Gravity-Defying Materials, Microsoft's Start Menu Surprise, and Lunar Robot Canines
Apr 14, 2024
Discover groundbreaking levitation technology that allows materials to float without power, thanks to revolutionary magnetic properties. Dive into Microsoft’s controversial decision to include ads in the Windows 11 Start menu, despite user backlash. Finally, explore the fascinating development of robotic dogs, designed to assist lunar missions, showcasing their potential in navigating the Moon's rugged terrain. These topics showcase an exciting fusion of technology, user experience, and outer space innovation.
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Gravity-Defying Material
Scientists in Japan developed a material that levitates without external power.
The graphite-silica plate hovers due to diamagnetism and overcomes energy loss.
insights INSIGHT
Microsoft Start Menu Ads
Microsoft is testing ads in the Windows 11 Start Menu, despite user complaints.
These ads encourage users with local accounts to create Microsoft accounts.
insights INSIGHT
Robotic Lunar Dogs
Space agencies are developing robotic "dogs" for lunar exploration.
These robots can navigate challenging terrains inaccessible to wheeled rovers.
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In today's episode of Discover Daily by Perplexity, we discuss a new material developed by researchers in Japan that enables stable magnetic levitation without requiring an external power source. The centimeter-sized thin square plate, made from graphite coated with silica, hovers above a grid of magnets by harnessing the diamagnetic properties of graphite. This frictionless, self-sustaining floating platform technology could lead to the development of highly sensitive sensors for measuring force, acceleration, and gravity.
Next, we cover Microsoft's recent testing of built-in advertisements in the Windows 11 Start menu. These ads, targeting users with local accounts, promote the benefits of signing up for a Microsoft account and using Microsoft services. Despite negative user feedback, Microsoft appears to be expanding its advertising efforts within the Windows operating system, including the Settings app.
Finally, we explore the development of robotic "dogs" by various space agencies and research institutions for potential lunar exploration. These four-legged robots, such as the ANYmal-based robot backed by the European Space Agency and NASA's Au-Spot, are designed to navigate challenging terrains on the Moon and Mars that are inaccessible to traditional wheeled rovers. While most of these projects are still in the research and testing phase, robotic dogs could play a significant role in future lunar missions and support human exploration of the Moon.
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