Today’s Focus of Attention

US regulators approve the sale of lab-grown chicken

Imagine biting into a juicy piece of chicken, that didn’t come from a farm, but from a lab. Sounds like science fiction? Well, not quite.
The US Agriculture Department, has given the green light to California-based GOOD Meat, to sell their chicken produced from cultured cells, heralding a new era, of sustainable meat production. 
The approval, came after the Food and Drug Administration, confirmed in March this year, that cultivated chicken was safe for consumers. 
Along with GOOD Meat, The Agriculture Department, also approved lab-grown chicken from UPSIDE Foods, which had already received regulatory acceptance from the FDA, in November 2022. 
From now on, GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods, can offer their products to restaurants, and, fingers crossed, in a little while, supermarkets. 
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How many Solar Panels do you need? This episode helps you calculate your requirements

Solar energy is the most popular, and affordable way to generate electricity off-grid.
However, a common question is, “How many solar panels do I need, to power my home?” This, will depend on your energy needs, location, and the number of sunlight hours you get.
Energy demand is higher during the summer, due to air conditioning use, and in the winter, because of heating needs.
Look at your electricity bills during these periods, for a clearer picture of your energy consumption.
Once you have, a clearer panorama of those peak times of the year, read the labels of your appliances, which show the wattage per hour they consume.
After having your everyday energy usage, divide that total, by the number of sun hours you get in a day.
Now, calculate your solar panels.
Given that solar panels, produce electricity from the sun’s rays during daylight, it’s key to know how many hours of sunlight, your home receives in one day.
On a daily basis, the average number of peak sun hours is five. Though it depends on the country and season.
If you get those 5 hours of sun rays, 1 kilowatt of solar panels, would produce five kilowatt-hours.
So, if your daily energy consumption, is 25 kilowatt-hours, 5 kilowatts of photovoltaic cells, will suffice to energise your home.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/how-to-switch-to-solar-energy-beginners-guide/
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Vertical Farming: Can it revolutionise food production?

Discover how Vertical Farming, an innovative and sustainable approach to food production, could revolutionise agriculture and help build a more food-secure future.
For thousands of years, we have relied on traditional agriculture to cultivate crops, and raise livestock, which has been essential for our survival, and societal growth. 
This practice involves a complex system of planting, irrigation, and harvest, including heavy machinery and chemicals, like fertilisers and pesticides. 
Even though traditional agriculture has been crucial in feeding the world, it has also caused considerable damage, including deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution, and high levels of carbon emissions. 
Along came Vertical Farming.  
Vertical Farming, refers to the practice of cultivating crops, in vertically stacked layers, or on inclined surfaces, within controlled indoor environments.
These layers, can be integrated into other structures, such as skyscrapers, repurposed warehouses, shipping containers, or custom-built facilities. 
Its major advantage, is that it allows farming in urban settings, where land availability is limited. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/vertical-farming-future-food-production/
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/vertical-gardening-how-to-grow-my-own-food-at-home/
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The Top 6 Renewable Energy Sources Shaping a Sustainable World

Discover how these technologies are helping to combat climate change, promote a healthier world, and create a cleaner future.
Whether you’re a pro, or just dipping your toes, into the vast ocean of green energy, we are thrilled to have you here. 
In this episode, we’ll explore the top six renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, and dive into the emerging world of hydrogen. 
The need for green power, has never been more critical. If we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we’re in for environmental degradation, the exhaustion of our non-sustainable reserves, and an even more devastating climate change. 
Not a pretty scenario, right? 
However, the solution lies in carbon-neutral alternatives, which are not just safe; they’re key to creating a healthier, and more balanced world. 
Despite the challenges, of implementation and scalability, the global community, is witnessing a seismic shift, towards these renewable sources. 
So, are you ready to explore how these superstars, are shaping a sustainable future? Buckle up and continue listening. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/renewable-energy-sources-guide/
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11 Practical Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Every Day

Ready for a greener life? Discover 11 practical, everyday changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet
A carbon footprint. We have all heard the term, but what does it mean?
In simple terms, your carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, that you personally release into the atmosphere, through your actions and lifestyle choices.
The larger your carbon footprint, the greater your contribution to climate change, and environmental degradation. Scary thought, right?
Well, here’s the good news. By making small changes in your daily routines, you can reduce your carbon output, and make a big difference to our planet.
In this episode, we’ll share 11 practical tips to help you get started. Ready to become a friendlier inhabitant of Earth?
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/how-to-reduce-my-carbon-emissions-and-reduce-my-carbon-footprint/
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Groundbreaking 1,000-km battery to enter production in 2024

