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NASA’s Selections for the Most Scientifically Precise Science Fiction Films

in the medical series “The Pitt,” which effectively reveals the physical and psychological challenges faced by healthcare professionals. 

In terms of science fiction, NASA researchers have categorized both unrealistic and plausible films during a gathering at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (as reported by Smithsonian Magazine). They should be the experts, right? Here’s the complete list of the most credible and likely films:

  1. “Gattaca” (1997)
  2. “Contact” (1997)
  3. “Metropolis” (1927)
  4. “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951)
  5. “Woman from the Moon” (1929)
  6. “The Thing from Another World” (1951)
  7. “Jurassic Park” (1993)

The most credible film is “Gattaca,” from 1997, which is so well-crafted in its representation of modern genetics that scientists have built upon the concept with a insightful 2022 publication. Additionally, “Contact,” featuring Jodie Foster, is inspired by a novel authored by Carl Sagan, a genuine astronomer and scientist. It appears he delayed the production as he desired it to be highly precise (via <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/how-scientifically-accurate-is-contact-according-to-nasa/" target="_blank

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Refresh firmware and drivers

The Security of Applying WD-40 on Electronic Gadgets

If you’ve ever found yourself needing to remove a stubborn screw or lubricate the track of a sliding-glass door, it’s likely you’ve reached for a can of WD-40 to accomplish the task. A versatile solution, WD-40 is frequently utilized as a lubricant, but it’s also effective in preventing rust, corrosion, and moisture. This practical product serves well for home, garden, and automotive uses, and even casual tech enthusiasts can discover multiple applications for a can of Water Displacement, 40th Formula (the full meaning of the acronym).

However, DIY computer assemblers and vintage radio restorers should take caution: the conventional WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not meant for use on electronics. You might be wondering what the issue is. Regular WD-40 is highly flammable, and the residue it leaves can conduct electricity.

Even if you spray it on a power supply or exposed circuits and everything appears to operate normally at that moment, the leftover residue is essentially a ticking time bomb. After a few days or weeks, it can cause a short circuit, damage the entire component, or— in the worst-case scenario— ignite an electrical fire.

Maintenance that doesn’t lead to malfunction

We comprehend why you might have assumed it was acceptable to use WD-40 on your tech device— after all, how else could you remove all the dust and grime from your electronic components? Beyond the fire and electrical risks posed by WD-40, that oily film it leaves behind may disturb the dirt you’re trying to clean in the short term, but it can also serve as a magnet for future debris to adhere to.

Fortunately, various products tailored for deep-cleaning electronics are available on the market, including one made by the WD-40 brand itself. Introducing WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, a spray-on solution specifically designed for use with circuit boards, electric panels, and control interfaces. The red precision nozzle allows you to spray oil and dirt from hard-to-access areas, and the product dries quickly, leaving no residue.

Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle of 90% isopropyl alcohol or higher for cleaning electronics. It’s generally safe as the liquid evaporates rapidly and does not leave any residue behind. Avoid anything 70% or lower, which contains a lot of water, persists on surfaces, and takes a long time to evaporate— not ideal for sensitive electronics.

Keep your tech clean without damaging it

There are additional brands that create safe and reliable contact cleaners for electronic devices, many readily available on Amazon. This CRC QD Electronic Cleaner is among the top-rated contact cleaners on the site (4.8 out of five stars, based on more than 14,000 reviews), and it’s designed to leave zero residue while protecting against contact failures.

We recognize the importance of keeping your electronics free from dust and lint. Our guides on safely cleaning your computer’s USB ports and effectively deep cleaning your iPhone highlight tools such as cotton swabs, microfiber cloths, and isopropyl alcohol— all equally effective at eliminating dirt and grime from circuit boards and other sensitive electronics.

Additionally, we provide guidance on how frequently you should clean your computer, recommending the use of a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and dust clumps. This is another excellent accessory to include in your toolkit— ideal for not only clearing crud from your laptop or desktop, but also for giving all your other electronics a well-deserved cleanup.

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Comprehending the Black Dot on Your iPhone Display and How to Turn It Off

Staying updated with your phone’s software is one of the top methods to guarantee that your device performs at its best. Occasionally, an update can bring features and settings you’ve never encountered before, similar to those seen on iPhones with the launch of iOS 18.4 earlier this year. Alongside the standard bug fixes and system enhancements, this iOS version also introduced a new UI feature: a black dot located to the right of the Dynamic Island.

Surprisingly, the black dot is simply a visual upgrade for two privacy indicators that debuted with iOS 14, namely the orange and green dots. A green dot signifies that an iPhone app is accessing your camera, while an orange dot indicates that an app is utilizing your phone’s internal microphone. In iOS 18.4, developers relocated the indicators from the Dynamic Island and added a black background to both, improving their visibility.

To remove the green or orange dots with a black background, you just need to close the app that is accessing your iPhone’s camera or microphone. If you’re uncertain which software is causing these indicators to appear, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access Control Center. Here, you will find usage details for active apps, including which software is using the camera or microphone.

You cannot turn off the dots, but you can manage your privacy.

When looking for privacy indicators on phones, such as the green dot on Android devices, it is wise also to monitor which apps your phone is operating. Regardless of whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, a privacy indicator might be your sole warning of potential malware running in the background, especially if you are confident that your apps are not causing it.

