AI opens door to automated Mars terraforming

Plus: Lambretta’s first e-scooter, dark matter periodic table, tree-like wind turbine, What if we could begin terraforming Mars well before our arrival? Chinese researchers have developed an artificial intelligence “chemist” that can autonomously transform the red planet’s resources into breathable oxygen. It works by analyzing the composition of local meteorite material, then uses quantum simulations to rapidly design optimal catalysts for oxygen generation. In one experiment, the AI chemist produced a high-performance catalyst from just five Martian meteorites. By tapping available materials, the approach would enable sustainable in situ use of Martian resources without costly resupply from Earth. Does this mean the age of automated off-world manufacturing may be close? Continue to today’s [Must Read]( to learn more about how AI might build our interplanetary future. Good morning. I’m Tim, newsletter editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let’s dive in! PS: The next issue of our AI Logs newsletter hits inboxes tomorrow. It's a great way to learn about the latest news, issues, and newly-released tools. I highly recommend it. It’s free and you can [sign up for it here](. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( How the US Coast Guard made an unsinkable boat Explore the unsinkable 47-foot Motor Lifeboat, a symbol of maritime engineering excellence, and the elite surfmen dedicated to maritime safety. 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. Engage with our thriving online community, dive into captivating science discoveries, and stay informed with our enlightening weekly premium newsletters. With IE+, quality reporting is more than just news - and it is Ad-Free. [SUBSCRIBE]( HOT TOPICS - 🛫 [B-21 ‘Raider’ stealth bomber takes first flight]( Publicly unveiled in December, 2022, the Northrop Grumman B-21 “Raider” has now taken its first official test flight. - 🌌 [James Webb Space Telescope captures the second-most distant galaxy ever]( The JWST sheds new light on the early cosmos, revealing a surprisingly large galaxy 33 billion light years from Earth. - ⚡️ [This floating solar device generates clean water and hydrogen]( The sustainable technology developed by researchers at Cambridge University could help in resource-limited or off-grid environments. - 🌳 [EU Parliament and Council reach interim deal on Nature Restoration Law]( The new law aims to restore 20 percent of land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050. - 🧐 [New research finds gullible humans to be often tricked by AI faces]( Those beautiful faces you see in pictures online? They probably aren't real. Especially if they are white. Must Read [⚗️ New ‘AI chemist’ could autonomously make oxygen from ice on Mars]( Researchers in China developed an AI “chemist” that can autonomously synthesize oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts from Martian resources. The system analyzes meteorite composition and uses this to optimize catalyst design using quantum simulations and machine learning. In tests, the AI chemist produced an effective catalyst from five Martian meteorites that can generate oxygen at Mars temperatures without degrading. The autonomous approach removes the need for human intervention in catalyst development and oxygen production on Mars. The researchers envision the AI chemist enabling sustainable oxygen generation from Martian ice deposits. A factory using the system could produce enough oxygen for human survival with just 15 hours of solar power. By rapidly designing optimal catalysts from available materials, the AI chemist brings Mars terraforming and colonization goals closer to reality. The platform also has potential applications in chemical synthesis and materials discovery on Earth. Click below to learn more about how an ability to find solutions with limited resources could aid future efforts to live sustainably off-planet. [[Read More]( [Transportation]( [🛵 Lambretta revives iconic scooter design with electric Elettra]( At the EICMA motorcycle show, Lambretta unveiled its first electric scooter - the Elettra. Blending classic Italian style with modern tech, the Elettra has a 11 kW (15 hp) motor and 68 mph (110 kph) top speed. Its T-shaped handlebars and hexagonal LED headlight update the vintage Lambretta look. With a choice of three riding modes, the Elettra is designed for urban commuting. Click below to discover Lambretta’s vision for an electric urban mobility icon. [[Read More]( [Science]( [⚫️ New research hints at a periodic table for dark matter]( New research proposes “recycled” dark matter was created in black holes after the Big Bang, challenging assumptions of it being a simple particle. The model envisions a variety of particles, like a “dark matter periodic table.” If validated experimentally, the recycled concept could transform understanding of the elusive substance comprising most of the cosmos. Explore the possible new frontier in dark matter research. [[Read More]( [Innovation]( [🌳 Tree-shaped turbines generate clean energy for homes]( French startup New World Wind developed small, tree-like wind turbines to accelerate carbon neutrality. Named “WindTrees,” the structures have metallic “trunks” and “branches” supporting mini turbines resembling leaves. Silent and blending into surroundings, WindTrees can continuously generate power for a household. Their self-consumption model supplies energy directly to a building's electrical system. Learn more about this innovative micro wind technology. [[Read More]( job alert In this section you’ll find the latest jobs as featured on: [jobs.interestingengineering.com]( [Network Engineer III]( at Middlebury College Middlebury(US) [Senior Software Engineer - Frontend]( at ST Engineering iDirect Herndon(US) [Staff Machine Learning Applications Engineer]( at ServiceTitan -(US) [Sr. Cloud Network Engineer]( at 23andMe Sunnyvale(US) [Architect Software Engineer]( at S&P Global Southfield(US) [Senior Engineering Manager, Electronics]( at Eaton Moon(US) [Junior Research Engineer]( at ENSCO, Inc. Pueblo(US) [Principal Software Engineer]( at Light & Wonder Las Vegas(US) [Front End Web Engineer]( at The Villages The Villages(US) [(Worldpay) Software Engineer Specialist]( at FIS Global Cincinnati(US) QUESTION OF THE DAY Do you think there is any point to crewed space exploration? [Yes, it's the whole point]( [Yes, but it's not the most important thing]( [No, we can learn more through robots]( [Space should not be a priority at all]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS We asked you about a proposed treaty that will forbid the use of AI in autonomous weaponry. Only 3 percent of you expect all sides to honor it. 80% No, work will carry on in secret 13% Yes, but what about other entities? 5% They're unlikely to agree 3% Yes, if a treaty is in place “In the future, humans can establish an oxygen factory on Mars with the assistance of an AI chemist. This breakthrough technology brings us one step closer to achieving our dream of living on Mars.” Professor Jiang Jun, University of Science and Technology of China THE ACCESSORY CORNER [X55 Fast Wireless Charger]( [$50.98]( [HOTO NEX Screwdriver Set]( [$59.99]( [RapidX Power Station]( [$44.90]( [Portable Briefcase Workstation]( [$50.00]( AND ANOTHER THING - [The Convair B-36 ‘Peacemaker’ was one hell of an aircraft]( - [13 advanced space technologies improving our lives on Earth]( - [Twisted magnets can save energy in brain-inspired computing]( - [EM90: Volvo’s pioneering move in the electric MPV segment]( - [Does AI help solve problems? Scientists at Hong Kong Laureate Forum say no]( - [How is ChatGPT biased? Researchers identify a variety of concerns]( [premium] - [GM partners with Niron to develop rare-earth-free EV motors]( - [Swiss researchers develop first large-scale in-memory processor]( - [NASA halts communication with Mars due to solar conjunction]( - [Device generates oxygen inside the body by splitting water molecules]( - [Galaxy’s oldest continents formed 5 billion years before Earth’s]( Need help with advertising? Reach 150,000 engineering and tech professionals. 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