<p>Imagine the possibilities. Or maybe don&#8217;t!</p>


A Modified Raspberry Pi 4 Lets You Control a Flamethrower. With Your Mind?

<p>The ingenious inventors of the internet never fail to amaze us: Nathaniel Felleke has built a flamethrower that makes use of a brain-computer interface and machine learning. The best part? He can control the gadget with his mind. </p>
<p>&#8220;A mind-controlled flamethrower that works off of thoughts of fire: no need to try to control your meditation or concentration values,&#8221; that&#8217;s how Nathaniel describes his invention at <a href="https://www.hackster.io/NathanielF/using-machine-learning-to-mind-control-a-flamethrower-27ba4c"   rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em>hackster.io</em></a>, where he also walks through the process of building it. </p>
<p>The flamethrower is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4, which transmits commands to an Arduino microprocessor. This is how he is able to fire the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/video/this-flamethrowing-tractor-gets-rid-of-weeds-without-the-need-of-chemicals"   rel="dofollow">flamethrower</a>, which is also custom-built using an arc lighter, with his mind. The system is activated when it detects the proper thought patterns. The whole build took hours of collecting data and building the proper networks, and in the end, it was successful. Moreover, thanks to the magic of editing, you can see the whole thing in just a few minutes. If you&#8217;re curious to know more, make sure you watch the video above, and as always, enjoy.</p>


<p>Researchers were able to view and study the fatty contents (lipids) present within the cancer cells. </p>


In a first, scientists use new tech to see inside cancer cells

Representational image of cancer malignant cells. 


<p>Scientists have identified a novel imaging technology that allows them to &#8220;see&#8221; inside a single living cancer cell and observe how it interacts with its surroundings. </p>



<p>Led by the University of Surrey, the team sought to view and study the fatty contents (lipids) present within the cancer cells. </p>



<p>Lipids are key components of cells, it allows cancer cells specifically to grow, multiply, and metastasize.</p>



<p>The technique was developed in collaboration with the University of College London and involves the pharmaceutical company GSK and the companies Yokogawa and Sciex.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-lipid-content">Monitoring lipid content </h3>



<p>Using Yokogawa&#8217;s Single Cellome System SS2000, individual cancer cells were sampled from a glass culture dish. This innovative system extracts single live cells using tiny tubes, allowing for precise analysis. These tubes are barely 10 µm wide, half the diameter of the thinnest human hair.</p>



<p>In the next step, these cells were stained with fluorescent dye. This enabled researchers to monitor lipid droplets throughout the experiment. </p>



<p>Following this extensive procedure, the team collaborated with Sciex to create a novel mass spectrometry approach. This method allowed them to break the lipids and determine the cell&#8217;s actual makeup.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>This entire process led to observing how cancer cells evolve in response to changes in their surroundings.</p>



<p>Johanna Von Gerichten, from Surrey&#8217;s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, said that the trouble with cancer cells is that &#8220;no two are alike.&#8221; </p>



<p>&#8220;That makes it harder to design good treatment, because some cells will always resist treatment more than others. Yet it has always proven tricky to study live cells after they have been removed from their natural environment, in enough detail to truly understand their makeup,” Von Gerichten said. </p>



<p>“That is why it is so exciting to be able to sample live cells under a microscope and study their fatty contents one by one.&#8221;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-could-offer-insights-into-how-cells-respond-to-radiation">Findings could offer insights into how cells respond to radiation</h3>



<p>The researchers further used this newly discovered approach to analyze the fatty lipid molecules within several <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/cancer-test-in-minutes-ai"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">cancer cells</a>. Interestingly, the researchers identified differences in the lipid profiles of various cells.</p>



<p>&#8220;Our new method paves the way for studying cancer cells in detail we&#8217;ve never seen before. One day, we might be able to see how individual cancer cells communicate with their neighbors. That could unlock new, more targeted treatments,&#8221; said Carla Newman, Associate Director, Cellular Imaging and Dynamics at GSK in the <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-04-scientists-lipids-cell-cancer.html#google_vignette"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press release.</a></p>



<p>This technique could provide valuable insights into how different types of cancer respond to treatments. It might also help doctors understand the impact of irradiation on cells, specifically how some cancer cells resist radiation treatment. This resistance may result in relapse of the cancer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A deeper understanding of cancer biology may lead to the development of more <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/defective-energy-factories-cancer-treatment-double"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">effective treatments</a> in the future. </p>



<p>Moreover, the researchers state that studying lipids inside single cells may help various health areas, including immunity, and infectious diseases.</p>



<p>The findings were published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05677"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em>Analytical Chemistry</em>.</a></p>


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<p>The mid-cycle update to the Gen3 car, which debuted last season, promises faster lap times, improved handling, and a significant performance boost over its predecessor.</p>


Formula E revs up with all-wheel-drive Gen3 EVO race car


<p></p>



<p>Formula E, known for its high-octane street circuits and sustainable technology, has introduced its next update for the upcoming season. The electric street racing championship alternate to Formula One has introduced the Gen3 Evo race car. The mid-cycle update to the Gen3 car, which debuted last season, promises faster lap times, improved handling, and a significant performance boost over its predecessor.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-wheel-drive-evolution">All-wheel drive evolution</h3>



<p>The Gen3 car arrived with a bang, boasting a lighter design and more power than its previous generation counterpart. However, the&nbsp;initial on-track performance didn&#8217;t quite match the hype. Teams struggled to unlock the car&#8217;s full potential, possibly due to both driver acclimation and the limitations of the new tire supplier&#8217;s rubber.</p>



<p>The Gen3 Evo aims to rectify these issues. <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/worlds-first-formula-e-racing-car-made-completely-out-of-e-waste"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Formula E</a> has partnered with Hankook to develop stickier tires with increased grip (5-10%) and a focus on sustainability (35% recycled material content). But the biggest change lies under the hood, or rather, under both hoods.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="The latest chapter in the Formula E evolution ⚡️ | Presenting the GEN3 Evo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFu4WOw4spY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>The Gen3&#8217;s unique feature &#8211; a front motor solely for regenerative braking &#8211; is transforming. This season, the Gen3 Evo will utilize all-wheel drive (AWD) by engaging the front motor for both braking and propulsion.</p>



<p>This decision is partially unexpected. The inclusion of a front motor on the Gen3 always hinted at the possibility of AWD implementation. While AWD has seen limited use in open-wheel racing, its popularity in road cars is undeniable. Electric vehicles (EVs) readily accommodate AWD due to the ease of adding a second motor, eliminating the complexities of traditional driveshafts and gear mechanisms needed with combustion engines.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="720" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_89e51b.png" alt="" class="wp-image-61657" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_89e51b.png 1280w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_89e51b.png?resize=300,169 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_89e51b.png?resize=768,432 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>However, the world of racing often prioritizes driver skill and car control, which are arguably more pronounced with rear-wheel drive (RWD). Interestingly, Formula E will adopt a hybrid approach. AWD will only be active during qualifying duels, race starts, and during &#8220;attack mode&#8221; &#8211; a temporary 50kW power boost available at designated points in the race. This targeted use of AWD should give drivers a significant advantage, particularly with the crucial task of getting a clean exit out of corners.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-is-faster-and-has-a-bold-new-look">It is faster and has a bold new look</h3>



