Dolphin Pharma | Ro-boat | Home Tint - The Convo Kit #50

While attending MIT’s graduation, I learned about free coffee and bananas in their Banana Lounge. It was almost enough to get me to go back to school. Almost.

-Steve

Join The Convo for weekly briefings on science, space, and tech news!

Dolphin Pharma

Dolphins have pharmacies, too. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins rub against specific coral, causing it to release a medicated mucus.  

• Coral samples revealed bioactive compounds that treat skin issues

• Dolphins use corals between naps, almost like a shower

• Also observed in Orcas and Beluga whales

Coral reefs offer more than just a “SeaVS”, they are a safe-space for dolphins to sleep and play. The observing biologist hopes their research raises awareness for proper dolphin interactions. Imagine tourists barging in during your shower or nap…

Sea what I did there?

Ro-boat

[initiate ahoy protocol] China’s Zhu Hai Yun is the world's first semi-autonomous drone carrier.

• Carries 50+ autonomous drones, boats, and subs

• Built in just ~10 months 

• Top speed: 18 knots (almost 21mph)

Zhu Hai Yun is remote-controlled in busy seaports, but drives itself in open water. Autonomous patrols will enable constant ocean monitoring for both research and military defense. Without humans, is the poop-deck still funny?

Row row row ro-boat

Home Tint

Glass Dyenamics developed glass that tints on command. The joint project with US DOE and NREL will reduce the energy required to heat/cool homes. 

• Tint is triggered by electric charge

• Could eliminate 78 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year

• Saving ~$2k per average household per year

Pairing these windows with solar energy provides a sustainable outlook for housing’s future. Not to mention, they’re as cool as transition glasses.

Shady stuff 

Exo-seat

You may want to sit down for this. noonee’s Chairless Chair 2.0 exoskeleton allows its wearer to sit down almost anywhere without an actual seat.

• Attaches via waist, thigh, and shoe straps

• Fits people between 4’11”-6’7”

• Weight: ~5.5 lb

Wearers lower into a comfortable sitting position and press a switch to lock in support. noonee promises improved posture and a reduction in workplace injuries. Looking forward to dominating my musical chairs league with this.

Take a seat

Webb Pics

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) takes better photos than an influencer with the latest ring lighting. And it’s just getting started. Some background on the $10b space filter:

• JWST orbits L2 in a halo pattern facing away from the sun

• L2 = point in space equally affected by the sun and Earth’s gravity

• No sun, no heat: JWST operates at -370°F…or colder

Interesting Engineering put together a list of the best JWST pics so far, but my favorite is 2MASS J17554042+6551277. Or as I like to call it, “secure password suggestion”. 

Say cheeeese

1 More Thing

Just a dolphin cuddling with a cat

Thank you for reading!

Missed last week’s Convo?

Catch-up here: Planting Nemo | Scum Battery | Tooth Robotics - The Convo Kit #49

What would improve this email for you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Reach out on Twitter @_steveburgess or reply to this email.