<p>Built by father-son duo, these mean machines routinely perform across the US. </p>


Jet Engine Powered Trucks Easily Clock Over 350 MPH

This fire-breathing truck has clocked 350 mph many times

<p>If you are a fan of adrenaline-pumping, high-octane racing, then you are going to love this. Powered by <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/how-a-jet-engine-works"   rel="dofollow">jet engines</a>, these trucks routinely cross 350 mph (563 km/h) and can even beat planes after giving them a headstart. Find that hard to believe, why not start off with this clip.</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iDtH_4SqjKc?start=137" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Behind this amazing feat are a simple idea and lots of engineering. It all started when motorsport enthusiast and event manager, Neal Darnell missed the adrenaline in his real-estate business and decided to return to motorsports with a bang. Fascinated with jet engines, he wondered how would a military-grade jet engine perform fitted to power a Chevy. The result was the Flash Fire Chevy. </p>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" title="Flash Fire Chevy" src="https://images.interestingengineering.com/img/iea/lV6DRNbNOx/ff11.jpg" alt="Flash Fire Chevy on a race track" width="1024" height="496" /><figcaption><em>Source: <a href="http://www.shockwavejettruck.com/index.php/photos1/shockwave"   rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Shock Wave Jet Truck</a></em></figcaption></figure>
<p>This fire-breathing jet truck boasts a 12,000 horsepower engine and can clock 350 mph (563 km/h) with ease and even set an AirShow speed record of 375 mph (603 km/h) at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.</p>
<p>When Neal&#8217;s son, Chris entered the fray, he took the jet truck to the next level and fitted three <span>J34-48 Pratt &#038; Whitney Jet Engines from a U.S. Navy plane to deliver a combined horsepower of 36,000. </span></p>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" title="This truck is powered by three jet engines" src="https://images.interestingengineering.com/img/iea/lV6DRNbNOx/shockwave-practice.jpg" alt="Shockwave Truck" width="815" height="417" /><figcaption><em>Source: <a href="http://www.shockwavejettruck.com/index.php/photos1/shockwave"   rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Shock Wave Jet Truck</a></em></figcaption></figure>
<p>Together the engines produce 21,000 pounds (9,525 kg) of thrust that has enabled Shockwave to claim the record of the fastest Semi-Truck 376 mph (605 km/h). Driven by Chris, this version of the jet truck can ring up your senses with the noise and its heated engines produce and make for a delightful sight, especially in the evenings. </p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PNBEO4udS58?controls=0&#038;start=137" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>For 2021, the Darnells are sporting a &#8216;Top Gun&#8217; edition of the Shockwave which features a new wrap and even some artillery from the U.S. military. </p>
<p>Also coming from the Darnell stable is one of the fastest fire trucks out there, the AfterShock. The 1940 model of the Ford Fire Truck now has found a new push in the twin <span><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/rolls-royce-will-build-the-us-air-forces-new-b-52-bomber-engines"   rel="dofollow">Rolls-Royce</a> Bristol Viper Jet Engines. </span></p>
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" title="It might be the fastest fire truck but not the safest" src="https://images.interestingengineering.com/img/iea/lV6DRNbNOx/as.jpg" alt="Aftershock Fire Truck" width="1039" height="739" /><figcaption><em>Source: <a href="http://www.shockwavejettruck.com/index.php/photos1/shockwave"   rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Shock Wave Jet Truck</a></em></figcaption></figure>
<p><span>With a combined horsepower of over 24,000, this Fire Truck has just one problem. It leaves fire in its wake as it tries to hit the 407 mph (655 km/h) mark and needs to be restricted to racing tracks. </span></p>


<p>Phase 1/2 trial of Brilliance showed promising results in vision improvement in people with inherited retinal disorders.</p>


CRISPR gene therapy improves vision in people with inherited blindness

The first-ever in vivo CRISPR gene edit procedure for the BRILLIANCE clinical trial


<p>A clinical trial called Brilliance, which included 14 participants, showed that CRISPR gene editing led to improved vision in people with inherited blindness. Mass Eye and Ear researchers said their findings support further research into CRISPR therapies for inherited retinal disorders. The results of 11 participants showed improvement in vision.</p>



<p>Also, they noted, this trial involved the first patient ever to receive a CRISPR-based investigational drug directly into the body.</p>



<p>Principal investigator Eric Pierce <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1043333"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pointed out</a> that the trial shows that gene therapy for hereditary vision loss is a worthy pursuit for future research. He believes the early research is promising. </p>



<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a big deal to hear how thrilled they were to finally be able to see food on their plates,&#8221; said Pierce. &#8220;These were individuals who couldn&#8217;t read a single line on an eye chart. They had no treatment options, which is an unfortunate reality for most people with inherited retinal disorders.&#8221; </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-participants-inherited-vision-loss-and-the-process">More about the participants, inherited vision loss, and the process</h3>



<p>The goal is to inject CRISPR so that it reaches the retina to restore the ability to produce genes and proteins. </p>



<p>Participants received an injection of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing drug, EDIT-101, into one eye through a specific surgical procedure. Of the 14 participants, 12 were adults, meaning they were between the ages of 17 and 63. </p>



<p>The remaining two were children aged 10 and 14. They were born with Leber Congenital Amaurosis. It happens in a total of about 2 or 3 out of 100,000 newborns.</p>



<p>Leber Congenital Amaurosis is an eye disorder that affects the retina and leads to severe visual impairment starting in childhood. According to the data, different subtypes have been described, and they are caused by genetic changes in different genes. </p>



<p>Thus, this rare disease can be caused by more than 200 different genetic mutations. The CEP290 gene provides instructions for the production of a protein involved in the structure and function of cellular components. Therefore, mutations can lead to dysfunction and can impair the ability of photoreceptor cells to respond to light.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-life-changing-results-for-inherited-vision-loss">11 life-changing results for inherited vision loss</h3>



<p>For effectiveness, researchers looked at four criteria. That includes best-corrected visual acuity; dark-adapted full-field stimulus testing, navigation of visual functions, and vision-related quality of life.</p>



<p>The results showed that 11 participants showed improvement in at least one of the four outcomes measured. 6 participants showed improvement in two or more outcomes. Six participants reported improved <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/genetic-mechanism-determines-sex-in-butterflies"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">vision</a>-related quality of life. </p>



<p>4 participants had a clinically significant improvement in visual acuity, that is, how well they can identify objects or letters on a map. As they stated, all minor side effects have been eliminated.</p>



<p>&#8220;The results are proof-of-concept and provide important insights for the development of new and innovative drugs for inherited retinal diseases,&#8221; <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1043367"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">said</a> Baisong Mei, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Editas Medicine. &#8220;We have shown that we can safely deliver CRISPR-based gene editing therapy to the retina. A have clinically meaningful results.&#8221; </p>



<p>Ten years ago, Editas Medicine began researching how to tackle the CEP290 mutation. They investigated whether, for example, CRISPR-Cas9 is a good tool for such mutations. Then came the BRILLIANCE trial in 2019.</p>



<p>In 2020, clinicians performed a BRILLIANCE clinical trial. That was the first time that the first time CRISPR had been used to edit human genes within the body. </p>


<blockquote>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/world-first-ai-edits-human-genes">OpenCRISPR-1: World’s first open-source AI scissor edits human genes</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/first-pig-kidney-transplant">World’s first gene-edited pig kidney transplant breathes new life into man</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/crispr-immune-system-destroy-cancer">CRISPR just made it easier for the immune system to destroy cancer</a></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>CERN president backs China&#8217;s plan for biggest collider, praising China&#8217;s science progress, amid funding and need debate.</p>
<p>China, Rabinovici expressed his firm belief in China&#8217;s capability to embark on such an ambitious endeavor.</p>


CERN president claims China can build world’s biggest atom smasher

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.


