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- Wu’s Nobel | Space Photobomb | Robo-Kitty - The Convo Kit #40
Wu’s Nobel | Space Photobomb | Robo-Kitty - The Convo Kit #40
Bonjour from Quebec! I’m here for a sick tattoo by an awesome artist. The drive from Massachusetts was mostly smooth, but the moose:moose-sign ratio was disappointingly low.
-Steve
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Chien-Shiung Wu
Chien-Shiung Wu was an accomplished experimental physicist. She contributed the first evidence that, in particle physics, parity is not conserved for weak interactions.
Born: 5/29/1912, Lihue, Jiangsu province, China
School: National Central University, China and UC Berkeley
Received the National Medal of Science in 1975
Wu’s parity-defying proof lead to a Nobel Prize in 1957, for her fellow male colleagues. She was presumably excluded for being a woman. Wu helped pave the way for future discoveries even though for her, parity may not have existed.
Far-Out Photobomb
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope experienced a galactic photobomb. While calibrating its eighteen mirrors on a distant star, the infrared camera captured thousands of never before seen galaxies.
Targeted distant star is 2,000 light years away
100 times fainter than our eyes can see
These “new” galaxies are several billions of years old
Scientists will start intentionally capturing images of distant galaxies this summer. They estimate discoveries ranging from chemical content of distant planets to a glimpse into the origins of the universe. It could even be enough for a Webb-specific newsletter.
Robo-Kitty
Are you a robo-dog or robo-cat person? MIT CSAIL researchers are upping the quadruped game using AI simulations to teach their Mini Cheetah.
3 hour simulation training = 100 days of learning
Successfully adapts to ice, gravel, and losing a leg
Top speed: 8.7 mph
Most robots are specifically programmed for expected terrain, which is only as good as engineers are at predicting the future. Mini Cheetah’s adaptable learning enables it to stroll through unpredictable terrain like gravel hills and a floor full of kid’s toys.
Payakable
Most kayaks don’t fit in a backpack, but the Pontos isn’t like most kayaks. Sturdy enough to carry you downstream, compact enough to be carried uphill.
Total weight: 7 lb.
Assembled size: 10.5’ x 2.4’
Packed size is roughly equal to a 2-person tent
Amphibious adventurers can assemble the Pontos in less than ten minutes. Set up is very similar to propping a tent, with a little more emphasis on waterproofing. Though you probably won’t want to sleep in it.
Mustang EV
London-based Charge Cars recreated Ford’s ‘67 Mustang Fastback as an EV. Not to be confused with Ford’s cheesy “Mustang” SUV.
200 mile range on 62 kWh battery pack
Horsepower: 536 (non-EV original had 320)
0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
Charge Cars is working towards their goal of an emission-free future, while keeping vintage cars on the road. They kept as much of the classic styling as possible and modernized the interior. Move quick if you want one, only 499 are available, starting at $460,000.
1 More Thing
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