How the heck will we grow vegetables on Mars? |
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Today is Thursday -- a day when most of us are looking forward to the future. But on this particular Thursday, we're looking far beyond just Friday. Our eyes are on the date when humans first set foot on Mars. What will it take to get us there? How will we survive in such a barren and hostile environment? To explore this idea, we're kicking off an entire series called Life On Mars. Check out the first installment below! |
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If we ever hope to send people to live on Mars for an extended period of time, we'll need to keep them warm, safe, and well-fed. That last requirement poses a challenge on a mission that can carry only a limited amount of supplies. Even if canned beans weren't so heavy, no one wants to subsist off of them for a year-long mission. The future of Mars habitation requires freshly grown fruits, vegetables, and grains. But how do you farm on a poisonous, deadly planet like Mars? To get an answer, we spoke to three Mars researchers from the fields of ecology, geology, and biochemistry.
Step 1: Building a better greenhouse
The first hurdle we'll have to overcome is providing shelter for whatever crops we're hoping to grow. Much like humans, plants have some basic needs -- the right atmosphere, enough light, and protection from radiation -- that we'll need to provide for before we can even attempt to grow anything. The good news, however, is that by building a habitat for humans, we'll also be creating an environment that's suitable for crops.
Step 2: Dialing in the dirt
Another issue we'll need to address is the fact that Martian "soil" isn't soil at all -- it's basically just red, dead dust that scientists call "regolith." It lacks the minerals and microorganisms that plants have evolved to work with here on Earth. So how do we transform regolith into fertile, crop-growing soil? By adding microbes. As it turns out, Mark Watney's survival technique from the science fiction novel The Martian wasn't that far off from reality!
Step 3: Toning down the toxicity
Unfortunately, growing stuff on Mars isn't as simple as mixing some manure into the martian surface and planting a few seeds. In addition to adding things that make the soil fertile, we'll also have to figure out how to remove toxic chemicals that could be transferred from regolith into the crops that astronauts grow. This is one of the main hurdles that NASA is currently working to overcome.
Check out the full article to learn more! |
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Sure, LG has its jaw-dropping Wallpaper OLED, not to mention its drool-inducing (and wallet-busting) 8K OLED lineup. But by the specs, the new LG G1 Gallery Series is the most advanced and promising OLED TV yet from the company that has pioneered OLED TVs since it unveiled the first 55-inch model in 2012.
Armed with LG's so-called OLED Evo panel, advanced processing, a WebOS smart TV makeover, HDMI 2.1, and an entire dashboard built for gamers, the G1 ties together the best of everything from LG's OLED lineup this year. But how impressive is it, really? I took on the arduous task of testing a 65-inch version of the LG G1 Gallery Series by taking measurements, watching test clips I've seen on dozens of TVs many times over, and digging deep into graphics performance with the new Microsoft Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 next-gen consoles. Here's what I found.
It's dazzlingly well-designed
The G1 looks absolutely stunning on the wall when wall mounted (it really is something to behold). I wrote of last year's GX OLED: "If looks could kill, the GX OLED would be a serial killer," and I stand by that for the G1 as well. In terms of design, it's still one of the most beautiful TVs you can buy. With virtually nonexistent bezels and a ridiculously thin profile, the TV appears to simply float on the wall.
It's stuffed to the gills with thoughtful, useful features
You should head over to the full review to dig into this part, because there's far more going on under the hood than we have space to cover in this newsletter. Here's a quick rundown of the highlights:
- A redesigned and super-impressive WebOS
- A Game Optimizer feature that makes video games amazing
- OLED Evo tech for better colors and brightness
- AI Picture Pro, which adapts the settings to better fit what you're watching
It's hands down one of the best TVs we've ever reviewed
Ultimately, the LG G1 Series OLED is an important step forward for OLED TVs. With exceptional picture quality, a gorgeous form factor, and industry-leading gaming support, the G1 is an outstanding high-end TV that meets the demands of those for whom only the very best will do.
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The humble bicycle tire could be about to undergo a dramatic transformation after a California-based startup this week unveiled a durable space-age tire that never goes flat. Called METL, the design of the next-generation bicycle tire is based on technology developed by NASA that is aimed at enhancing the resilience of future lunar and martian rovers.
The SMART (Shape Memory Alloy Radial Technology) Tire Company was formed last year with the central aim of commercializing a new category of airless tire invented for future space missions. Made from a nickel-titanium alloy called NiTinol+, the new tire is described as a "light, flexible, space-age metal that never goes flat, but still rides smooth." The company believes the material can become a permanent part of future bicycles, with design variations making it suitable for other kinds of vehicles, too.
The special shape-memory material gives the tire the ability to expand, contract, bend, or unbend at a rapid rate before quickly regaining its original shape. Even better, there's no prospect of a puncture, and you'll never have to inflate it. |
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TIPS, TRICKS, & TECHNIQUES |
Google Earth is an incredible way to look at places both near and far from the comfort of your own home. But if you're looking for ways to engage more deeply with Google Earth beyond the simple features available on the browser version, you'll want to take the time to download Google Earth Pro for free.
The good news is that downloading Google Earth Pro is now a fairly quick and easy process. You'll be surveying geographical features and cities around the world in no time by following these steps. |
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