Berkeley researcher deploys robots and AI to increase pace of research by 100 times

Plus: Researchers have now solved how Mayans used their 819-day calendar [Blueprint]( Sponsored by It feels like artificial intelligence is finding its way into new aspects of our lives every day now. Today, we’ve news of AI and robots being let loose in Berkeley Lab, where they work around the clock, without coffee or rest breaks, to discover and synthesize new materials. In this case, the results shouldn’t pose a threat to humanity. Quite the opposite, materials discovered there could help save resources and build a “greener” world. But attitudes to AI-driven research are likely to change when it comes to life science or defense applications. More on this development below. VIDEO OF THE DAY [10 Working drones]( [10 Working drones with amazing capabilities]( What types of drones are available, and who can fly them? Here are some of the most interesting commercial and military drones in use. MUST READ [Berkeley researcher deploys robots and AI]( [Berkeley researcher deploys robots and AI to increase pace of research by 100 times]( A research team led by Yan Zeng, a scientist at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), has built a new material research laboratory — "A-Lab" — where robots do the work and artificial intelligence (AI) can make routine decisions. This allows work to be conducted around the clock, thereby accelerating the pace of research. The role of the A-Lab is to synthesize novel materials that can be used to build a range of new products such as solar cells, fuel cells, and thermoelectrics, and other technologies in the clean energy sector. [Read More]( CULTURE Researchers have now solved how Mayans used their 819-day calendar Researchers have solved the mystery of the 819-day calendar used by ancient Mayans. Using a 45-year span, they were able to match the planetary cycles of all planets that might have been visible to astronomers of the civilization. For the ancient Mayans, a lot of observation was required before a calendar could be made. [Read More]( THE SPONSOR OF THE DAY [For every six minutes spent reading]( [For every six minutes spent reading, you reduce two thirds of your stress…]( Yes, you read that right. Apparently, [research claims]( reading daily can minimize your stress to a great extent. When you immerse yourself in a good book, you escape from the pressures of the outside world and allow your mind to relax and focus on the present moment. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Also, what if we tell you can be a part of a great social cause when buying the books that you want to read? Booksio is a charity-driven bookstore that gives 10% of every book purchase to a charity you choose. Wish to make this world a better place? Partner with Booksio and make a difference! [LEARN MORE]( INNOVATION South Korea aims to deliver the world's first solid state-batteries for EVs In a 20 trillion won ($15 billion) investment, South Korea plans to be the first in the world to commercialize solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. Using a solid core instead of liquid has various benefits, including the fact that these batteries may be produced on a smaller scale and are trickier to ignite. [Read More]( SCIENCE The 2023 Ariel Data Challenge: Scientists invite AI experts to help study exoplanets The Challenge, launched on 14 April, invites experts with an AI or machine learning background to help astronomers understand planets outside our solar system. The aim of the challenge is to source new methods that will help elucidate data collected by Ariel, the European Space Agency’s new telescope, which is expected to complete one of the largest-ever surveys of exoplanets. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Is giving artificial intelligence access to scientific laboratories a good idea? [Yes, why not?]( [No way]( [Only with strict rules]( [I, for one, welcome our scientific overlords]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS A third of you are certain that we've never been visited by ETs, but most voters were open to the possibility. 34% No, never 29% Yes, regularly 23% I want to believe 15% In the past, maybe QUOTE OF THE DAY Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. Carl Sagan [10 Tools to revolutionize your workflow]( THINGS WE LOVE [Dell Thunderbolt 4 Dock]( [HP Stream 14" Laptop]( [Safety 1st Car Seat]( [LawnMaster Tiller]( AND ANOTHER THING - How new satellite radar tech [will track Earth's water pulse like never before](. [premium] - New [programmable smart fabric]( responds to temperature and electricity. (Phys.org) - [Drugs give biology’s favourite worms the munchies too](. (Nature) - Scientists use tracking tech to uncover the [secrets behind ants' foraging](. - US to implement new voting technology [to protect next election](. - [230-million-year-old fossil of ancient reptile with beak-like mouth]( unearthed in Wyoming. [Subscriber to IE+]( [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.](