Science Saturday Explores Chip Technology, Exploration, and Online Disinformation
Science Saturday covers a range of topics, including advancements in chip technology, exciting exploration efforts, and the challenges posed by online disinformation.
TroibNews 
### Chip Technology
Chinese scientists have achieved a significant milestone in chip technology with the development of artificial sapphire dielectric wafers. Their research, which has been published in *Nature*, addresses the difficulties of miniaturizing transistors that typically lead to overheating and rapid battery drainage in devices.
This innovative crystalline sapphire provides ultra-low leakage at the nanometer scale, setting it apart from conventional materials. This advancement promises greater power efficiency in devices, which is essential for the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
### Ocean Exploration
The Chinese research vessel Shenhai Yihao, also known as Deep Sea No. 1, has embarked on its 2024 Western Pacific International Voyage. Onboard is China’s manned submersible, Jiaolong. The mission, lasting 45 days, will see Jiaolong undertake 18 dives to gather deep-sea organisms, seawater, and sediment samples, thereby advancing our knowledge of seamount ecosystems.
The Digital Deep-sea Typical Habitats Program, led by China, now enjoys the support and participation of 39 countries. This expedition marks the first international voyage under the program and features collaboration among scientists from Canada, Spain, Colombia, and various other regions.
### Space Exploration
NASA is contemplating the option of keeping the two astronauts who flew to the International Space Station on Boeing's capsule until February due to complications faced by the spacecraft during the flight. The agency is currently assessing alternatives for the safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, with no definitive plan established yet. However, officials have acknowledged that a SpaceX capsule may be utilized instead.
Wilmore and Williams arrived at the space station on June 6 during the inaugural crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was originally intended for a week-long stay. Technical issues with Starliner’s thrusters and a helium leak have prolonged their mission, leaving the astronauts stranded for over two months while engineers work on solutions.
### Online Disinformation
OFCOM, the UK's media regulator, is facing challenges in enforcing online safety regulations.
Recently, a 17-year-old perpetrated a stabbing incident at a dance class in Southport, resulting in the deaths of three girls. In the aftermath, misinformation surged on social media, incorrectly labeling the attacker as an asylum seeker, inciting nationwide anti-immigration protests that escalated into riots.
Despite the significant consequences of this misinformation, OFCOM currently lacks the authority to take action, as the powers of the Online Safety Act have not yet been fully implemented. Once in effect, OFCOM will gain the ability to impose fines and potentially jail time for severe violations of online safety rules.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Chinese scientists have achieved a significant milestone in chip technology with the development of artificial sapphire dielectric wafers. Their research, which has been published in *Nature*, addresses the difficulties of miniaturizing transistors that typically lead to overheating and rapid battery drainage in devices.
This innovative crystalline sapphire provides ultra-low leakage at the nanometer scale, setting it apart from conventional materials. This advancement promises greater power efficiency in devices, which is essential for the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
### Ocean Exploration
The Chinese research vessel Shenhai Yihao, also known as Deep Sea No. 1, has embarked on its 2024 Western Pacific International Voyage. Onboard is China’s manned submersible, Jiaolong. The mission, lasting 45 days, will see Jiaolong undertake 18 dives to gather deep-sea organisms, seawater, and sediment samples, thereby advancing our knowledge of seamount ecosystems.
The Digital Deep-sea Typical Habitats Program, led by China, now enjoys the support and participation of 39 countries. This expedition marks the first international voyage under the program and features collaboration among scientists from Canada, Spain, Colombia, and various other regions.
### Space Exploration
NASA is contemplating the option of keeping the two astronauts who flew to the International Space Station on Boeing's capsule until February due to complications faced by the spacecraft during the flight. The agency is currently assessing alternatives for the safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, with no definitive plan established yet. However, officials have acknowledged that a SpaceX capsule may be utilized instead.
Wilmore and Williams arrived at the space station on June 6 during the inaugural crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was originally intended for a week-long stay. Technical issues with Starliner’s thrusters and a helium leak have prolonged their mission, leaving the astronauts stranded for over two months while engineers work on solutions.
### Online Disinformation
OFCOM, the UK's media regulator, is facing challenges in enforcing online safety regulations.
Recently, a 17-year-old perpetrated a stabbing incident at a dance class in Southport, resulting in the deaths of three girls. In the aftermath, misinformation surged on social media, incorrectly labeling the attacker as an asylum seeker, inciting nationwide anti-immigration protests that escalated into riots.
Despite the significant consequences of this misinformation, OFCOM currently lacks the authority to take action, as the powers of the Online Safety Act have not yet been fully implemented. Once in effect, OFCOM will gain the ability to impose fines and potentially jail time for severe violations of online safety rules.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
