Everything we all learnt as kids might need to be revised in light of new research on water evaporation. Water evaporates when it becomes hot, as everyone knows, but MIT researchers have demonstrated that there might be a parallel evaporation mechanism that has been overlooked for a long time. Their work seems to indicate that evaporation can also be caused by visible light. Furthermore, it appears that some light wavelengths cause more evaporation than others.

Fundamental physics underlies the common heat mechanism of evaporation: heat gives water molecules energy, which accelerates them until they have enough momentum to break hydrogen bonds and transition from a liquid phase to a gaseous one. particular a particular quantity of energy input, we can calculate the amount of evaporation that should occur, and the results match reality. Thus, we can conclude that this is the main method of evaporation. Although light can transfer a tiny amount of thermal energy, the researchers think they have found something else.

The researchers soaked hydrogels in water for the investigation. Although these porous materials are excellent at retaining significant amounts of water, they are also replete with nooks and tunnels that expand the surface area where water and air can interact. This is crucial because the interaction between air and water is where evaporation happens. They found that when the hydrogels were subjected to visible light, some tests resulted in twice as much evaporation as one would anticipate from heat.

How can we be certain that it’s not just ambient heat? One is that the evaporation rate seems to be influenced by the color of the light. For instance, the greatest amount of evaporation occurs at green light wavelengths. If heat was the only factor at play, then all wavelengths ought to be equal. Furthermore, the group discovered that no extra evaporation was occurring after switching from light to a heater, according to ScienceNews.

To figure out the mechanism, the researchers examined the water vapor that was escaping from the hydrogel. They discovered proof that water molecules break apart and evaporate collectively in bursts. This is not the same as evaporation caused by heat, which happens one molecule at a time.

The paper was accepted for publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences after undergoing peer review. But since this is only one study, there are still some important details lacking. The team, for instance, is unsure of the mechanism by which visible light causes water to evaporate. Nevertheless, there are many examples of unanticipated water behavior. Should subsequent research validate the impact, we may be confronted with an entirely novel evaporation mechanism. Water treatment, energy storage, and climate science may be impacted by that.

Scientists have created a supple yet agile substitute for the rigid, restricted-range grippers seen on modern robots. By utilizing a 3D printer, non-traditional materials, and an innovative manufacturing technique, they have produced a robotic hand that resembles the skeletal structure of humans and may be as agile as our own.

The group consists of engineers from Inkbit, an additive manufacturing offshoot from MIT, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. Collectively, they observed that although robot grippers are fairly advanced, they hardly equal the practical and literal flexibility provided by human hands. While soft, tentacle-like grippers fill the void left by hard, claw-like grippers, they aren’t useful in most common situations. Instead, they struggle to pick up things with irregular shapes.

The engineers write in a study for the journal Nature, “The aim is to create actuated systems with high spatial resolutions and complex material arrangements that range from elastic to rigid.” “Such complicated systems are difficult to manufacture using traditional manufacturing processes.”

The answer? Create a brand-new 3D printing technique for creating flexible robotics parts. VCJ, or vision-controlled jetting, is the name of the technique. Engineers are prevented from printing with softer materials by this technique, known as mechanical planarization, whereas traditional 3D printing smooths imperfections after each printed layer. Because of this, modern 3D printed robots are typically constructed from stiff, quickly drying polyacrylates.

VCJ uses a 3D laser scanner to detect and compensate for surface defects during manufacture, as an alternative to scraping the flaws off the surface. Every time the scanner finds an uneven area, it determines how to fill that area by adjusting the next layer. According to Wojciech Matusik, co-founder of Inkbit, the outcome is a fabrication technology that makes up for its inherent shortcomings with “pinpoint accuracy.” This results in a product that can be bent and recovers to its former state rather rapidly when combined with elastic, slow-curing thiolene polymers.

The team was able to create a robotic hand that mimics the skeleton and connective tissues of a person thanks to this approach. Nineteen “tendons” in the hand enable dexterity in the fingers and wrist. The hand can “feel” what it’s touching and grasp objects with the proper amount of force thanks to contact pads and pressure sensors.

The group is not going to stop there. They have also created a heart-shaped pump and a moving robot that resembles a dog with six legs using VCJ.

