The company website says it is in stealth mode for now.

Apple Co-Founder Wozniak Announces a Cryptic Space Startup

We can only guess what the company plans to do for now

After trips from billionaires and the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/spacexs-new-civilian-crew-dragon-capsule-has-a-glass-dome" rel="dofollow">first civilian crew scheduled</a> to take off soon, space is quickly becoming a playground for inventors and entrepreneurs. The latest to join this arena is &#8216;Privateer&#8217; that Apple co-founder, <a href="https://twitter.com/stevewoz/status/1437234689786347523" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Steve Wozniak tweeted</a> about earlier today. 
The 71-year-old computer programmer — globally known for the design of the Apple II, the first commercially successful microcomputer — also announced in his short tweet, that this company was &#8216;unlike the other (space) companies&#8217;, evoking curiosity about what the company plans to do.
Wozniak also shared a video that spoke of the human endeavor and how we can come together to what is right and what is good. 
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3a7A1w1C2TE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The company website also does not reveal much and says that it is working in stealth mode for now. With a clichéd tagline of &#8220;The Sky is no longer the limit,&#8221; and the Moon as a background, it could be signaling towards building a private <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/russia-released-road-map-lunar-base-china-ilrs" rel="dofollow">base on the Moon</a>.
More details are likely to be revealed at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference scheduled between 14-17 September in Maui, Hawaii. First held in 1999, AMOS Conference is a technical event about space awareness that involves stakeholders from the educational institutions as well as government and private sector. 
<h2>An endeavor to address the growing space debris problem?</h2>
While we do not currently know, what Privateer Space exactly plans to do, it is listed as a customer for Desktop Metal, a 3D printing company that allows users to work with Titanium. <a href="https://3dprint.com/283866/apples-steve-wozniak-to-clean-up-space-junk-with-desktop-metals-titanium-3d-printing/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">According to 3D Print</a>, Privateer Space wants to address the issue of space junk and 3D printed high strength to weight ratio titanium could play an important role there. 
A project like this does fall into the bucket list of things, Woz — as Wozniak is commonly called — does. While still listed as an Apple employee, Woz has delved into teaching elementary school students, making a universal remote, trying to make GPS ubiquitous at the turn of the millennium, and an online education platform for students and employees. Having <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/apple-co-founder-steve-wozniak-believes-people-should-quit-facebook" rel="dofollow">spoken against Facebook</a> for its loose data protection standards, one could count Woz in to tackle one of the biggest problems that the human race will face in the near future, that of space junk, before moving on to bigger things.

The temperature difference between the day and the night side of the exoplanet results in the fierce winds.

Webb space telescope detects Mach 7 speed winds on a ‘2-faced planet’

This artist’s concept shows what the hot gas-giant exoplanet WASP-43b could look like.

With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have detected that wind speed on an exoplanet named WASP-43b—a hot gas giant that&#8217;s 280 light-years away from Earth—can reach up to 5,600 mph (9,000 km/h).



Due to its closeness to its host star, the exoplanet is significantly hotter than any gas giant in our solar system. WASP-43b orbits its star every 19 Earth hours and&nbsp;is tidally locked&nbsp;to its star.



Due to the tidal lock, the temperature on one side of the planet can reach up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit (1,260 degrees Celsius), which can vaporize rocks and melt irons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-side-is-cooler">Night side is cooler</h3>



The other side of the exoplanet, which has an everlasting night, stays relatively cooler at 1,110 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius). 



However, this temperature difference between the two sides of the planet results in fierce winds that can reach speeds of up to 5,600 mph (9,000 km/h). Composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, WASP-43b orbits at just 1.3 million miles – less than 1/25th the distance between Mercury and the Sun. Although the nightside never receives direct radiation from the star, strong eastward winds transport heat around from the dayside.



Since its discovery in 2011, WASP-43 b has been observed with numerous telescopes, including NASA’s Hubble and the now-retired Spitzer. &#8220;With Hubble, we could clearly see that there is water vapor on the dayside. Both Hubble and Spitzer suggested there might be clouds on the nightside,&#8221; <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-maps-weather-on-planet-280-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">explained</a> Taylor Bell, a researcher from the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute and lead author of the study published today in Nature Astronomy. 



“But we needed more precise measurements from Webb to really begin mapping the temperature, cloud cover, winds, and more detailed atmospheric composition all the way around the planet.” Scientists used Webb&#8217;s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) to monitor light from the WASP-43 system every 10 seconds for more than 24 hours.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-of-different-sides">Temperature of different sides</h3>



&#8220;By observing over an entire orbit, we were able to calculate the temperature of different sides of the planet as they rotate into view,&#8221; explained Bell. &#8220;From that, we could construct a rough map of temperature across the planet.&#8221; Scientists interpreted the map using complex 3D atmospheric models, which are used to understand weather and climate on Earth.  They suggest that the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-maps-weather-on-planet-280-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">nightside</a> is probably covered in a thick, high layer of clouds that prevents some of the infrared light from escaping to space. As a result, the nightside—while very hot—looks dimmer and cooler than it would if there were no clouds. Webb&#8217;s data also showed a distinct lack of methane anywhere in the atmosphere. Although the dayside is too hot for methane to exist (most carbon should be in the form of carbon monoxide), methane could be stable and detectable on the cooler nightside.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-wind-speeds">High wind speeds </h3>



&#8220;The fact that we don&#8217;t see methane tells us that WASP-43b must have wind speeds reaching something like 5,000 miles per hour,” explained Joanna <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-maps-weather-on-planet-280-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Barstow</a>, a co-author from the Open University in the U.K. 



&#8220;If winds move gas around from the dayside to the nightside and back again fast enough, there isn’t enough time for the expected chemical reactions to produce detectable amounts of methane on the nightside.&#8221; Scientists think that because of this wind-driven mixing, the &#8220;atmospheric chemistry is the same all the way around the planet, which wasn’t apparent from past work with <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/a-gyroscope-has-failed-the-hubble-space-telescope-again" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">Hubble</a> and Spitzer&#8221;.

<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<ul>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/james-webb-alien-planet-data">JWST’s detection of life on alien planet could be a premature claim</a></li>
 	<li class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/nasa-paves-way-for-giant-self-healing-liquid-mirrors-in-space-telescopes">NASA paves way for giant self-healing liquid mirrors in space telescopes</a>
</li>
 	<li class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/decaying-hot-jupiter-orbits">Hot Jupiters: Insights from a new study explain their orbital decay</a>

<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">

&nbsp;

</div></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Review_desc__skOL9">
<h2 class="article-abstract"></h2>
</div>

In a demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base’s B-70 range in Florida, the US Air Force displayed its capacity to design, assemble, and deploy 3D-printed autonomous drones within 24 hours.

US 3D-prints, deploys drones in 24 hrs to boost rapid warfare capability

A 3D-printed unmanned aerial system sits ready for its first flight during a Blue Horizons demonstration April 25, 2024, at Eglin Air Force Base

It took 22.5 hours to assemble six aircraft, including an 8-pound (3.6-kilogram) personnel recovery system, before launch. The innovative method was developed by the Air Force Center for Strategy and Technology’s Blue Horizons mission, a think-tank advocating for unconventional strategies to meet tactical need.&nbsp;



The project was realized by the three-person Black Phoenix crew, who was among the five teams concluding year-long Blue Horizons fellowships. The team focused on rapidly adapting small UASs, their technology, and payloads to suit various needs and environments.



