'Base coding' on an atomic level

+ is the Zoom boom making us more insecure about our looks? US Edition - Today's top story: Quantum dots are part of a revolution in engineering atoms in useful ways – Nobel Prize for chemistry recognizes the power of nanotechnology [View in browser]( US Edition | 5 October 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [Typesetters union’s rise and fall is cautionary tale for UAW]( - [Can a Missouri entertainment mecca save live theater?]( - [Obstruction may be point in Kevin McCarthy’s downfall]( Lead story The 2023 Nobel Prize in chemistry recognizes the work of three scientists who discovered and developed quantum dots. These tiny, fluorescing particles have been the colorful poster child for nanotechnology for a while. But they’re much “[more than a visually attractive parlor trick](,” writes Arizona State University professor Andrew Maynard. “Quantum dots are a pivotal part of a technology transition that’s revolutionizing how people work with atoms and molecules.” Maynard explains how quantum dots mark a change in the way scientists manipulate the material world. He calls it “base coding” and notes that “reengineering the material world in these novel ways far transcends what can be achieved through more conventional technologies.” [ [Miss us on Sundays? Get a selection of our best and most popular stories (or try our other weekly emails).]([]]( Maggie Villiger Senior Science + Technology Editor Flasks of quantum dots fluorescing over the Nobel Prize announcement. Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images [Quantum dots are part of a revolution in engineering atoms in useful ways – Nobel Prize for chemistry recognizes the power of nanotechnology]( Andrew Maynard, Arizona State University Quantum dots are a prime example of the way nanotechnology engineers materials at an atomic scale. Economy + Business - [Lego’s ESG dilemma: Why an abandoned plan to use recycled plastic bottles is a wake-up call for supply chain sustainability]( Tinglong Dai, Johns Hopkins University; Christopher S. Tang, University of California, Los Angeles; Hau L. Lee, Stanford University Corporate supply chains are riddled with high, uncounted emissions, as Lego discovered. New regulations mean more companies will face tough, sometimes surprising, choices. - [What today’s labor leaders can learn from the explosive rise and quick fall of the typesetters union]( Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University History suggests that there’s risk of overplaying one’s hand when new technology is lurking. - [2 in 5 US babies benefit from the WIC nutrition program]( Noura Insolera, University of Michigan The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children has helped hundreds of millions of toddlers and their mothers eat healthy meals since 1974. Arts + Culture - [What live theater can learn from Branson, Missouri]( Joanna Dee Das, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis Comedians like Stephen Colbert might mock the entertainment mecca, but live theater is in too much of a crisis to dismiss the town’s formula of spectacle meets story. Health + Medicine - [The ‘Zoom effect’ and the possible link between videochatting and appearance dissatisfaction]( Emily Hemendinger, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus With our faces seemingly everywhere − from Zoom meetings to selfies − more people are developing anxieties about how they appear online. Politics + Society - [Ouster of Speaker McCarthy highlights House Republican fractures in an increasingly polarized America]( Charles R. Hunt, Boise State University Long gridlocked by fighting between the two major political parties, the US House is now split by conflict within the GOP, thanks in part to redistricting practices that boost extremism. - [Supreme Court is increasingly putting Christians’ First Amendment rights ahead of others’ dignity and rights to equal protection]( Pauline Jones, University of Michigan; Andrew Murphy, University of Michigan Using the rhetoric of the First Amendment, a string of US Supreme Court cases has allowed members of some religious groups to limit the freedoms of other Americans. - [The splendid life of Jimmy Carter – 5 essential reads]( Howard Manly, The Conversation Beloved in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter became the 39th US president and used his office to make human rights a priority throughout the world. Science + Technology - [How a disgruntled scientist looking to prove his food wasn’t fresh discovered radioactive tracers and won a Nobel Prize 80 years ago]( Artemis Spyrou, Michigan State University; Katharina Domnanich, Michigan State University; Sean Liddick, Michigan State University Some Nobel Prize-winning ideas originate in strange places, but still go on to revolutionize the scientific field. George de Hevesy’s research on radioactive tracers is one such example. Environment + Energy - [Climate change is a fiscal disaster for local governments − our study shows how it’s testing communities in Florida]( Linda Shi, Cornell University; Tisha Joseph Holmes, Florida State University; William Butler, Florida State University A new study of Florida’s fiscal vulnerability to climate change finds that flooding directly threatens many local tax bases. Education - [Millions of US children have mediocre reading skills, but engaged parents and a committed school curriculum can help]( Shayne Piasta, The Ohio State University Low levels of literacy cost the US more than $2 trillion every year. Trending on site - [What is an attosecond? A physical chemist explains the tiny time scale behind Nobel Prize-winning research]( - [Nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alert system could test people’s patience – or help rebuild public trust in the system]( - [Despite one of the US military’s greatest fiascoes, American troops are still in Somalia fighting an endless war]( Today's graphic 📈 [A table compares LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ people over age 60 who were forced into retirement. It shows those who are LGBTQ+ were substantially more likely to report retiring due to health issues or economic factors outside of their control.]( From the story, [LGBTQ+ Americans feel they are just getting by in retirement and face greater financial risks]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly and biweekly emails: • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( • [Global Perspectives]( • [Global Economy & Business]( Trying out new social media? Follow us: • [Threads]( • [Bluesky]( • [Mastodon](• [Post.news]( • [LinkedIn]( - - About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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