☢️ China limits antimony exports, new states of matter unveiled, China could develop magnetic launcher on the moon

Plus: Civilian robot turned battlefield asset with military-grade enhancements                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 August 19, 2024 | [Read Online]( In Coordination with Progressive Recruitment [Where exceptional talent meets dynamic organizations.]( Progressive Recruitment connects manufacturing, construction and energy industry experts with organisations to build meaningful relationships. [Read more.]( Chinese authorities announced they will restrict exports of antimony, a mineral used in products ranging from batteries to weapons, to safeguard its security and interests. Anyone wanting to export the mineral in any form will need to obtain a license. The extent of the export restrictions isn’t fully clear, but the term “non-proliferation” hints at possible limitations on weapons-related uses. For more on this development, check out our [Must-Read](. 🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on [jobs.interestingengineering.com](: >[Â]([Quality Engineer]( > [Senior Principal Software Engineer]( Reading Time: 4 mins Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? [Subscribe here.]( MUST-READ ☢️ [China limits exports of antimony that’s used in nuclear weapons, EV batteries]( The Chinese Commerce Ministry’s brief statement indicated that while regulated exports will be allowed, the government opposes any use of Chinese items that threatens its [national sovereignty, security](, and [development]( [interests](, AP reported. The controls also include smelting and separation technology, machinery, and other items related to what the notice describes as super-hard materials. The US has restricted China’s access to [advanced semiconductors]( and other technology for security reasons. As a major antimony producer, China raises concerns among US policymakers about over-reliance on its supply. 🧊 [New states of matter unveiled in ‘first time’ quantum flatland discovery]( Researchers at Georgia State University have identified novel states of matter within a [two-dimensional flatland system](. Notably, the research team has explored the complex phenomenon known as the fractional quantum Hall effect ([FQHE]() and uncovered completely new discoveries. Their research highlights the unexpected behavior of FQHE states that split and intersect in new ways when a [supplementary current]( is applied. 🌕 [China could develop rotating launcher on moon to send lunar resources to Earth]( Chinese scientists propose a [magnetic launcher]( on the moon for cost-effective resource transport to Earth. Based on the [hammer throw principle](, the magnetic levitation system would spin faster and launch the capsule toward Earth. Leveraging the moon’s high vacuum and low gravity, it could eject payloads twice daily at about [10 percent]( of current transport costs, according to researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering. 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 [Unlock the Future: Empower the Next Wave of Engineering Innovators]( Engineering is at the forefront of solving the world’s biggest challenges, from combating climate change to leading digital transformation. Yet, the field faces a critical talent shortage. To bridge this gap, we need to inspire a new generation of diverse, creative thinkers who can revolutionize industries. Discover how we can reshape the narrative around engineering and build a brighter, more innovative future together. Ready to engineer the future? Let Progressive Recruitment [connect you with tomorrow’s talent]( today. HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY SCIENCE > A new study reveals that researchers at NASA’s Cold Atom Lab (CAL) have measured subtle vibrations of the International Space Station (ISS) using a quantum sensor containing ultra-cold atoms. ([More]() > The black hole at a galaxy’s center can heat surrounding cold gas, preventing it from condensing and forming new stars, according to a study of 69 nearby galaxies by Chinese and French researchers. ([More]() > New research using a decommissioned section of the beam pipe from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN has brought scientists closer than ever before to test whether magnetic monopoles exist. ([More]() ENERGY > Tokamak Energy, a private firm, plans to deliver fusion energy in the 2030s. The company aims to provide a clean, secure, affordable, and readily available energy source for all. ([More]() > ElectraLith, a startup backed by Monash University researchers, has developed Direct Lithium Extraction and Refining (DLE-R), a technology that allows lithium extraction from brines without using water and any harmful chemicals. ([More]() > China added as much new clean energy generation in the first half of this year as the UK produced from all sources in the same period last year, data shows, as wind and solar power generation continued to surge in the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. ([More]() INNOVATION > Researchers have devised an innovative system for autonomous aerial robot exploration and multi-robot coordination inside abandoned structures. ([More]() > Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has formalized and authorized the use of an engineering ground-based robotic firefighting complex within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. ([More]() > Hyundai Motor and Kia unveiled a number of technologies for their battery management system (BMS) to ensure customers of the safety of electric vehicles (EVs), following a recent EV fire that burned over 100 vehicles at a parking garage in Incheon. ([More]() VIDEO > At the center of Stonehenge lies the Altar Stone, a hefty slab of sandstone whose origin and purpose have been among the famed megalithic monument's enduring mysteries. A new analysis has revealed that this rectangular colossus took a remarkable journey to become part of one of humankind's ancient wonders. ([More]() > Archaeologists have unearthed four human remains believed to be more than 3,000 years old in a stretch of barren land in northern Peru. ([More]() IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS In yesterday’s quiz, we asked, In which direction will the ‘X’ begin to move when the handle is operated as shown? The answer is: D Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on [Instagram]( and [Facebook!]( FROM THE WEB > China to screen arrivals showing mpox symptoms as cases spread outside [Africa]( > Korean researchers find the gene responsible for neurodevelopmental [disorders]( > The sun might've just had a record-breaking number of visible [sunspots]( > Brain wiring is guided by activity even in very early [development]( > Newly discovered fat cells burn energy by pretending to be [busy]( 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. 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