<p>The Gen3 Evo isn&#8217;t just about handling. The addition of AWD, coupled with the stickier tires, translates to an impressive 0-60 mph time of 1.82 seconds. This translates to a staggering 30% and 36% improvement over F1 cars and the Gen3 car, respectively. This rapid acceleration is a testament to the car&#8217;s ability to leverage all four contact patches for propulsion.</p>



<p>Beyond performance, the Gen3 Evo sports a revised design. The Gen3&#8217;s overly angular nose and front wing have been smoothed out, hopefully addressing the issue of front wing damage observed in races over the past season.</p>



<p><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/formula-e-car-indoor-speed-record"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Formula E</a> estimates that the Gen3 Evo could shave off 1-3 seconds per lap, depending on the circuit and AWD usage. This translates to a potentially dramatic improvement in lap times, but only real-world competition will reveal the car&#8217;s true potential.</p>


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<p>The world&#8217;s first artificial energy island is being built off the coast of Belgium and will serve as future interconnector between countries as well. </p>


Video: Belgium starts building World’s first artificial energy island

Screenshot of the Elisabeth Energy Island. 


<p>Since September 2023, a team of 300 staff is busy every day at a construction site in Flushing, the Netherlands. <br><br>The team is building caissons, or watertight structures, each of which takes three months to construct and is an important component for building Princess Elisabeth Island, the world&#8217;s first artificial energy island.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With countries looking to phase out their dependence on fossil fuels, renewable energy solutions like wind and solar energy are seeing a major uptick. Countries in Europe with access to the North Sea are constructing larger wind farms in the cold waters to maximize the energy output from the strong sea winds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, supporting infrastructure is also needed to direct the renewable energy produced into our homes as production capacity grows. Belgium plans to develop an artificial energy island closer to the wind farms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-we-know-about-princess-elisabeth-island-nbsp">What do we know about Princess Elisabeth Island?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/worlds-first-artificial-intelligence-island-awarded-permit"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Princess Elisabeth Island</a> is part of the larger Princess Elisabeth Zone, an offshore renewable energy generation region in the North Sea. <br><br>The facility is 28 miles (45 km) from the Belgian coast. It is partly financed by the European Union&#8217;s COVID-19 recovery fund, which awarded it a 100 million euro grant.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The facility will serve as an energy grid at sea and see high-voltage energy in direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC) delivered. The high-voltage infrastructure on the island will combine these inputs to deliver energy to the Princess Elisabeth Zone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The facility will also serve as the prototype for building hybrid interconnectors in the future, handling energy exchanges between countries and connecting to new and upcoming wind energy farms in the North Sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To create the artificial energy islands, engineers will use an estimated 2.3 million cubic meters of sand, and the caissons being built will form the outer walls of the island.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How are the caissons being built?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Made of concrete, each caisson is 187 feet (57 m) long, almost 100 feet (30 m) wide, and equally tall. Building one, however, takes three months, with the production process split into five stages, each taking 20 days to complete.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Elisabeth Eiland Timelapse" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o2kl0j6wmTY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>The most impressive of these stages is the slip-forming process, which creates the caisson walls. The walls are raised nearly four inches (10 cm) per hour, and the process continues for ten days. <br><br>&#8216;Runners&#8217; move the caissons between different work sites, and the process takes about six hours. When ready, the watertight block weighs 22,000 tonnes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When a caisson is ready, a semi-submersible vessel will transport it to the harbor to be placed in the water as temporary storage. Later in the summer, the caisson will be moved to its <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/artificial-energy-island-north-sea"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">installation site in the North Sea</a>, where construction of the largest energy island is expected to be completed by 2026. Following this, installation of the electrical equipment can begin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The facility is expected to become operational by 2030.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;The North Sea is set to become the powerhouse of our energy independence, and Princess Elisabeth Island will be a crucial part of this process,&#8221; said Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister of Belgium, on a recent visit to the construction site.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;Belgium has long been a pioneer in offshore wind, and by continuing to innovate, we are further consolidating our position for the future,&#8221; the Prime Minister added in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jandenul.com/news/belgian-ministers-visit-construction-site-princess-elisabeth-island"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press release</a>.&nbsp;<br><br>&#8220;This gives our Belgian companies more opportunity to do groundbreaking work, both here and abroad, as well as guaranteeing sustainable, competitively priced energy for our citizens and businesses.&#8221;</p>


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<p>The Endurance is Kongsberg&#8217;s most advanced autonomous underwater drone to date.</p>


Kongsberg’s electric underwater drone with 15-day range nails final test 

Image of Kongsberg's HUGIN Endurance during the trials.


<p>Norwegian technology company Kongsberg has announced the successful sea trials for its large commercial autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the HUGIN Endurance. <br><br>This concludes months of assessments to satisfy the drone&#8217;s factory acceptance, meaning it is now ready for customer delivery.</p>



<p>The drone&#8217;s sea trials were conducted in September of 2023, with the <a href="https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery/autonomous-and-uncrewed-solutions/autonomous-underwater-vehicle-hugin-endurance/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">HUGIN Endurance</a> team verifying and testing the AUV through other tests. These trials and tests concluded in March of this year. </p>



<p>&#8220;I am very proud of the team&#8217;s hard work, and we are achieving yet another significant milestone in the history of our company,&#8221; Kongsberg&#8217;s President Martin Wien Fjell said.<br><br>&#8220;The project has been delivered in record time, and a huge thank you to everybody who has contributed to this success,&#8221; </p>



<p>&#8220;This is also an excellent way to celebrate our first anniversary as Kongsberg Discovery. The customer is also pleased and genuinely impressed by the work accomplished by Kongsberg Discovery,&#8221; he added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hugin-endurance-is-now-ready-for-delivery">HUGIN Endurance is now ready for delivery</h2>



<p>Fjell explains that the HUGIN Endurance program had received significant attention from the defense sector and commercial operators before the latest trials. Completing these critical trials will <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/spain-kongsberg-nsms-2027"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">enable Kongsberg</a> to begin fulfilling its orders. </p>



<p>“Endurance can accommodate whatever kind of payload a customer wants, whether for seabed mapping or inspection, oceanography, continuous surveys of offshore wind parks, or as a surveillance tool for critical subsea infrastructure or changes in ecosystems,&#8221; Fjell explained.</p>