“We hope that VCJ will create new opportunities to build complex machines or objects faster and more often than they could have been made,” they write. “Our freeform fabrication method allows scientists and engineers to construct hybrid soft-rigid structures, systems, and robotics at the millimeter to decimeter scale more quickly by expanding their design space.”

Cell phones have been connected to terrestrial antennae for all of the decades they have been in existence. Certain phones may now communicate with satellites directly to access complicated emergency communication options. More reliable satellite connectivity is what SpaceX plans for the future, which it claims will materialize in the coming year. At that point, Starlink’s initial Direct to Cell functionalities will be accessible.

Although these massive devices have been around for decades, satellite phones are nothing new. However, it looks like we could soon be able to add satellite capabilities to any cell phone. Some phones can already communicate with satellites, although they don’t have many functionality. For instance, Apple gives you the option to send a time-delayed SMS via a Globalstar partner satellite by being upfront about its “Emergency SOS” branding. Elon Musk previously hinted at a Starlink service that would first only allow SMS use before later offering full data access.

Texting will be supported when the LTE-based service launches in 2024, according to SpaceX’s recently revised satellite page. The company plans to activate satellite-based voice and data services the following year, in addition to offering connectivity for Internet of Things devices. No particular phones or accessories are needed for this service. Unmodified cell phones will be able to receive LTE signals that the satellites will shoot down to Earth.

Although it’s unclear what kind of connectivity we may anticipate, it would be wise to lower your hopes. Although it is undoubtedly possible to send an LTE signal hundreds of kilometers into space, phones are not made to project a signal that far. Real-time applications can become nearly impossible as a result. Though Musk has stated Starlink may offer 2-4 Mbps of total bandwidth in each cell zone, or around 15 square miles, the website does not list anticipated speeds. Distribute that over several users, and your data will slowly crawl. However, in places that terrestrial networks are unable to reach, even a small amount of connectivity can be extremely helpful.

In preparation for this project, SpaceX has worked with cellular carriers worldwide, including as T-Mobile in the US and KDDI in Japan. To enable the promised functionalities, the corporation will need to launch new satellites equipped with LTE antennas. Starting with the Falcon 9 rocket, it will progress to Starship when the company’s mega-rocket is prepared for commercial use. Currently, SpaceX is testing that vehicle, which has not been able to enter orbit yet.

Bluetooth is the industry leader in the rapidly evolving wireless space. However, not everything has Bluetooth built in for ease. Do not be alarmed; as the ancient Greek philosopher Plato famously observed, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Your audio experience can be completely changed with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver.

This tiny gadget has two modes of operation using Bluetooth 5.3. It functions as a bridge between your non-Bluetooth audio sources and any Bluetooth-enabled device, offering both transmission and reception modes. Now, this clever gadget can be purchased for just $45.99 (was $59).

Bring Back Your Non-Bluetooth Electronics

You can pair Bluetooth-enabled speakers, headphones, or earbuds with non-Bluetooth audio sources including TVs, PCs, stereos, and MP3 players by using the EVE II in transmission mode. This is ideal for viewing TV late at night without bothering other people.

This mode is also useful for those who wish to talk to friends while playing cooperatively by connecting their console to a wireless gaming headgear. Does your car still lack Bluetooth capability? By connecting the EVE II to your car stereo and using your smartphone or tablet to play music wirelessly, you may improve the audio quality of your vehicle.

Connecting some outdated gear to your non-Bluetooth audio output device will breathe new life into it. When in receiver mode, you can connect it to a digital or analog audio system so you can use the phone’s speaker to play music. This implies that you can now use the audio system you’ve been holding onto to play music again, but with Bluetooth control.

A folding dual-3.5 mm AUX port is another feature of the EVE II that is useful for in-flight entertainment. Before making a purchase, though, you might want to make sure that your TV, automobile, and other electronics have that port. One more benefit? Up to two pairs of wireless headphones can be paired so that you can enjoy music or movie audio with friends and family.

Take Bluetooth with you wherever you go.

The EVE II’s compact design makes it simple to fit in your luggage or handbag. Its battery also provides up to 20 hours of playback, which is an extra practical function if your travel is especially long.

With its two-in-one capabilities and worldwide compatibility, this small device is your key to audio independence.

For a limited time, purchase the EVE ll Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver for only $45.99.

Prices are liable to vary.