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Sep 8, 2021

SpaceX Lifts Massive Starship Booster Onto Launchpad

Posted by in category: space travel

Time to light this candle.

Sep 8, 2021

Cold plasma could transform the sustainable farms of the future

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, food

Scientists have long been interested in plasma’s biological implications. In the late 19th century, the Finnish physicist Karl Selim Lemström observed that the width of growth rings in fir trees near the Arctic Circle followed the cycle of the aurora borealis, widening when the northern lights were strongest. He hypothesized that the light show somehow encouraged plant growth. To artificially emulate the northern lights, he placed a metal wire net over growing plants and ran a current through it. Under the right conditions, he reported, the treatment produced larger vegetable yields.

For decades, scientists have known that exposure to plasma can safely kill pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses. Small studies in animals also suggest that plasma can prompt the growth of blood vessels in skin. In his research, Reuter studies ways to harness these properties to inhibit new infections in wounds and expedite healing or treat other skin conditions. But more recently, he and other physicists have been working on ways to use the power of plasma to improve food production.

Experiments conducted in the last decade or so have tested a mix of ways to apply plasma to seeds, seedlings, crops and fields. These include plasma generated using noble gases, as well as plasma generated from air. In some cases, plasma is directly applied through plasma “jets” that stream over the seeds or plants. Another approach uses plasma-treated water that can do double duty: irrigation and fertilization. Some studies have reported a range of benefits, from helping plants grow faster and bigger to resisting pests.

Sep 8, 2021

SpaceX, NASA targeting April 15 for launch of Crew-4 mission to space station

Posted by in category: space travel

Crew-4 will carry four astronauts to the station for a six-month stay.


SpaceX and NASA are targeting April 15 2022, for the launch of the Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station, agency officials announced yesterday (Sept. 7).

Sep 8, 2021

Scientists create artificial cells that mimic living cells’ ability to capture, process, and expel material

Posted by in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, robotics/AI

Researchers have developed artificial cell-like structures using inorganic matter that autonomously ingest, process, and push out material—recreating an essential function of living cells.

Their article, published in Nature, provides a blueprint for creating “cell mimics,” with potential applications ranging from to environmental science.

A fundamental function of living is their ability to harvest energy from the environment to pump molecules in and out of their systems. When energy is used to move these molecules from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration, the process is called active transport. Active transport allows cells to take in necessary molecules like glucose or amino acids, store energy, and extract waste.

Sep 8, 2021

SpaceX wins contract to launch Yahsat’s Thuraya 4-NGS satellite

Posted by in category: satellites

Updated 2:45 p.m. Eastern clarify selection process.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Yahsat has selected SpaceX to launch its next-generation Thuraya mobile connectivity satellite in 2,023 the companies announced Sept. 8.

A Falcon 9 will launch the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite, being built by Airbus Defence and Space for UAE-based Yahsat, in the second half of 2023. The companies did not disclose terms of the launch contract.

Sep 8, 2021

Rocket Lab signs five-launch deal with European Internet of Things satellite company Kinéis

Posted by in categories: internet, satellites

Rocket Lab signed a five-launch contract with European satellite data company Kinéis. The deal adds to the space company’s backlog.

Sep 8, 2021

Isar Aerospace to launch OroraTech wildfire monitoring cubesat constellation

Posted by in category: futurism

German launch startup Isar Aerospace has signed a contract with OroraTech to launch the company’s wildfire-monitoring cubesat constellation.


JOHANNESBURG — German launch startup Isar Aerospace has signed a contract with OroraTech to launch the company’s wildfire monitoring cubesat constellation.

Isar Aerospace is developing its two-stage Spectrum rocket to launch payloads of up to 700 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit. The maiden flight of Spectrum is currently slated for the second half of 2022.

Continue reading “Isar Aerospace to launch OroraTech wildfire monitoring cubesat constellation” »

Sep 8, 2021

One antibody stops all strains of COVID-19 from infecting cells

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics

A newly discovered antibody was able to neutralize not only all strains of COVID-19, but other coronaviruses known to cause respiratory infections in humans — a potential silver bullet for a whole class of deadly, flu-like viruses.

Mutant viruses: As viruses spread, they undergo tiny genetic mutations, and when we find a unique version of the virus, we call it a new strain.

Occasionally, new strains appear that can spread more easily, evade the immune system, or cause more severe disease.

Sep 8, 2021

SpaceX Starship: Incredible render shows how Mars rocket design is evolving

Posted by in category: space travel

SpaceX’s under-development rocket is set to soar, and a new render shows how the ship will look with the booster attached.

Sep 8, 2021

Impossible Foods Begins Rollout of Its ‘Chicken’ Nuggets

Posted by in category: futurism

Impossible Foods Inc.’s new faux-chicken nuggets go on sale at about 150 restaurants Tuesday, with a grocery rollout set to follow later this month, as food companies jockey for the new segment of the imitation-meat market.

Restaurants serving the nuggets include David Chang’s Fuku in New York City and Tal Ronnen’s Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles. They will also be available at regional chains such as Fatburger and some Dog Haus locations this week. By the end of the month, supermarkets including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons and Safeway will sell the nuggets. More than 10,000 grocery stores will offer them by the end of the year, according to a statement from Impossible Foods.


The plant-based poultry product marks the company’s entry into the increasingly crowded category.

Continue reading “Impossible Foods Begins Rollout of Its ‘Chicken’ Nuggets” »