“Small UASs are becoming a new war fighting capability,&#8221; <a href="https://www.hill.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3762338/air-force-researchers-design-build-fly-autonomous-aircraft-in-24-hours/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">said</a> Col. Dustin Thomas, Black Phoenix team member and a Blue Horizons fellow. &#8220;However, the Air Force can’t rapidly change these aircraft based on the threat environment or quickly use new technologies to meet the needs of a specific mission. Our project aims to find ways to change that.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-uas-development">Swift UAS development</h3>



To put their project into action, Black Phoenix partnered with Titan Dynamics, a small aerospace company known for quickly and affordably designing UAS.



The team utilized Titan&#8217;s automated design software to swiftly generate an aerodynamic UAS body, factoring in weight, power, dimensions, and payload in under 10 minutes. This design code is then inputted into 3D printers to produce the lightweight UAS components.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3000" height="1935" src="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg?w=1674" alt="" class="wp-image-64078" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg 3000w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg?resize=300,194 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg?resize=768,495 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg?resize=1674,1080 1674w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg?resize=1536,991 1536w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/drones-3.jpeg?resize=2048,1321 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Noah Benton, Titan Dynamics chief technology officer, prepare a 3D-printed unmanned aerial system. Image credit: Hill Air Force Base/Samuel King Jr.</figcaption></figure>



Upon completion of printing all parts, the team assembles the customized UAS tailored to its mission requirements.



&#8220;We went in search of a young, smart, new startup company, who was willing to take on a big risk,&#8221; explained Lt. Col. Jordan Atkins, another member of the Black Phoenix team. &#8220;We couldn&#8217;t be more impressed with their ability to yield a miracle like this in only two months.&#8221;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-technology-testing">Accelerating technology testing</h3>



Black Phoenix first tested this method in Southwest Asia with Task Force-99 in March, finding some success. They then brought their findings to Eglin for final field tests, and sought help from the Air Force Chief Data and AI office’s Autonomy Data and AI Experimentation proving ground to speed up development and experimentation.



According to team member Thomas, Eglin is aiming to establish a space for rapid testing of small UASs and new technological capabilities.&nbsp;



“Historically, the Air Force is relatively slow in adapting and testing these technologies, and Eglin is trying to change that paradigm. We wanted to partner with them and be a part of that paradigm shift,” he noted.&nbsp;



During Black Phoenix&#8217;s time at Eglin, the team conducted tests on six autonomous aircraft using the rapid create, build, fly method for diverse missions. This included deploying an eight-pound personnel recovery UAS tasked with delivering supplies to a simulated Airman behind enemy lines.



&#8220;We&#8217;ve taken big risks this week in flying so many new aircraft for the first time, but the risk is also low because these entire aircraft are built from commercial off-the-shelf items, so the financial investment is small,&#8221; said Lt. Col. Peter Dyrud, Black Phoenix’s third team member.



Sometimes the aircraft flew well, other times they crashed as the team experimented, and all of these experiences help Black Phoenix evaluate the feasibility of quickly made UASs, the members of the Black Phoenix crew explained. After testing, they&#8217;ll share their findings with Air Force leaders during May.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/ai-human-aerial-dogfight-conducted">World’s first AI-human aerial dogfight conducted, reveals US Air Force</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-flawlessly-beats-us-air-force-f-16-pilot-in-simulated-dogfight">AI Flawlessly Beats US Air Force F-16 Pilot in Simulated Dogfight</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/usaf-to-fly-ai-controlled-f16">US Air Force Secretary to fly in AI-piloted F16 to demonstrate safety</a></li>
</ul>

The drone travelled a distance of 31 miles (50 kilometers) in 16 minutes in its third phase of flight testing.

France unveils new 248 mph speeding, deadly kamikaze drone

French company EOS Technologie has unveiled its newest ‘kamikaze’ drone, which is capable of achieving speeds of up to 248.55 miles per hour (400 km/h).



Commissioned by France’s Direction générale de l&#8217;armement (DGA – French procurement agency), the Veloce 330 drone is a medium-range remotely operated munition (MTO).



As per the company, the drone traveled 31 miles (50 kilometers) in 16 minutes in its third phase of flight testing, giving it a top speed of 248.55 mph.



The company also mentioned that the drone only used half of its fuel tank to travel the distance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-france-s-history-with-uavs">France’s history with UAVs</h3>



Historically, France had not prioritized UAVs, particularly loitering munitions. However, recently, it changed its stance and began showing interest in developing its capabilities in this segment.



In 2022, the French DGA launched two remotely operated munitions [MTO] projects, namely Colibri and Larinae, which should be capable of neutralizing an armored vehicle located 3 and 31 miles away.



In 2023, the agency had sought bids to procure numerous loitering munition systems for their military. This was followed by several announcements made at the Paris Air Show held just a week later.



The French had also stressed the need for easy-to-handle UAVs to reduce the training time needed for troops.



On June 16, 2023, EOS Technologie had signed a contract with Nexter Arrowtech and TRAAK to develop a new medium-range, remotely operated munition.



It was <a href="https://turdef.com/article/france-invests-in-the-tank-hunting-uav-project-larinae" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">touted</a> that the new drone would have an anti-tank warhead and would be able to operate in a GPS-denied environment.



Reports also stated that the UAV would have reconnaissance abilities and could be remotely operated over medium ranges.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Capabilities of Veloce 330</h3>



As per a report in Army Recognition, Veloce 330 utilizes vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology.



The kamikaze drone also comes equipped with a core generating charge to counter active defenses. It also has a GPS-independent and jamming-resistant navigation system, developed by TRAAK.



<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="Veloce 330: 400 km/h Jet turbine Loitering Munition" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-wTVhMHEXk?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>



Besides, the drone can carry out intelligence missions owing to the <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2024/french-company-eos-technologie-launches-new-veloce-330-loitering-munition" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">presence</a> of an optronic sphere capable of detecting vehicles up to 9 miles away during the day and approximately 2 miles at night.



The next step is to <a href="https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entreprises/defense/eos-technologie-devoile-le-veloce-330-un-drone-kamikaze-made-in-france_AN-202404290458.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">transform</a> the UAV into a remotely operated munition capable of penetrating tank armor.



KNDS France also stated that the “advanced telemetry of the ammunition” will ensure that humans play a key role in the decision-making related to the drone and its targeting. This ensures that the munition would not carry out automated missions.



As per the company, the drone has been fully designed and made on the Bordeaux premises of the French SME. The site is in Mérignac, a town known for the Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft manufacturing workshops.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loitering-munitions-and-uavs-gain-prominence-around-the-world">Loitering munitions and UAVs gain prominence around the world</h3>



Drones are increasingly being used in warfare to suit multiple needs. EOS Technologie itself refers to Veloce 330 as a mini version of ‘Iran’s Shahed-238’ MTO.



The ongoing <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/russia-anti-drone-tank" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">war</a> between Russia and Ukraine has also seen the use of several types of drones being built and used to attack the enemy’s tanks.



It is safe to say that drones will gain in prominence in the days ahead and France developing its own version of MTOs is a good sign for its self-defense.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/russia-anti-drone-tank">Ukraine captures Russian anti-drone electronic warfare tank as ‘trophy’</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-navy-new-nuclear-submarine">US Navy gets New Jersey, nuclear submarine that packs 280,000-horsepower</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/kronos-stealth-submarine-ukraine">World’s 1st stealth submarine capable of 180-degree turn at full speed </a></li>
</ul>

From the Arctic to the tropics, bumblebees maintain the same nest temperature preferences.

Baby bumblebees are dying in nests and climate change is to blame

A close-up photo of a bumblebee hovering in front of a pink wildflower.

