[Not_Who_U_Think]

Read the article, about a thousand words, and not one mention as to why its running out, or where its mined. They mention that China and world markets don’t have abundant sources, but there’s only one anonymous place in the world it’s found?

Journalism ain’t what it used to be.

[oldplayer]

I agree, Not_Who, the article was interesting but lacked key facts.

[Dr. Sivana]

Read the article, about a thousand words, and not one mention as to why its running out, or where its mined.

The article also does not really tell us why we need it. We can live without osmium jewelry and watches.

So, I asked the Perplexity AI for a list of PRACTICAL uses:

Fountain pen nib tips
Instrument pivots
Electrical contacts
Phonograph needle tips (historically)
Catalysis: Osmium compounds, particularly osmium tetroxide, (important in pharmaceutical manufacturing.)
Microscopy and Forensics: Osmium tetroxide is a critical staining agent in electron microscopy, enhancing the contrast of biological samples by binding to lipids. It is also used in forensic science for fingerprint detection.
Optics and Space Technology: specialized mirror coatings in scientific instruments and space-based UV spectrometers.
Medical Implants
Nanotechnology


Now some of these have viable alternatives (a diamond needle is superior for phonograph records, for instance). But medical implants and electron microscopes sound like great uses.

[leopud]

Yes. So-called “journalism” devolved into intellectually immature phenomena - ignorant on so many levels. Typically/usually demonstrates absence of elementary education, absence of general knowledge, and inability to deliver a coherent/meaningful message.

[Moltke]

Journalism ain’t what it used to be.

IA is still practicing. This reads like the typical IA mush.