Can electronics grow on trees? 🌳

Plus: NASA just gave a thumbs-up for 8 crucial space missions Apr 27, 2022 [View in browser]( Semiconductors made entirely from plant materials may sound absurd at first. But the idea isn't as far-fetched as it sounds, thanks to a new process developed by researchers in Japan. In the future, sustainable electronics that are entirely based on plants may be feasible using this new method. What would that mean for the semiconductor shortage? Before we explore the feasibility of semiconductors made of wood, watch today’s video to see how electrical transformers ​​(no, not that kind) are made in a factory. Good morning. I’m Derya, an editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s get started. [Video]VIDEO OF THE DAY [Here's how electrical transformers are made in a factory]( From start to finish... [Here's how electrical transformers are made in a factory]( INNOVATION [A new breakthrough brings semiconductors made of wood closer to reality]( [A pile of wood (left). A semiconductor (right).]( The idea of making semiconductors from wood isn't as far-out as it sounds. That's because cell walls in plants are made of a material called cellulose, and cellulose can be made to conduct electricity when heated to relatively high temperatures under certain conditions. - But there's a problem with this renewable nanomaterial, which is a form of nanopaper. That burning process — called carbonization — can easily destroy the three-dimensional structures that would make cellulose-derived semiconductors so useful. That's why [a new process developed]( by researchers in Japan is a big deal. The researchers describe a treatment process that makes it possible "to heat the nanopaper without damaging the structures of the paper from the nanoscale up to the macroscale." The team believes that their approach will underpin the next steps in [sustainable electronics]( made entirely from plant materials. [Read More]( SCIENCE [NASA just gave a thumbs-up for 8 crucial space missions]( [NASA]( After completing a post-mission evaluation of several NASA spacecraft, the space agency [has decided to extend eight missions]( in light of their high scientific productivity, and each mission's potential to vastly expand and deepen our grasp of our solar system, and the great mystery beyond. - With 12 more missions in development or deployment stages, the U.S. space agency is working with public and private partners worldwide to ensure that the 21st century is a most decidedly excellent century for science in space. The renewed missions include New Horizons, OSIRIS-REx, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, InSight Lander, Mars Science Laboratory (we call it Curiosity), MAVEN, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and Mars Odyssey. Of course, if a spacecraft experiences a fatal system error, is destroyed or otherwise fails, then the mission is over. As of writing, NASA's Planetary Science Division is managing 14 different spacecraft spread throughout our solar system, [with 12 more missions]( in the planning and implementation stages, in addition to everything happening to and with its partners, international space agencies, and many more. [Read More]( INNOVATION [The Boring Company is starting “full scale” hyperloop tests this year]( [The Boring Company]( The Boring Company [will start "full-scale" testing]( of hyperloop as early as this year, the company revealed in a tweet following an update from founder Elon Musk. Reminder. The hyperloop was first proposed by Musk in a white paper in 2013 as a theoretical concept for a transportation system that sends passengers in autonomous electric pods through a vacuum-sealed tube traveling at speeds higher than 600 mph. - In another recent tweet, Musk explains that "from a known physics standpoint, [hyperloop] is the fastest possible way of getting from one city center to another for distances less than ~2000 miles. Starship is faster for longer journeys." He also stated that The Boring Company will attempt to [build a working hyperloop]( "in the coming years". The Boring Company recently raised $675 million at a $5.7 billion valuation. The company aims to make Musk's vision a reality, and if all goes according to plan, we could see tangible results as soon as this year. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Elon Musk’s The Boring Company will attempt to build a high-speed, and still theoretical, hyperloop in the coming years. What do you think about the hyperloop? Be sure you check back tomorrow for the results! [I can’t wait!]( [It sounds too good to be true.]( [I’m curious to see how it’ll turn out.]( [I’m holding out for flying cars.]( Yesterday’s Results We asked for your opinion on the environmental consequences of renewable energy technologies. The majority of you think we should go with the cleanest energy source, nuclear. We should go for nuclear; so far it’s the cleanest, at scale. 51% It’s better than oil, so nature has to bite the bullet. 24% Nature can thrive only if we all disappear. 17% Eh, there’s money in it. 8% QUOTE OF THE DAY “ To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization. ” Bertrand Russell in “The Conquest of Happiness” (1930) AND ANOTHER THING... - Scientists [have found that photovoltaics-based power systems]( top nuclear power for powering crewed missions to Mars. - Russian energy giant Gazprom [says it has halted gas exports]( to Poland and Bulgaria over the countries' refusal to pay for supplies in roubles. (BBC) - [Here's what $44 billion dollars can buy]( – besides Twitter. We may all feel buyer's remorse. - Could our universe [have been created in a petri dish]( Avi Loeb seems to think so. (Popular Mechanics) - Watch Rocket Lab [shoot for a mid-air booster capture]( via helicopter in preparation for tomorrow's mission called "There and Back Again." - Philosophers are more common on preschool playgrounds than college campuses. Adults have a lot to learn from the [questions only children are willing to ask](. (The Atlantic $) - A major EV CEO [left Twitter after Elon Musk's takeover](. Will rival EV firms have to play Musk's way for a voice on Twitter? Prepared by Derya Ozdemir 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. Manage your email preferences or unsubscribe [here.]( © Copyright 2022 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 201 Spear Street, Suite 1100 San Francisco, CA 94105 | All Rights Reserved [Interesting Engineering]