<p>&#8220;To achieve the first system delivery is a significant milestone, and we will continue to develop additional capabilities. HUGIN Endurance enters the market as a game-changer,” he said.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="HUGIN Endurance" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAnFntQQ8l4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>The HUGIN Endurance is the largest AUV in the family, manufactured by Kongsberg&#8217;s subsidiary, <a href="https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery/about-us/news-and-media/news-archive/20232/mission-accomplished-for-the-worlds-first-hugin-endurance/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Kongsberg Discovery</a>. It was first launched in 2021 and comes equipped with various modular sensors and other gear. </p>



<p>The HUGIN series of drones was first introduced in the 1990s, with the Endurance&#8217;s siblings completing more commercial underwater surveys than any other UAVs, according to Kongsberg. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-most-advanced-of-the-series">The most advanced of the series</h2>



<p>These include a high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar (HISAS 1032 Dual RX) capable of wide-swath imaging, a multibeam echo sounder (EM 2040 MkII), a sub-bottom profiling system, a color camera, and a laser profiler. It also comes with a magnetometer and environmental sensors that collect data on conductivity, temperature, sound speed, methane, CO2, and O2 concentration.</p>



<p>HUGIN Endurance has a spacious and customizable interior that can store various batteries and other payloads as needed. It is designed to operate autonomously from the shore, and with a full set of batteries, it can travel up to 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 km) for up to 15 days at sea.</p>



<p>It can also autonomously map 425 square miles (1,100 km2) of the ocean floor and has a depth rating of 19,685 feet (6,000 meters). HUGIN Endurance includes most of the industry-leading abilities found in previous HUGIN vehicles. </p>



<p>However, new advancements were made to enable long-term unsupported missions. These advancements include greater redundancy, a new autonomous mission management system, increased situational awareness, and the ability to deal with varying water density.</p>


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<p>The facility will store excess renewable energy generated during peak periods and release it when production dips. </p>


World&#8217;s first molten salt energy storage facility launched in Denmark

Representational image of the energy storage facility.


<p>Danish company Hyme Energy has launched the world’s first energy storage project using molten hydroxide salt to store green energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The project is called Molten Salt Storage – MOSS, and the energy storage facility opened in Esbjerg, Denmark.</p>



<p>Søren Gade, chairman of the Danish Parliament and Port Esbjerg, officially inaugurated the facility at a ceremony hosted by Semco Maritime.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-standing-energy-storage-issue">Long-standing energy storage issue</h3>



<p>A key challenge in adopting green energy is storing excess power generated during sunny or windy days for later use.</p>



<p>Hyme Energy&#8217;s solution stores the surplus energy produced during peak periods within molten hydroxide salt. MOSS is like a giant, super-efficient battery.</p>



<p>The new facility will store energy from renewable sources like wind and solar.</p>



<p>During high renewable energy generation periods, surplus electricity&nbsp;is used&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/science-shocker-light-can-vaporize-water-without-heat-says-mit-study"   rel="dofollow">heat</a>&nbsp;hydroxide salt, which turns into a molten state. This molten salt, held at extremely high temperatures, stores massive amounts of energy.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Molten Salt Energy Storage (MOSS) - Hyme" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bbzr6sRks-w?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Animation showing how the facility will work. Credits: <a href="https://youtu.be/bbzr6sRks-w"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Hyme Energy</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>According to Ask Emil Løvschall-Jensen, CEO and co-founder of Hyme Energy, future commercial MOSS facilities could store green electricity in molten hydroxide salt heated up to 700 degrees Celsius on a gigawatt-hour (GWh) scale. </p>



<p>By storing green electricity in molten hydroxide salt, the energy storage facility creates a reliable and sustainable reserve for the time when renewable energy generation is low.</p>



<p>When renewable energy production drops for any reason, MOSS comes into play. The stored heat in the molten salt is released, and this thermal energy can be efficiently converted into steam.</p>



<p>Notably, molten hydroxide salt is remarkably heat-resistant. This trait allows it to store immense energy reserves with minimal loss. This stored energy presents a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels used in power plants and even heavy industries like manufacturing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MOSS collaboration</h3>



<p>The MOSS project is not a solo endeavor. Hyme Energy&#8217;s success is the result of a strong partnership with industry leaders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;Innovation is strengthened through collaboration,&#8221; <a href="https://www.hyme.energy/press-moss-opening"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">stated</a> Ask Emil Løvschall-Jensen.</p>



<p>&#8220;I am extremely proud of the project&#8217;s partnership and our joint efforts. The green transition is not a solo ride – it is a collective mission, where change-ready users and innovative partners are the key to success,&#8221; he added.</p>



<p>The MOSS project is a collaboration between Hyme Energy and key industry partners, including Alfa Laval Aalborg, KIRT X THOMSEN, SULZER, Seaborg, Aalborg University, DIN Forsyning of Esbjerg, and Energy Cluster Denmark. </p>



<p>The Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP) has also played a crucial role in this project.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-global-usage">Potential for global usage</h3>



<p>&#8220;We are setting the stage together – not just towards 2030, but also towards a CO2-neutral 2050 – by proving that groundbreaking technologies can change our world towards a more sustainable future,&#8221; concluded the Hyme Energy CEO.</p>



<p>MOSS technology holds the potential for decarbonizing numerous energy-intensive industries. Heat consumption comprises 50% of total energy usage globally while accounting for 40% of carbon emissions. </p>



<p>By offering a green alternative to traditional energy sources for heat generation, MOSS technology aligns with both Danish and worldwide carbon reduction goals.</p>



<p>Hyme Energy is working towards scaling the technology for global markets. The newly inaugurated storage facility will undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate its capabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Following testing, the plan is to scale up the technology to industrial capacity, positioning it for sale on the global energy market. </p>



<p>The aim is to commercialize it by 2026.</p>


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<p>Mars Express orbiter imaged peculiar spider-like formations scattered across the Red Planet&#8217;s South Pole region.</p>


Geological ‘spiders’ spotted on Mars’ mysterious Inca City

‘Spiders’ on Mars as seen by ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. 


<p>Spiders have been spotted on the Red Planet, though not the actual ones, which would have been a revolutionary discovery of life on Mars.</p>



<p>The European Space Agency&#8217;s Mars Express orbiter imaged peculiar spider-like formations scattered across the Red Planet&#8217;s South Pole region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These tiny, dark surface markings occur seasonally and are the product of a complicated geological process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mars Express’s High-Resolution Stereo Camera captured the spider-like formations in the region of Mars called Inca City.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spiders on Mars? <br><br>No, these dark spots, seen by ESA’s Mars Express on the outskirts of an area nicknamed &#39;Inca City&#39; in the southern polar region of Mars, have a more &#39;down to Earth&#39; explanation&#8230; <a href="https://t.co/1A31L2iOMN"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/1A31L2iOMN</a></p>&mdash; European Space Agency (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1783070102314783110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-are-spider-like-structures-formed">How are spider-like structures formed?</h3>



