Mainspring's 'flameless' linear generator can use any fuel to generate power

Plus: ESA launches Jupiter JUICE mission, the first probe to orbit another planet's moon [Blueprint]( The Advanced Energy Systems Laboratory at Stanford University has created what seems to be a miraculous engine that can run on just about any fuel source. This ultimate flexi-fuel engine, also known as a linear generator, may represent the "holy grail" of engines for many different sectors. But first, here’s your [video of the day]( which explores the architecture of Burj Al Arab—the most luxurious and iconic hotel built with an island of its own in Dubai. Good morning. I’m Sade, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Here’s to a wonderful Saturday! Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers heard all about the status quo of net zero in countries around the world. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Burj Al Arab]( [The global icon of Arabian luxury: Burj Al Arab]( Are you ready to discover the architectural details of one of the world's most luxurious hotels? MUST READ [Mainspring's linear generator]( [Mainspring's 'flameless' linear generator can use any fuel to generate power]( An innovative engine created by Stanford engineers can use practically any fuel source. The Mainspring linear generator, which took 14 years to be developed, can handle and quickly switch between multiple fuel sources without losing power. One of its creators referred to it as "fuel-agnostic" because it can function with no performance compromise on natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, ammonia, syngas, and even alcohols. Additionally, it has very few moving parts, doesn't need to be lubricated, and emits very little, if any, emissions, according to its creators. The generator could be essential to a zero-carbon grid because of its adaptability. [Read More]( SCIENCE [ESA launches Jupiter JUICE mission, the first probe to orbit another planet's moon]( At 09:14 local time (14:14 CET) on April 14, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the landmark JUICE mission aboard an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket. The JUICE mission is currently making its way to its eight-year trip to Ganymede—Jupiter's largest moon. It will be the first probe to circle the moon of another planet. Also impressive was that ESA successfully launched JUICE during a one-second window. This is so that it could execute gravity-assist maneuvers around Earth and Venus to speed up its journey to Jupiter, which depends on a particular alignment of the Solar System. [Read More]( HEALTH [Scientists identify blood sugar molecule to predict Alzheimer’s onset ten years in advance]( Researchers from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet have identified a new biological marker that may be able to predict the start of Alzheimer's disease ten years in advance. They studied 233 participants over the course of 17 years to better understand the "glycan structure in blood." The researchers highlighted that glycans, structures made up of sugar molecules, are largely untapped in dementia research. Significantly, they showed that blood glycan levels are changed early in the course of the disease. This could imply that a blood and memory test would be sufficient for scientists to predict the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. [Read More]( INNOVATION [China's 'artificial sun' sets new world record by running for 403 seconds]( The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), popularly known as China's "artificial sun," set a new record on Wednesday by running for 403 seconds in a steady-state high-confinement long plasma operation. After 120,000 attempts, the nuclear power plant beat the previous record run of 101 seconds. Better yet, it's expected to be ready by 2035. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), of which China is also a member, will use this milestone as a crucial data point. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Mainspring’s innovative engine, created by Stanford engineers, can practically handle and switch between any fuel source. Do you find this invention interesting? [Absolutely]( [No]( [Maybe, if I learned more about it]( [I don't know]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Yesterday we shared how software engineer Jeff Lau was able to bring back his 1993 car phone with all the features of a 2023 hands-free system, minus the distraction of a touchscreen. We asked if these were safer, would you sport a classic car phone? A majority of you (36 percent) said absolutely. 36% Absolutely 28% No 28% I prefer my smartphone 7% I don't know QUOTE OF THE DAY “For me, it’s almost magical being able to come up with ideas and then have them materialize.” Lonnie Johnson, NASA Engineer THINGS WE LOVE [Avantree Area Bluetooth Headphones]( [Omidiyi Wireless Sleep Earbuds]( [Peak Design Everyday Backpack]( [Tarmeek Bluetooth Headphones for TV]( AND ANOTHER THING - [Breathing new life into obsolete tech]( Dalibor Farny makes Nixie tubes from scratch. [premium] - TechScape: [The end of the ‘free money’ era](. (The Guardian) - Alien planets: A first-of-its-kind observatory will [boost the search for exoplanets](. [premium] - How Agoda is shaping up to be a [technology powerhouse](. (Computer Weekly) - An[AI-based party vows to win Denmark's general election]( in 2023. Can it succeed? [premium] - [What’s solid-fuel technology]( and why’s North Korea developing it? (AlJazeera) - New electric Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 to [break the quarter-mile race record](. [ie subscrive]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( © Copyright 2023 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 205 Hudson St New York, NY, 10013, USA | All Rights Reserved You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. Manage you e-mail preferences or unsubscribe [here.](