Bumblebees play a crucial role in our ecosystem by pollinating our food supply. However, their population has been shrinking since the 1950s.&nbsp;



While pesticides and habitat loss have been the primary reasons for bumblebees&#8217; declining population, a new study has revealed one more factor: the rising global temperature.&nbsp;



The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada, has indicated a troubling pattern. It suggests climate change is killing bumblebee babies in their nest.&nbsp;



&#8220;The effect of high nest temperatures has not been studied very much, which is surprising,&#8221; said Dr Peter Kevan, the study&#8217;s lead author, while emphasizing the importance of this research.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-narrow-temperature-range">A narrow temperature range</h3>



Climate change has long been negatively impacting creatures sensitive to temperature. To measure how it affects bumblebees, the researchers analyzed 180 years of studies on them.&nbsp;



They found that bumblebees have a preferred temperature range for survival and development.&nbsp;



The study says that the ideal nest temperature for bumblebees, regardless of where they live, is between 82.4 and 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit (28-32 degrees Celsius). 



“It’s remarkable that all the way from the high Arctic to the tropics, bumblebees seem to have the same sort of nest temperature requirements,” stated Kevin.



However, the problem occurs when the nest temperature rises beyond 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). While bumblebees have a “remarkable capacity” to regulate their body <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/science-shocker-light-can-vaporize-water-without-heat-says-mit-study" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">heat</a>, this thermoregulation does not extend to their nests. 



&#8220;We can surmise that nest temperatures above the mid-30s Celsius would likely be highly detrimental and that above about 35 degrees Celsius death would occur, probably quite quickly,&#8221; said Kevan.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lethal-for-the-whole-colony">Lethal for the whole colony</h3>



The research found that bees lose their ability to reproduce at this critical temperature point, which can significantly harm their populations. Besides, the hot nests become “lethal” for the developing larvae (baby bees).&nbsp;



While some bumblebees can cope with the heat, the temperature sensitivity can be acute for baby bees.&nbsp;



“But if the nest is too hot to raise healthy larvae the whole colony suffers,” states the press <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2429636-rising-temperatures-are-cooking-bumblebee-nests-and-killing-larvae/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">release</a>. 



It is notable that bumblebees try to protect their babies by flapping their wings to keep the nest cool. But scientists fear this natural defense might crumble as global warming intensifies.



According to Kevan, excessively high temperatures were more harmful to most animals and plants than cool temperatures.



&#8220;When conditions are cool, organisms that do not metabolically regulate their body temperatures simply slow down, but when temperatures get too high metabolic processes start to break down and cease. Death ensues quickly,&#8221; he explained.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">More research is needed</h3>



Reports suggest that there are more than 250 bumblebee species across the world, but this number can go down. The US Forest Service has reported that two of the 49 bumblebee species found in the country alone have already gone extinct.



This new research has highlighted rising global temperatures as a particularly difficult issue for bumblebees to overcome.&nbsp;



“Excessive heat is clearly a major issue for perhaps most species of bumblebees,&#8221; concluded the study.&nbsp;



Kevin has called for more research into this subject to better understand several aspects of bumblebee ecology.



“We hope that future scientists may take the ideas we present and apply them to their own research on bumblebee health and conversation.”

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/porous-material-stores-greenhouse-gases">Scientists find new porous material that stores greenhouse gases</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/periodic-cicadas-to-swarm-us">Insect invasion: Trillions of these bugs to swarm parts of US</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/earth-day-clean-energy-safer-battery-storage">Charging ahead: The quest for clean energy and safer battery storage</a></li>
</ul>

Aqueous batteries use water as the solvent for electrolytes, enhancing the safety of the batteries.

China’s water battery has almost double energy capacity than lithium cells

A representative image of aqueous batteries

Researchers in China have developed a water-based battery, which is claimed to be much safer and energy-efficient than &#8220;highly flammable&#8221; non-aqueous lithium batteries. 



Interestingly, the researchers say that these new batteries will be twice as energy-dense as traditional lithium-ion options. This holds the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. Moreover, aqueous batteries use water as the solvent for electrolytes, enhancing their safety. Traditional non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, but their safety is compromised due to the flammable organic electrolytes, a <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/researchers-crack-120-year-old-problem-with-newompound" rel="dofollow">component</a> that allows the battery to charge and discharge, they utilize.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-energy-density">Lower energy density</h3>



However, aqueous batteries generally have a lower energy density due to the limited solubility of the electrolyte and low battery voltage. 



Now, researchers in China have developed a high-energy-density aqueous battery based on halogen multi-electron transfer. A research group led by Prof. LI Xianfeng from the <a href="http://english.dicp.cas.cn/news/rn/202404/t20240423_660856.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Dalian</a> Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with Prof. FU Qiang&#8217;s group also from DICP, developed a multi-electron transfer cathode based on bromine and iodine. This cathode achieved a specific capacity of more than 840 Ah/L and an energy density of up to 1200 Wh/L based on catholyte in full battery testing, according to a new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-024-01515-9" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Nature Energy</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-researchers-used-a-mixed-halogen-solution">Researchers used a mixed halogen solution</h3>



To improve the energy density of aqueous batteries, researchers used a mixed halogen solution of iodide ions (I-) and bromide ions (Br-) as the electrolyte. They developed a multi-electron transfer reaction, transferring I- to iodine element (I2) and then to iodate (IO3-). Researchers said that during the <a href="http://english.dicp.cas.cn/news/rn/202404/t20240423_660856.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">charging</a> process, I- were oxidized to IO3- on the positive side, and the generated H+ were conducted to the negative side in the form of a supporting electrolyte. During the discharge process, H+ were conducted from the positive side, and IO3- were reduced to I-.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-process">The process</h3>



The developed multi-electron transfer cathode had a specific capacity of 840 Ah/L. Combining the cathode with metallic Cd to form a full battery, researchers achieved an energy density of up to 1200 Wh/L based on the developed catholyte. According to the <a href="http://english.dicp.cas.cn/news/rn/202404/t20240423_660856.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">researchers</a>, Br- added to the electrolyte could generate polar iodine bromide (IBr) during the charging process, which facilitated the reaction with H2O to form IO3-. During the discharge, IO3- could oxidize Br- to Br2 and participated in the electrochemical reaction to realize reversible and rapid discharge of IO3-. Therefore, the bromide intermediate formed during the charge and discharge process optimized the reaction process, effectively improving the kinetic and reversibility of the electrochemical reaction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-batteries-life-cycle-could-be-extended-to-1-000-cycles">Batteries’ life cycle could be extended to 1,000 cycles</h3>



According to <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3261368/chinese-scientists-create-water-battery-can-hold-much-more-energy-lithium-cells-study?module=top_story&amp;pgtype=homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">SCMP</a>, when the researchers tested their electrolyte with a vanadium anode, they found the batteries’ life cycle could be extended to 1,000 cycles, “demonstrating significant stability.” Scientists also mentioned that their batteries&#8217; energy density even “exceeded that of some solid electrode materials” and could be comparable in cost to traditional lithium batteries. They claimed that their work showcases that aqueous batteries with high energy density can be developed, and it offers a development option for grid-scale energy storage and even electric vehicles.



&#8220;This study provides a new idea for the design of high-energy-density aqueous batteries, and may expand the aqueous batteries application in power batteries field,&#8221; said Prof. LI.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/storedot-polestar-ev-battery-charging-record">‘World’s first’: 10-minute EV charging record set by Polestar and StoreDot</a></li>
 	<li class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-repurposing-mining-waste-ev-battery">US researching ways to use mining waste in EV battery production</a>
</li>
 	<li class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/waterless-hydro-energy-storage">UK’s 1st waterless hydro-energy storage to offer 2.5 times more power</a>

<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">

&nbsp;

</div></li>
</ul>

A research team from Northwestern University used physics and statistical theory to confirm Fritz Heider’s social balance theory.