<p>​​Mars, like <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/mars-gravity-may-be-shaking-earths-ocean-once-every-2-4-million-years"  rel="dofollow">Earth</a>, has four different seasons, which are longer than ours.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These black, spider-like structures emerge when the Martian spring approaches after a severe winter. The image depicts a black cluster of dots with little leg-like features. This is a satellite image, so they seem tiny but might actually be larger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As per the ESA release, hundreds of such features sprout on the surface “when spring sunshine falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited over the dark winter months.”</p>



<p>When the weather starts to warm, sunlight melts the layers of carbon dioxide ice. This causes the carbon dioxide ice at the bottom to convert into gas, breaking through the slabs of ice above.</p>



<p>As the gas escapes via these fractures, it drags with it the black dust and debris that has gathered beneath the surface. This mixture of gas and black stuff rises through the ice&#8217;s fissures, creating tall fountains or geysers. Once the gas and dust reach the surface, they settle, forming black blotches of varied proportions, ranging from 45 meters to 1 kilometer across.</p>



<p>“This same process creates characteristic ‘spider-shaped’ patterns etched beneath the ice – and so these dark spots are a telltale sign that spiders may be lurking below.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Perspective_view_of_Mars_s_Inca_City_pillars.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61504" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Perspective_view_of_Mars_s_Inca_City_pillars.jpg 1920w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Perspective_view_of_Mars_s_Inca_City_pillars.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Perspective_view_of_Mars_s_Inca_City_pillars.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Perspective_view_of_Mars_s_Inca_City_pillars.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Perspective view of Mars’s Inca City.  ESA/DLR/FU Berlin</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mysterious-inca-city">The mysterious Inca City</h3>



<p>ESA&#8217;s Mars explorers, including the Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), have provided remarkable images of these phenomena. The spiders lie on the outskirts of Inca City. TGO has captured spider tendril-like patterns on the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/massive-mars-volcano-found"  rel="dofollow">Martian surface</a>. </p>



<p>Inca City, formally known as Angustus Labyrinthus, was discovered in 1972 by NASA’s Mariner 9 probe. Its linear, geometric network of ridges resembles Inca ruins on Earth. However, the formation of Inca City remains shrouded in mystery. </p>



<p>Planetary scientists have postulated various reasons for its development, including sand dunes converting into stone, magma or sand permeating through broken rock, and the existence of glacier-related eskers.</p>



<p>Scientists also suspect that the Inca City could be based within a massive crater. This has been postulated through the wall-like structures that trace part of a large circle, 86 km in diameter.</p>



<p>This Inca City boasts various features such as mysterious swirls of marble-like patterns and steep-flanked, flat-topped mounds and hills rising over 1500 meters above the surrounding terrain. The images also showcased ground covered in smooth, light-coloured dust.</p>


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<p>By splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, the BCD can precisely control the ROV&#8217;s buoyancy, mimicking the swim bladders found in fish.</p>


RICE develops new  underwater robot with a buoyancy control system using fuel cells

The robot serves as proof-of-concept for the potential of fuel cell-based buoyancy control devices (BCDs) to reduce operating costs for remotely operated or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)


<p></p>



<p>Rice University students have made a breakthrough in underwater <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/tesla-optimus-sale-elon-musk"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">robotics</a> by creating a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that utilizes water-splitting fuel cells for buoyancy control. This innovative design significantly improves over traditional thruster-based methods, paving the way for quieter, more energy-efficient autonomous <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/anduril-first-ghost-shark"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">underwater vehicles</a> (AUVs).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-cell-powered-buoyancy-control">Fuel cell-powered buoyancy control</h3>



<p>The ROV, aptly named &#8220;BayMax&#8221; by its creators – Team BayMax – represents a significant leap forward in underwater vehicle technology. The team, comprised of Andrew Bare, Spencer Darwall, Noah Elzner, Rafe Neathery, Ethan Peck, and Dan Zislis,&nbsp; drew inspiration from a research paper co-authored by their sponsor, Professor Fathi Ghorbel. This paper explored the potential of fuel cell-based buoyancy control devices (BCDs) to revolutionize AUV operation.</p>



<p>Traditional AUVs rely on thrusters or pumps to adjust depth, which consumes considerable energy and generates noise. Team BayMax&#8217;s design replaces this system with a BCD that employs reversible hydrogen fuel cells. By splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, the BCD can precisely control the ROV&#8217;s buoyancy, mimicking the swim bladders found in fish.</p>



<p>This approach offers many advantages. &#8220;The cool thing about this for us is that it&#8217;s cutting-edge technology,&#8221; remarked Bare. We&#8217;re the first to implement it in a device with such comprehensive controls, making it truly groundbreaking.&#8221;</p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Underwater robot pioneers new energy-efficient buoyancy control" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7xik-x8ONSc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Use cases and spectrum of applications</h3>



<p>Professor Ghorbel echoed Bare&#8217;s enthusiasm, highlighting the technology&#8217;s vast potential. &#8220;This highly energy-efficient and silent system has applications beyond AUVs,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;It holds promise for material intelligence, wearable assistive devices, and even adaptive robotic garments.&#8221;</p>



<p>The BCD system operates by utilizing electricity to separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen within the fuel cell. These gases then inflate balloons, causing the ROV to rise. To descend, the process is reversed, with the fuel cell uniting the hydrogen and oxygen back into the water, releasing energy and reducing buoyancy.</p>



<p>Team BayMax&#8217;s design incorporates a comprehensive sensor suite that monitors system health and the ROV&#8217;s position and orientation. This data is relayed to a user-friendly dashboard displaying real-time information, including depth graphs, a virtual orientation simulation, and a visual representation of the BCD&#8217;s activation state.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Collaborative effort fueled by passion</h3>



<p>The project&#8217;s success stemmed from the shared passion of Team BayMax members, all driven by a desire to push their boundaries. &#8220;We came together due to our interest in robotics and vehicle engineering,&#8221; shared Zislis.&nbsp; &#8220;We knew our combined expertise would enable us to learn from and challenge each other throughout this ambitious project.&#8221;</p>



<p>One of the team&#8217;s biggest hurdles was managing the intricate interplay between various systems. &#8220;Integration was paramount for a project of this complexity,&#8221; emphasized Zislis.&nbsp; &#8220;We prioritized clear scope definition. We could have delved into fuel cell optimization or robotic arm development, but we opted to streamline these aspects to focus on the core BCD technology. This strategic decision-making is a cornerstone of good engineering, applicable to all aspects of life.&#8221;</p>



<p>The team&#8217;s dedication culminated in a well-deserved second-place finish at the annual Huff OEDK Engineering Design Showcase&#8217;s Willy Revolution Award for Outstanding Innovation. This recognition serves as a testament to their ingenuity and perseverance.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/underwater-robot-pioneers-new-energy-efficient-buoyancy-control"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Source: RICE University</a></em></p>


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<p>Researchers just created an artificial synapse which puts us one step closer to creating a brain-like computer. </p>


