Scientists copy pond spider trick to develop remarkable waterproof material

Plus: Magnetic fusion plasma engines, Saudi hydrogen train, Anthropic delves deeper into AI brain circuitry. For centuries, the underwater life of Argyroneta aquatica has fascinated researchers. This spider thrives fully submerged by trapping a thin air layer, called a plastron, around its body. Scientists have long studied this phenomenon, but all efforts to recreate an enduring underwater plastron have failed. Now, an international team has mimicked the nanostructures that sustain the spider's bubble. Replicating them on a titanium surface resulted in unprecedented plastron longevity. This success has implications for fields like biomedicine and marine engineering. Jump to today’s [Must Read]( to discover why this team succeeded where others failed. 😇 Also today, Generative AI is a boon in terms of how it can supercharge workflows, but how ethical and legal is it to use AI in business? This timely new [report by Informa Tech]( sheds light on that very question. Good morning. 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Must Read [🕷 Spider nanostructures inspire the durable water repellant surface we need]( A team of international researchers has developed a superhydrophobic surface inspired by the diving bell spider. This spider lives fully submerged, encased in a thin air layer called a plastron. The team created an aerophillic titanium surface covered in nanostructures that traps air underwater just like the spider's plastron. In testing, this surface kept air intact for over 200 days, compared to just hours in previous experiments. When submerged, it resists barnacle and mussel adhesion thanks to its lasting underwater superhydrophobic properties. This is a big deal for shipping. It could also help medical implants resisting infection and the development of super-slippery industrial materials. Click below to learn more about how scientists unravelled the spider’s secrets. [[Read More]( [Science]( [🧠What really makes AI brains tick?]( Researchers from Anthropic propose a better way to understand AI neural networks by examining combinations of neurons that form interpretable features rather than individual neurons. Experiments show these features are more consistent, controllable, and universal than individual neurons. This work provides insights into model behavior and bridges computer science and neuroscience methods for unraveling complex systems. [[Read More]( [Innovation]( [🧲 How magnetic fusion plasma engines can take us to outer space]( Magnetic fusion plasma engines are being researched for future interstellar travel, harnessing immense energy from fusion reactions to produce high-velocity plasma exhaust. Though years from realization, physicist Florian Neukart says fusion propulsion could redefine space travel, with faster speeds and reduced fuel loads. But containing the plasma and achieving fusion require solutions to daunting physics and engineering challenges. [[Read More]( [Transportation]( [🚝 Saudi to trial first hydrogen train in the Middle East]( Saudi Arabia will trial the Middle East's first hydrogen train, which produces electricity for propulsion via on-board hydrogen fuel cells. Emitting only water vapor, hydrogen trains provide emissions-free rail transit. Their refueling is similar to diesel trains, making them suitable for long distance routes. With proper infrastructure, hydrogen trains present a sustainable alternative to electrification. [[Read More]( QUESTION OF THE DAY Which will be the first to be developed? [Fusion power on Earth]( [Fusion propulsion in space]( [Impossible to say which]( [Both are fantasies]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS We asked you about how many of our newsletters you have subscribed too. 9 percent have subscribed to all of them. 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