not 1:1 but its in the same ballpark and a good match, I think. But a live action movie? The casting for that is going to be a nightmare and probably get caught up in culture wars (especially as I agree Link should be played by a woman Peter Pan panto style). But whoever they pick theyre immediately going to start looking too old with the sequel.Do we really want Tom Holland, or whoever they choose, pushing 40 when hes in the third part of the trilogy? I cant think of a single reason that live action makes sense, and I do worry that Nintendo is getting some very bad advice for its movie ventures, whether theyre successful or not.GorfMovie logicIll be very disappointed if Naughty Dog go back to working on Uncharted. They said they were done with the series and I cant believe theyd go back for any reason other than Sony told them too, which isnt the sort of thing thats likely to end up with a great game.If, on the other hand, they end up making something brand new, maybe this fantasy game people have been hinting at, I will be very impressed. If Naughty Dog can use their fame to just do whatever they want that would be amazing and would finally be a move towards games acting like movies.If a director has a big hit, critical or commerical, theyll almost always get enough funding to make one or two films of whatever they want and only if theyre a flop will they be reeled in again. This never happens with games.Even Hideo Kojima is just making a sequel to his last game, even though hes completely independent now. If things dont work out and Naughty Dog are sent back down the Uncharted mines then at least they had a couple of chances to do whatever they want.If what theyre working on next is just a sequel though, either Uncharted or The Last Of Us, then whats the point? That moment of power and the chance to make whatever they want is gone. The can do The Last Of Us Part 3 anytime they want, in fact Sony will probably insist they do, so go for broken now while you have the chance.TacleCurrent formatsWhy is the next Batman game limited to the next gen if consoles? Its like companies really want money but arent smart enough to sell to people that arent upgrading to the next console.PlayStation 5 sold really well and Xbox Series X/S exists. Unless it takes, like, five years to come out, how can they justify the numbskull-ery?BobwallettGC: Theyve only just started it, so its definitely going to take at least five years to come out. But the rumour clearly states that its also planned for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.Old mastersIve been watching the Metroid Prime 4 trailer again and again and I really cant figure out whether its something the Switch could do or not. The graphics do seem too good, but I think only if you assume its an open world game. But I get the feeling everything is taking part in very small rooms again, like the previous games.Thats fine, thats what the games have always been and I doubt even the Switch 2 will be that powerful, but the smaller the area the more you can put into the graphical detail and enemy animation, etc. Or at least thats how I understand it.So, I think probably that footage is running on the Switch. Whether itll be even better on Switch 2 I dont know. I guess so, but I very much doubt itll suddenly become proper open world, because that would change the whole design.Developers always get the best out of a console right as its on its way out and Retro Studios were always one of the best. I mean, the remaster of Metroid Prime 1 is one of the best looking games on Switch and thats based on a GameCube game!Sometimes its not about polygons or ray-tracing or all that stuff, its just talented artists able to create a sense of immersion, and thats something I expect Metroid Prime 4 to have no matter what its technical abilities are.HoronInbox also-ransFor this Tencent news to be in any way good news for Ubisoft Id want to see proof that theyre going to make something other than games in those three franchises. Im not holding my breath.KoshOK, so Patapon and Everybodys Golf is coming to Switch now. So how about we have Bloodborne next? I dont see why not, because its being just as ignored as those franchises at the moment.CronanMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Solo Leveling features villains from diverse backgrounds, each one of whom is gifted with unique supernatural powers. Perhaps the most notorious ones reside in high-ranking Gates and are waiting for the right opportunity to fight humans till their last breath.

Neople's The First Berserker: Khazan is making waves among Soulslike fans, and for good reason. It stands as one of several newer games in the subgenre that, along with 2023's Lies of P, makes a strong case for non-FromSoftware developers starting to approach the same level of quality as the games that inspired them. One of the more surprising elements of The First Berserker: Khazan is how limited its weapon type variety is in comparison to other games in the subgenre, which has the welcome effect of making each weapon type completely viable as the foundation of a game-carrying build, including one of the Soulslike genre's most overlooked armaments: spears.

Hi there,Since last year, I've been working on a VSCode extension AngelScript Language Server. You can find it here:https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=sashi0034.angel-lspLately, I've been putting much more focused effort into the development, and I believe it's finally getting to a point where it's actually usable.This e

Motion capture done at ILM was used to help craft virtual story reels.Read more about the film issue #25 of befores & afters magazine.The post New video sheds light on mocap used for Transformers One appeared first on befores & afters.

Hello everyone! Cara is proud to be the official platform partner once more for this years #PleinAirpril 2025 with Warrior Painters! What is PleinAirpril?PleinAirpril is a social media event started in 2017 to celebrate Earth Day. The aim is to challenge and engage with plein air artists across the globe and to encourage them to share their artworksone per dayduring the month of April. How to participate in PleinAirpril 2025Every day of April 2025, paint one painting based on the themes "Plants, Aqua, Industrial, Nocturne" and post your work on Cara and/or Instagram: Use the hashtag #PleinAirpril, and tag @warriorpaintersYou can use any medium you want as PleinAirpril is about experimentation, practice, and exploration! Challenge yourself to paint more from life, but feel free to create photo studies or virtual plein air piecesDue to Instagrams limitations on artwork discovery via hashtags, Warrior Painters encourages participants to post on Cara for increased visibility. Content shared on Cara stands a better chance of being discovered and reshared by both the Warrior Painters and Cara community. About Warrior PaintersWarrior Painters was founded in 2016 as a way to connect artists from all walks of life, who share the same passion of showcasing natural and architectural diversity through plein air painting. The majority of painters in the group work in the entertainment industry, spanning from animation and games, to live action films and theme park designs. There is also a good number of freelance illustrators and concept artists. We look forward to how the community will be inspired and enjoy this event, and hope to see you join us this PleinAirpril! - The Cara Teamcara.app | twitter | instagram | buy cara a coffee