Scientists use salt, water to prove human brain-like computer can exist


<p>Theoretical and experimental physicists proved that a system mirroring the human brain could&nbsp;be built, marking a significant step forward in&nbsp;iontronic&nbsp;neuromorphic computing.</p>



<p>Currently&nbsp;our computers are&nbsp;nowhere near&nbsp;as powerful or sophisticated as the brain.&nbsp;Furthermore, the human brain&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t need much&nbsp;in terms of&nbsp;materials to carry out&nbsp;a&nbsp;superhuman&nbsp;level of&nbsp;commands at amazing speeds.&nbsp;The human brain is a complex computing system scientists have long tried to replicate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-computer-that-runs-on-salt-and-water">A computer that runs on salt and water</h3>



<p>All it takes is a little water and salt for a human brain to run — a most basic formula that works. If one can figure out the math, they should be able to reproduce it artificially.</p>



<p>Science has long pondered how to build an artificial system that mirrors the functionality of the human brain. That lies at the center of iontronic neuromorphic computing, an emerging field that studies the ionic computing system that living organisms have.</p>



<p>For the very first time, scientists have taken a concrete step forward in making this theoretical possibility a reality. The key turned out to be the synapse in the brain that transmits signals between neurons which send commands to the body: talk, walk, eat, think. They built a tiny synapse measuring 150 by 200 micrometers.</p>



<p>A strand of human hair has a diameter of 100 micrometers, to give an example of how small this device is. </p>



<p>&#8220;We are effectively replicating neuronal behavior using a system that employs the same medium as the brain,&#8221; said Tim Kamsma, a PhD candidate at the Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University, who is also the lead author of the study.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-artificial-synapse-can-mimic-neuronic-behavior">An artificial synapse can mimic neuronic behavior</h3>



<p>This artificial synapse known as an iontronic memristor functions as a microchannel filled with a solution of water and salt. Electric input affects the ions in this solution, which then mirrors the activity of neurons. </p>



<p>The length of this channel changes how long it takes for “concentration changes to dissipate.&#8221; Electric input changes the liquid&#8217;s ion concentration.</p>



<p>After all, neurons in the human brain also fire off electrical signals. That&#8217;s the basic system that these researchers sought to mirror.</p>



<p>&#8220;This suggests the possibility of tailoring channels to retain and process information for varying durations, again akin to the synaptic mechanisms observed in our brains,&#8221; Kamsma said.</p>



<p>Kamsma began this journey as a PhD student, studying artificial ion channels. Working with a research group in South Korea enabled him to put his theories into practice. </p>



<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s incredibly gratifying to witness the transition from theoretical conjecture to tangible real-world outcomes, ultimately resulting in these beautiful experimental results.&#8221;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-step-closer-to-brain-like-computers">One step closer to brain-like computers </h3>



<p><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/superradiant-atoms-to-improve-atomic-clocks-accuracy"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Iontronic neuromorphic computing</a> has only recently broken ground but is developing at a rapid pace. A computer better than the ones living organisms already have (brain) just doesn&#8217;t exist. </p>



<p>This idea does spin the mind into theoretical territory around the future of AI and even consciousness.</p>



<p>That aside, the study published around the artificial synapse marks a significant step forward for the future of <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/los-alamos-fires-up-10-exaflops-ai-supercomputer-venado-powered-by-nvidia"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">computers</a>.</p>



<p>&#8220;It represents a crucial advancement toward computers not only capable of mimicking the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilizing the same medium,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Perhaps this will ultimately pave the way for computing systems that replicate the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain more faithfully.&#8221;</p>



<p>The team published their results in the scientific journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2320242121"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>


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<p> Could this be the end of range anxiety for EVs?</p>


CATL&#8217;s new LFP battery promises a 10-min charge for 370 miles of range

A Shenxing superfast charging EV battery developed by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) on display during the International Motor Show (IAA) on September 4, 2023 in Germany.


<p></p>



<p>CATL, the world&#8217;s leading battery manufacturer, has unveiled a revolutionary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell, the Shenxing Plus. This innovative technology promises to redefine the electric vehicle (EV) landscape by addressing a major pain point for drivers: range anxiety. Boasting a staggering 620 miles of range on a single charge and ultra-fast charging capabilities that can replenish 370 additional miles (600 km) within ten minutes, the Shenxing Plus could usher in a new era of long-distance EV travel.</p>



<p>The Shenxing Plus represents a significant evolution from <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/breakthrough-extends-battery-lifespan"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">CATL&#8217;s</a> established Shenxing battery. Unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, the Shenxing already boasts a respectable 434-mile range and currently powers four car models from leading Chinese manufacturers. By the end of 2024, CATL expects to see this technology powering over 50 additional vehicles within China.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="CATL New Product Launch for Passenger Vehicles" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_PA7RqDfTRQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Addressing range anxiety</h3>



<p>While the Shenxing established CATL as a leader in the LFP battery space, the Shenxing Plus elevates the game by tackling a major pain point for electric vehicle (EV) owners – charging time. The extended range offered by the Shenxing Plus significantly reduces &#8220;range anxiety,&#8221; the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station. However, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/catl-ignites-beijing-ev-boom-with-first-plant-sparking-price-wars"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">CATL</a> understands that even with extended range, faster charging times are crucial for a seamless EV experience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-minutes-to-370-miles">10 minutes to 370 miles</h3>



<p>CATL has addressed this concern with the Shenxing Plus&#8217;s exceptional charging capabilities. During internal testing, the battery achieved a 20% to 80% charge in ten minutes using their proprietary 4C superfast charging technology. This translates to a phenomenal 370-mile aka approximately 600 kilometers of range boost within a short timeframe, a feat unmatched by any existing battery technology.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Increased energy density</h3>



<p>The secret behind the Shenxing Plus&#8217; impressive performance lies in a combination of cutting-edge technologies. CATL has implemented a novel &#8220;granular gradation technology&#8221; for the cathode, ensuring optimal positioning of each nanoparticle for unparalleled density. </p>



<p>Additionally, a proprietary 3D honeycomb-shaped material has been incorporated into the anode. This dual approach not only boosts the overall energy density of the battery but also effectively controls volume expansion during charging and discharging cycles, enhancing long-term battery health.</p>



<p>Previous advances in fast-charging battery technology have often come at the expense of range. For instance, the industry-leading Lucid Air boasts an impressive 520-mile range, but its charging speed pales in comparison to the Shenxing Plus. Herein lies the revolutionary aspect of CATL&#8217;s innovation – achieving exceptional range while simultaneously delivering unparalleled charging speeds. This new technology has the potential to redefine the EV landscape, particularly in the booming Chinese market brimming with electric vehicles.</p>


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<p>This laser-based tech successfully beamed data from millions of miles away, paving the way for faster, richer communication with future deep space missions.</p>


Video calls from Mars? Lasers make deep-space communication a reality

DSOC’s gold-capped flight laser transceiver can be seen, near center, attached to the NASA’s Psyche spacecraft that enable deep-space communications.


