NASA’s super-quiet supersonic X-59

Plus: Microplastics found in human blood for the first time Mar 25, 2022 [View in browser]( Sometimes, when I'm stuck in traffic for hours and hours, the iconic image of the retired Concorde flashes across my mind. It would be so much simpler to catch a supersonic flight. That kind of convenience hasn't been possible since 2003. But the Concorde had its faults: it was an expensive, gas-guzzling machine, and the deafening booms it created while breaking the sound barrier woke up enough babies that it was banned over U.S. soil in the 1970s. Today, the technology is making a comeback thanks to NASA, which will soon test its supersonic X-59 aircraft over populated areas. The coolest part is that it's engineered to be no louder than a slamming car door. But, before we delve deeper into the X-59, today's video will take a look at pigs and whether they can be the organ donors of the future. Good morning. I’m Derya, an editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s get started. [Video]VIDEO OF THE DAY [Could pigs be the organ donors of the future?]( In January this year, a man got his new heart from a pig. [Could pigs be the organ donors of the future?]( INNOVATION [NASA will soon test how quiet its X-59 really is over populated areas]( [An artist's illustration of the X-59 in flight.]( NASA's X-59 aircraft is designed to reduce the deafening sound of sonic booms, allowing supersonic aircraft to surpass the speed of sound (767 mph) while flying over populated areas. And [it will soon be put to the test](. - One of the issues with the Concorde was the fact that it would have to wait to leave city spaces and even sparsely populated areas before accelerating to Mach 1, as the sonic boom could damage property on the ground. Now, NASA's X-59 could transform aviation by allowing supersonic aircraft to accelerate to those incredibly high speeds right after takeoff. The aircraft uses a thin 30-foot-long nose to lower the sound of the sonic boom. Boom or bust. If NASA and other private firms have their way, we may soon see commercial supersonic airliners take to the skies once more, drastically reducing travel times while quietly breaking the sound barrier — [while even surpassing their predecessor](. [Read More]( CULTURE [Here’s how Russia is using energy supplies as a weapon in war]( [A liquified natural gas plant located in Sabetta.]( President Vladimir Putin [recently announced that "unfriendly" countries]( importing oil and gas from Russia would now have to make their payments in Russian rubles. - The invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a “special military operation,” began roughly a month ago. The Western allies immediately imposed economic sanctions on Russia; however, these weren’t enough to back Russia off from its aggressive position. Russia accounts for 40 percent of the gas supplied to Europe. In the three months of this year alone, the Russian supply of gas to Europe has varied between 200 million to 800 million euros ($880 million) per day. - The European Union hasn't stopped energy imports from Russia, but announced its plans to cut its dependency by two-thirds this year and end its alliance with Russia before 2030. In the wake of economic sanctions, Russia is keen to leverage its [position of strength in the energy supply]( business as a weapon. Whether this brings people to the negotiating table or flares tempers further is something that will unravel in days to come. [Read More]( HEALTH [Microplastics are confirmed in human blood for the first time]( [Microplastics displayed on a human finger.]( The ravages of plastic waste aren't finished with us. Unfortunately, the worst might only be beginning. In a world-first, scientists [have detected microplastics in human blood]( — with tiny particles found in nearly 80 percent of tested human participants. - The researchers looked at blood samples from 22 anonymous, healthy, and adult donors — and 17 had plastic particles in their bodies. Results. PET plastic, which is typically found in drinking bottles, was discovered in half of the samples. Another third of the participants' bodies had polystyrene, which is used to package food and other goods. One-quarter of the blood samples had polyethylene, the primary material of plastic carrier bags. These tiny particles can move freely throughout the body, and become stuck in organs — which could cause significant health issues. But now that we know, scientists are on watch to understand the full scope of effects — both short- and long-term, on human health. And, [with so many other threats to public health]( there's no time to waste. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS There are many concerns about the impacts of microplastics on our bodies and the environment. Are you concerned about using fewer plastics in your everyday life? Be sure you check back tomorrow for the results! [Yes, tote bags all the way.]( [Not really. I know that’s plastic love.]( [I try, but it’s hard to be that vigilant.]( [I’ll try to be more careful from now on.]( Yesterday’s Results We asked you whether men should take birth control pills. According to the majority, pills for both men and women should be widely available. Both options should be widely available. 46% Yes, I don’t see why not. 37% Absolutely! Men will jump at the chance for a pill that doesn’t cut testosterone. 12% No. It makes more sense for women to have control over fertility. 6% QUOTE OF THE DAY “ It would be a poor thing to be an atom in a world without physicists. And physicists are made of atoms. A physicist is an atom’s way of knowing about atoms. ” George Wald in foreword to L. J. Henderson's "The Fitness of the Environment" (1958) AND ANOTHER THING... - Here’s why Big Tech [is fighting European regulators]( like never before. - Thousands of people voluntarily jamming the streets of Pamplona, Spain, to run alongside six agitated fighting bulls [is revealing the dynamics of crowds in danger](. (Scientific American) - STEAMSpace Academy and its Cities in Space Challenges [are creating the next generation of visionaries](. - Why do we die without sleep? The reasons why it’s so vital often hide in unexpected parts of the body, as host Steven Strogatz [discovers in conversations]( with researchers Dragana Rogulja and Alex Keene. (Quanta Magazine Podcast) - Ukraine [fired a ballistic missile at a Russian ship](. The ship was debarking armored vehicles for use in Moscow's offensive. - An icy barrier up to 300 stories high [may have prevented the first people]( from entering the New World over the land bridge that once connected Asia with the Americas. Game of Thrones, everyone? (Live Science) - A study has revealed that [long-COVID symptoms include]( memory and concentration issues. [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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