US Scientists Trick Solid Into Behaving Like Liquid

                Scientists have discovered how to get a solid material to act like a liquid without actually changing its state, opening a new world of possibilities for the electronic, optics and computing industries. Researchers discovered a nano sponge like, non-flammable human made material and pressed it into pellets the size of a pinkie nail. They noticed something odd when they looked at its X-ray diffraction pattern. The material’s internal crystal structure arranged in a strange pattern. Researchers then turned the pellets on their side and ran the X-ray analysis again. The crystal structures within the material fell into precise patterns that allow for lithium ions to flow easily – like a liquid. The findings are significant because using current liquid materials sometimes is problematic. For example, lithium-ion batteries are among the most efficient ones, charging many of our gadgets. However, they tend to be big and bulky due to use of a liquid to transfer lithium ions from one side of the battery to the other to store and disperses energy.

China To Get Driverless Train in '17

                China first driverless subway line in the capital city Beijing is expected to start operations at the end of 2017. Operations on the Yanfang line will be fully automatic, including train departures, opening and closing of its doors and cleaning. The trains will only use domestic technology. China’s CRRC Corporation Limited, the world’s largest supplier of rail transit equipments, started developing the fully automatic subway system in 2010 and has mastered the core technologies. It completed the construction of the subway trains in 2015.

                Beijing subway line 3, 12, 17, 19 and the new airport line will operate with the completely automated, driverless trains. It is expected that the total length of the fully automated subway lines in Beijing will reach 300 km by 2020. Nationwide, the fully automatic system will cover 1,000 kilometres. The development and use of domestic operation systems is part of the “Made in China 2025” initiative, which aims to comprehensively upgrade the Chinese industry. The move will also help strengthen China’s presence in the global rail transport industry and ensure security of the country’s key infrastructures.

Coming, Clothes That Can Mend Themselves

                Coating made from squid proteins may help clothes that could fix their own rips. The coating may not only lead to self healing clothes, but also help create garments tailored for protection against chemical and biological warfare and that can repair themselves. The researchers investigated molecules from the suction cups on squid tentacles for use in self-repairing films. They focused on proteins from razor-sharp, tooth-like structures around the openings of these suction cups that help squids latch onto its prey. Previous research suggested proteins from these “squid ring teeth” are tough and elastic under both wet and dry conditions. When a fabric covered in this coating is soaked in water, the proteins diffuse towards holes and tears in the coating, linking segments of coating and fabric together to make repairs. Researchers were surprised at the rapidity of the healing process and the strength of the healed materials.

'Second Earth' Found, 5 Ways To Get There

                              Proxima b might have the right conditions to support life, but its 4.3 lightyears away and the trip would take conventional rockets thousands of years. Some technologies that might take us there:

 1.   IONIC PROPULSION

Once considered the stuff of science fiction, ion drives have now been tested in a number of spacecraft. The idea is to use electrical energy to propel charged molecules of gas, or ions, from a thruster. Far more fuel-efficient than a traditional rocket and, despite a weaker thrust, allows a long period of acceleration.

 2.   NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION

Uses N-reactions to heat up liquid hydrogen and channel it to generate thrust. Estimates say such an engine could power a spaceship to mars in just 90 days.

 3.   LASER SAIL

It involves shining a powerful laser beam on a large ‘sail’ to push spacecraft forward. Concept is simple, but has the potential to generate velocities up to half the speed of light and beyond. Could help reach Proxima b in 20-25 years.

 4.   NUCLEAR PULSE PROPULSION

The idea is to explode a series of N-bombs behind a spacecraft for powerful accelerating force. Such a spaceship could reach velocities as high as 5% of the speed of light but it is costly and unsafe.

 5.   FUSION ROCKETS

Here, deuterium and helium-3 pellets are ignited in a fusion reaction, the same nuclear force that power the Sun, to generate a high-energy gas that can be used to provide thrust. A two-stage fusion rocket could make it possible to travel to Proxima b in 36 years. But fusion power is still in its infancy.