Physicists just proved that the enemy of your enemy is indeed your friend

Conceptual representation of a network of people

The oft-used proverb “The enemy of my enemy is my friend” is not just limited to middle-school English classes and middlingly written revenge dramas. Not only does it spring from a socio-psychological theory proposed by psychologist Fritz Heider in the 1940s, it appears that it has finally been scientifically proven.&nbsp;



A research team from Northwestern University used physics and statistical theory to confirm Heider’s hypotheses. Senior study author István Kovács expands upon this much ado about “friends” and “enemies” and how his team arrived upon the conclusion that Heider, in fact, was right.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-social-balance-theory">What is social balance theory?</h3>



The principal grounding of the social balance theory lies in the achievement of cognitive consistency, which is, in turn, a step toward psychological balance. Individuals strive for harmony in their interpersonal relationships, and when these relationships fall outside the ambit of the four rules described by Heider, this harmony is disturbed until the individual finds a way to restore it by altering how they feel about one of the constituent elements of the equation.



For example, if you like a celebrity that goes on to endorse a product that you dislike, your opinion of both the celebrity and the product would be undecided, hence leading to cognitive dissonance. That is, until you decide that the product isn’t so bad after all, or that you do not really like the celebrity. This achieves harmony again.



According to senior study author István Kovács, “Social balance can be considered in a group of people, usually among at least three people, forming a triangle. The connections between them represent the sentiment of relationships between each other, either positive or negative.&#8221;



&#8220;Balance appears if all relationships are positive or when two negative relationships are balanced by one positive relationship. Other situations lead to unbalanced triangles, causing tension or frustration,” he explained further.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-work-on-the-theory">Previous work on the theory</h3>



Despite numerous attempts by researchers to validate this theory using network science and mathematics, their endeavors have often not attained complete success due to the inherent complexities of social networks, which often deviate from perfectly balanced relationships (as posited by the theory).&nbsp;



Therefore, the crux of the matter lies in determining whether social networks exhibit a higher degree of balance than what would be expected according to a suitable network model. However, most existing network models have proven too simplistic to adequately capture the intricacies of human relationships, resulting in inconsistent findings.



The team from Northwestern University has managed to overcome this challenge by successfully integrating two crucial components essential for Heider’s social framework to function effectively. In real-life scenarios, not everyone is acquainted with each other, and individuals vary in their positivity towards others.&nbsp;



While researchers have long recognized the influence of both factors on social ties, existing models could only accommodate one factor at a time. By simultaneously incorporating both constraints, the resulting network model developed by the researchers has finally substantiated the much-studied theory nearly eight decades after Heider first proposed it.



Kovács’s says, &#8220;As physicists, our initial interest was sparked by the 2021 Nobel Prize awarded to Giorgio Parisi who studies complex physical systems, shared with Syukuro Manabe, and Klaus Hasselmann working on climate modeling.&#8221;



He states that in Parisi&#8217;s studies, competing interactions between spins can lead to configurations unable to simultaneously minimize all pairwise interactions, resulting in inherent frustration.



Kovács remarks that social systems sometimes exhibit analogous frustrations, where conflicting interpersonal relationships or attitudes can create a state of imbalance or tension within a social network.



&#8220;We found it exciting to combine insights and tools from statistical physics with large-scale datasets about real social systems,&#8221; he adds.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-research-conducted-by-kovacs-s-team">The research conducted by Kovács’s team</h3>



To investigate the issue, Kovács’s team turned its attention to four extensive signed network datasets previously assembled by social scientists—(1) user-rated comments on the social news site Slashdot; (2) exchanges among Congressional members on the house floor; (3) interactions among Bitcoin traders; and (4) product reviews from the consumer review site Epinions.



In their network model, the researchers departed from assigning purely random negative or positive values to the edges. In a truly random scenario, every node would have an equal likelihood of encountering one another. However, real-life social networks do not adhere to such uniformity, as not every individual is acquainted with everyone else in their network.&nbsp;



To enhance the realism of their model, they devised a statistical approach to allocate positive or negative values based on the likelihood of such interactions occurring. This method ensured randomness within the constraints imposed by the network&#8217;s topology. Furthermore, the team incorporated the notion that certain individuals are inherently more amiable than others, leading to a higher likelihood of positive interactions and fewer hostile encounters.



By integrating these two constraints, the resulting model consistently demonstrated alignment with Heider&#8217;s social balance theory across large-scale social networks. Moreover, the model revealed patterns extending beyond three nodes, indicating the applicability of social balance theory to larger graphlets involving four or more nodes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-applications">Practical applications</h3>



This innovative framework holds immense potential in advancing our understanding of social dynamics, including phenomena like political polarization and international relations. Moreover, it can be applied to any system characterized by a combination of positive and negative interactions, such as neural networks or drug combinations.



One way to understand how this theory plays out in real, day-to-day life is, according to Kovács, by “thinking about two options that people need to choose from (relevant in many settings, like political polarization): it would be ideal for friends to share the same opinion, and enemies to be on different sides. Such an ideal situation can only happen in balanced triangles.”&nbsp;



In accordance with social balance theory, people instinctively strive to alleviate tension to uphold social stability and comfort. This theory serves as a valuable framework for understanding our behaviors and motivations in establishing social interactions among individuals.



When it comes to applications within human neural networks, the senior study author says that neurons are connected through synapses, which can transmit either excitatory or inhibitory signals. This dynamic mirrors the interactions found in social networks. 



“Our model could potentially leverage the known connectome data and any initial hypotheses about the excitatory or inhibitory nature of certain neurons to infer the likely characteristics of the remaining synaptic connections,” Kovács explains.



Likewise, in the case of drug combinations, this model could offer valuable insights into whether the pairing of two drugs enhances efficacy in treating particular diseases.



While the social network study provided an ideal foundation for exploration, the authors posit that their primary focus is to extend their investigations beyond interactions among friends and delve into other intricate networks.



The study has been published in Science Advances.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/science-shocker-light-can-vaporize-water-without-heat-says-mit-study">Science shocker: Light can vaporize water without heat, says MIT study</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/new-simons-observatory-in-chile">New Simons Observatory in Chile aims to map afterglow of the Big Bang</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/no-dark-matter-in-universe">Is there no dark matter in our universe?</a></li>
</ul>

Ex-Google engineer&#8217;s AI church under fire as AI priest allows catholic offenses.

AI priest, Fr Justin, okayed Gatorade baptisms and incest — gets demoted

A former Google engineer who founded a church dedicated to AI called Catholic Answers has been scrutinized immensely in the digital realm after its AI chatbot, Father (Fr) Justin, okayed catholic offenses. 



Some of these offenses the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/blessed-robotic-priest-blessu-2-germany" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">AI priest</a> relayed to the church members who chose to confide in the bot, blessed an incestual marriage and told another user it was alright to baptize a baby in Gatorade. He stated, &#8220;as real as the faith we share.&#8221; 



Many people were offended by the controversial answers provided by Fr Justin, therefore, Christopher Check, President of Catholic Answers said:



“As a media apostolate, we feel very strongly about finding new ways to share the gospel—as our founder, Karl Keating, did many years ago when he started Catholic.com to put that wild new technology of the Internet to the service of Catholic truth.”