<p></p>



<p>Imagine sending high-definition videos and complex scientific data from millions of miles away in deep space. This futuristic vision is becoming a reality thanks to NASA&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/psyche-mission/nasas-optical-comms-demo-transmits-data-over-140-million-miles/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Deep Space Optical Communications</a> (DSOC) experiment, a pioneering technology riding aboard the Psyche spacecraft.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-transmission-beyond-the-sun-s-reach">Data transmission beyond the sun&#8217;s reach</h3>



<p>While Psyche&#8217;s primary mission utilizes radio frequency (RF) for communication, the DSOC experiment is a groundbreaking testbed for <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/nasa-to-test-laser-communication-system-on-psyche-mission"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">laser-based optical communications.</a> This recent achievement involved successfully transmitting engineering data to Earth from a staggering distance of over 140 million miles (226 million kilometers) – a distance exceeding 1.5 times the Earth-Sun separation. This accomplishment signifies a giant leap for future deep space missions, particularly those venturing beyond the reach of traditional RF systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gearing up for humanity&#8217;s next frontier: Mars and beyond</h3>



<p>The implications of DSOC extend far beyond the Psyche mission. With data rates exceeding those of current RF systems by a factor of 10 to 100,  optical communications pave the way for transmitting high-resolution images, detailed scientific data, and even real-time video streams. This revolutionary technology will support future manned missions to Mars and beyond, enabling researchers and mission controllers to receive a wealth of information in real time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1556" height="1556" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png?w=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-61485" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png 1556w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png?resize=150,150 150w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png?resize=300,300 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png?resize=768,768 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png?resize=1080,1080 1080w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_a80a83.png?resize=1536,1536 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1556px) 100vw, 1556px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This visualization shows the Psyche spacecraft’s position on April 8 when the DSOC flight laser transceiver transmitted data at a rate of 25 Mbps over 140 million miles to a downlink station on Earth. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">High-speed data transfer and flawless integration</h3>



<p>The DSOC experiment has consistently surpassed expectations. In December 2023, it successfully transmitted a 15-second ultra-high-definition video clip from 19 million miles away at a staggering rate of 267 Mbps – comparable to broadband internet download speeds! The experiment reached another milestone recently by demonstrating seamless interaction with Psyche&#8217;s existing RF communication system. During an April 8 test, a portion of the spacecraft&#8217;s data was simultaneously transmitted through both RF and optical channels, proving successful integration with existing infrastructure.</p>



<p>Beyond data transmission, the DSOC experiment has conducted intriguing tests showcasing the system&#8217;s versatility. Following Psyche&#8217;s launch, the experiment successfully downlinked pre-loaded data, including the now-famous &#8220;<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/nasa-cat-video-space-laser"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Taters the cat</a>&#8221; video. It further demonstrated the ability to receive data from a high-powered uplink laser and even execute a &#8220;turnaround experiment,&#8221; where data was relayed to and from Psyche, covering a roundtrip distance of up to 280 million miles! This experiment not only showcased the system&#8217;s reach but also facilitated the downlinking of valuable engineering data for further analysis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges and advancements: Weather dependency and signal arraying</h3>



<p>While the DSOC experiment has yielded remarkable results, it&#8217;s important to acknowledge the limitations. Unlike RF communication, which functions effectively in most weather conditions, optical communication requires clear skies for optimal high-bandwidth data transmission. The project team has encountered operational interruptions due to storms at ground stations, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. To address this challenge, JPL recently conducted an experiment that successfully combined data reception from multiple ground stations, including the Palomar Observatory and the DSN&#8217;s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex. Essentially, &#8220;arraying&#8221; multiple stations mimics a single, larger receiver, bolstering the received signal strength. This innovative strategy offers a potential solution for overcoming weather-related disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted communication during critical missions.</p>



<p>By leveraging the power of lasers, this technology is poised to revolutionize the way we explore the cosmos, enabling faster, more detailed data transmission for future space missions. As we look towards humanity&#8217;s next giant leap – sending humans to Mars – DSOC stands as a testament to our ingenuity and unwavering pursuit of knowledge in the vast expanse of space.</p>


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<p>Non-destructive laser technology swiftly detects illegal elephant ivory.</p>


New laser tech using Raman spectroscopy detects illegal elephant ivory 

A selection of elephant and mammoth tusk samples


<p>Ivory tusks are a feature developed in the mouth of elephants akin to human teeth; however, these deeply rooted tusks protrude beyond the jaws of the largest living land animals. </p>



<p>According to the World Wildlife Fund, tusks are made of dentine, a hard, dense, bony tissue. </p>



<p>These tusks have various purposes, including digging, lifting objects, gathering food, stripping bark from trees to eat, and defense. </p>



<p>Now, scientists have devised a way to detect a distinction between illegal elephant ivory and legal mammoth tusk ivory. </p>



<p>They developed a laser-based approach employing Raman spectroscopy to distinguish the chemistry of mammoth and elephant ivory precisely.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech-shines-high-energy-light-at-ivory-tusk">Tech shines high-energy light at ivory tusk</h3>



<p>Scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Lancaster noted in a statement that this is non-destructive technology involving shining a high-energy light at an ivory specimen. </p>



<p>This method was able to detect small biochemical differences in the tusks of elephants and mammoths.</p>



<p>When this technology was tested on mammoth and elephant tusk samples from London&#8217;s Natural History Museum, results were accurate and quick and provided non-destructive species identification.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, ivory tusks are known to be illegally traded mainly due to the high demand for ivory products valued for their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance in certain cultures. </p>



<p>The demand is the most significant driver of poaching and illegal trafficking, fueling a lucrative black market where tusks are smuggled and sold for substantial profits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, elephant ivory&#8217;s rarity and perceived value contribute to its illegal trade, as it is often seen as a status symbol or investment opportunity by some individuals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raman-spectroscopy-provides-results-quickly">&#8216;Raman spectroscopy provides results quickly&#8217;</h3>



<p>&#8220;The gold standard method of identification recommended by The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for assessing the legality of ivory predominantly are expensive, destructive and time-consuming techniques,&#8221; explained Dr Rebecca Shepherd at the University of Bristol&#8217;s School of Anatomy.</p>



<p>&#8220;Raman spectroscopy can provide results quickly (a single scan takes only a few minutes) and is easier to use than current methods, making it easier to determine between illegal elephant ivory and legal mammoth tusk ivory.&#8221;  </p>



<p>Additionally, Shepherd said that Increased surveillance and monitoring of samples passing through customs worldwide using Raman spectroscopy could deter poachers of endangered and critically endangered species of elephant.</p>



<p>Therefore, this technology is necessary to prevent the furthering of illegal ivory tusk trading and could prevent the poaching of elephants. </p>