<p>For almost a decade, China has been discussing whether it should build the biggest collider in the world. Recently, Eliezer Rabinovici, a distinguished physicist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and currently serving as the president of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), has joined the discussion about whether China can build the biggest collider ever.</p>



<p>During a recent visit to China, Rabinovici expressed his firm belief in China&#8217;s capability to embark on such an ambitious endeavor, affirming, &#8220;Chinese scientists can build this machine.&#8221;</p>



<p>Rabinovici&#8217;s statement makes China&#8217;s goal of outdoing existing particle accelerator records even more important.</p>



<p>With this we can speak about China&#8217;s<em> </em>proposed 36 billion yuan ($5 billion) CEPC project that has captured global attention. Planned to be a &#8220;Higgs factory,&#8221; this huge collider would be much bigger than CERN&#8217;s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), with a massive 100km circumference. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-debate-over-the-need-for-collider">China: Debate over the need for collider </h3>



<p>By generating millions of Higgs bosons through high-energy collisions, this project aims to discover new information about particle physics like never before. The project is led by Wang Yifang, who has also worked with Nobel laureate Samuel Chao Chung Ting at CERN.</p>



<p>However, the CEPC project has stirred debate within China&#8217;s scientific community. Legendary physicist Yang Chen-Ning, a Nobel laureate, has <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2016356/china-wont-succeed-where-us-has-failed-future-beijings?module=inline&amp;pgtype=article"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">spoken out against the project</a>, expressing doubts about the necessity of constructing a supercollider, suggesting that it wasn&#8217;t a priority for China then. He argued that the nation should focus on pressing issues like economic growth and environmental conservation instead.</p>



<p>But Rabinovici disagrees and says that Yang, like many others,&nbsp;“underestimated the capability that exists here in China.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Over the years, many Chinese physicists have worked at CERN and have gained some knowledge and experience. These people are very capable,” Rabinovici added.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The CERN president also mentioned that the CEPC project has the backing of thousands of scientists worldwide, including the United States and Europe, who “strongly believe that this is a good project that is worth doing.”</p>



<p>Calling it a “bottomless pit,” Yang  has also pointed out that  the project would “would squeeze funding for other urgent social issues and other areas of science.” <br><br>However, another physicist disagreed, saying that China had enough money for the project. The real challenge is using the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3254256/chinas-top-science-discoveries-reveal-research-momentum-challenges-funding-and-innovation?module=inline&amp;pgtype=article"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">science funds wisely</a>. He thinks a lot of money is wasted on different projects already.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-s-cepc-project">China&#8217;s CEPC project </h3>



<p>In a March interview with the Global Times, Wang highlighted that if the CEPC could facilitate the research of thousands of scientists for many years, the average cost wouldn&#8217;t be excessive.</p>



<p>As the CEPC project waits for the government&#8217;s final decision, Wang Yifang, who also serves as the director of the Institute of High Energy Physics, is hopeful about the project and informed that construction is planned to start in <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/worlds-largest-particle-collider-china-2027"  rel="dofollow">three years</a>, marking a big step forward for science in China.</p>



<p>It is to be mentioned that the CEPC&#8217;s technical design report, compiled by more than 1,000 scientists from 24 nations over five years, was well-received internationally and by the physics community upon its release in December.</p>


<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/large-hadron-collider-magnetic-monopoles">Particle physics experiment at LHC zeroes in on magnetic monopoles</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/antimatter-puzzle-cern-ai">Matter vs. antimatter: CERN cracks particle physics puzzle with AI power</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/researchers-team-develops-new-revolutionary-high-energy-density-capacitors">Researchers’ team develops new revolutionary high-energy-density capacitors</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Used for thousands of years, caltrops have emerged once again to help defeat the Russian forces. </p>


Ukraine drone-drops ancient caltrops to stop and bomb Russian trucks

Caltrops or crow’s feet have been used since antiquity to disable cavalry and infantry. 


<p>Ukrainian forces have allegedly started using caltrops (an ancient aerial denial weapon) to help defeat Russian vehicles. Originally designed to hobble advancing cavalry and infantry, these timeless tools are now used to disable Russian vehicles.</p>



<p>The caltrops are scattered in the path of a Russian convoy, blowing out their tires and leaving them more vulnerable. Once disabled, the vehicles are finished off using low-cost quadcopter explosive-laden drones or artillery. </p>



<p>However, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/lists/5-insanely-powerful-ancient-weapons"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">unlike in the past</a>, specialist drones were used to deploy the caltrops under the cover of the night—a simple yet very effective tactic. Once scattered, wheeled vehicles have their tires blown out, making them sitting ducks. </p>



<p>Even if not destroyed outright, the loss of multiple, or all, tires seriously hampers the movement of Russian personnel and materiel until recovery or repairs are carried out. </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">Use by Ukrainians of spikes dropped from drones to damage russian vehicles and hurt logistics. Judging by the commentary, this tactic is effective and easy to deploy. <a href="https://t.co/MvcQ01JNBO"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/MvcQ01JNBO</a></p>&mdash; WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) <a href="https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1763875209541501338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">March 2, 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-caltrop-and-drone-combo">Caltrop and drone combo</h3>



<p>Caltrops have been recorded in use by Ukraine to defend its fortified positions, but this is the first time they&#8217;ve been seen on the offensive in Russian-occupied territory. And it appears to be a serious pain for Russian forces. </p>



<p>“Now the Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively dropping such ‘thorns’ on the roads used by our troops. According to their plan, after a puncture, the car stops and is destroyed by artillery fire or kamikaze drones,&#8221;<a href="https://vk.com/milinfolive?w=wall-123538639_4138837"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> Russian social media posts</a> have said about the new tactic. </p>



<p>&#8220;Yesterday we also ran over such thorns, but continued to move to a safe place. To give credit to the &#8216;Tiger,&#8217; with exactly the same wheel as in the photo, we drove 40 kph,” the post continued. </p>



<p>Caltrops were commonly used in the early days of the war in Ukraine. Popular Mechanics reports that one interesting case involved blacksmiths who worked for a company called &#8220;Art of Steel.&#8221; </p>



<p>This company specialized in creating medieval armor for reenactors but turned their trade to mass-producing caltrops. These caltrops were made with six-inch (15.24 cm) nails chained together, making them easy to remove when needed.</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">Ukrainians have turned to caltrops, dropped from drones onto roads used by Russian trucks.<br>Caltrops frequently force wheeled vehicles to stop, which then become easier targets for Ukrainian drones equipped with explosive charges. <a href="https://t.co/YwY65rMNa6"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/YwY65rMNa6</a></p>&mdash; NoHoldsBarred (@AussieSteve64) <a href="https://twitter.com/AussieSteve64/status/1780502529098559879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">April 17, 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-thousands-of-years-of-war-history">Thousands of years of war history</h3>



