Why it matters: With all the news lately about green building codes and low-carbon construction, you might be curious about your home or office's carbon footprint. If you're in the market for a new home or office and sustainability matters to you, there aren't many tools available to help you make a decision. A new tool called Carbon Title Explorer is arguably the most comprehensive database of information about the carbon footprint of residences and offices in the US. I tried using the tool, and it's a little janky from a bandwidth standpoint, but once you actually get the map to load, it's pretty cool. You have to figure real estate sites like Redfin and Zillow will want this information at some point.

Why it matters: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently shared that in 2021, more than 11,000 passenger vehicle occupants who died in a crash were not wearing a seat belt. That's just one sobering statistic underscoring a larger highway safety crisis in the US. Some observers say one way we can address the problem is by developing better warning signs on highways. So if adults are failing at crafting compelling warnings, why not let kids do it? That's what the Maine Department of Transportation recently tried, and the results were hilarious. The messages received included "Drive like a grandma" and "Look out for moose -- they're on the loose."

Why it matters: The explosion of a star 21 million light-years from Earth has the astronomy community very excited. The supernova, dubbed SN 2023ixf, occurred in the Pinwheel Galaxy M101, which makes it the closest supernova seen in at least the past five years. SN 2023ixf will likely brighten and remain visible to your telescopes for months. Getting an opportunity to see a young supernova may lead to new clues about massive stars and how they explode.

Why it matters: One of the coolest areas of research in the concrete industry is how to lower the material's carbon footprint through alternatives to carbon-intensive or finite materials. In the past, researchers have suggested some wild ideas, like replacing the sand in cement with face masks or using electronic waste from smartphones as an aggregate. The latest innovative idea is using waste diapers as mortar, which researchers in Japan recently experimented with. The result was a low-carbon house.

Why it matters: If you want to brag about consuming the world's most expensive ice cream, you'll need to head to Japan for Cellato's Byakuya, a $6,830 amalgam of a rare white Italian truffle and parmigiano reggiano best served (they say) with truffle oil. The dish, which took 1.5 years to perfect, comes with its own bespoke metal spoon created by temple designers. I'm open to ice cream adventures, but I think this one's price tag has frozen me out. -- Paula

Why it matters: On the more affordable side of chowing down, the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, is having a bake-off that encourages people to create edible versions of any of the more than 20,000 works in its collection. A simple Google search reveals the Blanton Museum is not the only art museum to have thought of this idea, but it is probably the most well-known. It's only a matter of time before The Great British Bake Off follows suit for its showstopper challenge, right?

Why it matters: For the first time, scientists have recorded pain-related data from inside the brain of individuals with chronic pain disorders resulting from a stroke or amputation. By using electrodes, researchers found that signals from the part of the brain that governs emotional regulation are more closely linked with chronic pain than signals from the part of the brain tied to the effects of pain on emotion. 

Some researchers have called chronic pain a "silent epidemic." But this new and pioneering research could lead to novel stimulation therapies to combat the issue.

Why it matters: A recent study of more than 71,000 animal species found that nearly half of them -- 48% -- are dwindling in population. Although animal species frequently die off and clear the way for new ones, "[t]he issue with this mass extinction in particular is that it is happening too quickly," researcher and study co-author Daniel Pincheira-Donoso says. The rapid rate of extinction isn't allowing enough time for other species to evolve and take the place of their ancestors. Frogs, newts and other amphibians are particularly at risk, and the species decline is higher in tropical areas than in more temperate climates, the study found. The researchers hope the study spurs more proactive efforts among conversation scientists. -- Doug

Why it matters: Perhaps it was his emotions talking, but LeBron James dropped a bombshell on Monday night after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the NBA's Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets. "We'll see what happens going forward. I don't know. I don't know. I've got a lot to think about to be honest," James told reporters gathered at the post-game press conference when asked about next season, and further clarified with an ESPN writer that he was, in fact, talking about retirement.

A grueling season: The Lakers staggered out of the gate this season, losing 10 of their first 12 games. They grinded all year to get to the playoffs, navigating a significant foot injury that kept James out for several weeks and a roster overhaul at the trade deadline, snuck in as the No. 7 seed, and defeated Memphis and defending champion Golden State before losing to Denver. That's a lot to contend with -- especially for a 38-year-old in his 20th season in the NBA.

What's next? As I said, it could be James' emotions getting the best of him, or maybe it's a veiled threat to the Lakers' front office to further improve the roster. James recently signed a two-year contract extension worth nearly $100 million, so he would be leaving a lot of money on the table if he were to walk away. There is also the prospect of teaming up to play in the NBA with his son Bronny, but that wouldn't happen until the 2024-25 season at the earliest, as the younger James recently committed to the University of Southern California to play basketball there. So, as the King said, I guess we'll wait and see what happens. -- Doug

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This photo was submitted by Stephanie Quinlan.

Major kudos to Doug and Paula for pitching in today. Three heads are always better than one. 

Not gonna lie, I'm not sure that carbon calculator tool for homes and buildings will gain traction right away. But once Gen Z gains enough purchasing power to actually afford buying a home, there could be some major changes in the real estate industry. 

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