U.S. Takes Major Step Towards High-Speed Rail with Brightline West Project

Did you know the Japanese Bullet Train was Designed after the Kingfisher Bird?

By The STEAM Digest

Yes. You read that correctly.

The Shinkansen bullet train was an engineering feat known for its high-speeds across Japan - reaching up to 150-200 mph (240-320) km/hr. But there was just one slight problem with the original design that engineers didn’t account for when they designed it. They didn’t account for the effects of atmospheric pressure waves or compression air waves in front of the train while traveling at high speeds. These compression air waves aren’t an issue when the train is traveling in open air because they can pushed aside in any direction except to the ground. They become an issue when inside a tunnel.

Design, built, and first operated in the 1960s, the bullet train had an issue with the compressed air waves that formed in front of the train when inside the tunnel. These pressure waves would become compressed to micro-pressure waves as the train entered a tunnel and would cause a loud ‘boom’ as it exited the tunnel. A boom that could be heard miles and miles away. To solve this, engineers drew inspiration from the kingfisher bird, known for its ability to dive into water with minimal splash due to its streamlined beak. By redesigning the train's front end to mimic the kingfisher’s beak, they not only mitigated the noise issue but also enhanced the train's efficiency, allowing it to travel 10% faster while using 15% less electricity. This innovation exemplified the use of biomimicry in modern engineering.

Good Afternoon and welcome back after the long weekend. We do have a short week this week (today is Tuesday) so good luck and have a great week!

In today’s edition:

• Science - Extreme Heat Aggravates Neurological Conditions, Study Finds.

• Technology & AI - Breakthrough Neural Implant Enables Bilingual Speech for Paralyzed Patient.

• Engineering - Cities Outpace Individuals in Adopting Electric Vehicles.

• Health - The Health Effects of Cold-Water Swimming: Benefits and Risks.

• Environment - 2024 Hurricane Season Predicted to be Exceptionally Active.

• Industry News: China Unveils World's Largest Onshore Wind Turbine Blades

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The following articles are curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Venus May Be Volcanically Active Like Earth, New Study Reveals: A recent analysis of decades-old data from NASA's Magellan spacecraft suggests that Venus might be volcanically active. Researchers identified signs of fresh lava flows on the slopes of the Sif Mons volcano and in the Niobe Planitia region, indicating recent volcanic activity. These findings challenge the long-held view of Venus as geologically inactive and suggest it could have similar volcanic activity levels as Earth. Future missions like NASA's DAVINCI and VERITAS will provide more detailed surface maps to further investigate these phenomena.

Extreme Heat Aggravates Neurological Conditions, Study Finds: Extreme heat, increasingly common due to climate change, worsens various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and migraines. High temperatures exacerbate symptoms, reduce cognitive function, and increase the risk of related health complications. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with preexisting conditions, are particularly at risk.

Health Risks of Microplastics in Human Testicles Under Investigation: Recent studies published in Toxicological Science, have detected microplastics in human testicular tissue, raising concerns about potential health impacts. While the full effects are not yet understood, scientists worry that these tiny particles could disrupt hormonal functions and contribute to conditions like infertility and testicular cancer. The discovery underscores the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution and highlights the urgent need for further research to assess the implications for human health.

TECHNOLOGY & AI

AI-Enhanced Headphones Selectively Filter Unwanted Noise: Imagine walking into a busy, noisy restaurant and having the ability to filter out undesired sounds while preserving desired ones. Or imagine being in law enforcement and listening through recorded evidence. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed AI-powered headphones that can selectively filter out specific unwanted sounds while preserving desired ones. By using a neural network trained to recognize 20 environmental sound categories, the system allows users to focus on preferred sounds, such as birdsong, while canceling out background noise like chatter.

Optical Illusions Confound Both Humans and AI: A recent article in Scientific American explores how AI chatbots, much like humans, can be deceived by optical illusions. Researchers have found that certain visual tricks can lead AI systems to misinterpret images in ways similar to human perception errors. This discovery highlights ongoing challenges in developing AI with robust visual understanding and has significant implications for AI safety and reliability in critical applications.

Breakthrough Neural Implant Enables Bilingual Speech for Paralyzed Patient: Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have developed a pioneering neural implant capable of decoding brain activity in both Spanish and English, allowing a paralyzed man to communicate effectively in both languages. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, details how the implant uses a lattice of electrodes placed on the brain’s surface to interpret neural signals and convert them into speech via a connected computer system​.

The patient, who lost his ability to speak after a stroke, was trained to think of specific words in both languages. The system, aided by AI, was able to achieve an 88% accuracy rate in determining the language of thought and a 75% accuracy rate in translating thoughts into coherent speech. This technology not only holds promise for restoring speech in multiple languages but also provides insights into how bilingual brains process language, potentially challenging previous beliefs about distinct neural regions for different languages​.

ENGINEERING

Electrifying the Future: How EV Batteries Can Revolutionize Grid Storage: A recent study published in Nature Communications highlights the potential of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in addressing energy and material security. The researchers proposed that vehicle to grid technology and second-life batteries, both in use and after their automotive life, could provide a robust solution to grid storage needs. By utilizing vehicle-to-grid technology and repurposing retired EV batteries, Europe could potentially meet up to four times its projected battery storage demands by 2050. This approach has tremendous potential to mitigate environmental and geopolitical challenges of new battery material sourcing.