<p>Other variations have also been seen including large ones concealed under a layer of soil within ditches. The design and construction also vary, including ones made of twisted rebar or two cross-cutting triangles. </p>



<p>Caltrops have been used in battle since antiquity, with their first recorded deployment at the <a href="https://www.historynet.com/weaponry-the-caltrop/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC</a>. Here the Persian King Darius III scatted the ground with &#8220;crow&#8217;s feet&#8221; to help counter Alexander the Great&#8217;s infantry and household cavalry. </p>



<p>They have appeared in many battles from antiquity to the present day, with notable use during World War 2 and beyond. Variations on the theme also exist today in the form of &#8220;spike traps&#8221; (or <a href="https://magnumspike.com/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Tire Deflation Devices</a>) commonly used by militaries and police forces. </p>



<p>And now, it appears, Ukraine has <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a60661761/ukraine-dungeons-and-dragons-weapon/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">dusted off caltrops </a>once again for the modern battlefield. Combined with drones and artillery strikes, this caltrop-drone strategy appears to be just the latest use of these apparently highly versatile weapons of war. </p>



<p>It will be interesting to see how <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/russia-nuclear-anti-satellite-weapon"  rel="dofollow">Russian</a> forces plan on countering this latest iteration of an ancient weapon of war.</p>


<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ancient-bones-reveal-europes-first-large-scale-war-5000-years-ago" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ancient bones reveal Europe’s first large-scale war 5,000 years ago</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/death-from-above-5-ancient-aerial-weapons-of-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Death from Above: 5 Ancient Aerial Weapons of War</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/lists/5-insanely-powerful-ancient-weapons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 ancient weapons that give modern ones a run for their money</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Pulsar’s architecture is modular and open, ensuring that the system can be rapidly updated over time.</p>


Pulsar: Anduril unveils AI-powered electromagnetic warfare tech to hunt drones

Image of a ground-mounted Anduril Pulsar.


<p>Anduril has just unveiled its family of modular, multi-mission-capable electronic warfare (EW) systems called Pulsar. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Pulsar can be deployed statically on vehicles or aerial drones.</p>



<p>According to Anduril, the family of EW systems can rapidly identify and defeat a range of existing and future EM threats, including small and <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/cca-drone-air-force-anduril-general-atomics"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">medium-sized drones.</a> It has been developed to help provide an adaptable counter to the ever-evolving world of drones, counter-drones, and EW jamming.</p>



<p>The need for such systems has become abundantly clear with the rapidly evolving drone-counter drone tactics of the war in Ukraine. Here, EW tactics have evolved rapidly, with an actual arms race of sensing, dodging, disruption, and adaptation unfolding rapidly. </p>



<p>As Anduril explains, developments are now occurring on a weekly, daily, or even hourly basis. For this reason, future robust EW systems must adapt at lightning speed to remain relevant on the battlefield. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulsar-offers-real-time-ew-adaptation">Pulsar offers real-time EW adaptation</h2>



<p>&#8220;The next generation of EW systems must enable real-time understanding of the spectrum and provide rapid delivery of effective countermeasures against known and new threats across domains and modalities,&#8221; Anduril explains in its press release. </p>



<p>And that is the very purpose of the Pulsar family. </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="Introducing Pulsar: Family of Electromagnetic Warfare Systems" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tnsyM3NPy1c?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>Pulsar is a powerful and compact system that integrates a software-defined radio, a graphics processing unit, and additional diverse computing capabilities. This integration allows radio frequency machine learning (RFML) to identify and adapt to emerging threats at the edge quickly.</p>



<p>The system offers a range of capabilities, including electronic countermeasures, counter-unmanned systems, electronic support, electronic attack, direction finding, geolocation, and other advanced EW capabilities. Pulsar&#8217;s modular form factor also makes it highly adaptable. </p>



<p>It can be integrated into ground vehicles (Pulsar-V) or aircraft (Pulsar-A) to aid distributed EW operations across multiple domains. <br><br>Pulsar can intelligently and autonomously scan a wider range of the electromagnetic spectrum, detect known threats and anomalous events, and significantly reduce the time needed to deploy new EW effects to hours and days.</p>



<p>“We’ve been developing our Pulsar family of systems to support operational deployments worldwide, including to combat zones, since 2020,” said Sam El-Akkad, General Manager of RF/EW Systems at Anduril. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ew-warfare-of-the-future">EW warfare of the future</h2>



<p>“Built to survive and win in highly-congested and contested electromagnetic environments, Pulsar enables warfighters to counter state and non-state actors employing EW capabilities integrated with other advanced technological systems operating across the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace domain,&#8221; he explained.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3073" height="2049" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png?w=1620" alt="Pulsar-V mounted onto a tactical vehicle." class="wp-image-64844" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png 3073w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png?resize=300,200 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png?resize=768,512 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png?resize=1620,1080 1620w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3d4783666a0d6d3e0e46c68de8afdcab877fc493-3073x2049-1.png?resize=2048,1366 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 3073px) 100vw, 3073px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pulsar-V mounted onto a tactical vehicle. Source: <a href="https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-announces-pulsar/"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Anduril</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Pulsar boasts an open architecture allowing seamless integration with various EW and command-and-control systems. This integration creates a unified network of EW capabilities, providing more comprehensive coverage and coordinated effects across distributed operations. </p>



<p>Additionally, Pulsar offers a software development kit that enables continuous development and integration with third-party providers. This feature allows the rapid integration of best-of-breed capabilities to keep pace with new threats and missions.</p>



<p>&#8220;Pulsar is an agile software-defined EW system that can swiftly adapt to changing threats and mission needs in all domains for dynamic operations of today and tomorrow,&#8221; <a href="https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-announces-pulsar/"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Anduril explains</a>. </p>


<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/cca-drone-air-force-anduril-general-atomics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anduril, General Atomics, step closer to building wingmen drone for US</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/anduril-introduces-ai-guided-uav-jet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anduril introduces AI-guided UAV jet that hunts drones and returns home</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-navy-picks-anduril-to-develop-underwater-drones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Navy picks Anduril to develop massive AI-powered underwater drones</a></li>
</ul>

<p>UNSW researchers found that electric current increased in presence of humidity of up to 30 percent. </p>


Scientists make electricity from air moisture using bacterial nanowires

Representational image for engineered bacteria whose filaments can conduct electricity. 