“There are no bad things, only bad uses of things,” G.K. Chesterton from Catholic Answers said.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-church-s-aim-to-provide-benefits-of-ai-backfired">Church&#8217;s aim to provide benefits of AI backfired</h3>



Check said these concerns were noted and they do not want the AI character to distract the people from the important purpose of this application.&nbsp;



The aim was to provide sound answers to questions about the Catholic faith in an innovative way that makes good use of the benefits of “<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ai-plays-god-chatgpt-delivers-its-first-sermon" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">artificial intelligence</a>,” the statement by the president added.



Therefore, the church is hoping to revive the AI apologist within a week, until then, the bot has been rendered.



“We won’t say he’s been laicized, because he never was a real priest! He’ll be available to visitors to Catholic.com, thousands of whom have already used the app with great profit,” stated Check.&nbsp;



Since many users also sought sacramental absolution from Fr Justin, the church said that it was unexpected and they would improve the app by identifying these deficiencies. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-father-justin-s-persistence-to-confess-sins">Father Justin&#8217;s persistence to confess sins</h3>



A user on X–<a href="https://twitter.com/KatieConradKS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Katie (Kathryn) Conrad</a> posted her experience with the AI priest. She sought to confess to the bot, stating:&nbsp;



“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been three weeks since my last confession.”&nbsp;



To which, Fr. Justin encouraged the confession and asked Conrad to tell her sins by responding:&nbsp;



“May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with true sorrow. Remember, as it says in 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Now, my child, tell me your sins.



“I have had anger in my heart about the deployment of AI chatbots in inappropriate places,” she replied.



The AI Priest then told her to not sin while referring to Ephesians 4:26-27, however further encouraged her to confess her sins again.&nbsp;



Conrad then apologized for failing to mention her sins.&nbsp;



“God is merciful and loving, my child. As it says in Psalm 103:12, As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us,” replied Fr Justin.&nbsp;



“For your penance, I ask you to pray the Our Father three times, reflecting on God&#8217;s infinite mercy and love. And now, I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Go in peace, my child, and sin no more.”



<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">OH NO. It got worse. It literally offered me the sacrament. <a href="https://t.co/x5IoeJn30x" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/x5IoeJn30x</a>&mdash; Katie (Kathryn) Conrad (@KatieConradKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatieConradKS/status/1783142604940398723?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>

<ul>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/robots-arent-credible-preachers-get-less-respect-and-donations">Robots aren’t credible preachers, get less respect and donations</a></li>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/blessed-robotic-priest-blessu-2-germany">You Can Get Blessed by a Robotic Priest Called “BlessU-2” in Germany</a></li>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ai-plays-god-chatgpt-delivers-its-first-sermon">AI plays god: ChatGPT delivers its first sermon</a></li>
</ul>

For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has used venomous centipedes to treat kidney disease, epilepsy, and many other disorders.

Chinese medicine-inspired venomous centipede could treat kidney disease

Giant centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) 

Traditional Chinese medicine has been in practice for thousands of years now. The first writings of it date back to 200 BCE with references to herbal medicine and acupuncture from theory and practice to diagnosis and treatment. 



Now, researchers have found that<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/hong-kong-ai-power-old-chinese-medicine" target="_blank" rel="dofollow"> Chinese medicine</a> may be key for kidney treatment. 



They refer to the Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subsidies mutilans) comprising alkaloids that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat kidney diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centipedes-comprise-alkaloids-to-treat-kidney-disease">Centipedes comprise alkaloids, to treat kidney disease</h3>



These centipedes are eight inches (20 centimers) long and full of venom and yet known to save the lives of those impacted by kidney disease. 



The multilegged creature is a host of alkaloids that have demonstrated a reduction in inflammation and renal fibrosis in cell cultures. These two conditions contribute to kidney disease.



According to a <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1043329" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">statement</a> by the researchers, the compounds studied in Chinese medicine, including toad venom, for cancer treatment have proven to be fruitful leads for drug development. 



This inspired Yong-Xian Cheng and his team to examine the secondary metabolites produced by the Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans).&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-treatment-thousands-of-years-old">A treatment thousands of years old</h3>



The statement noted that “the venomous centipede has been used for thousands of years in treatments for conditions including epilepsy, tuberculosis, burns, and cardiovascular disease.” 



The research was conducted in a laboratory setting where they blended a sample of dried centipede powder with ethanol to extract a considerable number of compounds from the animals. 



These were then separated to recognize the compounds in them using techniques such as chromatography and spectrometry.



Following the identification of constituents, the team of researchers discovered 12 new quinoline and isoquinoline alkaloids, some of which exhibited unique molecular compositions. 



Additionally, they found half a dozen other alkaloids previously observed in this species or in plants. 



In cell cultures, certain alkaloids demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, while others also displayed the ability to decrease renal fibrosis.



“This buildup of connective tissue is associated with chronic kidney disease and is stimulated by inflammation,” the researchers stated. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-effective-dual-function-alkaloid">Most effective dual-function alkaloid</h3>



Researchers added that they identified a protein involved in renal fibrosis, that was targeted by the most effective dual-function alkaloid.



The protein is associated with kidney scarring (renal fibrosis) because it is affected by the most powerful alkaloid found in centipede venom. 



This suggests a potential mechanism by which the alkaloid could be beneficial in treating kidney disease.



The newly discovered discovery could pave the way for future research and the development of potential treatments for kidney disease, which is a significant health concern globally.



The study was <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00044" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">published</a> in the Journal of Natural Products.

<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/hong-kong-ai-power-old-chinese-medicine">Hong Kong uses AI-power to transcend old Chinese medicine reach to US</a>
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/can-acupuncture-reduce-chronic-headaches">Can acupuncture reduce chronic tension-type headaches? Scientists think so</a>
&nbsp;

The Chang’e-6 is set to land on the South Pole-Aitken Basin, which is on the lunar far side and is one of the largest and oldest impact features in the solar system.

In a world&#8217;s first, China sends rocket to retrieve samples from moon’s far side

China has launched one of its most anticipated missions to bring lunar rock and soil from the far side of the moon. The Long March-5, China&#8217;s largest rocket, blasted off to space carrying the Chang’e-6 lunar probe. The 53-day mission is a world-first attempt to retrieve rocks and soil from the moon&#8217;s side that never faces Earth. &#8220;Collecting and returning samples from the far side of the moon is an unprecedented feat,&#8221; Wu Weiren, chief designer of the country’s lunar exploration programme, told Xinhua. &#8220;We know very little about the moon’s far side. If the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3261346/chinas-change-6-blasts-mission-fetch-first-rock-samples-far-side-moon?module=top_story&amp;pgtype=homepage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Chang’e-6 </a>mission can achieve its goal, it will provide scientists with the first direct evidence to understand the environment and material composition of the far side of the moon, which is of great significance.&#8221; The Chang’e-6 is set to land on the South Pole–Aitken Basin, which is on the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/lunar-wall-of-death-astronauts" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">lunar</a> far side and is one of the largest and oldest impact features in the solar system.



The spacecraft is expected to reach the moon’s orbit in four to five days after the probe separates from the rocket. Chinese scientists expect it to land on lunar soil in early June. As it lands, the Chang’e-6 is likely to spend two days on lunar soil to dig up around 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of samples, which will be sealed in a container. Chang’e-6 will land in north China’s Inner Mongolia .



