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Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a way to convert one of the primary greenhouse gases—methane—into a range of valuable commodity chemicals while releasing no climate-changing emissions in the process. The achievement, detailed Wednesday in the journal Advanced Energy Materials, is a major opportunity for the chemical and natural gas industries and a step forward in the fight to protect Earth’s climate.

From the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color to fatal encounters between police and African Americans, UMD sociology Professor Rashawn Ray acknowledges it would be easy to be pessimistic in the face of addressing such challenges. Yet during his speech on Saturday for the inaugural Homecoming “Beyond the Field” address, he was hopeful, encouraged by the progress that can be made through academic inquiry. “I believe in the power of critical thinking,’ Ray said. “I believe in the power of research to create meaningful change.”

There are myriad benefits to learning a new language—from conversing with people from other backgrounds, to easing international travel, to advancing your career. But acquiring a new language as an adult is not always easy, particularly if a person is trying to distinguish phonetic sounds not often heard in their native language.