<p>Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia have successfully engineered protein filaments produced by bacteria so that they can conduct electricity and even harness it using moisture from the air. This interdisciplinary research, comprising protein engineering and nanoelectronics, could one day help scientists develop &#8216;green electronics,&#8217; a university press release said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Modern-day electronics, which are ubiquitous, are made using energy-intensive processes and extremely toxic components. These are required to facilitate the movement of electrons within the device and get work done.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, multiple events in nature also require electron movement. For instance, in the process of photosynthesis that plants use to make their food, chlorophyll moves electrons across various protein molecules. Bacterial systems also transfer electrons across membranes using conductive filaments called nanowires.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-bacteria-for-nanowires">Engineering bacteria for nanowires</h3>



<p>Bacterial nanowires can conduct electricity and can potentially be used to devise sensing systems. However, after being harvested from bacteria, these nanowires are hard to modify and, therefore, have limited functionality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;To overcome these limitations, we genetically engineered a fiber using the bacteria&nbsp;<em>E. coli</em>,&#8221; says Lorenzo Travaglini, a postdoctoral researcher at UNSW who was involved in the work.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;We modified the DNA of <em><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/what-is-e-coli"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">E. coli</a></em> so that the bacteria not only produced the proteins that it needed to survive but also built the specific protein we had designed, which we then engineered and assembled into nanowires in the lab,&#8221; Travaglini explained in the press release. </p>



<p>Interestingly, this additional molecule that makes the nanowires highly conductive is haem, an iron-based circular structure commonly found in animal blood and used to transport oxygen to different body parts. </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/2024/05/PS.jpg" alt="Photosynthesis in plants" class="wp-image-64843" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PS.jpg 1920w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PS.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PS.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PS.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Events like photosynthesis that occur naturally involve electron transfers but without complex electronics that humans make. Image credit: <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/megakunstfoto?mediatype=photography"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">megakunstfoto/iStock</a></figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Making electricity from the air</h3>



<p>The UNSW team furthered the research on&nbsp;<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/scientists-discover-bacteria-use-light-breathe-electricity"   rel="dofollow">bacterial nanowires</a>, which showed that when haem molecules are arranged closely together, they can also perform electron transfer. Travaglini and his team integrated haem into their engineered filaments, hoping that the electrons would jump between the haem molecules if placed sufficiently close to each other.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By measuring the conductance of the filaments in the presence and absence of haem molecules, the researchers confirmed that the iron-based molecule was making the protein conductive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During their extensive tests, the researchers found that the electric current was stronger when the ambient conditions were between 20 and 30 percent humidity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the tests were repeated with increasing amounts of conductive material sandwiched between the electrodes, the researchers confirmed that humidity created a charge gradient across the material and generated additional current without applying additional potential.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers then devised a humidity sensor that generated electric current even when one exhaled on it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team is now exploring how the properties of their proteins can be tuned by changing the haem&#8217;s structure or the filament&#8217;s environment. In one experiment, the researchers are using light-sensitive molecules to facilitate electron transfer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Travagliini highlighted that the research was still in its early stages and would take some time to become part of everyday electronics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s really matter of translation,&#8221; he added in the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/04/Bacteria-nanowires-could-help-scientists-develop-green-electronics"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press release</a>. &#8220;We don&#8217;t know how long exactly it&#8217;s going to take, but we can see that we are going in the right direction.&#8221;</p>



<p>The research findings were published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smll.202311661"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Small</a></em>. </p>


<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/engineered-ecoli-electricity-from-wastewater">Engineered E. coli to generate electricity from wastewater</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/how-nanowires-conduct-electricity-combat-climate-change">Nanowires in the oceans can conduct electricity and combat climate change</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/enzyme-uses-air-generate-electricity">Generating electricity from air? Scientists discover energy enzyme</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Elon Musk said that Optimus&#8217;s hand DoF will double from 11 to 22, marking a significant advancement.</p>


Tesla Optimus humanoid robot to get more dexterous hands: Elon Musk 

Tesla Optimus sorting batteries into a tray. 


<p>Tesla&#8217;s <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/chinese-robot-shows-human-like-speed"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">humanoid</a> robot Optimus is slated to feature more dexterous hands for handling more complex tasks that demand flexibility. </p>



<p>The firm&#8217;s founder, Elon Musk, confirmed in a <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">post</a> on X that the advancement to Optimus would soon allow its hands to have 22 Degrees of Freedom (DoF). </p>



<p>Tesla also shared a video of Optimus, in which the robot sorts batteries and walks around the office.</p>



<p>Since the project’s announcement in 2021, the Optimus Bot has progressed quite a lot. Musk unveiled its version 2.0, or Optimus Gen 2, in December 2023.</p>



<p>The robot is designed to be a general-purpose machine that can help humans in various domains, such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and entertainment. </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">Trying to be useful lately! <a href="https://t.co/TlPF9YB61W"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/TlPF9YB61W</a></p>&mdash; Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla_Optimus/status/1787027808436330505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">May 5, 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-fine-tunning-for-complex-tasks">Fine-tunning for complex tasks</h3>



<p>The versatile bi-pedal humanoid robot is touted for its ability to handle tasks deemed unsafe, repetitive, or monotonous. </p>



<p>According to Tesla, the Gen 2 model boasts Tesla-designed actuators and sensors, a 2-DoF actuated neck, and can walk 30 percent faster than its predecessors. </p>



<p>Torque-sensing, consideration of human foot geometry, and articulated toe sections support enhanced walking capabilities. Tesla also claims a 22-pound (10 kilograms) weight reduction compared to Gen 1, contributing to improved balance and full-body control. </p>



<p>The most remarkable advancement in Gen 2 was undoubtedly its agile &#8220;new hands.&#8221; The Optimus Gen 2 prototype could manage delicate objects with unexpected grace, while the Gen 1 prototype found it difficult to perform even simple manipulation tasks.</p>



<p>The upgraded Optimus Gen 2 hands offered 11 DoF for more precise object manipulation. According to Musk, the DoF will now increase to 22, helping Optimus perform more complex tasks that require more dexterity. </p>



<p>Tesla has made steady progress in polishing Optimus&#8217;s skills. A video shared by Musk in January showcases the humanoid folding a shirt with the pace of an octogenarian.</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">Optimus folds a shirt <a href="https://t.co/3F5o3jVLq1"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/3F5o3jVLq1</a></p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1746964887949934958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">January 15, 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-pinning-hopes-on-the-robotics-domain">Pinning hopes on the robotics domain </h3>



<p>In April, Musk indicated that Tesla would be ready to start commercial sales of the Optimus by the end of 2024. However, experts doubt whether Tesla can prepare the Optimus in that time period. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, Musk has great expectations for Optimus and thinks its worth will transcend fully autonomous driving technology and Tesla&#8217;s automobile company.</p>



<p>Musk said in the company&#8217;s April earnings call, “If you’ve got a sentient humanoid robot that is able to navigate reality and do tasks at request, there is no meaningful limit to the size of the economy. I think Optimus will be more valuable than everything else combined.&#8221; </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">Going for a walk with Optimus <a href="https://t.co/6mLJCUp30F"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/6mLJCUp30F</a></p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1752516361799258318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The prediction comes as Tesla&#8217;s quarterly revenue fell by 9 percent year over year, marking the biggest decline since 2012. In addition, compared to the prior quarter, Tesla car sales fell by more than 20 percent in Q1 of 2024.</p>



<p>Tesla is up against a lot of competition in this emerging market. With support from Microsoft and Nvidia, Figure recently revealed a collaboration with German carmaker BMW to implement humanoid robots at BMW&#8217;s US headquarters.</p>



<p><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/figure-ai-robot-gets-openais-chatgpt-brain-to-train-at-lightning-speed"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Figure</a> released a video in February showing their 01 robot performing various duties, including brewing coffee. Likewise, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/boston-dynamics-electric-atlas-robot"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Boston Dynamics</a> recently introduced Atlas, a humanoid robot that can move from a lying-down position to a standing and walking position through a series of acrobatic moves.</p>


<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<ul>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/chinese-robot-shows-human-like-speed">China’s S1 robot impresses with its ‘human-like’ speed and precision</a></li>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/figure-ai-robot-gets-openais-chatgpt-brain-to-train-at-lightning-speed">Figure AI robot gets OpenAI’s ChatGPT-brain to train at lightning speed</a></li>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/boston-dynamics-electric-atlas-robot">Boston Dynamics reveals new electric robot Atlas a day after retiring version one</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Review_desc__skOL9">
<div class="Review_desc__skOL9">
<div class="Review_desc__skOL9">
<h2 class="article-abstract"></h2>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Webb peered back more than 13 billion years to a time when the universe was still in its infancy.</p>


JWST detects ‘monster’ black holes sprouting from massive cosmic ‘seeds’  

A James Webb Telescope image shows the J0148 quasar circled in red. Two insets show, on top, the central black hole, and on bottom, the stellar emission from the host galaxy. 


