The Good: The Dutch are at it again! A talented Dutch researcher, Alina Weffers-Albu, has created a mathematical model that knows the minimum amount of memory you need to get maximum results. We have all experienced those horrible “buffering” moments where our YouTube video de jour becomes horribly paused in the middle of the best part. This mathematical formula would help to reduce these horrible buffer moments. Weffers-Albu also designed a way for computers to plan how its data will flow and allow it to create a buffer zone where data would be temporarily stored in event of system overload.

So, what does this mean for you? This means that when you buy your next computer in a year or so you won’t have to spring for a computer with larger chips just to get more memory. Your larger chips can now hold more memory than you ever thought was possible. While this sounds like an obscure piece of news, you will be happy when you new computer doesn’t get as hot and stores so much more.

The Sickening: This next story deals with one number, 42. This is the percentage of people in the United States that live with high levels of pollution. Sounds like an old problem? You’re right, it is an old problem, but some big contenders are making a change to lose the top pollution spot. Los Angeles, the traditional winner of the “sootiest in the nation” rank has finally shed that label. Thanks to aggressive energy regulations, L.A. has pulled back and made an astounding change. The new number one? Pittsburgh.

42% is still too high a number. A high level of pollution can harm not only you, but your children and your pets, and let’s not forget some of the hardest hit, senior citizens. Please do all you can to change this statistic. 42% is still way too high.