<p>Professor Adrian Lister, one of the study&#8217;s co-authors from the Natural History Museum, emphasized that stopping the trade in elephant ivory has been compromised by illegal ivory objects being described or disguised as mammoth ivory (for which trade is legal). </p>



<p>&#8220;A quick and reliable method for distinguishing the two has long been a goal, as other methods (such as radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis) are time-consuming and expensive,&#8221; he added.</p>



<p>&#8220;The demonstration that the two can be separated by Raman spectroscopy is a significant step forward; also, this method (unlike the others) does not require any sampling, leaving the ivory object intact.&#8221;</p>



<p>The research was published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299689"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">journal</a> <em>PLOS ONE</em> on April 24.</p>


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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<p>Hong Kong splurges US$16 million on self-righting fireboat that recovers from a full capsize in as little as 6 seconds. </p>


Hong Kong: &#8216;World&#8217;s biggest self-righting fireboat&#8217; recovers in 6 secs


<p>The Hong Kong Fire Services Department has spent US$16 million (HK$125 million) on a self-righteous fireboat that can recover from a complete <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/this-17-meter-long-high-speed-boat-can-never-capsize"  rel="dofollow">capsize</a> in as little as six seconds.</p>



<p>The government body responsible for procuring and overseeing the operation of this new fireboat claims to be the world&#8217;s biggest self-righting fireboat. </p>



<p>The vessel built by Lungteh Shipbuilding, based in Taiwan&#8217;s Yilan county, will aim to undertake maritime search and rescue operations in Hong Kong waters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arriving-in-june">Arriving in June</h3>



<p>The <em>South China Morning Post</em> (<em><a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3260340/hong-kong-buys-what-may-be-worlds-biggest-self-righting-fireboat-which-can-recover-complete-capsize?module=top_story&amp;pgtype=homepage"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">SCMP</a></em>) reported that the new fireboat could arrive in the city as early as June after testing at a Taiwanese shipyard.</p>



<p>&#8220;You can&#8217;t go out to save people if your boat has capsized and you become a rescue target yourself in choppy seas,&#8221; the source told <em>SCMP</em>. He also said that the tests went smoothly.</p>



<p>&#8220;So Hong Kong&#8217;s Fire Services Department requested this self-righting function to ensure fire and rescue operations can continue even in severe conditions.&#8221;</p>



<p>Another source told <em>SCMP</em>, &#8220;The [self-righting] feature provides enhanced protection to firefighters on board and also increases the vessel&#8217;s ability to navigate in adverse weather conditions.&#8221;</p>



<p>The giant vessel is intended for use in the waters around Hong Kong, particularly in the eastern waters, where there has been an increase in emergency incidents.</p>



<p>It measures 30 to 39 meters in length and weighs about 200 tonnes. It is equipped with an inherent self-righting capability, which allows the vessel to roll back to an upright position from a heeled position anywhere in the range of roll motion. </p>



<p>It underwent testing at Suao Port in Taiwan. The videos of the testing showed it successfully righting itself within seconds. However, the production and delivery schedule have been extended due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. </p>



<p>It was scheduled to be delivered in 2022 but faced delays due to the coronavirus crisis. After undergoing testing, it is expected to arrive in Hong Kong as early as June.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-righting-ability-protects-firefighters">Self-righting ability protects firefighters</h3>



<p>The self-righting feature improves protection for firefighters on board and enhances the vessel&#8217;s ability to navigate in adverse weather conditions.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/ie-explainer/season-5/ep-21-how-us-coast-guard-made-an-unsinkable-boat"  rel="dofollow">vessel</a> bore the name &#8220;Fireboat 12&#8221; in the video that went viral. It was written in both English and traditional Chinese characters, with the livery marching the country&#8217;s fire service fleet. </p>



<p>The firm constructing the vessel told the Post that the footage of the trial run was authentic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A Government Logistics Department notice relayed that the contract for the fireboat was awarded to Lungteh Shipbuilding in June 2020.</p>



<p>The tender specifications for the vessel include a built-in ability to self-right, with a positive righting lever ranging from zero to 180 degrees.</p>



<p>The document stated, &#8220;The vessel shall be capable of rolling back to an upright position from a heeled position anywhere in the range of roll motion.&#8221;</p>



<p>The fire department stated, &#8220;It will greatly enhance and strengthen our maritime search and rescue capability in the rough sea conditions of eastern Hong Kong waters.&#8221;</p>


<ul>
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</ul>

<p>The brain microdisplay will help surgeons navigate delicate brain surgeries.</p>


Brain microdisplay: New device maps brain in real-time during surgery

The device's LEDs can light up in several colors.


<p>In a groundbreaking development, researchers have invented a new medical device that can make brain surgery safer and more effective.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, engineers and physicians from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) together have developed this device.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Current brain surgery techniques require neurosurgeons and electrophysiologists to work in separate areas of the operating room. This can lead to communication delays and potential errors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is in this context that this <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/cancer-test-in-minutes-ai"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">new device</a> is highly beneficial. The new device will streamline the process by providing real-time visual data directly at the surgical site.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lighting-up-the-brain">Lighting up the brain</h3>



<p>This thin film device combines an electrode grid with LEDs for the precise mapping and visualization of brain activity in real time. As per the team, the new device will guide surgeons in complex and delicate procedures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is like a thin, flexible sheet covered in tiny LEDs which can be placed directly on the surface of the brain during surgery. Interestingly, the groundwork for this innovation lies in a technology called the Platinum Nanorod Electrode Grid (PtNRGrid), which acts as a high-resolution sensor array directly placed on the brain&#8217;s surface during surgery.</p>



<p>The device&#8217;s design will allow it to map critical regions of <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/intel-neuromorphic-computer-hala-point"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">the brain</a>. Each LED within the device acts as a tiny mirror and reflects the activity of thousands of neurons. They will do the color-coding of brain regions.</p>



<p>As per <a href="https://today.ucsd.edu/story/a-flexible-microdisplay-can-monitor-and-visualize-brain-activity-in-real-time-during-brain-surgery"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">the press release</a>, the LEDs will light up red to signal areas that should be removed during the surgery. On the contrary, LEDs will turn green for areas that associate with vital functions and must be avoided.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Surgeons could use this device to navigate delicate brain surgeries, particularly when removing tumors or treating epilepsy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61404" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-3.jpg 1920w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-3.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-3.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-3.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers used inkjet printing to deposit quantum dot inks on the surface of the LEDs. Source: <a href="https://today.ucsd.edu/story/a-flexible-microdisplay-can-monitor-and-visualize-brain-activity-in-real-time-during-brain-surgery"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">UCSD</a></figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pinpoint precision and treatment</h3>



<p>Tumors often spread into healthy brain tissue, making them difficult to remove completely. Surgeons traditionally leave a margin of healthy tissue around tumors to avoid causing harm. This new technology can shrink that safety margin, potentially meaning more complete tumor removal and a better chance of a cure.</p>