<p>A team of MIT astronomers has uncovered tantalizing clues about the origins of some of the universe&#8217;s most enigmatic objects: black holes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to collect data on distant quasars, which are extraordinarily luminous objects powered by black holes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Webb peered back more than 13 billion years to a time when the universe was still in its infancy. The observations provided crucial insights into the evolution of the earliest black holes and galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The powerful space observatory detected “elusive starlight” from around three ancient quasars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Webb&#8217;s data indicated that the black holes fueling these <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/space-telescope-winds-massive-black-hole"  rel="dofollow">quasars</a> were significantly larger than their host galaxies compared to their current equivalents.</p>



<p>How black holes turned out to be so massive in the early universe is one of the greatest cosmic enigmas of today’s time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Webb&#8217;s 120-hour observations reveal that some of the &#8220;earliest monster black holes grew from massive cosmic seeds.&#8221;</p>



<p>“After the universe came into existence, there were seed black holes that then consumed material and grew in a very short time. One of the big questions is to understand how those monster black holes could grow so big, so fast,” said Minghao Yue, a postdoc at MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-intriguing-primordial-seeds">The intriguing primordial seeds</h3>



<p>Back then, the primordial seeds may have provided the starting point for the growth of black holes, which eventually evolved into &#8220;monster&#8221; black holes by devouring cosmic matter from their vicinity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But what kind of seeds? Previous studies have suggested various scenarios that may have led to the formation of extremely massive black holes in the young universe. </p>



<p>One possibility is that supermassive black holes start from relatively small black holes formed in the deaths of massive stars, known as supernovae. Over time, they accumulate more and more matter to become supermassive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another possibility is that supermassive black holes result from the direct collapse of massive gas clouds in the early universe. This direct collapse scenario would form a much larger seed black hole to start with.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our results imply that in the early universe, supermassive black holes might have gained their mass before their host galaxies did, and the initial black hole seeds could have been more massive than today,” said Anna-Christina Eilers, assistant professor of physics at MIT.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="350" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/imagesspitzer20100317pia12966-640.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-64857" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/imagesspitzer20100317pia12966-640.jpeg 640w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/imagesspitzer20100317pia12966-640.jpeg?resize=300,164 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This artist&#8217;s conception illustrates one of the most primitive supermassive black holes known (central black dot) at the core of a young, star-rich galaxy. <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-spitzer-unearths-primitive-black-holes"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">NASA/JPL</a></figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-mass-higher-than-their-host-galaxies">Black holes&#8217; mass higher than their host galaxies</h3>



<p>Detecting light from distant quasars is challenging due to their extreme brightness, which might outshine their home galaxy. Furthermore, it isn&#8217;t easy to distinguish the light between the quasar&#8217;s core <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/milky-way-black-hole"  rel="dofollow">black hole</a> and that of the host galaxy&#8217;s stars. </p>



<p>However, Webb’s higher sensitivity and resolution allowed the MIT team to make these observations of quasars, which are roughly 13 billion years old. Quasars offer a window to study the enigmatic black holes, which do not reflect light, making them undetectable to telescopes.</p>



<p>“The quasar outshines its host galaxy by orders of magnitude. And previous images were not sharp enough to distinguish what the host galaxy with all its stars looks like,” Yue mentioned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data indicated that the mass ratio between the core black hole and the host galaxy was around 1:10. Today&#8217;s mass balance is projected to be 1:1,000, suggesting that black holes are less massive than host galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This tells us something about what grows first: Is it the black hole that grows first, and then the galaxy catches up? Or is the galaxy and its stars that first grow, and they dominate and regulate the black hole’s growth?” Eilers concluded in the <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2024/mit-astronomers-observe-elusive-stellar-light-surrounding-ancient-quasars-0506"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press release.</a> </p>



<p>Several missing pieces remain in the puzzle to decode how the black holes turned out to be so massive in the early cosmos. </p>



<p>The study results have been published in the <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2024/mit-astronomers-observe-elusive-stellar-light-surrounding-ancient-quasars-0506"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em>Astrophysical Journal</em>. </a></p>


<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/milky-way-black-hole">Milky Way hosts massive stellar black hole, 33 times heavier than Sun</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/space-telescope-winds-massive-black-hole">Space telescope spots high-speed winds blasted from massive black hole</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/webb-spots-intensely-red-supermassive-black-hole-in-early-universe">Webb spots intensely red supermassive black hole in early universe</a></li>
</ul>

<p>A UK-based startup has unveiled the Opteran Mind, an edge computing solution comprising a series of insect-inspired algorithms.</p>


Efficient navigational abilities of insects to help transform autonomy 


<p>At a time when companies are focusing on deep learning techniques to create machines able to operate autonomously, a UK-based startup is on a mission to transform the world of autonomy with advanced &#8220;natural intelligence&#8221;.</p>



<p>For a decade, Opteran’s team delved into understanding how insect brains work. They studied how insects see, find their way around, navigate, and react to the world.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-intelligence-breakthrough">&#8216;Natural Intelligence&#8217; breakthrough</h3>



<p>Next, they turned these findings into algorithms, calling it &#8220;natural intelligence.&#8221; They believe it could completely change how autonomy works, making it more practical and efficient.</p>



<p>“Insects like honeybees have about a million neurons by comparison to around 86 billion in a human being, but the central systems are there,&#8221; Opteran’s CEO David Rajan <a href="https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/in-depth/reverse-engineering-the-insect-brain"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">told</a> <em>The Engineer.&nbsp;</em> &#8220;They see the world, localise themselves in space and can even navigate up to 10 kilometers consuming just micro watts of power. If you really want to see state of the art autonomy, don’t go to California… look at a garden.&#8221; </p>



<p>In the upcoming months, <a href="https://opteran.com/"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">the team</a> aims to enhance the system with additional functions like collision avoidance. By next year, they plan to integrate decision-making algorithms, enabling machines to prioritize tasks.</p>



<p>According to Rajan, this is only the start, as the company is currently looking into various commercial applications across sectors including logistics, automotive, mining, security, and more.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-partnership-for-warehouse-robotics-advancement">Major partnership for warehouse robotics advancement</h3>



<p>The company, now with 45 employees, is growing fast. Recently, it announced a big partnership: its technology will be used in advanced warehouse robots made by German company Safelog.</p>



<p>Furthermore, Opteran&#8217;s <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/flexible-microneedles-redefine-healthcare"  rel="dofollow">technology</a> stands apart from existing systems in that it doesn&#8217;t require extensive training on large datasets before deployment. The algorithms are innate, enabling them to navigate the world autonomously and adapt to dynamic variability without the need for continuous data gathering and training in a datacenter, as shown with the Safelog application.</p>