Breakthrough in Heat Transfer: New Surface Design Lowers Leidenfrost Temperature: Virginia Tech researchers have developed engineered surfaces with micropillars that significantly lower the temperature at which the Leidenfrost effect occurs, from 230°C to 130°C. This advancement enhances heat transfer efficiency, crucial for applications like cooling industrial machinery and nuclear reactors. The micropillars improve boiling efficiency and self-cleaning capabilities by facilitating better heat distribution and impurity removal. The findings, published in Nature Physics, hold promise for preventing vapor explosions and improving thermal management in various industries.

Cities Outpace Individuals in Adopting Electric Vehicles: Municipalities are transitioning to electric vehicles at a faster rate than private consumers. Cities are investing heavily in electric trucks, sedans, and niche vehicles for public services to reduce emissions and combat climate change. This trend is driven by the need to meet environmental goals and improve urban air quality. The shift highlights the role of local governments in leading climate action through sustainable transportation initiatives..

HEALTH

The Health Effects of Cold-Water Swimming: Benefits and Risks: Cold-water swimming has become a popular activity touted for its various health benefits. According to the article, researchers have found that immersing oneself in cold water can improve cardiovascular health, enhance immune function, and boost mental well-being. Specifically, regular cold-water swimmers report reduced stress levels and an overall sense of vitality. Some studies also suggest potential benefits for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

However, the practice is not without risks. Sudden exposure to cold water can lead to hypothermia, cold shock, and cardiac stress, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Experts recommend that new participants acclimate gradually and take necessary safety precautions to minimize these risks

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change Threatens Humpback Whale Diet: Just like climate changing is impacting air travel, a study from Griffith University warns that climate change may disrupt the krill-based diet of southern hemisphere humpback whales and impact whale ecology. Researchers analyzed whale blubber and skin samples, revealing that all populations rely heavily on Antarctic krill. Future reductions in sea-ice and rising ocean temperatures could impact this critical food source, potentially altering whale feeding patterns.

Climate Change Claims All Glaciers in Venezuela and Slovenia: The disappearance of glaciers is a stark indicator of global climate change. Venezuela and Slovenia have become the first countries to lose all their glaciers due to the impacts of climate change. Venezuela's last glacier, the Humboldt, has shrunk to less than 4.92 acres (2 hectares), no longer qualifying as a glacier. The minimum size to be considered a glacier is 25 acres (0.1 kilometers), according to the USGS. Slovenia has also seen its glaciers vanish completely. These developments highlight the severe effects of global warming on mountainous regions, leading to significant ecological and hydrological changes.

2024 Hurricane Season Predicted to be Exceptionally Active: June 2024 to November 2024 are the months one needs to be prepared for the hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecasted to be particularly dangerous, with experts predicting 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes. This high activity is driven by unusually warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the potential transition from El Niño to La Niña conditions, which could further enhance storm development and intensity.

New Legislation Could Cost Big Oil Billions for Climate Damage: A new legislative proposal aims to hold major oil companies financially accountable for their role in climate change. If passed, the legislation would require these companies to pay billions of dollars to cover the costs of climate-related damages and adaptation efforts. The bill targets fossil fuel giants responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, marking a substantial shift in how climate costs are managed and aiming to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

Cape Cod Considers Expensive Measures to Address Pollution: Cape Cod is evaluating costly solutions to tackle pollution problems affecting its waterways such as toxic algal blooms. This includes upgrading septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce nitrogen levels, which are harming local ecosystems. The region faces tough decisions about funding these initiatives, weighing the environmental benefits against the financial burdens on residents and businesses. Effective pollution control is crucial to preserving Cape Cod's natural resources and maintaining its economic vitality.

INDUSTRY NEWS

California's Wildlife Bridge: A Lifeline for Animal Connectivity: In an effort to combat the fragmentation of wildlife habitats caused by highways, California is building the world's largest wildlife crossing. This impressive structure, known as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, is set to span the 101 Freeway at Liberty Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. Expected to open in 2025, the bridge will be 210 feet long and 165 feet wide, featuring extensive vegetation to blend with the surrounding landscape and provide a natural corridor for various species.

The primary goal of this $87 million project is to facilitate safe passage for animals such as mountain lions, coyotes, deer, and smaller creatures like lizards and snakes. The overpass aims to mitigate the risk of roadkill and allow these animals to access wider habitats, which is crucial for their survival and genetic diversity. This crossing is particularly vital for mountain lions, whose populations have been severely impacted by inbreeding and mortality due to restricted movement across their natural range.

Funded by a mix of private donations and public money, the bridge will also feature sound and light barriers to minimize disturbances for nocturnal animals. This project underscores the importance of reconnecting fragmented ecosystems and is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.

U.S. Takes Major Step Towards High-Speed Rail with Brightline West Project: The U.S. has begun construction on its first true high-speed rail line, Brightline West, connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The $12 billion project, expected to be completed by 2028, aims to significantly cut travel time and reduce road congestion. Key advantages include federal funding support, efficient use of existing interstate corridors to avoid land acquisition delays, and a focus on profitable routes. This project could set a precedent for future high-speed rail developments across the country.

China Unveils World's Largest Onshore Wind Turbine Blades: China has introduced the world's largest onshore wind turbine blades, measuring 131 meters, built by SANY Renewable Energy. These colossal blades, designed for a 15-megawatt turbine, will be installed in central China. The enhanced size promises greater efficiency but also presents challenges in stiffness, strength, and transportation logistics. This innovation is a significant step in renewable energy, though it highlights the need for sustainable solutions for end-of-life turbine blades.