How might it have appeared initially? There are numerous ways, one of which is through a compromised connection. This is why it’s advisable to steer clear of public USB charging stations, or at the very least, use a protective accessory like JSAUX’s USB Data Blocker if you absolutely need to charge your device and lack a portable charger.

Regrettably, if the green or orange dot bothers your iOS experience, there’s no universal off switch for the indicators. However, you can individually grant and revoke camera and microphone access. To do this, go to Settings, tap Privacy & Security, and select Camera or Microphone. Once you revoke an app’s access to the camera or microphone from the list, the indicator dots should no longer show up when you use that software, and they will remain off for any apps you have not authorized.

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Signs That It’s Time to Upgrade Your Phone

recycle your old device when acquiring a new one. The indicators that it’s time to take that step are evident across various phone platforms and manufacturers, so whether you’re using an iPhone or a device powered by Android, let’s examine some signs that suggest it’s time to phase out that aging phone and invest in something new to create fresh memories with.

It operates slowly

Expert Opinions on the Longevity of OLED TVs

other kinds of displays like LCD.

There are additional aspects that impact your television’s lifespan that go beyond the screen itself. To make your TV endure longer, it’s wise to select a brand renowned for reliability, along with a model that isn’t infamous for breakdowns. While this doesn’t ensure longevity, certain TV models have anecdotal indications of elevated failure rates. It’s also crucial to be cautious of the burn-in issue with OLED screens, which can be activated by leaving them displaying the same image for extended durations. By taking these two factors into account, you can gauge how long your particular TV may last.

OLED displays and burn-in

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Effects of Nuclear Radiation on the Human Body

dogs in the vicinity of Chernobyl mutating and advancing more rapidly. Nuclear radiation doesn’t simply manifest itself with fire or a loud explosion. It operates quietly and imperceptibly from the inside.

After years of diligent research and trials, scientists have discovered a substantial amount about radiation. We now comprehend its movement through food, which organs it primarily targets, and why children might be more susceptible. Although advancements in medicine have been made, emergency response systems have enhanced, and treatments have become more intelligent, our knowledge regarding the impact of nuclear radiation on human beings remains incomplete. However, here is what we currently understand.

How nuclear radiation harms the human body

Moss Thrives on the Surface of the ISS for Several Months: Research Findings

Researchers recently attached moss spores to the outer surface of the International Space Station during the Tanpopo 4 mission for 283 days (approximately nine months). The aim was to determine if life from Earth could endure the extreme conditions of space, and the survival of “Physcomitrium patens” indicates that it certainly can.

Moss experiences various transformations throughout its life cycle, but the researchers specifically selected moss that was still within their sporophyte structures, as these were the most durable in this phase. These enclosed spores were up to 1,000 times more resistant to UV radiation than the moss’ brood cells. In laboratory simulations, the spores exhibited an 80% germination rate after 30 days at -80 degrees Celsius (-112 degrees Fahrenheit), and a 36% rate after 30 days at 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit).

The outer layers of the sporophyte serve as a protective shield against desiccation, radiation, and extreme temperatures. Mosses are recognized as among the earliest land plants, but transitioning from a water-saturated environment to terrestrial life entails adjustments to the scarcity of available water. This adaptation illustrates the evolutionary advancements that enabled bryophytes to inhabit land environments.

The little moss that could

Following a nine-month period attached to the ISS, the moss spores demonstrated an 86% germination rate (in contrast to 97% for the control moss cultivated on Earth). These outcomes highlighted the moss’s resilience, withstanding the most extreme conditions encountered in space.

Among various factors that could harm the moss, researchers identified UV radiation as the primary threat. Surprisingly, extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space had minimal impact on germination rates. However, UV radiation resulted in an 11% decrease compared to the control specimens. All samples, regardless of UV exposure, exhibited approximately 20% chlorophyll degradation.

Even the samples shielded by UV filters showed comparable degradation, implying that the intense visible and infrared light of space (not filtered by any atmosphere) was responsible. The findings emphasize the photosensitivity of these plants in non-terrestrial settings. Furthermore, this experiment represents the first occasion that scientists have verified bryophyte survival following actual space exposure and subsequent return to Earth.

Space agriculture may be possible

By utilizing the nine-month observation period and extrapolating, researchers constructed a model suggesting that the moss could potentially endure for around 5,600 days in space, but this model has its limitations. It relies on just two data points (pre-exposure and nine months post-exposure), indicating that further investigations are necessary for a more accurate estimate.

The results carry practical implications for prospective Moon and Mars missions. Mosses serve as “pioneer” species, meaning they are the initial organisms that aid in soil development for later, more complex lifeforms, much like peat moss functions on Earth. Scientists have pointed out that bryophytes like these are promising candidates for bio-regenerative life support systems on space stations or planetary bases. Mosses provide numerous advantages over traditional crops or simpler plants such as algae. Their capacity to survive and even flourish in low-light settings makes them suitable for space stations or colonies located far from sunlight. Their ability to generate oxygen while sequestering carbon dioxide addresses two environmental issues simultaneously.

The experiment transitions space agriculture from merely a theoretical concept to something that may realistically occur. Tackling food security beyond Earth, one of the critical challenges in long-term space habitation, has become a little more feasible.

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