<p>Setting up an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) in a warehouse usually involves a lot of work. Operators need to carefully scan the entire facility and deal with a lot of data before letting the robots move around the warehouse.</p>



<p>What the Opteran Mind does is significantly simplify the setup process.</p>



<p>&#8220;All it takes for them to do is to drive one robot at the speed that robot operates and off it goes,&#8221; explained Charlie Rance, the company’s chief product officer. &#8220;We’re essentially creating a solution that allows their AGVs to autonomously map in one shot, so it’s a very quick set up time and you can share that with the rest of your AGVs. We can remove fixed infrastructure, so we’re not using any kind of reflectors or QR codes or anything. And we’re keeping the system at a lower cost.&#8221;</p>



<p>In addition to the Safelog partnership, the company is pursuing several undisclosed commercial applications under confidentiality agreements. These include applications for indoor security drones in the consumer market, as well as implementations in the mining and automotive sectors.</p>


<ul>
 	<li><strong><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/ie-explainer/season-4/ep-11-bees-that-are-trained-to-detect-bombs">Bees that are trained to detect bombs</a></strong></li>
 	<li><strong><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/worlds-fastest-swimming-insects">World’s fastest-swimming insects could inspire US Navy’s next drone boat</a></strong></li>
 	<li><strong><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/insects-flight-mechanism-revealed">Gene-engineered fruit flies unravel mysterious insect flight mechanics</a></strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Due to the high risk of cancer, doctors stressed the need for immediate removal of the testicle hidden in Li’s abdomen.</p>


Testicle in stomach: Chinese lady shocked as doctors declare her a man

Pictorial representation of body anatomy.


<p>A 27-year-old woman in China is in complete shock after her medical examination revealed a testicle in her abdomen. Local doctors said that the woman has male sex chromosomes but female hormones.<br><br>Called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the rare disorder is found in only about 1 in 50,000 newborns. Li Yuan, whose name has been changed, went for medical checkups days before her marriage.<br><br>Duan Jie, a veteran gynecologist, diagnosed the rare disorder after a month’s anxious wait for the results of tests. Duan confirmed that Li had male sex chromosomes but looked female.<br><br>&#8220;Socially, Li is female. But chromosomally, she is male,&#8221; said Duan.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-history">Medical history</h3>



<p>When Li was 18, she was concerned about not menstruating and delayed breast development.<br><br>At that time, her <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/chinese-medicine-venom-centipede-kidney"  rel="dofollow">medical</a> checkups revealed abnormal hormone levels and potential ovarian failure. Doctors had suggested her to go for chromosome test, but Li didn&#8217;t take their advice seriously.<br><br>According to <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/gender-diversity/article/3260016/shock-about-marry-china-woman-discovers-she-biological-man-after-doctors-find-testicle-her-stomach"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">SCMP</a>, both of Li’s parents carry recessive disorder-causing genes, so Li had up to a one-in-four chance of having the abnormal condition passed on to her. Due to a lack of early treatment, Li also suffers from osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the test results revealed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-risk-of-cancer">High risk of cancer</h3>



<p>Due to the high risk of cancer, doctors stressed the need for immediate removal of the testicle hidden in Li’s abdomen.<br><br>The dangerous surgery was performed in the first week of April, and testicles were removed from her abdomen. Li will now go under long-term hormone therapy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia">Congenital adrenal hyperplasia</h3>



<p>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of genetic conditions that affect the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for releasing various types of hormones that the body needs to function. <br><br>According to NIH, affected people lack an enzyme, and the adrenal glands need to make one or more of these hormones, often overproducing androgens (male hormones such as testosterone). <br><br>For example, females with a severe form of the condition may have ambiguous genitalia at birth and, if not properly diagnosed, develop dehydration, poor feeding, diarrhea, vomiting, and other health problems soon after. </p>



<p>People with milder forms may not be diagnosed with the condition until adolescence or adulthood, when they experience early signs of puberty or fertility problems.</p>


<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">
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<p class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/chinese-medicine-venom-centipede-kidney">Chinese medicine-inspired venomous centipede could treat kidney disease</a></p>
</li>
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<p class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/heart-monitor-inspired-sea-turtles">New heart monitor mimics sea turtle anatomy for enhanced sensitivity</a></p>

<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">

&nbsp;

</div></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Review_desc__skOL9">
<h2 class="article-abstract"></h2>
</div>

<p>With non-invasive BCIs, you may not need to implant a chip inside your brain to make the best use of technology and appear smarter. </p>


Non-invasive brain-computer interface to help control objects by thought

A study participant tracking a virtual object by thinking.


<p>Not all people like the idea of having a smart chip in their brain. However, that doesn’t mean such folks can’t achieve what a person with an intelligent brain chip can.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) recently showed that an AI-powered, non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can allow a person to track a moving object on a screen just by simply thinking about it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The brain chips promised by Elon Musk’s Neuralink, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/gates-and-bezos-back-synchron-in-a-new-funding"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">Bill Gates-backed Synchron</a>, and many other BCI companies fall into two categories: invasive or minimally invasive. This means that such devices are either implanted directly inside the brain or within the skull.&nbsp;</p>



<p>People have many concerns regarding the use of such invasive BCIs, like what if their brain or skull undergoes damage during the chip implantation process, what would happen if someone hacks their chip, how the chip would affect their brain’s health in the long-term, what is the guarantee the chipmakers won’t misuse their neural data, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is where noninvasive BCIs like the one researchers demonstrated in their study, could make a huge difference.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Noninvasive BCIs bring a host of advantages, in contrast to their invasive counterparts (think Neuralink or Synchron). These include increased safety, cost-effectiveness, and an ability to be used by numerous patients, as well as the general population,” the researchers <a href="https://www.cmu.edu/ni/news/refined-ai-improves-noninvasive-bci-performance.html#:~:text=Achieving%20a%20noteworthy%20milestone%20to,about%20it%2C%20with%20unmatched%20performance."  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">note</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-learning-makes-non-invasive-bcis-work-like-magic">Deep learning makes non-invasive BCIs work like magic</h3>



<p>The problem with conventional non-invasive BCIs is that they are not as accurate as invasive BCIs. They collect data using external sensors that are not in direct contact with brain tissues, and any disturbance in a user’s surroundings could affect their function.</p>



<p>According to the CMU researchers, AI-based deep <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/lists/ai-machine-learning-neural-networks"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">neural networks</a> can solve this problem. They are more advanced than artificial neural networks used for facial recognition, speech recognition, and various other simple tasks.</p>



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<p>A deep neural network has more layers and nodes compared to ANN, and therefore they are used for more complicated tasks. They can allow a BCI to extract accurate results even from complex and large data sets with distortion and noise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, during the study, 28 human participants were able to continuously track an object on the screen <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/scientists-break-brain-disability-barrier"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">by their thoughts</a> only.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers had non-invasive BCIs connected to their brains. Meanwhile, they employed electroencephalography (EEG) to record the participants’ brain activity. The EEG data was used to train an AI-powered deep neural network.</p>



<p>“This network was able to directly understand what the participants intended to do with objects that were moving continuously, just by analyzing the data from the brain-computer interface (BCI) sensors,” the study authors note.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-powered-bcis-can-also-improve-robots-nbsp">AI-powered BCIs can also improve robots&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The results from the current study suggest that in the future, AI-powered non-invasive BCIs could assist individuals in controlling external devices without using their hands and muscles.</p>



