Virtual conferences offer a convenient way to engage with professional meetings, such as the ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Conference & Expo, and can enhance one's chemistry career. They require advance planning and thoughtful participation. Attendees can benefit from asynchronous sessions, allowing for deeper reflection on the content. Presenters should prepare their talks to be concise and anticipate audience questions. Professional appearance during online presentations is crucial. Networking remains essential in the virtual format, with etiquette and inclusivity being important. The shift to virtual conferences, accelerated by COVID-19, presents an opportunity for undergraduates to contribute to the evolution of these events.

Canon has developed a new autofocus technology that operates faster, better, and in lower light without needing new components. The 'cross dual-pixel twisted-photodiode' created by Daiki Shirahige and his team at Canon's Device Technology Development Headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan, was presented at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting in San Francisco. This technology stacks two identical photodiodes at right angles to capture both horizontal and vertical patterns, doubling the capacity of previous systems and not requiring extra processing time. The market for these sensors is expected to grow significantly by 2030. Canon has not provided a commercial release date for the new sensors.

Spain formed a new government on November 9, coinciding with the shooting of Vox party co-founder Alejo Vidal-Quadras in Madrid. The caretaker prime minister Pedro Sánchez, from the Socialist and Workers Party, faced controversy for including an amnesty for Catalan separatists in his coalition government pact. Protests ensued, with peaceful demonstrations escalating to violence at night. The opposition People's Party is organizing a protest against the amnesty, while Vidal-Quadras survived the attack and blamed the Iranian government.

Research conducted in the Artà Caves on Mallorca indicates that during the Pliocene Epoch, when Earth's temperatures were comparable to those projected for 2100, sea levels were about 16 meters higher than today. The study, which used precise dating methods and accounted for the rise and fall of the Earth's crust, suggests that smaller ice sheets and parts of the eastern Antarctic ice sheet melted. The findings contribute to understanding the sensitivity of ice sheets to climate change.

TV broadcasters are considering 5G technology as a new method to reach audiences, with the FCC granting experimental licenses to broadcast video and data over the UHF band using 5G protocols. This could alleviate network bandwidth and create new business opportunities. Low-power television networks may benefit from this technology, especially in providing services during emergencies. The UHF band and 5G networks operate over several frequency bands, and while 5G TV may not be as stable as ATSC 3.0, it can reach mobile devices. The technology is expected to mature in a few years, with global cellular standards-setting body 3GPP finalizing protocols for 5G TV signals. Sinclair Broadcast Group and SK Telecom have explored ATSC 3.0 and 5G convergence, with potential applications in vehicle infotainment systems.

CubeSats launched in 2021 are part of a growing competition to provide Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in space. Companies like Lacuna Space, Sateliot, and OQ Technology are challenging traditional satellite telecoms by offering new technologies and pricing models. The 3GPP's release 17 standard allows for satellite connectivity to standard cellular devices, enabling these new entrants to compete effectively. OQ Technology and Sateliot are expanding their satellite constellations to improve coverage, with plans for near-real-time coverage in the coming years. The industry is also benefiting from shared launch infrastructure and the availability of cheaper, off-the-shelf IoT-compatible modules and satellites.

Olms, blind aquatic salamanders living in underwater caves beneath southeastern Europe's Dinaric Alps, exhibit extremely sedentary behavior, with one individual remaining in the same spot for seven years. A study led by zoologist Gergely Balázs from Eötvös Loránd University tagged 26 olms and found most did not move more than 10 meters over several years. This slow pace of life, including a reproductive cycle every 12 years and the ability to survive without food for a decade, is an adaptation to the energy-scarce cave environment. The even distribution of scarce food sources like crustaceans and snails in the caves may negate the need for the olms to move frequently.

Apple, AST SpaceMobile, T-Mobile USA, and SpaceX are advancing in the race to deliver cellular calls from space. Apple announced emergency satellite messaging for its latest iPhone models, AST SpaceMobile is testing satellite 5G service, and T-Mobile and SpaceX plan to offer messaging and limited data service. Each company is using different approaches and technologies, with varying implications for regulatory approval and commercial operations. Concerns have been raised about the impact on astronomy due to the reflectiveness and size of the satellite arrays. Regulatory issues regarding power limits and interference across borders remain unresolved. The services are expected to improve connectivity in remote areas, although they may not provide seamless communication.

Hardware makers StarFive, Pine64, and Xcalibyte are planning to offer RISC-V chips, joining the market alongside the VisionFive RISC-V board. The RISC-V architecture is open-source, requiring no licensing fees, and is optimized for power efficiency, making it appealing for IoT and AI applications. Despite its novelty and limited software support, RISC-V is gaining traction, with a predicted 25% market share in IoT by 2025. Trade barriers and sanctions have increased interest in RISC-V among Chinese and Russian companies. The global automotive industry is currently the largest market for RISC-V chips, with potential for mixed-architecture processor packages in the future.

The evolution of cellphone networks is extending into space with companies like Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile launching satellites for direct-to-mobile services. These low Earth orbit (LEO) systems aim to provide coverage without special ground equipment, potentially qualifying for rural broadband funds. Technical challenges include signal transmission power and orientation issues. Lynk Global's narrowband service is expected in late 2022, while AST SpaceMobile targets 4G and 5G broadband. The industry is also exploring nonterrestrial networks, including high-altitude platforms, with new standards being developed by 3GPP. The goal is seamless integration into existing networks, making advanced connectivity ubiquitous.

