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Quantum mechanics produces ‘magic energy’

Quantum mechanics produces ‘magic energy’

Plus: Project 'GW': China to thwart Starlink influence with '13,000' satellites.

Mar 02, 2023

Energy from nothing... magic!

Except not actually magic, more like a quirk in quantum mechanics. But you could argue it’s pretty magical.

Two different physics experiments have drawn energy out of an energy vacuum by teleporting energy across microscopic distances.

They drew on a 2008 theory from theoretical physicist Masahiro Hotta at Tohoku University, which suggested utilizing a quirk of quantum mechanics to teleport energy into an area that was otherwise devoid of any energy.

But before you get your head around that, try and get it around this video. It shows SpaceX successfully putting the ISS crew into orbit for the sixth time. Interstellar!

Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE.

This is The Blueprint. Let’s dive in.

Scientists propose using lunar dust to block sunlight. What are the risks? A researcher behind the new climate change mitigation proposal hopes to find a “more palatable” solution to solar geoengineering.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

SpaceX successfully puts ISS crew into orbit for the sixth time.

This kind of thing never gets any less exciting!

MUST READ

Energy out of thin air? Quantum mechanics seemingly produces magic energy.

A group of researchers has pulled energy out of nothing (sort of) using a quirk of quantum mechanics.

Two different physics experiments proved the feat is possible when they drew energy out of an energy vacuum by teleporting energy across microscopic distances.

The new experiments drew on a 2008 theory from theoretical physicist Masahiro Hotta at Tohoku University, which suggested utilizing a quirk of quantum mechanics to teleport energy into an area that was otherwise devoid of any energy.

Building on Hotta's theory, the team at the University of Waterloo found that when energy was used up in one area, it allowed an energy vacuum in a different space to access energy.

→ Nayeli Rodriguez-Briones, one of the researchers on the project, said: "It was very neat to see that with current technology, it's possible to observe the activation of energy."

INNOVATION

Project 'GW': China to thwart Starlink influence with '13,000' satellites.

China allegedly plans to deploy a swarm of satellites in low Earth orbit to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink and offer internet services, an alternative to people worldwide.

The plan to dispatch almost 13,000 satellites to throttle Starlink exposure comes under the mysterious project, code name “GW,” according to People's Liberation Army's (PLA) space engineering researchers.

The 'GW' constellation will include 12,992 satellites owned by the newly-established China Satellite Network Group Co.

CULTURE

The remains of four dead US presidents set to be blasted into space.

Celestis, a U.S.-based company known for launching memorial space flights, now plans to send remains of four dead U.S. presidents to the farthest outpost in deep space. The mission is due for launch later this year.

Strange though it may sound, Celestis isn't some new-age startup trying to grab eyeballs with such an announcement. Instead, the company has existed for over two decades and, as per its website, was even picked by NASA to honor one of its scientists.

HEALTH

There's a link between migraines and blood sugar levels; geneticists unravel.

Multiple risk factors are shared between migraines, a debilitating neurological disorder, and glucose-related traits, such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Migraines and blood sugar traits have been found to co-occur in many studies focused on disease causes and patterns in different populations. Observing a relationship between the two suggests that they are influenced by genetics, environment, or a combination of both.

MAIL & MUSINGS

Energy out of thin air? Quantum mechanics seemingly produces magic energy.

Do you think we’re on the cusp of creating energy from a raft of new sources?

Yes, it’s about to happen

No, this is a one-off

It’s possible but unlikely

I am unsure either way

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Yesterday, we asked you how long you think it will take for fast-charging EVs to be widely commercially available, and 69 percent of you said 5-10 years.

69%

5-10 years

18%

Imminently

In our lifetime

I am unsure either way