🚢 Baltimore bridge hit twice, SPOT robodog is shot, Webb's alien worlds

Plus: Space rock holds ancient solar system secrets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 March 29, 2024 | [Read Online]( How did a slow-moving ship bring down a 47-year-old bridge? Well, experts have proposed that the collapse wasn't due to a single cause. They highlight the fact that a different ship had previously collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in 1980, as well as other factors like its ‘old infrastructure,’ which contributed to the final act. “The outcome…is an example of the dangers caused by the massive increase in shipping vessel size in the intervening decades,” reads one report. For more on this analysis, head over to today’s [Must Read.]( 🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on [jobs.interestingengineering.com](: >[Â]([Sr. Software Engineer]( > [Senior Integration Engineer (Remote Within Ca)]( 🎙 New podcast [How squid robots are taking over warehouse logistics with Gili Ovadia]( Reading Time: 4 mins Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? [Subscribe here.]( MUST READ 🚢 Baltimore bridge struck by ships twice: Here’s why it fell the 2nd time The [Key Bridge in Baltimore]( was crucial to the Interstate 965. Since the container ship hit just one support pillar, it is surprising that the entire 1.5-mile-long structure has collapsed. The ship's power failure and loss of steering suggest contaminated fuel, as one likely suspect. This incident echoes a [similar collision]( four decades ago when a Japanese container ship lost power and hit the same bridge. Importantly, the bridge was designed for smaller vessels, unlike the large ships of today, like DALI. An extra safeguard known as fenders might have lessened the impact. Experts informed the BBC that funding for such measures is limited, and decisions on risk reduction are made considering the likelihood of events. It's possible that the idea of a large ship colliding with the bridge was perceived as a [low-probability scenario.]( 🤖 Roscoe: Boston Dynamic’s SPOT becomes the world’s first hero, robodog A Boston Dynamic’s [SPOT robotic dog]( has officially become the first of its kind to become a police dog hero. The robodog in question, a Massachusetts State Police SPOT unit, was shot in the line of duty. According to the police department, the robodog’s actions may have [saved human lives](. Called “Roscoe,” the robot dog was involved in a police action to deal with a person barricaded in their home. According to the police, the person was armed with a rifle. During the incident, they knocked over the robotic dog twice before shooting it three times and disabling its communication. “Roscoe” is now back with Boston Dynamics for repairs and will stay with them for the [foreseeable future.]( 🪐 In a world first, James Webb peers at alien worlds as they form Astronomers have recently imaged [protoplanetary disks]( around HL Tau, SAO 206462, and MWC 758, using observations from Hubble and ALMA. Their next goal was to use the Webb telescope to detect nascent planets within these disks — and their findings were unexpected. Instead of planets, they discovered a potential planet candidate. Currently, they can't confirm with absolute certainty whether it's a planet or a faint background object like a [star or galaxy]( interfering with their image. Further observations will hopefully determine their discovery’s true nature. Understanding how protoplanetary disks interact with newly-formed gas giants will help scientists better understand[Earth’s evolution.]( Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. [Subscribe here]( A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR In today's rapidly evolving world, advanced materials are the beating heart of groundbreaking innovations. These revolutionary substances are redefining industries, enhancing our daily experiences, and crafting a roadmap to a sustainable tomorrow. As we witness this transformation, one intrepid pioneer stands out. Enter [Sabancı Holding](, a global titan, meticulously harnessing the potential of these materials. From partnering in the global aerospace industry by providing fabrics for NASA’s next-generation spacecraft, the Orion capsule to developing Battery Management System (BMS) for Li-Ion battery packs, Sabancı and its subsidiaries are weaving the fabric of the future. By championing advanced materials, they're not just setting industry benchmarks but shaping the legacy that will impact generations to come. Discover how Sabancı is translating the magic of advanced materials into real-world marvels. Dive in now! HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY SCIENCE > Engineers from the University of New South Wales have achieved a new milestone in physics. They made quantum processors operate at temperatures 20 times warmer than previously possible. ([More]() > The object, called Kuiper Belt Object 486958 Arrokoth, greatly resembles a snowman. Since it formed during the early formation of the solar system, the ‘ice bomb’ serves as a time capsule for the ancient past. ([More]() > Physicists have developed an astrocomb that can analyze the blue-green light emitted by stars. Astrocombs can detect tiny variations in a star's light created by orbiting exoplanets, potentially revealing one similar to Earth. ([More]() ENERGY > Recent studies have shown that the water stored for hydroelectric power plants is a significant source of methane, and startups are looking to tap into it as an alternative to fossil fuels. ([More]() > France's state-owned energy company EDF says it has approval to load a new nuclear plant with fuel. France plans to expand its nuclear sector, unlike Germany, which has shut it down. ([More]() > Dutch-Norwegian renewable energy company SolarDuck has been awarded the world’s first Prototype Certification for a floating offshore solar technology. ([More]() INNOVATION > A conversation with BionicHive's VP, Gili Ovadia, unveils how SqUID bots — once hailed by Elon Musk — are automating warehouses using existing shelves and boxes. ([More]() > A startup has launched the “world’s first” tree bark-based packaging material as an alternative to plastic. It works with equipment used for plastic-based packaging production, making the switch easier. ([More]() > The tech behind a flying car, originally developed and successfully test-flown in Europe, has been bought by a Chinese firm. Powered by a BMW engine and normal fuel, the AirCar flew for 35 minutes. ([More]() VIDEO > Here, IE runs you through the recent collapse of The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore into the Patapsco River after being struck by a container ship. Currently, rescue operations are underway for those who fell into the river. It is now believed the ship lost propulsion. ([More]() > This video discusses how thieves made off with 1 million dollars worth of e-bikes from Bitrix, pulling off the heist in a mere seven minutes. Among the stolen goods was the highly coveted Juggernaut FS St model. ([More]() > Learn how to capture the magic of a total solar eclipse with these NASA-approved photography tips. IE runs you through how to prioritize safety with solar viewing glasses, utilize any camera with a tripod for stability, and more. ([More]() IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS Hey there! Yesterday, we threw out a brain teaser on our socials: “If the initial gear turns in an anti clockwise direction, does the final gear’s lever shift towards position 1 or 2? The answer is: 1 Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on [Instagram]( and [Facebook!]( FROM THE WEB > Elon Musk reveals plan for next Starship [mission]( > Structural engineer explains how long it will take to rebuild Baltimore Key Bridge after [collapse]( > This humanoid robot currently holds the world record for [speed]( > Star-Wars-inspired robot rolls on a round body and uses legs to [steer]( > Beehive completes first fire tests for additively manufactured jet [engine]( > British Airways flight chaos as drone comes within feet of plane carrying 180 [passengers]( Additional Reads --------------------------------------------------------------- [⚙️ Mechanical:](Explore the wonders of mechanical engineering. [🛩️ Aerospace:]( The latest on propulsion, satellites, aeronautics, and more. [🧑🏻‍🔧 Engineer Pros:]( The latest in engineering news, career updates, and insider knowledge. [🧠AI Logs:]( Insights into the intricacies and developments within the realm of artificial intelligence. [🎬 IE Originals:](Weekly round-up of our best science, tech & engineering videos. [🟩 Sustainability:]( Uncover green innovations and the latest trends shaping a sustainable future for the tech industry. [⚡Electrical:]( From AI to smart grids, our newsletter energizes you on emerging tech. --------------------------------------------------------------- Want to share your feedback? 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