Los Angeles County experienced issues with new ballot-marking devices during last month's primary election, causing significant voter delays. The county is part of a growing trend of public authorities testing open source components for voting systems, aiming for transparency and cost savings. The VSAP project, Microsoft's open-source vote verification system, and DARPA's secure open source system are examples of this movement. Open source advocates like Gregory Miller and Juan Gilbert highlight the potential for innovation and cost reduction, while Smartmatic uses open-source components and promotes transparency. However, experts like Peter Wolf caution that open source does not automatically ensure scrutiny or security, as demonstrated by the flaws found in Switzerland's leaked online voting system code.

The article reflects on the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the elderly population in Bergamo, Italy. It poignantly describes the loss of a generation raised during World War II, emphasizing the wisdom and cultural heritage that is being lost with their passing. The author makes a heartfelt plea to medical professionals to save the elders and to the mayor to ensure their ashes are returned to their homeland. The piece concludes with a vision of honoring the deceased by teaching future generations about the events of spring 2020 in a field where the elders are laid to rest.

Lucas Laursen delves into the harrowing topic of Spain's missing children, a phenomenon that dates back to the Franco era and continued for decades thereafter. The article likely explores the historical context of the issue, the impact on families, and the ongoing search for truth and reconciliation. It may also touch upon the political and social ramifications of these events and the efforts by various groups to address the legacy of the missing children. The piece is expected to be a blend of investigative reporting and current affairs, with a focus on the social and cultural aspects of this dark chapter in Spain's history.

At MWC Barcelona, Rivetz CEO Steven Sprague advocated for mobile security that relies on devices rather than human memory for passwords. Rivetz's approach uses Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) and SIM cards to secure private keys, enabling reliable encrypted messages and identity verification services. The solution, which is currently available only on certain Android devices, allows users to manage their security through their collection of devices. Expert Roland van Rijswijk-Deij from the University of Twente acknowledged the potential of TEEs but noted the difficulty for users to verify their security.

Microsoft's security vice president, Tom Burt, reported that Russia-linked hackers, known as Strontium or Fancy Bear and APT28, are responsible for a series of cyber attacks targeting European institutions. These attacks occurred in September and October 2018 and are part of a pattern of politically-motivated hacking, including the 2016 breach of the Democratic National Committee. The attacks, typically executed through spear phishing, are a concern ahead of the European Union Parliament elections set for May 23-26.

The UK Parliament's report highlights that less than 1% of clothing in the U.K. is recycled, with the fashion industry contributing significantly to carbon emissions. The report, addressing the issue of 'fast fashion', suggests consumers should buy less and reuse more. It criticizes labor standards in the fashion supply chain, including child and forced labor. The report proposes a penny-per-garment fee to encourage recycling and calls for stricter supply chain transparency. It also recommends banning the incineration and landfilling of unsold stock, as was controversially practiced by luxury brand Burberry.

David Malpass, a Treasury official involved in U.S.-China trade negotiations, has been nominated by President Trump for World Bank President, despite calls for a female leader. This decision overlooks the push for gender diversity highlighted by Council on Foreign Relations fellows Meighan Stone and Rachel Vogelstein and ignores the precedent set by the IMF's appointment of Christine Lagarde. The U.S. has traditionally chosen the World Bank President, a practice that has faced criticism for lacking diversity. Malpass has previously criticized international institutions but supported World Bank funding reforms. Nominations for the presidency are open until March 14th.

Roche has experienced another setback in the search for an Alzheimer's treatment with the cancellation of two studies on early-stage, sporadic Alzheimer's. Despite continuing a separate trial for those with a genetic risk, the failure adds to a growing list of unsuccessful Alzheimer's treatments. Investors are increasingly doubtful about the prospects of developing an effective treatment, even with positive trial results. Roche's drug crenezumab aimed to bind to amyloid plaques in the brain to prevent their spread, a leading theory behind dementia and Alzheimer's.

The article discusses the decline and efforts to save the chilhuacle chilli, a culturally significant crop in Oaxaca, Mexico. Two decades ago, the crop faced a severe threat from whiteflies and a reduction in traditional growers. The chilli, essential in Oaxaca's mole sauce, saw a decline in production due to pests, changing agricultural practices, and emigration. Efforts by a Mexico City chef, a plant biologist, and others have led to the development of pest-resistant production methods and the use of greenhouses, which have improved yields and prices. The article also touches on the cultural importance of the chilhuacle and the challenges of maintaining its traditional cultivation methods. It highlights the work of the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP) and the Colegio de Postgraduados in improving cultivation techniques and the potential for a genetic backup system being developed in Spain.

Lucas Laursen is a journalist who specializes in reporting on global development through the lens of science and technology, with a particular focus on the fields of energy and agriculture. His journalistic work has taken him across various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Mexico, where he has lived and reported from. The article does not provide specific details on individual articles or stories covered by Laursen, but it does highlight his areas of interest and expertise in journalism.

Astronaut Charles 'Pete' Conrad Jr. became the first lunar archaeologist in 1969, examining and retrieving parts of the Surveyor 3. Artifacts left on the moon by various missions serve as time capsules for future study. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prevents sovereignty claims in space but does not address artifact preservation. Anthropologist Beth O'Leary has researched this topic and lobbied for the protection of lunar artifacts. NASA has released non-binding guidelines to protect lunar sites, and there are proposals to designate Apollo landing sites as part of the U.S. National Park System and as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, these efforts face legal challenges and require international cooperation to avoid claiming sovereignty over the moon's surface.