<p>This can make it easier for people to interact with technology, allow scientists to study the human brain function in great detail, and <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/brain-computer-paralyzed-man"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">improve the quality of life</a> for individuals with amputations and disabilities.</p>



<p>“We are further testing its applicability to not only able-body subjects but also stroke patients suffering motor impairments,&#8221; Bin He, one of the study authors and a professor of biomedical engineering at CMU, said.</p>



<p>However, this isn’t the first time the study authors have shown the potential of non-invasive BCIs. In 2019, they used a similar approach, enabling <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/breakthrough-sees-first-mind-controlled-robotic-arm-with-noninvasive-implant"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">a mind-controlled robotic arm</a> to chase a mouse cursor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>They believe that AI-powered noninvasive BCIs could also lead to the development of better AI robotic devices and robot assistants. &#8220;We are currently testing this AI-powered noninvasive BCI technology to control sophisticated tasks of a robotic arm,&#8221; He said. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae145"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">study</a> is published in the journal <em>PNAS Nexus</em>.</p>


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</ul>

<p>Scientists have discovered that some butterflies share a similar sex-determination mechanism with honey bees.</p>


Scientists detect genetic mechanism that determines sex in butterflies

Bicyclus anynana (squinting bush brown) butterfly 


<p>Scientists have discovered a genetic mechanism that can determine the sex of the squinting bush brown butterfly or Bicyclus anynana. Intriguingly, their investigation led to an additional discovery. </p>



<p>When individuals carrying identical variants of a sex-defining gene mate, the resulting embryos cannot survive. This is the first time that this mechanism has been described in butterflies. This mechanism is also similar to the one described in honey bees.</p>



<p>Because it reproduces quickly and easily, the squinting bush brown butterfly is often used for genetic research. Additionally, the butterfly&#8217;s entire genome has been sequenced, which is beneficial for research. </p>



<p>Having the complete genome sequence allows scientists to study Bicyclus anynana in greater detail. For example, scientists can identify specific genes associated with different traits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-and-z-w-and-z-masculinator">X and Z, W and Z, Masculinator </h3>



<p>Unlike mammals with X and Y chromosomes, butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) have W and Z chromosomes. Females usually have a W and Z chromosome, while males have two Z chromosomes. </p>



<p>However, there are some female butterfly species that do not have a W chromosome. This process is regulated by combinations of <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/algae-land-plants-evolution"  rel="dofollow">gene</a> variants called &#8220;masculinizer genes&#8221;; one variant leads to female development.</p>



<p>On the other hand, a combination of two different masculinizer genes leads to male development. Embryos fail to develop when two identical variants of this masculinizer gene are inherited. </p>



<p>However, this is rare in natural populations where diverse gene variants are present. The likelihood of inheriting two identical variants increases in populations with decreased genetic diversity.</p>



<p>&#8220;We report the discovery of a primary sex determination mechanism in the Afrotropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana that differs fundamentally from the mechanism found in B. mori,&#8221; stated <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj6979"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">the research</a>. </p>



<p>&#8220;This is unexpected because both species share the common WZ/ZZ sex chromosome system of Lepidoptera,&#8221; it added.</p>



<p>&#8220;Our discovery of this primary switch highlights the fascinating diversity of sex-determining mechanisms and underlying evolutionary drivers,&#8221; it noted further.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adaptation and protection</h3>



<p>For scientists, its similarity to the mechanism observed in honey <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/miniature-robot-bees"  rel="dofollow">bees</a> is intriguing. As a member of a special insect group, the butterfly displays a more pronounced similarity to honeybees than to silkworms despite all belonging to the same insect order.</p>



<p>This is an example of convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms independently develop similar traits for adaptation.</p>



<p>Insights into the genetic mechanisms of species, such as Bicyclus anynana, can aid conservation efforts. This understanding is especially important for species facing challenges such as habitat loss due to climate change. That&#8217;s why understanding the process of reproduction can help preserve biodiversity.</p>



<p>Interestingly, these small squinting bush brown butterflies have several spots on their wings, which may direct predator attacks to different locations. These spots, resembling eyes, can distract predators, protecting the butterfly&#8217;s vital organs. Additionally, these spots may serve as sexual signals to potential mates.</p>



<p>According to the data, this butterfly can live up to six months in the wild and reaches sexual maturity in about two weeks.</p>



<p>Butterflies play a crucial role in nature as pollinators, helping plants, including those producing fruits and flowers, create new seeds.</p>



<p></p>



<p></p>


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<p>The most likely fate of primordial black holes is either complete evaporation in a runaway process, or the formation of Planck-scale relics. </p>


Ultralight, undying black holes could be all around the Universe

The simulated image shows how black holes bend a starry background and capture light, producing black hole silhouettes


<p>A new model presented by physicists raises the possibility that the Universe could be filled with ultralight primordial black holes that don&#8217;t die. </p>



<p>Formed during the earliest moments of the Universe, primordial black holes are hypothetical objects. <br><br>The fate of ultralight black holes depends on whether or not evaporation stops at or around the Planck scale. If evaporation stops, the general expectation is that a population of Planck-scale will be left over, possibly including a significant fraction of electrically charged relics. </p>



<p>If evaporation does not stop, a runaway &#8220;explosion&#8221; would occur, with significant and potentially detectable high-energy emissions. <br><br>Researcher Stefano Profumo reviewed both possibilities, with an emphasis on current status and future detection prospects.<br><br>According to the models, they formed from micro-fluctuations in matter density and spacetime to become sand grain-sized mountain-massed black holes. <br><br>Although scientists have never detected primordial black holes, they have all the necessary properties of dark matter, such as not emitting light and the ability to cluster around galaxies. If they exist, they could explain most of dark matter, according to  the paper in <a href="https://www.universetoday.com/166866/the-universe-could-be-filled-with-ultralight-black-holes-that-cant-die/#google_vignette"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em>Universe Today</em></a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultralight-black-holes-may-nbsp-radiate-away-completely">Ultralight black holes may&nbsp;radiate away completely</h3>



<p>In previous studies, most primordial black hole candidates have been ruled out. But the new model focuses on ultralight primordial black holes.</p>



<p><a href="https://arxiv.org/html/2405.00546v1"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Profumo</a> pointed out that there could be three possibilities. The first will be that the ultralight black holes will radiate away completely and end as a brief flash of high-energy particles.<br><br>In the second possibility, a complete evaporation could be prevented by any <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ai-priest-gatorade-baptisms-incest"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">mechanism</a> and the black hole will reach some kind of equilibrium state.<br><br>In the third option, the equilibrium state causes the event horizon to disappear, leaving an exposed dense mass known as a naked singularity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-objects-might-have-a-net-electric-charge">Objects might have a net electric charge</h3>



<p>According to Profumo, for the second and the third possibility, the objects might have a net electric charge.<br><br>The most likely fate of primordial black holes is either complete evaporation in a runaway process, or the formation of Planck-scale relics. <br><br>There exist several arguments for the latter possibility, but the first is not excluded, as physics at the Planck scale is largely unknown. <br><br>In the last two possibilities, the equilibrium would be reached around the Planck scale and the remnants would be proton sized but with much higher masses. But if these remnants are electrically neutral, it won&#8217;t be possible to detect them. </p>