Imagine an electric car with a 1,000-kilometre range on a single charge. By 2024, this may be a reality
In a bold innovation, Gotion High Tech, has presented its new L600 lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate battery, which boasts a staggering 1,000 km of range. This breakthrough, nearly doubles the existing batteries in the market.  
At its annual technology conference, Gotion High Tech announced, that mass production of this revolutionary battery, will start in 2024, signalling significant strides in renewable and clean power. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/new-1000-km-battery-for-electric-cars/
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New study exposes the impact nanoplastics have on metabolism

Microscopic particles from degraded plastics like water bottles and bags can infiltrate any organism’s bloodstream, disrupting metabolic functions and potentially compromising health
In a pioneering study published in Nature Journal, researchers from Leipzig University, and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, unveiled the harmful effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics, on an organism’s metabolism and development. 
The study, conducted on zebrafish embryos, showed the presence of PET NPs in their internal organs, and illustrated how exposure to such particles, impacts their physiology. 
The adverse outcomes of NPs on humans, remain uncertain but are under active scientific investigation. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/the-impact-of-microplastics-on-metabolism/
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Get ready, America: Affordable Chinese EV Brands are Revving Their Engines

Chinese EVs have successfully infiltrated the European market. Now, they’re gearing up to bring their cutting-edge, low-cost electric vehicles to America. How will this affect home-grown brands? 
For years, Chinese carmakers have been laying the groundwork to enter the US market. Despite the political tensions in 2023, between the United States, NATO, and the Chinese Communist Party, it appears they’re closer than ever, to making their American debut. 
A wave of affordable, high-tech EVs from China, could soon hit American dealerships, exciting budget-conscious consumers.
In China, the e-car industry has erupted, so it comes as no surprise, that they want to expand their sphere of influence, to other regions. 
In 2022, EV sales in the US, reached a record high of 800,000 cars. Yet, in the Asian giant, a staggering 5 million EVs were sold. 
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The First Sodium-IonElectric Vehicle

Discover the new electric compact that offers a 500 km range on a single charge, fast-charging capabilities, and resilience in extreme weather conditions 
Volkswagen, and the Chinese carmaker JAC, have unveiled the world’s first electric car, powered by sodium-ion batteries, marking a significant milestone, that could reshape the global automotive market. 
This alliance between JAC and Volkswagen, will speed up the adoption of this innovative energy storage solution, since sodium-ion batteries, are an up-and-coming alternative to lithium-ion batteries, due to their lower cost and a wealth of sodium resources. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/the-first-sodium-ion-battery-powered-electric-car/
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How long does an EV battery last?

A common question about electric vehicles, relates to their battery lifespan. This is a fair concern, since the energy pack, as the heart of an electric car, accounts for about 70% of the car’s value.
But there are no easy answers to that. We don’t know exactly how long they will keep working, because they have been around for just a handful of years.
The potential costs of replacing these batteries, once they reach the end of their useful life, can be daunting.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/how-long-does-an-ev-battery-last/
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Hidden costs of electric vehicles few talk about

Before making the switch, and buying an electric car, you should be aware of all the hidden costs it entails, from maintenance to charging infrastructure.
EVs are praised for being, apart from eco-friendly, cost-effective, compared with their petrol counterparts, because they don’t use oil, or have too many mechanical pieces internally. 
However, while EVs certainly have their benefits, they also come with several downsides, including some hidden costs that few consider. 
In today’s episode, we highlight some overlooked expenses associated with owning an EV, and how they might influence your decision to purchase one. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/8-hidden-costs-of-electric-vehicles-few-talk-about/
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The hydrogen internal combustion engine is here and running on JCB machines

The hydrogen engine we’ve been waiting for is not a conversion; it’s a new technology made a reality by JCB and ready to work.
To meet the ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050, we need a lot of bold thinking, hard work, and, of course, innovation.
Our topic today is the introduction of a new hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine, an alternative to lithium-ion, fuel cells, and diesel engines.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/the-hydrogen-internal-combustion-engine/
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Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies and Advancements

There’s still a long way to go before EVs become the preferred choice for all of us. 
As said in previous episodes, we believe electric vehicles will someday surpass internal combustion engines, but for that, they must overcome quite a few obstacles, including range, prices, and charging time. 
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Are hydrogen cars better than battery-powered cars?