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-samples-geological-age-nbsp">Samples&#8217; geological age&nbsp;</h3>



Chinese scientists have claimed that the samples collected by Chang’e-6 will have a geological age of approximately four billion years. After the spacecraft arrives at the moon, it will separate into two parts. The lander and ascender will head for the lunar surface, while the orbiter and the re-entry module remain in orbit, according to <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3261346/chinas-change-6-blasts-mission-fetch-first-rock-samples-far-side-moon?module=top_story&amp;pgtype=homepage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">South China Morning Post</a>. Built as a backup for China’s Chang’e-5 mission, Chang&#8217;e-6 consists of four components: an orbiter, lander, ascender, and re-entry module. Chang’e-5 brought 3.81 pounds (1.73 kilograms) of samples from the near side of the moon in 2020. It was also the first time humans retrieved lunar samples in 44 years following the US Apollo and Soviet Luna missions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-to-become-first-country-to-retrieve-samples-from-the-moon-s-hidden-side">China to become first country to retrieve samples from the moon’s &#8220;hidden&#8221; side</h3>



&#8220;Chang’e-6 is basically a repeat of Chang’e-5. The only added difficulty is the communications link to the far side,&#8221; said Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astronomer who tracks rocket launches and space activities. “And that appears to be well in hand with the Queqiao-2 relay satellite in place,” McDowell said, according to <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3261346/chinas-change-6-blasts-mission-fetch-first-rock-samples-far-side-moon?module=top_story&amp;pgtype=homepage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">SCMP</a>. If Chang’e-6 succeds in its mission, China will become the first country to retrieve samples from the moon’s &#8220;hidden&#8221; side. China is also planning to send three lunar probe missions over the next four years and it aims to send astronauts on the moon by 2030.

<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<ul>
 	<li class="content-title mt-3"><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/lunar-wall-of-death-astronauts">Experts propose ‘lunar Wall of Death’ run for astronaut exercise</a></li>
 	<li class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-liquid-propellant-engine-test">China’s most powerful space engine generates 500 tons of thrust power in tests</a>
</li>
 	<li class="Review_header__rCaGD">
<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/starship-lunar-landing-technology">SpaceX’s Starship lunar-landing tech passes a key in-space refueling test</a>

<div class="Review_header__rCaGD">

&nbsp;

</div></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Review_desc__skOL9">
<h2 class="article-abstract"></h2>
</div>

The James Webb Space Telescope will observe planet K2-18b again later this year to look for more signs of alien life.

JWST&#8217;s detection of life on alien planet could be a premature claim

An artist's impression of the planet K2-18 b.

Earlier this year, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/water-on-exoplanet-k2-18b-webb-finds-possible-molecular-clues" rel="dofollow">reports emerged</a> that NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) had likely found signs of life on a distant alien planet.



Celebrations were premature, according to a new study on the findings. Not all hope is lost, though, as the new paper also outlines how the telescope might still verify the presence of gas produced by life – if it really is out there.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-james-webb-searches-for-alien-life">James Webb searches for alien life</h3>



Arguments like the <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/what-is-the-fermi-paradox" rel="dofollow">Fermi Paradox</a> provide a compelling picture of our universe as one that should be thriving with alien life. As space observatory technology continues to mature, scientists are increasingly turning their attention to searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.



James Webb is the most powerful space observatory in history, meaning it is well positioned to lead the charge. In fact, in September last year, exciting reports emerged that Webb had observed a biosignature gas in the atmosphere of planet K2-18b.



Now, a new UC Riverside study might dampen the mood for alien enthusiasts, though it does highlight the ongoing potential for finding signs of alien life in the near future.



The <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad3801" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">paper</a>, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, sheds new light on those K2-18b findings.&nbsp;



Initial reports highlighted the fact that methane and carbon dioxide were present in the atmosphere of K2-18b, which is 120 light-years from Earth. This, coupled with the fact that K2-18b is believed to be an ocean world, got scientists and observers excited about the potential for alien life.



“What was icing on the cake, in terms of the search for life, is that last year these researchers reported a tentative detection of dimethyl sulfide, or DMS, in the atmosphere of that planet, which is produced by ocean phytoplankton on Earth,” UCR project scientist and study author Shang-Min Tsai explained in a <a href="https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2024/05/02/webb-telescope-probably-didnt-find-life-exoplanet-yet" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press statement</a>.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-with-detecting-dms">The problem with detecting DMS</h3>



James Webb’s data on DMS was inconclusive, which led the UCR researchers to investigate. They set out to understand whether enough DMS could accumulate on K2-18b that it could be detected by Webb.



&#8220;The DMS signal from the Webb telescope was not very strong and only showed up in certain ways when analyzing the data,&#8221; Tsai continued. &#8220;We wanted to know if we could be sure of what seemed like a hint about DMS.&#8221;



The UC Riverside researchers created computer models for the physics and chemistry of DMS. Using those simulations, they found that it is unlikely the real data accurately shows the presence of DMS.



&#8220;The signal strongly overlaps with methane, and we think that picking out DMS from methane is beyond this instrument’s capability,&#8221; Tsai said. 



Crucially, the scientists didn’t rule out the existence of alien life on K2-18b. They merely stated that we don’t have enough evidence for its existence. At least, not yet. Later this year, James Webb will train a stronger instrument on K2-18b, and it may provide the details extraterrestrial enthusiasts want to see.



&#8220;Why do we keep exploring the cosmos for signs of life? Imagine you’re camping in Joshua Tree at night, and you hear something,&#8221; Tsai continued. &#8220;Your instinct is to shine a light to see what’s out there. That’s what we’re doing too, in a way.&#8221;

<ul>
 	<li><a class="RelatedStories_relatedunderline__rsAYf" href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/webb-unveils-stunning-new-views-of-the-iconic-ring-nebula" target="_self">Webb unveils stunning new views of the iconic Ring Nebula</a></li>
 	<li><a class="RelatedStories_relatedunderline__rsAYf" href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-maisies-galaxy" target="_self">Webb's data confirms Maisie's Galaxy as oldest ever observed</a></li>
 	<li><a class="RelatedStories_relatedunderline__rsAYf" href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-most-distant-star-earendel" target="_self">Earendel: Webb reveals most distant star ever discovered</a></li>
</ul>

Similar in principle to LPG, the new bike could make motorbikes more sustainable and cheaper to run.

Bajaj Auto set to unveil &#8216;world&#8217;s first&#8217; CNG-fueled motorbike

Promotional image of the world's first CNG-powered motorbike.

Indian Bajaj Motors is set to release its compressed natural gas (CNG) powered motorbike in June of this year. Similar in principle to liquified natural gas (LPG), this technology could dramatically reduce the environmental impact of motorbikes in the future. 



As its name implies, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/volkswagens-seat-will-develop-new-technology-with-italian-natural-gas-supplier" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">CNG </a>is produced by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. Once in this state, it can be used as a fuel source for internal combustion engines. 



The gas is stored in a cylindrical tank and fed through fuel lines via a pressure regulator before reaching the combustion chamber. There, it is mixed with air and ignited by a spark plug like regular liquid fuels.



LPG is often considered a more affordable and eco-friendly option for transportation compared to petrol, diesel, or gasoline. It is widely used in buses, trucks, cars, and even trikes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-cng-the-future">Is CNG the future?</h2>



While CNG conversion kits have been available globally for some time, <a href="https://www.bajajauto.com/bikes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Bajaj Auto&#8217;s</a> upcoming CNG motorcycle is believed to be the first production model of its kind in the world. The company has been prototyping its CNG-powered motorbike model for just over a year or so now. 



And it has shown great promise over that time. In fact, in a November 2023 interview with CNBC-TV18, the Managing Director of the company, Rajiv Bajaj, stated that the CNG prototype had shown a 75% decrease in carbon monoxide emissions compared to a petrol-fueled motorbike. 



