st3v is giving Instagram a try after his Batworking success. If you are on the ‘gram, he’d love to see you!

Follow him @st3v.tck

-Steve

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Mars’ MOXIE

Breathing on Mars only requires a carry-on sized machine. Perseverance is generating oxygen on the red planet with its MOXIE.

• MOXIE = Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment

• In-situ = in the original place

• Air is collected, compressed, electrolyzed, and recombined into oxygen

In one hour, MOXIE generates ~20 minutes of breathable oxygen. NASA tested this in various temperatures to ensure future Martians won’t have to worry about seasonal restrictions. Sadly, we still have to wait to see what Mars-air tastes like.

Where astronauts get their moxie

Cool Windows

Researchers in China made some pretty cool windows. Their hydrogel-glass leverages water to limit photon penetration.

• Allows 96% of infrared light (heat) out compared to 84% for regular glass

• Zero noticeable difference in visible light

• Reduced temperature by 6.3 °F in  8” x 8” x 8” model house 

Hydrogel-glass windows would likely pay for themselves with energy savings. The research team claims they will be affordable from the start and easily scalable. Fingers crossed they're reversable for those of us with four seasons.

Your neighbors will be hydro-jeally

Mouth Scales

Have you brushed your formerly external scales today? Recent evidence supports the theory that our teeth evolved from the outside-in.

• Ancient sawfish spikes had enamloids w/bundled microcrystals for strength

• Enamaloid = enamel-like tissue around fish teeth

• Very similar to modern shark teeth

While this doesn't prove that teeth evolved from scales, it does confirm that it was possible. Ironically, this was an accidental discovery that will certainly spark more research. Until then, keep flossing those scales!

Talking points for your next dentist appointment

Clickables 

• Emotional support alligator says “see you later” to stress

• Pumpkins, the only fruit that can spice a latte AND break rafting records

• Universe Price Tiers, the answers to all life’s questions

• 2 rare stars tearing each other apart and creating beautiful space ripples

• Hydrogen-powered trains started public service in Germany

st3v on site

Always Has Been

Eager to determine Mars-air's flavor, st3v learned there's no escaping PSL season.

Follow st3v on Instagram @st3v.tck

Thank you for reading!

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