<p>For epilepsy patients, the device can pinpoint the exact source of seizures within the brain. This allows surgeons to either remove the problematic tissue or use carefully targeted electrical stimulation to stop seizures from spreading.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61405" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-2.jpg 1920w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-2.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-2.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BRAIN-DEVICE-2.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The grid is shown here from the side that houses the brain sensors.&nbsp; Source: <a href="https://today.ucsd.edu/story/a-flexible-microdisplay-can-monitor-and-visualize-brain-activity-in-real-time-during-brain-surgery"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">UCSD</a></figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Led by engineering innovation</h3>



<p>The brain is the most complex and delicate organ in the human body. Any surgery on the brain carries risks. Surgeons need to know exactly which areas control vital functions like speech, movement, and memory, so they can protect them while operating.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new technology provides neurosurgeons with real-time visual guidance, drastically reducing the risk of complications during complex procedures.</p>



<p>&#8220;We invented the brain microdisplay to display critical cortical boundaries and guide neurosurgery with precision,” said Shadi Dayeh, the study&#8217;s corresponding author and professor at the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering.</p>



<p>“Neurosurgeons could see and stop a seizure before it spreads, view what brain areas are involved in different cognitive processes, and visualize the functional extent of tumor spread,” added Daniel Cleary, a neurosurgeon and coauthor of the study, while mentioning the benefits of this new medical device.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future of brain surgery looks sharper</h3>



<p>Researchers envision even more advanced versions of this technology. They aim to create displays with thousands of LEDs, making them as sharp as a smartphone screen. This would give surgeons an even more detailed view of brain activity. The team is also working on foldable versions of the device to help with different types of complex brain surgery.</p>



<p>&#8220;This technology has the potential to completely transform how we approach brain surgery,&#8221; says Dayeh.</p>



<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re not just making procedures safer; we&#8217;re opening the door to entirely new treatments that were impossible before.&#8221;</p>



<p><br></p>


<ul>
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 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/insects-flight-mechanism-revealed">Gene-engineered fruit flies unravel mysterious insect flight mechanics</a></li>
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</ul>

<p>These footprints were left by a gigantic raptor some 90 million years ago.</p>


Massive dinosaur tracks indicate existence of largest-ever raptor

13-inch footprint left by the giant raptor.


<p>Fossils are a treasure trove that gives us a sneak peek of the lost world. Paleontologists can also learn about ancient creatures by studying their footprints. </p>



<p>Experts may glean a wealth of information from these fossilized tracks, including discovering a new species. However, footprints are difficult to discover since they wither with time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But now, in an exceptional discovery, paleontologists have uncovered fossil tracks in the Fujian Province of southeastern China. An international team of researchers, including the College of Charleston, made this finding.  </p>



<p>Interestingly, these footprints were left by a gigantic raptor some 90 million years ago. The animal carved five footsteps as it walked along the muddy side of a river back then. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unique-footprints-left-by-giant-raptor">The unique footprints left by giant raptor</h3>



<p>When paleontologists stumbled upon these footprints, they knew they were onto something big. These footprints were unlike anything they had seen before. Moreover, the tracks do not match the footprints of any previously known dinosaurs. </p>



<p>The ancient footprints depicted sharp claw marks at the ends of each toe imprint, indicating that they belonged to a big carnivore.</p>



<p>“Most carnivorous dinosaurs leave footprints that look like big chicken scratch,” said Scott Persons, assistant professor of paleontology at the College of Charleston.</p>



<p>“The typical carnivorous dinosaur track has three forward-pointing toes. Their tracks look like they could have been made by a giant turkey, emu or other ground bird. Two-toed tracks are the mark of deinonychosaurs, better known as raptors,” Persons added.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1154" height="1280" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Big-raptor5-1154x1280-1.jpeg?w=974" alt="" class="wp-image-61330" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Big-raptor5-1154x1280-1.jpeg 1154w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Big-raptor5-1154x1280-1.jpeg?resize=270,300 270w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Big-raptor5-1154x1280-1.jpeg?resize=768,852 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Big-raptor5-1154x1280-1.jpeg?resize=974,1080 974w" sizes="(max-width: 1154px) 100vw, 1154px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artist depiction of the new species. Source: <a href="https://today.charleston.edu/2024/04/24/college-of-charleston-paleontologist-tracks-the-path-of-a-giant-raptor/#:~:text=Each%20of%20the%20new%20Chinese,been%20around%2015%20feet%20long"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Yingliang Stone Natural History Museum</a></figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlike-previous-footprints">Unlike previous footprints</h3>



<p><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/fossil-largest-raptor-dinosaur-million"  rel="dofollow">Raptors</a>, like the famous velociraptors, walked with their large toes up to keep their powerful claws sharp as they moved. </p>



<p>“Holding the big toe up, kept that toe’s enlarged and recurved claw from getting dulled as the animal walked. Consequently, it stayed lethally sharp,” explained Persons. </p>



<p>For context, a velociraptor was a dinosaur, although its size was comparable to that of a Labrador dog. Surprisingly, several documented raptors have been similar or smaller in size. </p>



<p>The newly discovered Chinese raptor tracks are more than 13 inches long. Compared to others, these stand out as the biggest raptor footprints ever discovered. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New species of raptor</h3>



<p>A thorough examination revealed that these <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/ancient-fossil-trackways-evidence-raptor-prey-attack-pleistocene"  rel="dofollow">footprints</a> belong to a new species of raptor called Fujianipus. The name means &#8220;the foot of Fujian.&#8221; It is now believed that a 15-foot-long raptor left the tracks. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the foot dimensions indicate that Fujianipus belongs to a distinct family of raptors known as troodontids. Surprisingly, the only other known giant troodontids resided in ancient Alaska.</p>



<p>“Raptors were good at being small,” stated Persons.</p>



<p>“When it comes to house cat– and coyote–sized predators, raptors were widespread and globally successful for tens of millions of years,&#8221; he added.</p>



<p>&#8220;But we find that, in multiple environments and at multiple times, different raptor lineages <em>did</em> evolve large sizes. There are many advantages to getting bigger. Still, for <em>Fujianipus</em>, the timing is interesting,” he concluded in the <a href="https://today.charleston.edu/2024/04/24/college-of-charleston-paleontologist-tracks-the-path-of-a-giant-raptor/#:~:text=Each%20of%20the%20new%20Chinese,been%20around%2015%20feet%20long"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press release.</a> </p>



<p>The findings were published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)00820-4"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iScience.</a></em></p>


<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/fossil-largest-raptor-dinosaur-million">Scientists date back fossil of largest raptor dinosaur to 135 million years</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/ancient-fossil-trackways-evidence-raptor-prey-attack-pleistocene">Ancient fossil trackways show evidence of raptor-prey attack in Pleistocene Europe</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/this-new-dinosaur-looks-less-like-a-raptor-and-more-like-a-duck">This New Dinosaur Looks Less Like a Raptor and More like a Duck</a></li>
</ul>

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