nLIGHT

Scientists aimed light billions of times brighter than sunlight at water to test whether intense illumination could accelerate evaporation. Despite the extreme energy levels, the water did not evaporate any faster, a result that challenges assumptions about how light interacts with liquid surfaces. The unexpected finding is drawing attention from physicists studying evaporation and light-driven processes, as it suggests existing models may be missing something fundamental about energy transfer in water.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for a controversial voting database to move forward, a decision with direct implications for the upcoming midterm elections. Supporters argue such databases help maintain accurate voter rolls, while critics warn they could enable purges or disenfranchise eligible voters. The ruling is expected to shape how states manage voter data heading into the midterms.

This trending item is a blog post explaining a common misconception: the UV index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn and skin damage, not the warmth you feel from sunlight. That warm sensation comes mostly from infrared radiation, which is separate from UV. Readers on Hacker News appear to be sharing and discussing the post, apparently finding it a useful correction of a widespread misunderstanding about what the index actually tracks.

A director of laser technology company nLIGHT sold 4,452 shares of company stock, a transaction that came after a sharp drop in the share price. Insider sales following a plunging stock often draw investor scrutiny, as market watchers look for signals about how confident those close to the company are in its prospects. The size and timing of the sale have made it a talking point among those tracking nLIGHT's recent performance.