⚡ China's plasma torch, Taiwan tsunami warning, Artificial pancreas

Plus: Scandinavia born from Greenland — 3.75 million years ago                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 April 03, 2024 | [Read Online]( Researchers in China have successfully extended the lifespan of a plasma torch from a few hundred hours to several years. In doing so, the team has allegedly achieved the world’s longest-lasting plasma torch. Just in case you didn’t know, a plasma torch is a device that generates a constant flow of plasma – the fourth state of matter. To find out more about its significance and potential applications, don’t skip today’s [Must Read.]( 🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on [jobs.interestingengineering.com](: >[Â]([Senior Engineer Protection and Control ($94,906.00 – 124,564)]( > [Engine Loads Analysis - Principal Engineer]( 🎙 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 ⚡ China makes ‘world’s longest-lasting plasma torch’ that could last years A [plasma torch]( is a device that generates a constant flow of plasma – the fourth state of matter. In this state, matter is superheated, and electrons are ripped away from the matter, resulting in an ionized gas. A plasma torch can reach temperatures of 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit (20,000 degrees Celsius). In industry, when cutting materials, a plasma torch creates a [powerful arc](with the material being cut. This arc is narrowed down by a copper nozzle with a small opening. This narrow opening helps to boost the temperature and speed of the plasma coming from the torch, making the cutting process more effective. The plasma torch’s efflux also helps remove the molten material from the surface. Unlike cutting using oxygen, plasma cutting does not oxidize the metal under process. It, therefore, can be used across a wide spectrum of materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and [non-ferrous alloys.]( 🌊 Powerful 7-scale earthquake rocks eastern Taiwan; Prompts tsunami warnings On Wednesday morning (local time), a [strong earthquake]( with a magnitude of 7.2 hit Taiwan's eastern coast. It's considered the strongest quake in over 25 years, causing significant shaking in buildings across the region. The immediate concern following a powerful offshore earthquake is the potential for [destructive tsunamis](. Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned of tsunami waves potentially reaching three meters (10 feet) in height along remote southern Japanese islands, including Miyakojima island. Evacuation orders were swiftly issued, urging residents to higher ground. Additionally, Taiwan, a global leader in advanced computer chip manufacturing, experienced disruptions as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) temporarily [suspended some operations.]( 💉 World-first: 1000s of diabetic patients in UK to get ‘artificial pancreas’ Thanks to a [world-first initiative]( launched by the UK’s National Health System (NHS), thousands of children and adults living with type 1 diabetes will have access to the Hybrid Closed Loop system. It’s also being dubbed as an artificial pancreas. Apparently, the artificial pancreas monitors a person’s blood glucose. There is a [sensor]( under the skin that automatically measures blood sugar levels. Then, the readings are sent wirelessly to a pump that calculates the amount of insulin that is needed. The final step is for users to follow the reading on their phone. That option can, for example, help them by enabling them to input the precise quantities of [carbohydrates consumed during meals.]( 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]( HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY SCIENCE > Galaxies become more chaotic as they grow older, according to an international team of scientists. Their new paper details how age comes for all of us — even the oldest galaxies. ([More]() > A recent study suggests that Scandinavia likely originated from Greenland. Scientists believe that the geological foundation supporting Denmark and Scandinavia formed around 3.75 billion years ago. ([More]() > New research into the dying brain suggests the line between life and death may be less distinct than previously thought. According to experts, ‘There’s something happening in the brain that makes no sense.’ ([More]() ENERGY > A research team discovered a stable and highly conductive Li-ion conductor. According to them, making all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries has been a long-held dream of many battery researchers. ([More]() > A startup claims its solid hydrogen-based technology does energy storage more cost-effectively than any battery or liquid hydrogen solution on the market. ([More]() > Solar panels have become so cheap that they are being used to build garden fences in the Netherlands and Germany as a boom in Chinese production saturates the global market. ([More]() INNOVATION > Researchers have developed the first-ever semi-transparent image sensor. For an unobstructed view in AR/VR devices, it has the potential to allow 95 percent of light to pass through it. ([More]() > The magnetometer, or built-in compass, is found in almost all current cell phones. Now thanks to new tech, users can tap into this to measure their glucose levels with precision. ([More]() > Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers achieved record power output for 193 and 221 nanometer lasers using a lithium triborate (LBO) crystal. This achievement sets the ground for more applications of this laser in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) spectrum. ([More]() VIDEO > The internet just got a whole lot faster as researchers achieved the fastest speed ever, a staggering 4.5 million times faster than home broadband. Here, IE takes a look at the technology behind this feat. ([More]() > Discover the capabilities of a humanoid robot designed by Stanford researchers, capable of exploring underwater depths unreachable by humans. With its 3D vision and haptic interface, operators can see and feel through the robot. ([More]() > Take an educational stroll around Europe’s largest 3D-printed building, towering at 55 meters long, 11 meters wide, and 9 meters tall. The Wave House Data Center was created by just two workers and one giant robot in 140 hours. ([More]() THINGS WE LOVE > Honovos Humidifier: ([Buy Now: $99.99]() > SHOKZ Bone Conduction Headphones: ([Buy Now: $129.95]() > Eilik Robot Pet: ([Buy Now: $139.99]() > PLUWEL Night Light: ([Buy Now: $48.99]() IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS Hey there! Yesterday, we threw out a brain teaser on our socials: “What is the perimeter of the given figure? The answer is: 60 cm Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on [Instagram]( and [Facebook!]( FROM THE WEB > What are scientists hoping to learn from the total solar [eclipse](? > Why Northern Lights viewing is about to get more [magical]( > Playboy model photo used as tester by engineers since 1970s dropped as it’s not ‘[inclusive](’ > ‘Almost impossible to design out’ – engineer responds to Baltimore bridge [disaster]( > AI will transform manufacturing robotics— [eventually]( > Ever wondered why there aren't parachutes on commercial [planes](? 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. 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