Scientists Move Closer to Carbon-Neutral Aviation with Solar-Powered Jet Fuel Technology

In a reflective article published on March 17, 2025, Benjamin E. Goldsmith, a professor at the University of Sydney, warns that U.S. democracy is "doomed" amidst rising authoritarianism under Donald Trump. Goldsmith explains that a loss of political culture, which he deems crucial for upholding democratic values, has made the U.S. vulnerable to elite manipulation of democratic processes. He argues that Trump, now in a second term, has learned to navigate and exploit the democratic system's weaknesses, potentially transforming it into an "illiberal political system" that preserves his power beyond 2028. Goldsmith suggests that current political tactics resemble those employed by authoritarian regimes, eroding essential democratic institutions such as a free press and the rule of law, reminiscent of scenarios in Russia and Ukraine. Furthermore, he predicts a fundamental shift in international relations, with the U.S. joining China and Russia as a dominant non-democratic power, ultimately undermining the rules-based international order. The article concludes with a call for vigilance regarding these developments in American political culture.

Saritha Ramaraju, a 48-year-old woman of Indian origin, has been charged with felony murder after allegedly killing her 11-year-old son by slitting his throat in Orange County, California. The tragic event occurred shortly after a family trip to Disneyland, during which Ramaraju purchased three-day passes for herself and her son, according to a report by PTI. The Orange County District Attorney's office stated that Ramaraju could face a maximum sentence of 26 years to life if convicted. Following the incident on March 19, local police found the child deceased in their motel room, surrounded by Disney souvenirs, and recovered a large kitchen knife, which was bought the day before. Ramaraju had been in a custody dispute with her ex-husband, Prakash Raju, who was awarded primary custody of their son in 2018. Reports indicate that Ramaraju had accused Raju of substance abuse and aggressive behavior, while he denied her claims as false. Ramaraju is currently hospitalized after attempting suicide following the incident and was arrested upon her release.

Divya Tyagi, an Indian-origin student at Pennsylvania State University, has solved a 100-year-old mathematical problem that could revolutionize wind turbine design and enhance wind energy production. Pursuing a master's degree in aerospace engineering, Tyagi refined a mathematical model originally posed by British aerodynamicist Hermann Glauert, which focused on maximizing turbine power output but overlooked additional critical factors such as rotor forces and blade bending under wind pressure. Her advancements, published in Wind Energy Science, include an addendum that identifies ideal flow conditions for turbines, thus maximizing their aerodynamic performance. "I created an addendum to Glauert’s problem which determines the optimal aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine," Tyagi explained. Her adviser, Professor Sven Schmitz, highlighted the potential impact of her discoveries on future wind turbine technology, noting that her elegant solution could be integrated into educational curricula worldwide. Tyagi, also a recipient of the Anthony E. Wolk Award, emphasized the significance of even a 1% improvement in turbine power coefficient, stating it could substantially increase energy production, potentially powering an entire neighborhood.