Shroom Recovery | THOR | Space Arm - The Convo Kit - Issue #4

Wishing every week was a 4-day work week? Iceland did the math so you can bring data to your next meeting.

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Psilocybin Makes Shroom for Neurons

The “magic” in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, has been linked to neural regeneration in mice. Scientists blocked the trippy effects and observed a 10% increase in neuronal connections.

• Psilocybin = sai - luh - sai - bin

• Naturally occurring in 200+ fungi species

• Don’t eat those random mushrooms you found

While we are likely many years away legalizing psilocybin, its potential benefits have been rumored for many years. It’s truly remarkable that these scientists were able to block the psychedelic effects while still enabling the neural benefits.

Choose your own adventure: Short trip or long trip.

THOR Assists First Responders

Verizon modified a Ford F-650 to provide connectivity to first responders without cellular service. THOR, Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response, was developed along with the Pentagon and SoCal TechBridge.

• Includes a drone for search & rescue

• Seats 5 with a 3 person command center

• Works regardless of previous connectivity

Being able to restore 5g networks will very literally save lives in areas that unfortunately require this awesomely named mega-truck. Bonus points if it comes with Mjölnir.

Check out the mobile battle station.

Robo Space Arm

The European Robotic Arm, aka ERA, will join the International Space Station on July 23rd. The arm is able to “walk” around the outside of the station by securing itself to various points of the exterior.

• 36 feet long

• 8+ ton carrying capacity

• 20ish years late

Odd timing, given recent ISS computer problems and Russia’s implications to build its own space station. If successful, this robotic arm will enhance project efficiency and provide an advantage against TWO potential space stations. (China’s Tiangong + Russia’s future station)

Full specs and a space-based render available on Interesting Engineering.

Towable Tidal Turbines

Orbital Marine Power and Sustainable Marine are working on floating turbines to harness tidal energy. These mobile renewable energy sources can power remote coastal and island communities without the need to install permanent sea structures.

• One unit powers 2-3,000 homes

• Turbines swing out of water for maintenance

• Sustainable Marine uses carbon fiber rotor blades

Competition among tidal energy providers supports our ever-growing need for sustainable energy solutions. Many parts of the world are unfit for solar or wind energy, but may benefit from these mobile off-shore solutions.

Also, Orbital’s tagline “Turning the tide on climate change” has to have the marketing team at Sustainable Marine punching air, right?

Sustainable Marine’s PLAT-1 in action!

Flying Electric

Eviation’s production model electric plane, Alice, aims to make its first test flight this year. The company recently reduced the number of motors from three to two.

• 100% electric

• 610 mile range

• 9 passenger capacity

Building the aircraft will leave a carbon footprint, but removing flight emissions is a major step in the right direction for reducing the environmental impact of air travel.

More details over on New Atlas.

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