<p>However, if the particles do have a charge, they will be easily detectable by next generation of neutrino detectors.<br><br>While no evidence of <a href="https://arxiv.org/html/2405.00546v1"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">exploding</a> primordial black holes has emerged so far, perhaps the most promising path ahead is to use the Interplanetary Gamma-Ray Burst Timing Network.</p>



<p>Exploding primordial black holes leaving a visible imprint are slated to be much closer than, approximately, 1% , as opposed to cosmologically-distant GRBs.</p>


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<p>The team of researchers has identified the genomic code which led to all kinds of terrestrial life forms, including humans.</p>


Genomes reveal how land plants evolved from algae 550 million years ago

Genome comparison of multicellular algal sisters to land plants


<p>A team of researchers has cracked the genomic code of the beginning of plant life on land, which happened about 550 million years ago.</p>



<p>The team of researchers co-led by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln computational biologist Yanbin Yin has identified the genomic code that led to all kinds of terrestrial life forms, including humans.</p>



<p>The study focused on four genomes of filamentous Zygnematophyceae, which are the algal sisters of land plants. The researchers inferred traits in the ancestor of Zygnematophyceae and land plants that might have ushered in the conquest of land by plants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-plants-on-land">The first plants on land</h3>



<p>The first land plants (Embryophyta) emerged from within the clade of Streptophyta about 550 million years ago. The closest relatives of land plants, as per the study, are Zygnematophyceae algae, with more than 4,000 described species arranged into five orders.</p>



<p>The research paper states that the Zygnematophyceae possess adaptations to withstand terrestrial stressors, such as desiccation, ultraviolet light, freezing, and other abiotic stresses. The nature of their response to the terrestrial stressors reveals that they predate the origin of Embryophyta.</p>



<p>By using comparative genomics, researchers tried to pinpoint the genetic innovations of the earliest land plants. The research also sheds light on the co-expression of genes that were developed and expanded in the last common ancestor (LCA) of land plants and Zygnematophyceae.</p>



<p>Using the latest DNA sequencing techniques, the researchers generated a complete, chromosome-scale genome for the algae.</p>



<p>Prior to this, only the genomes of unicellular Zygnematophyceae had been sequenced. This study was, therefore, the first chromosome-level genome assembly for this class of algae.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The evolution story</h3>



<p>“This is an evolution story,” said Yanbin. He went on to add that “it answers the fundamental question of how the earliest land plants evolved from aquatic freshwater algae.”</p>



<p>Genome sequencing is the process of determining an organism’s complete genetic material (DNA), which is assembled into a computational representation.</p>



<p>The researchers assembled four multicellular&nbsp;Zygnema&nbsp;strains using two from an algae culture collection at the University of Texas Austin and two from the University of Göttingen in Germany.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Comparing the genomes with those of other plants and <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/blue-green-algae-is-a-sustainable-path-to-meat-like-proteins"  target="_blank"  rel="dofollow">algae</a>, the researchers uncovered the genetic innovations employed by&nbsp;Zygnema.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The result</h3>



<p>&nbsp;“Our gene network analyses reveal co-expression of genes, especially those for cell wall synthesis and remodifications that were expanded and gained in the last common ancestor of land plants and Zygnematophyceae,” Yin said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers said the discovery will lead to further studies that could be significant for bioenergy, water sustainability, and carbon sequestration.</p>



<p>“Not only do we present a valuable, high-quality resource for the entire plant scientific community, who can now explore these genome data, our analyses uncovered intricate connections between environmental responses,” said Jan de Vries, co-corresponding author from the University of Göttingen.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-01737-3"  target="_blank"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Nature Genetics</a></em>.</p>


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<p>By 2025, the US Marine Corps aims to deploy three mobile air defense systems, including a modified Iron Dome launcher, with at least two headed for the Indo-Pacific region.</p>


Marines to field a new trio of air defenses to guard against missiles

A BQM-177 is launched from the Marine Corps’ Medium Range Intercept Capability system


<p>Three new air defense systems &#8211; the Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC), Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), and Light MADIS &#8211; are set to undergo testing before being handed to the Marines in 2025.</p>



<p>According to Col. Andrew Konicki, program manager for Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD), the Marines are on track for the deployment of these systems when it comes to cost and schedule performance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That’s not anything that we’re doing from a program office standpoint, that’s essentially derived from the threat. The threat is ever changing and ever evolving,”&nbsp;Konicki said last week at the Modern Day Marino expo, <em>Breaking Defense</em> <a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/marines-eye-2025-fielding-of-3-new-mobile-air-defense-systems/"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">reported</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bolstering-defense-capabilities-with-mric-integration">Bolstering defense capabilities with MRIC integration</h3>



<p>The MRIC is expected to be integrated into the Marine Corps arsenal to enhance defense against advanced threats such as cruise missiles and larger drones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This mobile system is based on Israel&#8217;s Iron Dome, utilizing a truck-mounted launcher with Tamir interceptors. It incorporates the Common Aviation Command-and-Control System (CAC2S), a mini battle management control (BMC) system, and the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR).</p>



<p>Previous <a href="https://www.peols.marines.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3091959/marine-corps-successfully-tests-medium-range-intercept-capability-prototype/"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">tests</a> have seen the MRIC prototype surrounded by numerous in-air targets, each with its own unique flight trajectory and velocity. During firing, the MRIC successfully hit every target using the Tamir <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/usaf-deploys-3d-printed-drones"  rel="dofollow">missile</a>.</p>



<p>“The Marine Corps and the Defense Department, as a whole, have been living with the comfort of air superiority and air supremacy,&#8221; said Maj James Slocum, MRIC Medium Range Intercept Capability team lead at PEO Land Systems, back in July 2022, during a test of the prototype. &#8220;As long-range cruise missiles and anti-air weapons systems begin to get better and better, air supremacy is not something we can take for granted. We must be able to counter these types of capabilities.&#8221; </p>



<p>This system is also essential to Force Design 2030, filling a critical capability gap for the Marine Corps. Konicki outlined the plan to conduct a quick reaction assessment with MRIC in September, followed by training Marines on its usage and deployment. Additionally, the service is set to buy 80 Tamir interceptors from Israel in 2024, as per a knowledgeable source on the program.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integrating-vehicle-based-defense-weapons">Integrating vehicle-based defense weapons </h3>



<p>The Marines are considering adding two vehicle-based defense weapons to their arsenal: MADIS and LMADIS. Both are scheduled for operational testing, and if successful, will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific region next year.</p>



<p>MADIS comprises two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Heavy Guns Carriers intended to operate in tandem. The initial vehicle features a 360-degree radar, command and control suite, remote weapons station, electro-optical/infrared optic, and electronic warfare system. The second vehicle accommodates Kongsberg’s RS6 remote weapon station, stinger missiles, a 30mm XM914 gun, electronic warfare capability, and additional features.</p>



<p>The LMADIS <a href="https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3225868/drone-destroyer-2nd-laad-tests-lmadis/"  rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">employs</a> electronic weapons on a lightweight and compact platform, the Polaris MRZR, enabling it to be deployed to remote and challenging environments via air transport.</p>



<p>Amidst the current drone threat, there&#8217;s an urgent demand for an expeditionary system capable of effectively countering it. The Marines assert that the LMADIS meets this need by providing a solution that can be rapidly deployed and attached to units in need of counter-UAS capabilities.</p>


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