The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), the advances in fuel cells, and the progress in battery technologies suggest that a new era has started: the age of the electric car.
But this shift in paradigm also brings rivalry: hydrogen and battery-powered cars are competing for the position of King of the Road.
Both have their ups and downs. Which one is the best option?
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/are-hydrogen-cars-better-than-battery-powered-cars/
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Hydrogen Powder is redefining the industry

Safety, transport, and storage, are the most common challenges when it comes to scaling up hydrogen production and distribution. 
Whatever method used to make hydrogen, the final output is gas. Because of its low boiling point, minus 252 °C, and low melting point, minus 259 °C, it is complicated to transport and store hydrogen, in its liquid or solid state. 
Not to mention the risks involved because hydrogen is highly flammable. 
Regarding transport, engineers are working on repurposing the existing gas pipelines, but storage remains in high-pressure cylinders. 
In this episode, we’ll be talking about an Israeli startup called “Electriq,” which came up with a solution, that may solve the shipping and safekeeping issues. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/clean-energy-based-on-hydrogen-powder/
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Scientists discover enzyme that makes electricity from air

Researchers at the Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute in Melbourne, Australia, have discovered an enzyme that transforms air into electricity.  
Dr Rhys Grinter (team leader), Professor Chris Greening, and Ph.D. student Ashleigh Kropp published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, where they revealed that this enzyme uses the little hydrogen present in the atmosphere to generate an electrical current. 
Literally making energy from thin air.
The enzyme behind this master stroke is a hydrogen-consuming enzyme that comes from a common soil bacterium. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/a-new-source-of-energy-coming-from-the-air/
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Repurposing gas pipelines for hydrogen distribution

Recent studies have shown that adapting existing natural gas networks for hydrogen transport is four times more cost-effective than building new ones. 
Repurposing natural gas pipelines addresses technical concerns, including hydrogen embrittlement of steel and welds, as well as permeation and leakage.  
Hydrogen embrittlement is a process in which tiny hydrogen molecules permeate the material in pipes, dissociate on metal surfaces, and dissolve into the metal lattice, changing the mechanical response of the alloy. This can lead to fatigue, fractures, and leaks. 
To prevent this, coating, sleeves, and casing of materials with the right resistance to hydrogen embrittlement are crucial. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/repurposing-gas-pipelines-for-hydrogen/
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Oxygen-ion batteries as an alternative to Li-ion

We find lithium-ion batteries everywhere. In our smartphones, remotes, and even our cars. And we might think they are the best because they are ubiquitous. But the main issue with Li-ion batteries is their durability.
Scientists at the Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien) in Austria have developed a new battery that is made of incombustible and common materials, is able to regenerate, and has an unrivalled long life service. 
Welcome to the world of oxygen-ion batteries. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/oxygen-ion-batteries-to-substitute-lithium-ion-batteries/
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Lithium-air batteries with 4x energy density unveiled

The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have devised a lithium-air battery that they claim has four times the density of current batteries.  
Scientists behind this project said this lithium-air battery would have enough power for long-haul trucks and domestic flights (with over 1,600 kilometres of range) and would mean a seismic shift for the whole transport industry. 
At the same time, researchers affirm this fresh type of battery, apart from holding more energy, is way more reliable and reduces the risk of fire. 
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/lithium-air-batteries-with-4x-energy-density/
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Water-based batteries: 1,000% more energy storage and safer alternative to lithium-ion

Scientists at Texas A&M University have been focusing on metal-free, water-based battery electrodes, which have shown an energy storage capacity of as much as 1,000%.
Apart from reducing the dependence on lithium and other minerals, researchers also point out that these batteries put an end to battery fires.
How do water-based batteries work?
The university’s research, published on 27 March, explains that water-based, or aqueous, batteries are made up of an electrolyte, a cathode (the negatively charged electrode), and an anode (the positively charged electrode).
While traditional batteries have the same components, the contrast with the new batteries lies in the materials used.
https://todaysfocusofattention.com/new-water-powered-batteries-with-10x-more-energy-safer-option-than-lithium-ion/
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