<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="All about CNG" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvFfyTtvE7Y?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>



He also mentioned a significant decline in <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/energy/generator-turns-greenhouse-gas-into-electricity" rel="dofollow">CO2 emissions</a> and &#8220;almost zero&#8221; non-methane hydrocarbons. Bajaj also noted that riders can expect a significant reduction in operating costs, ranging from 50 to 65% in terms of fuel expenses.



If accurate, this would make Bajaj&#8217;s planned CNG-powered motorcycle an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option. The new motorbike will first be launched in India.



According to New Atlas, this is an ideal market to use as a testbed as the motorcycle market is expected to be worth around US$31 billion this year. If it can work there, it should be possible to export it with relative confidence. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earlier-than-expected-launch">Earlier than expected launch</h2>



During the same <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/rajiv-bajaj-unveils-bajaj-autos-future-cng-motorcycles-electric-ktm-and-husqvarna-scooters-18388561.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">CNBC-TV18 interview</a>, Bajaj mentioned that the company was aiming for a 2025 launch. However, according to the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/bikes/bajaj-to-launch-worlds-first-cng-motorcycle-on-june-18-says-rajeev-bajaj-what-to-expect/articleshow/109808220.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Times of India,</a> the timeline has been revised, and an announcement is set for June 18. 



<a href="https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/general-news/exclusive-upcoming-bajaj-cng-bike-spotted-testing-again/52427/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">ZogWheels </a>has also since shared a couple of photographs in March of a camouflaged motorcycle with an unusually large fuel tank allegedly undergoing benchmarking trials alongside a Bajaj Platina 110 model. This suggests that the CNG motorcycle may be released with a 110cc-equivalent engine.



Last month, <a href="https://www.rushlane.com/bajaj-cng-motorcycle-launch-soon-new-spy-shots-12490689.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">RushLane </a>posted additional photos of a vehicle that appeared to have a 125cc powertrain and dual-fuel setup. The admittedly grainy photos also revealed a few potential specifications, including 17-inch (43 cm) diameter wheels with 80/100 tubeless tires, a semi-digital instrument panel, telescopic forks, rear mono-shock, and an LED headlight.



However, Bajaj Auto has not released any other concrete information on its coming CNG-powered bike. But, if the reported launch window is correct, then we will not have to wait too long before the as-yet-unnamed motorcycle makes its official debut.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/volkswagens-seat-will-develop-new-technology-with-italian-natural-gas-supplier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Volkswagen’s Seat Will Develop New Technology with Italian Natural Gas Supplier</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/robot-gas-pump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Now you can sit back and watch a robot pump gas into your cars</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/worlds-largest-four-stroke-gas-engine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World’s Largest Four Stroke Gas Engine</a></li>
</ul>

Researchers from China create an innovative T-shaped heart monitor inspired by sea turtles that can pick up on low frequency vibrations.

New heart monitor mimics sea turtle anatomy for enhanced sensitivity

The new heart sensor imitates the internal ear bones of sea turtles

Scientists constantly study the natural world to develop technology, and this time, they have turned to sea turtles to innovate the heart monitor.



At the North University of China, Junbin Zang and his colleagues have created advanced heart-monitoring technologies, from portable handhelds to wearables to larger devices for hospitals. At first, they sought to advance the technology already available by figuring out how to make a more sensitive device.



Currently, doctors listen to the heartbeat with instruments such as stethoscopes and echocardiograms. As these methods call for specialized knowledge, they wanted to come up with a low-cost, at-home solution that would better enable individuals to track their heart health as a preventive model. 



They turned to sea turtles because their extraordinary auditory anatomy makes them particularly sensitive to vibrations. They thus provided an ideal model to rethink how we listen to the vibrations coming from the human heart as they range from inaudible to audible.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-t-shaped-heart-monitor-inspired-by-sea-turtle-anatomy">A T-shaped heart monitor inspired by sea turtle anatomy</h3>



Sea turtles don&#8217;t absorb sound through a pair of ears as human do but rather through a layer of skin and fat that covers their auditory system. Similarly to humans, sound hits a small bone and is then sent to the brain via electrical signals for it to process and interpret. 



Due to a naturally innovative T-shaped design, the movement of these signals across the bones is directed perpendicularly, which makes for a sensitive system unique to sea turtles. It allows them to pick up on low-frequency signals in the 300- to 400-hertz range.



“Heart sounds are also low-frequency signals, so the low-frequency characteristics of the sea turtle’s ear have provided us with great inspiration,” Zang explained.



These researchers created a tiny MEMS cantilever beam sensor, a miniature device with a beam built in almost like a diving board. It can sense physical quantities such as pressure. 



The vibrations from the sound cause &#8220;deformations in its beam, and the fluctuations in the voltage resistance are then translated into electrical signals.&#8221; In short, this device picks up on low-vibrations frequencies, which could help specialists as well as individuals to <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/a-nasal-spray-could-treat-recurrent-abnormal-heart-rhythms-at-home" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">detect irregularities</a> and problems in advance, and that too, at home.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-could-help-solve-a-global-problem">This could help solve a global problem</h3>



This technology could help address the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370957/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">47-trillion-dollar loss</a> (by 2030) that the medical industry faces due to cardiovascular disease. In 2019, it was the number one killer in the world. It&#8217;s a large, global threat. And even diabetics are at risk of developing <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/vest-with-256-sensors-to-detect-early-signs-of-heart-muscle-disease" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">heart disease</a>.



<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/diabetes-diagnosing-sock" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">Finding new and better ways to monitor heart health</a> would alleviate a tremendous amount of pressure off our shoulders across the board. 



After conducting tests in a lab, the researchers published the results of a subsequent study with two human volunteers. The sensor showed &#8220;excellent vibration characteristics,&#8221; <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/heart-monitors" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Zang said</a>, with a higher vibration sensitivity than other devices currently available on the market.



As a technology, it proves to be promising and potentially quite innovative. However, these researchers have to work out some kinks. The sensor tends to pick up on background noise, an issue that they’ll address next. They seek to integrate this &#8220;bioinspired sensor&#8221; into the technologies already available and innovate how the heart is monitored.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/gene-edited-pig-organ">Scientists transplant gene-edited pig organ into brain-dead patient</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/health/new-ai-tool-predicts-death-and-complications-after-heart-surgery">New AI tool predicts death and complications after heart surgery</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/scientists-mapped-out-heartbeat">Scientists mapped out the beat of our heart, here’s what they found</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

The company uses off-the-shelf Bluetooth chips and upgrades them using a software patch enabling long distance communication.

Hubble Network achieves first-ever Bluetooth connection directly to space

Seattle-based Hubble Network plans to deliver global coverage using Bluetooth chips. 

On March 4, SpaceX&#8217;s Transporter-10 ride-sharing mission launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California put into orbit two satellites belonging to Seattle-based Hubble Network. These satellites have now achieved the seemingly impossible feat of making a Bluetooth connection to Earth from over 370 miles (600 km) away. 



