How quantum dots can revolutionize solar energy

Plus: Magnetic robots are walking, crawling, and swimming with ease [Blueprint]( Quantum dots could one day give solar power generation a major upgrade. Their unique properties enable them to absorb a wide range of light wavelengths and convert more sunlight into electricity compared to traditional solar cells. These tiny semiconductor particles are set to revolutionize solar energy by increasing efficiency and significantly reducing costs. You can learn more about their potential in today's [Must Read article](. 🎬 But first, here’s [your video of the day](. Good morning. I’m Tim, an Editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let’s get into it. Yesterday, Blueprint subscribers learned about the future of space propulsion technology. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( Playing God: How China controls the weather China has already achieved artificial manipulation of weather over its major cities, and aims to extend its reach to modify weather patterns across half of its vast territory by 2025. Must Read [How quantum dots can revolutionize solar energy]( 🌅 Quantum dots could power [a new era in solar energy]( revolutionizing efficiency and slashing costs. Their game-changing feature is their tunability to specific light conditions to maximize energy output. What's more, quantum dots can be made from cheaper materials, potentially reducing the cost of solar panels and accelerating their global adoption. ⚠️ There are challenges to overcome, like long-term stability and the safety of some materials, but researchers are working hard to address them. When they do, quantum dots are poised to play a significant role in the solar energy industry, bringing us closer to a sustainable and brighter future. [Read More]( Innovation [Magnetic robots are walking, crawling, and swimming with ease](target=) 🧲 Scientists at MIT have achieved a major milestone in robotics by creating tiny soft-bodied robots that can be controlled using a simple magnetic field. These remarkable robots, constructed from flexible magnetic spirals, have the ability to walk, crawl, and even swim, all in response to an easily applicable magnetic force. [Read More]( Culture [French parliament passes law granting police eyes and ears into your phones](target=) 👀 French lawmakers passed a provision granting police the authority to remotely activate cameras, microphones, and GPS systems of suspects. It also permits geolocation tracking of suspects, prompting digital rights groups and civil liberty advocates to raise serious concerns. [Read More]( Science [Phosphine discovery could indicate signs of life on Venus](target=) 🔭 Exciting new findings reveal that phosphine, a molecule associated with life on Earth, has been detected even deeper in the Venusian atmosphere. Whether or not this truly signals the presence of life, its detection has undoubtedly ignited a renewed interest in this enigmatic planet. [Read More]( QUESTION OF THE DAY Do you believe that the detection of phosphine on Venus indicates the presence of life? [No, life’s impossible there]( [Yes, it’s a clear sign]( [We need to go look]( [Life, but not as we know it]( There is a remote possibility that some form of life may exist there. Prof. Jane Greaves, speaking about Venusian phosphine THE ACCESSORY CORNER [Ticktime Cube Pomodoro Timer]( [Blabok Inflatable Travel Pillow]( [TESLYAR Wood Docking Station]( [Woolnut Leather and Wool Sleeve Cover]( AND ANOTHER THING - [Astronomers find exoplanet twice the mass of Jupiter hiding in plain sight]( - [China’s Zhurong rover discovers Mars’ Ice Age ended drastically 400,000 years ago]( - [Engineers improve battery life by coating anodes with metal particles]( - [Organ-on-a-chip’s potential to revolutionize biomedical research]( [premium] - Ad Astra: [The Future of Propulsion Technology (Part II)]( [premium] - [Chinese EV automaker NIO unveils 150 kWh battery pack]( - [MIT scientists develop super speedy AI system for biology research]( - [AI robots say they can run the world better than humans but won't steal jobs]( - Imagine walking on an asteroid: [Hera mission to reveal what it's like]( - [NASA’s humanoid robot heads to Australia for testing]( SUPPORT INTERESTING ENGINEERING Invest in science and engineering Insider access to exclusive content, featuring riveting stories that take you right to the heart of the action. 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