NASA’s Webb needs just one dirty clue to find aliens

In a world-first, researchers record the brain waves of a dying patient, scientists create quantum "domain walls" in the lab in a world-first Feb 22, 2022 [View in browser]( Together with [Xometry]( Do you believe we’re alone in the universe? NASA's James Webb Space Telescope may one day answer this eternal question when it detects pollution created by another life force. New research by a group of scientists suggests Webb could discover alien intelligence by picking up traces of air pollution, or “waste heat” created by alien civilizations. Before you say hello to alien civilizations via this fascinating story, watch a video on one of nature's finest engineers: the spider. If it were human-sized, its delicate silk would be tough enough to snag a jetliner. The video below shows how strong silk can be. Good morning. I’m Derya, an editor here at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s untangle the web. [Video]VIDEO OF THE DAY [Why spider silk is stronger than steel]( Spiders are amongst nature's best engineers. [Why spider silk is stronger than steel]( SCIENCE [One "wasteful" clue may reveal aliens to NASA Webb telescope]( [A computer-generated image of the Earth's ozone (left), and NASA's Webb (right).]( NASA's James Webb Space Telescope could do the unthinkable: It may reveal the presence of alien life, but not via a noble interstellar message, colossal megastructure, or some other testament to the supreme wisdom of the extraterrestrial variety. - Instead, the Webb telescope [might detect alien intelligence]( by picking up traces of air pollution from the excesses of an alien civilization — much like ours. A dirty legacy. A team of scientists explored how we might look for these synthetic chemical compounds — specifically, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) — which are generated by industries that use cleaning agents and refrigerants. This is a compound that [infamously tore a colossal hole]( in our planet's ozone layer in the 1980s. With the deployment of Webb, we may be approaching a critical juncture in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Let's cross our fingers that alien civilizations set mainly good precedents and that we can follow their example. [Read More]( HEALTH [In a world-first, researchers record the brain waves of a dying patient]( [Brain waves.]( As humanity strives to learn more about the death of stars, we still have a lot to learn about our own deaths. Now, a chance observation has given us our first glimpse of what happens in our brains when we die. - Researchers [captured the brainwaves]( of an 87-year-old man, who was admitted to an emergency unit after a fall, while he was dying. They found semblance to high cognition activities like dreaming or meditating. In the case of the 87-year-old man, the researchers saw all sorts of brain waves, but the gamma waves were the most prominent. The researchers speculate that these waves are possibly associated with a memory flashback. Loose ends. The researchers would like to observe more such cases before arriving at conclusions, but the very idea of your own brain replaying your favorite memories as it [drains your life force]( away might be the scariest (yet profound) thing you’ll ever hear. [Read More]( SPONSORED Xometry: Get Instant Quotes on CNC Machining, Laser Cutting, and Metal 3D Printing on Demand Xometry’s Instant Quoting Engine, which generates prices and lead-time estimates in seconds, will assist you with all of your production and prototype projects. Xometry is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified and ITAR registered and works with organizations from startups to BMW, Dell, and NASA, and offers a great range of 3D printing processes and materials to help you deliver the project of your dreams in the easiest way possible. Make quick-turn prototypes and production parts with CNC machining and laser cutting in as fast as one day with free standard shipping on all U.S. orders. To see how Xometry can help with your project, visit [Xometry’s website]( today to get your online instant quote. Or, see how [Xometry has worked with NASA]( to make great parts fast. SCIENCE [Scientists create quantum "domain walls" in the lab in a world-first]( [The "domain wall" is represented by the white line.]( Scientists from the University of Chicago [created a strange new kind of quantum object]( called "domain walls" at will for the first time, allowing them to analyze the phenomenon in detail. - This is a strange occurrence observed in atoms at extremely low temperatures. Under the right conditions, groups of atoms segregate into domains, forming a "wall" between each of these domains. Smile and nod. Based on their observations, the researchers said each of these walls behaves like its own quantum object, independent of the individual atoms they separate, comparing the phenomena to sand dunes. The new discovery can help the scientific community better understand exotic quantum particles, potentially leading to the [development of future quantum technologies](. The fruits of this new observation could be wide-ranging, but they likely won't be seen for many years. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Did you know Albert Einstein didn’t like and rejected quantum mechanics due to its uncertainty? He believed that everything is certain, and that we can calculate everything. What do you think about Einstein’s view of quantum mechanics? Be sure you check back tomorrow for the results! [He was right. Quantum mechanics doesn't make sense.]( [He is obviously wrong. We’re over this.]( [It may make sense now, but it’ll ultimately turn out to be wrong.]( [Let’s wait and see. These are baby steps.]( Yesterday’s Results In light of Tesla’s manufacturing problems, we asked whether other electric car manufacturers will soon gain the upper hand. But more than half of you believe Tesla’s issues are normal for a newly developing technology. No, this is normal for developing technology. 54% I’m looking at China. Whoever does it cheapest wins. 18% Yes, this bad reputation will only grow. 16% Tesla is faking it until it makes it. Other manufacturers don’t have a chance. 11% QUOTE OF THE DAY “ Let us record the atoms as they fall upon the mind in the order in which they fall, let us trace the pattern, however disconnected and incoherent in appearance, which each sight or incident scores upon the consciousness. ” Virginia Woolf in “Modern Fiction” AND ANOTHER THING... - To live beyond our home planet, we need to [better understand how Earth sustains us](. - Algorithms that use the brain’s communication signal [can now work on analog neuromorphic chips]( which closely mimic our energy-efficient brains. (Quanta Magazine) - Australia [has condemned China]( for shining a laser from a Navy Vessel onto one of its Air Force jets. - Social media profiles with deepfake photos and AI-generated text [fooled most participants in a study]( even when there were obvious errors. (New Scientist) - Volvo wants to build its electric vehicles using [advanced single-cut mega-casting](. - A salty debacle is brewing under Antarctic glaciers: Alarming new research suggests [warm seawater is rushing under the ice]( perhaps doubling the rate of melting. (WIRED) - Scientists have found that a compound found in 'magic mushrooms' [provides rapid, durable relief from depression](. [Share to Win]SHARE TO WIN [All products]( Share The Blueprint! Give your friends deeper insights into engineering and tech, and win exclusive IE swag for free. [Read Details]( Share your link Copy & share your referral link with others. [ [Referral Program Terms and Conditions]( Prepared by Derya Ozdemir and Brad Bergan Enjoy reading? Don't forget to forward to a friend! Was this email forwarded to you? [Subscribe]( [About Us]( | [Advertise]( | [Contact Us]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Youtube]( [Linkedin]( [Instagram]( You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. 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