First-Ever Diamond Within a Diamond Found in Russia

Fittingly dubbed the “Russian Nesting Doll Diamond,” this tabular-shaped diamond within a diamond was found in the Nyurba mine in Yakutia, Russia. Perhaps the world’s first-ever instance of such a gem, an outer diamond (.62 carats) holds a smaller one (.02) carats within, but the two differ enough so that the smaller rock rattles around inside. Because this is such a rare occurrence, researchers have yet …

90,000 New Trees for LA

Los Angeles may be well-known for its long stretches of highway and traffic, but Mayor Eric Garcetti sees the benefits of investing in preserving and fostering the city’s natural environment. As part of the Green New Deal, Garcetti appointed Rachel Malarich as LA’s first Forest Officer. She’ll manage the growth of 90,000 new trees—some will replenish the nation’s largest urban forest and others will be …

Researchers Find Emissions-Free Way to Make Cement

Researchers at MIT have developed a way (though admittedly experimental) to produce emissions-free cement—that means the manufacturing process “releases no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” This is a hugely significant breakthrough, as cement manufacturing (for the intention of making concrete) is responsible for almost 10% of global emissions. The process includes an electrochemical method, which would replace the current one, which is dependent on fossil-fuels. …