A.F. Yee and T. Narisawa's work on the fracture behavior of polymers is pivotal in understanding how these materials fail under stress. Polymers, which are long chains of molecules, have unique mechanical properties that depend on their chemical composition and structure. Yee and Narisawa have extensively studied the microscopic mechanisms behind the fracture of polymers, offering insights into how cracks initiate and propagate in these materials. Their research is crucial for improving the durability and performance of polymer-based products by allowing engineers to design polymers that are more resistant to cracking and failure. This work has applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where polymers are used extensively.

E171. also called titanium dioxide. has been prohibited in Europe due to its potential health hazards. Its safety was reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority EFSA and it was deemed an unsafe food additive. primarily because of worries about its nanoparticle version and potential link to cancer. Research has indicated that E171's nanoparticles can harm cells and DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Therefore. the European Commission has opted to outlaw its utilization in food starting in 2022.

Photosynthetic organisms, such as plants, algae, and certain bacteria, contain various pigments to maximize their ability to absorb sunlight across a broad spectrum. These pigments each have distinct absorption peaks, enabling them to capture different wavelengths of light that penetrate water and atmosphere at various depths and intensities. The most well-known pigment, chlorophyll, primarily absorbs blue and red light, but is less effective at capturing light in the green spectrum. Accessory pigments like carotenoids and phycobiliproteins come into play here, absorbing light in the green, yellow, and orange spectrums that chlorophyll misses. This arrangement allows photosynthetic organisms to more efficiently conduct photosynthesis by utilizing a wider range of the light spectrum, enhancing their ability to produce energy even in diverse and changing light conditions. Essentially, the diversity of pigments acts as a sophisticated light-capturing system, optimizing the organism's ability to convert light energy into chemical energy for growth, development, and reproduction.