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Engineers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, US, have designed electronic microchips that can fly. These flying microchips, or microfliers, are the size of a sand grain and can fly without any motor or engine, much like a maple leaf or air-borne seeds of plants. These are the smallest-ever human-made flying structures. The microflier’s aerodynamics is designed so that it falls in a stabilised way at a slow velocity. This ensures that it stays airborne for a longer time and disperses over a broad area. These features make it ideal for monitoring air pollution and airborne diseases. The research was published in the Nature journal.

Northwestern University’s John A. Rogers, who led the device’s development, said in a press release,  “Our goal was to add winged flight to small-scale electronic systems, with the idea that these capabilities would allow us to distribute highly functional, miniaturised electronic devices to sense the environment for contamination monitoring, population surveillance or disease tracking.”

The ideas for design were inspired by the biological world. The microflier’s movement can be compared to that of a propelling maple leaf falling from an elevation. Engineers studied the aerodynamics of a number of plant seeds. They drew the most direct inspiration from the tristellateia plant. It is a flowering vine with star-shaped bladed seeds. The blade-like structure helps the seeds to catch the wind to fall with a slow, rotating spin.

Engineers built a model with three wings. Then they studied the aerodynamics of their designs through full-scale computational modelling. The next stage involved building and testing structures in the lab.

Engineers designed the precursors of the structures in 2D and found ways to turn them into 3D models. Rogers said that the process is helpful because all existing semiconductor devices are built in planar layouts. This 2D to 3D transition will help them to use all industry-standard materials and manufacturing methods to build flat chips and then transform them into 3D shapes.

These microfliers can be packed with ultra-miniaturised technology. These include sensors, a power source to harvest ambient energy, memory storage, and an antenna to wirelessly transfer data to another device.

The microfliers are to be made of bioresorbable material that will biodegrade when they come in contact with water.

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Some Chimpanzees Crack Nuts Better than Others, New Study Shows

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December 27, 2024

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Some Chimpanzees Crack Nuts Better than Others, New Study Shows

A team of researchers has observed notable differences in the nut-cracking abilities of chimpanzees within the same group, shedding light on their tool-using behaviours. This discovery emerged after analysing extensive video footage of wild chimpanzees from Bossou, Guinea. The footage captured 3,882 instances of chimps attempting to crack open nuts using stones as tools. The study highlighted distinct levels of efficiency among individuals, suggesting varying degrees of cognitive and motor skills within the community.

According to the study published in Nature Human Behavior, the research team, which included experts from the University of Oxford and Chubu Gakuin University, evaluated five key factors to measure the chimps’ abilities. These included the time taken to crack a nut, the number of strikes needed, success rates, instances where a nut was displaced during striking, and occasions when a chimpanzee abandoned one rock in favour of another.

The process of nut cracking involves several steps, including selecting appropriate nuts, positioning them on a flat rock, choosing a suitable stone as a hammer, and striking with sufficient precision and force. Despite the apparent simplicity, the task demands a combination of cognitive and physical skills.
Findings on Skill Variation

As per the study, marked differences were noted in the chimps’ success rates. While some individuals excelled, others struggled, taking twice as long or failing altogether. The analysis revealed that proficiency generally improved with age, and no significant difference was observed between male and female chimps in their skill levels.

The researchers believe these findings point to measurable cognitive variations within chimpanzee communities. This research underscores the complexity of chimpanzee behaviour and provides a window into their problem-solving capabilities, which may mirror early human technological advancements.

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Underground Hydrogen Reserves Could Power Earth for 200 Years, Study Finds



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Hydrogen Reserves Hidden Underground Could Power Earth for Two Centuries

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December 27, 2024

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Hydrogen Reserves Hidden Underground Could Power Earth for Two Centuries

A vast reserve of hydrogen gas buried beneath Earth’s crust has been estimated to hold trillions of tons of this clean energy source. Scientists suggest that even a small portion of this hidden hydrogen could meet global energy needs for the next 200 years, potentially reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. While the exact locations of these reserves remain unclear, preliminary studies point to immense quantities, indicating significant implications for future energy systems and sustainable development.

Massive Hydrogen Reserves Identified

According to a recent study published in Science Advances, an estimated 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen could be trapped within rocks and underground reservoirs. This figure vastly exceeds the total oil reserves globally, with hydrogen quantities calculated to be 26 times greater than the remaining crude oil. Despite the enormous potential, much of this hydrogen is believed to lie at depths or locations that may prove inaccessible or economically unviable for extraction.

Key Insights from the Study

Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), emphasised to space.com that a mere 2 percent of these hydrogen stocks could supply sufficient energy to achieve global carbon neutrality for approximately two centuries. Ellis explained that natural hydrogen is produced through various geological processes, including the breakdown of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Unlike hydrogen derived from water electrolysis, which requires renewable or fossil energy sources, natural hydrogen found underground is self-generated and stored naturally in reservoirs. This reduces the need for additional energy-intensive storage systems, as the gas can be tapped on demand.

Challenges and Uncertainty in Exploration

Significant challenges persist in determining the precise locations of these underground hydrogen deposits. The study acknowledged that estimates ranged widely, from 1 billion to 10 trillion tons, due to the limitations of the modelling approach. Efforts are underway to refine criteria for identifying viable hydrogen reserves.

If recoverable, natural hydrogen could play a transformative role in global energy systems, with research into its accessibility set to continue in the coming years. Scientists are focusing on narrowing geologic markers to pinpoint reserves more effectively, with further findings expected in 2024.

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Parker Solar Probe’s Closest Sun Flyby Sets Records, Signal Expected Soon



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Will Parker Solar Probe phone home after its closest sun flyby?

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December 27, 2024

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Will Parker Solar Probe phone home after its closest sun flyby?

The Parker Solar Probe, an innovative spacecraft designed by NASA to explore the sun, is expected to transmit a critical status beacon after its historic approach to the star on Christmas Eve. Having travelled within 6.1 million kilometres of the solar surface at a speed of 690,000 kilometres per hour, it has achieved the closest and fastest flyby ever recorded. Communication with the spacecraft has been awaited since December 20, with scientists prepared to receive updates on its condition and data collection progress.

Milestone in Solar Exploration

According to NASA’s timeline, the Parker Solar Probe reached its closest distance to the sun on December 24, enduring temperatures as high as 980 degrees Celsius. Nicola Fox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Science Missions, highlighted the mission’s achievement, stating the probe had successfully entered an orbit designed to bring humanity closer to understanding the sun. This proximity allows the spacecraft to investigate phenomena such as the sun’s corona, which is significantly hotter than its surface.

Anticipation Builds for Data Transmission

A status signal is expected from the probe on December 27, providing a basic update on the spacecraft’s health. Michael Buckley, a spokesperson for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, confirmed to Space.com this signal would indicate the system’s general condition, while a detailed report, including telemetry and data storage status, is scheduled for January 1.

Launched in 2018, the $1.5 billion mission has involved 21 prior solar flybys and seven Venusian gravity assists, each propelling the spacecraft closer to the sun. Scientists are optimistic about the success of this recent manoeuvre and look forward to analysing observations set to arrive by late January. This mission represents a significant stride in answering key questions about solar dynamics and its impact on the broader universe.

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