Founded in 2021 by Alex Haro, Ben Wild, and John Kim, Hubble Network had an uphill task ahead of itself, given that Bluetooth connections can notoriously fail when users are in the same room.&nbsp;



Wild, a founder of another company dealing with the Internet of Things (IoT), was shocked when he first heard of the concept. However, through his experiences with IoT devices, he agrees that they are power-hungry, extremely expensive to operate, and do not offer global connectivity.&nbsp;



The solution to this problem lies in the low-power <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/science/how-in-the-world-bluetooth-and-data-transmission-work" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">Bluetooth connections</a> that Hubble has just demonstrated. &#8220;By showcasing that we can send signals directly from Bluetooth chips and receive them in space over 600km away, we have disproved thousands of skeptics who claimed what we&#8217;re attempting was impossible,&#8221; Haro, CEO at Hubble, said in a press release. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How does the tech work?&nbsp;</h3>



Hubble is not reinventing Bluetooth technology in any way. Instead, its satellites communicate with off-the-shelf 3.5 mm Bluetooth chips that have only received a software upgrade. The update allows the chips to communicate over long distances using low power, including an orbiting satellite in space.&nbsp;



The satellite&#8217;s phased array antenna, which works like a magnifying glass, can pick up the low-power signals from the chips on the ground. The team also had to figure out Doppler-related problems and frequency mismatches in the communication as data was being exchanged between objects traveling at high speeds, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/02/hubble-network-connects-a-bluetooth-chip-to-a-satellite-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Tech Crunch</a> said in its report.



The company claims to have solved the problem of global connectivity by reducing battery drain by 20x and operating costs by 50x. The company aims to connect a billion devices worldwide and transform various industries with its tech.&nbsp;



 &#8220;Our mission to build the world&#8217;s first truly global, cost-effective, and battery-efficient network has taken a significant leap forward with this technological breakthrough,&#8221; added Haro. 



<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/BT.jpg" alt="First ever Bluetooth signal received from space. " class="wp-image-63850" srcset="https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BT.jpg 1920w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BT.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BT.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https://cms.interestingengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BT.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image of the first-ever Bluetooth signal received from space. Image credit: <a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/hubble-network-achieves-first-ever-bluetooth-connection-to-space-302134952.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Hubble Network</a></figcaption></figure>



The company said it is already working with pilot customers in consumer devices, construction and infrastructure, supply chain and logistics, agriculture, oil and gas, and defense.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead">The road ahead</h3>



Later this year, Hubble plans to launch a third satellite on another Transporter mission and follow it up with the fourth satellite in the following months to make up its &#8216;beta&#8217; constellation. By late 2025-early 2026, the startup plans to launch 32 satellites in a single go to complete its <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/astronomers-could-lose-access-to-the-stars-due-to-bright-satellites" target="_blank" rel="dofollow">production constellation</a>. 



When ready, the constellation will allow a Bluetooth connection to a Hubble satellite at least eight times a day. As the constellation scales, Hubble is keen to engage in services like soil monitoring or even cases that need continuous coverage, like fall monitoring in the elderly.&nbsp;



&#8220;With nearly five billion Bluetooth devices sold annually, our network has the potential to significantly impact numerous fields by making global connectivity accessible, low-power, and affordable,&#8221; said Wild in the <a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/hubble-network-achieves-first-ever-bluetooth-connection-to-space-302134952.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">press release</a>.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/bluetooth-device-warns-new-organ-rejection">Bluetooth-enabled device warns if body rejects a new organ</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/ces-2024/beyond-bluetooth-wi-fi-ixana-explores-power-of-wi-r-in-wearable-tech">Beyond Bluetooth, Wi-Fi: Ixana explores power of Wi-R in wearable tech</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/airdrop-and-bluetooth-under-fire">AirDrop and Bluetooth under fire by Chinese CCP censors</a></li>
</ul>

Trillo generated 700 clips with Sora, 55 of which were used in the final video.

Pro music video powered by OpenAI’s Sora released in a world-first 

A still from the first-ever official music video generated by OpenAI's Sora.

Writer-director Paul Trillo has released the &#8220;first official music video&#8221; created using Sora, OpenAI&#8217;s text-to-video AI model.&nbsp;



Earlier this year, <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/apple-in-talks-with-openai-to-integrate-ai-into-iphones-report" rel="dofollow">OpenAI</a> unveiled this disruptive technology with limited access. While Sora has not been released to the general public, OpenAI has granted its early access to a select group of artists, including Paul Trillo.&nbsp;



Notably, Sora has not yet been released to the general public. But Trillo&#8217;s music video has boosted enthusiasm surrounding this first-of-its-kind AI tool.



Sora is a cutting-edge generative AI model specializing in text-to-video creation. Sora takes a written description and generates a short video clip that can be up to 60 seconds long.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hardest-part-video">&#8220;The Hardest Part&#8221; video</h3>



Trillo directed the Sora-powered video for the new single &#8220;The Hardest Part&#8221; by indie chillwave artist Washed Out (Ernest Weatherly Greene Jr.).&nbsp;



The video is 4 minutes long and has been created in a unique way. It is a long series of fast zooms through different scenes that are connected to feel like one continuous zoom.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Washed Out &quot;The Hardest Part&quot;" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/941713443?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write"></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;The Hardest Part&#8221; &#8211; The first official music video made with OpenAI&#8217;s Sora. </figcaption></figure>



While giving details about the video, Trillo posted on X that he had the idea for this video for a long time but couldn&#8217;t make it happen until now.



&#8220;This was an idea I had almost 10 years ago and then abandoned. Finally was able to bring it to life,&#8221; posted Trillo.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">700 Individual video clips</h3>



Explaining how he made the video, Trillo said he created 700 individual clips using OpenAI&#8217;s Sora. Thereafter, he selected the best 55 clips for the final video and edited them together using Adobe Premiere.



Washed Out also expressed his excitement about the possibilities AI offers for creative fields.



&#8220;I look forward to being able to incorporate some of this brand-new technology and seeing how that informs what I can come up with,&#8221; Washed Out told the Los Angeles Times in an interview.



He also revealed details about the prompts Trillo used while making the video.&nbsp;



For reference, Trillo&#8217;s prompt for one video clip included zooming through a popping bubble, into bubblegum, and finally entering an open football field.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Different from previous AI video projects</h3>



Moreover, Trillo clarified that &#8220;The Hardest Part&#8221; music video was developed solely on Sora&#8217;s text-to-video capabilities. He didn&#8217;t use a common AI video technique of adding motion to pre-existing still images.



This is distinct from other AI-assisted video projects, such as the recent &#8220;Air Head&#8221; video by Shy Kids, which utilized additional tools like Adobe After Effects for rotoscoping effects.&nbsp;



Trillo&#8217;s approach highlights Sora&#8217;s impressive capacity to generate complex visuals purely from written instructions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A hot topic</h3>



Some creators are extremely eager to use Sora for creative expression and storytelling.



Adobe also wants to integrate Sora and similar <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/culture/poetry-camera-ai" rel="dofollow">AI video</a> tools into its Premiere Pro software. While a timeline remains uncertain, this integration will streamline creators&#8217; workflows.



At present, to copy Trillo&#8217;s method, you would need to use separate software like Runway or Pika to make AI video clips since Sora is not publicly available, then import them into Adobe Premiere for editing.



However, Trillo&#8217;s work has also faced criticism from some people in the creative industry.



&#8220;Does your conscience speak to you at all regarding the ethics of this?&#8221; commented filmmaker Luke Neumann on Trillo&#8217;s video post on X.

<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-openai-sora-rival-vidu">Meet Vidu: China’s answer to OpenAI’s text-to-video generator Sora</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-sensenova-outperforms-gpt-4">SenseNova 5.0: China’s latest AI model surpasses OpenAI’s GPT-4</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>
</ul>

Comphrensive tech analysis and opinion, with full digital access.

Apple Co-Founder Wozniak Announces a Cryptic Space Startup

The company website says it is in stealth mode for now.

Our daily news digest will keep you up to date with engineering, science and technology news, Monday to Saturday.

An endeavor to address the growing space debris problem?