For the problem of finding ground-state energy of a local Hamiltonian, new complexity results help to bring more clarity to the boundary of quantum advantage.
If the idea of robots taking on humans in a road race conjures dystopian images of android athletic supremacy, then fear not, for now at least.
More than 20 two-legged robots competed in the world’s first humanoid half-marathon in China on Saturday, and – though technologically impressive – they were far from outrunning their human masters over the long distance.
Teams from several companies and universities took part in the race, a showcase of China’s advances on humanoid technology as it plays catch-up with the US, which still boasts the more sophisticated models.
An INRS research team has identified a new family of enzymes that can make precise cuts in single-stranded DNA. A few years ago, the introduction of CRISPR technology marked a significant breakthrough in the scientific community. Derived from a component of the bacterial immune system, CRISPR ena
The most graceful animal in the ocean has inspired a propulsion system that could soon power our ships, thanks to Switzerland
Posted in energy, engineering, mapping | Leave a Comment on The most graceful animal in the ocean has inspired a propulsion system that could soon power our ships, thanks to Switzerland
Innovation in maritime propulsion has reached a significant milestone with the development of a revolutionary technology inspired by one of the ocean’s most elegant creatures. Swiss engineering giant ABB has successfully tested its biomimetic propulsion system that replicates the graceful swimming motion of whales, potentially transforming how vessels navigate our seas.
Biomimetic innovation transforms maritime propulsion
The marine industry stands at the threshold of a major breakthrough with ABB’s latest innovation. The ABB Dynafin propulsion system draws inspiration from the efficient swimming techniques of cetaceans, creating a mechanism that could significantly reduce energy consumption across various vessel types. This technology comes at a crucial time as detailed ocean mapping reveals new underwater features that challenge traditional navigation methods.
Please join my mailing list here 👉 https://briankeating.com/list to win a meteorite 💥
Is the universe actually thinking—literally, not just as a metaphor? We dive into the latest theories from physicists, exploring ideas like the universe as a vast neural network, capable of processing and even learning information, much like our own brains do.
Tune in as we explore the boundaries between science, consciousness, and the universe itself.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmXH_moPhfkqCk6S3b9RWuw/join.
📚 Get a copy of my books:
Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner, with life changing interviews with 9 Nobel Prizewinners: https://a.co/d/03ezQFu.
My tell-all cosmic memoir Losing the Nobel Prize: http://amzn.to/2sa5UpA
The identification of peripheral neural stem cells could transform the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries
🚀 Q: What are the key features of SpaceX’s new flame trench at Pad B? A: The 80% complete flame trench features 5 diverter supports, 2 flame buckets, and water pipes for cooling and exhaust management, enabling rapid Starship launch turnarounds by up to 70% compared to pads without a trench.
🔥 Q: How does the flame trench manage Superheavy booster exhaust? A: It channels 3,000°C exhaust from 33 Raptor engines using a 10-20m deep, 10-20m wide, refractory-lined concrete channel with a steel deflector to reduce recoil damage by 60%.
💧 Q: What role does water play in the flame trench system? A: The trench uses 1M L water per launch to cool the trench, absorb 10–20 MJ/m² heat flux, and reduce 30–50% acoustic energy, preventing structural cracks or instability of the rocket.
And its already removed over 84,000 kg of ocean trash.
The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit environmental organization, has embarked on a groundbreaking mission to eliminate 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.
Through innovative technology and a two-pronged approach—removing plastic already polluting the oceans and intercepting new waste in rivers—the project is making real progress.
Their ocean cleanup systems, including the latest System 3, are actively harvesting waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, while river-based Interceptors are stopping plastic at the source in high-impact areas like Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.
With over 84,000 kilograms of plastic removed and more than 2,700 square kilometers of ocean cleaned as of mid-2022, The Ocean Cleanup has already made significant strides. Backed by scientific research, partnerships with companies like Coca-Cola and Maersk, and global support, the organization is scaling up its efforts. Targeting the world’s 1,000 most polluting rivers, The Ocean Cleanup aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14—conserving marine life. Through technology, collaboration, and determination, they’re turning the tide on ocean pollution.
Learn more.
For the past 19 years, the Forensics Engineering Conference at UT Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering has brought together the best of academia and industry for an exciting exchange on advances in forensics engineering.
The 2025 conference carries special importance, celebrating longtime Lead Faculty David Fowler, Ph.D., and his rich legacy. This year’s conference will be led by Ryan Kalina, Ph.D., P.E., vice president, Forensix Consulting and lecturer, Cockrell School Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering.
The 2025 conference topics span real-world case studies, lessons from significant structural forensic failures, ethical issues and the impact of weather on structures. Sessions are presented by industry and academic engineering experts.
A new experiment suggests that the thalamus plays a key role in humans becoming consciously aware of stimuli their brain receives.