Hello and welcome to The Edge, the newsletter that brings you groundbreaking stories from the frontiers of technology and science.
We’ve got some great stories for you today including a concept electric-hybrid airliner, SpaceX’ new contract and Razer’s rechargeable face mask. As always, we’ve added extra stories under each article should you find yourself in a curious state of mind.
Today in history
What happened on January 16th in the past?
January 16th, 1950 - The first prototype of the MiiG-17 makes it’s maiden voyage.
January 16th, 1973 - Aloha from Hawaii, an Elvis Presley concert, is broadcast via satellite, setting the record for most watched television broadcast by a single entertainer.
January 16th, 2004 - The Republic of Georgia’s so-called “five-cross flag” is restored as the national flag after roughly 500 years of hiatus.
COVID-19
High-tech masks
The future of mask technology. Image credit: Razer
Razer has created a concept N95 mask with RGB and voice projection
Razer, the PC-peripheral company known for light-up mice and keyboards, have made their first “smart” face mask. According to The Verge, Razer recently showed off Project Hazel, their reusable N95 mask concept. They claim that Project Hazel is the “world’s smartest mask.”
It’s unclear if Razer will actually produce the mask but we sincerely hope they do. It comes laden with wild features like a charging case and circular N95 filters. Even the ventilators can be detached and recharged.
The showstopper however is the fact that Razer’s mask can actively amplify your voice by using a microphone and speakers, making your voice easily audible if you’re wearing the mask. Also, according to Razer, the mask is comfortable thanks to silicon guards around the nose and chin.
The plastic around the mouth area is actually transparent, which lets others see your mouth move. If it’s dark, LEDs will light up that area, allowing everyone to see your pearly whites even when it’s dark.
Razer’s goal is to sell the concept mask with a charging case that charges both the ventilators and shines UV light to sterilise everything.
Razer, the gaming innovator.
Quick science
Other incredible stories from the world of science and technology.
The birth of plate tectonic theory.
The coordination between these eels is electric.
Aviation
MIT’s first foray into hybrid-electric flight
The new way to fly. Image credit: Pixabay/Victor Tangermann
Concept for a hybrid-electric plane may reduce aviation’s air pollution problem
A concept hybrid-electric plane has been developed by MIT engineers. The concept could reduce nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to smog and acid rain by 95 percent. Nitrogen oxides have also been linked to respiratory problems and cardiovascular issues, resulting in around 16,000 deaths yearly. In other words, the concept is incredibly exciting, both for the planet and the lives that would be saved.
Steven Barrett, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT said that “This would still be a tremendous engineering challenge, but there aren’t fundamental physics limitations. If you want to get to a net-zero aviation sector, this is a potential way of solving the air pollution part of it, which is significant, and in a way that’s technologically quite viable.”
The hybrid-electric plane’s main thrust source is still a normal gas turbine, located in the cargo hold. However, the turbine would drive a generator that would produce electricity which would then power wing-mounted electric propellers. The emissions produced by the turbine would also be further cut by the addition of an emission-control system.
Barrett said that the concept is a solution to the fact that battery technology simply isn’t ready for larger aircraft yet. The weight of the hybrid-electric system would require 0.6 percent more fuel (if mounted to a converted Boeing 737 or Airbus A320) but this would be offset but the cut emissions.
The largest electric plane ever to fly.
Video of the week
“Illusions of Time”
Time is weird. The way we measure it is arguably a human construct yet none of us can deny that time passes. Time also behaves strangely in general - for example, thanks to relativity, time actually passes faster for your face than it does for your feet. In this great video by Vsauce, we learn more fascinating things about time, how it influences us and how, weirdly, a lot of what we perceive as time is an illusion.
Take note
It’s 2021. We consume and produce more data than ever before and many of us can be left feeling overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of stuff we need to keep track of. Taking notes is a great work-around but simply jotting something down on paper isn’t always enough - sometimes, something more dynamic like Supernotes is necessary.
Supernotes is a collaborative note-taking app that lets you collect collect your thoughts, notes, snippets and tasks. The notes you take can be customised and made dynamic or kept simple. Your notes can also be shared easily with others, making Supernotes a great tool for collaboration. Supernotes gives your note-taking a new edge, clearing your mind and freeing your time.
Space
SpaceX’ lunar lander launch
Next up for SpaceX. Image credit: Intuitive Machines
SpaceX wins contracts for lunar lander, environmental satellite launches
SpaceX has won it’s next NASA contract - to launch a lunar lander backed by NASA.
The lander is being built by Intuitive Machines, an autonomous drone systems company. It’s being built as part of its IM-2 lunar lander mission. If everything goes to plan, the lander will launch on board a Falcon 9 rocket within the coming two years.
According to IM president and CEO Steve Altemus, “Signing with SpaceX for our IM-2 Polar Mission, our second scheduled lunar landing, is more than affordable quality lunar transport.” IM-2 will land in the Moon’s southern polar area with numerous payloads in tow. Among the cargo is a drill that will scour the lunar surface for signs of water.
Life on the Moon.
What we’ve been reading
A small selection of the articles we read this week.
The Secret to Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids, According to a Family Therapist
Gas Giant Exoplanet with Weirdly Long Orbit May Bear Clues about our Solar System
Thanks for reading!
We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Edge.
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