pls get mayo

not for making sandwiches, it's for......

In partnership with

Before jumping in, answer this:

Q. You know youʼre an engineer when...

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Before we get started, please do click the ad below to support our efforts in bringing you the best in engineering every week : )

All your news. None of the bias.

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 3.5 million readers find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight.

Mayonnaise to the rescue?

Ever thought your mayo could do more than make a sandwich?

Yep, you read that right. At Lehigh University, scientists are using mayonnaise to unlock the secrets of nuclear fusion—the same process that powers the sun.

Sounds a bit out there, but stick with me!

Why Mayonnaise?

So, why mayo? Fusion energy needs extreme conditions, kind of like the sunʼs core (hot and intense), to work. Mayo, believe it or not, can mimic some of these intense reactions right here on Earth, but in a much cooler way.

It helps researchers understand how materials behave under pressure without turning the lab into a sauna.

Mayo in Action

In their lab, the researchers put mayo to the test. They watch how it moves from solid-like to flowy under stress in a custom-built setup thatʼs less "mad scientist" and more "science fair project on steroids."

It's a bit like watching mayo go from chill to thrill-seeking, all to help scientists predict how real fusion materials might behave. Who knew condiments could be so scientific?

Next time youʼre squeezing a dollop of mayo on your burger, just think—it might just help power the future.

What's your take on mayo stepping into the fusion spotlight?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Trivia for the Tech-Obsessed

Test your engineering prowess and maybe learn a thing or two with our quick-fire trivia challenge.

Q1. Which early form of internet communication was famous for its "You've Got Mail" notification?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Q2. In which country is there a bridge that is made almost entirely of glass and suspends visitors over a canyon?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Q3. What ancient engineering technique involves using ice to construct buildings that remain solid even during the summer?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

New Gadget for Guarding Against Gutsy Germs

Hold onto your hats—and your water bottles!

Researchers at the University of Galway are making a new gadget thatʼs all about keeping your water safe from some seriously bad bugs, specifically the Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli, or STEC.

Thatʼs right, itʼs E. coliʼs mean cousin, and it's been causing quite the stir in Ireland.

Why Should We Care?

Ireland isn't just famous for its lush landscapes and pubs; it's also got some of the highest rates of STEC in Europe. Not exactly the claim to fame you want.

This bacteria is no joke—it can turn a sip of water into a health nightmare, especially for the most vulnerable like little tots and the elderly.

The Science-y Super Tool

They've cooked up a portable, on-the-spot water testing tech thatʼs as quick as making a cup of tea.

Well, almost—it takes about 40 minutes to sniff out those nasty bacteria. And the best part? No labs needed.

A Closer Look at the Tech

This gadget isnʼt just another water tester.

It uses something called isothermal amplification technology to find even the sneakiest of E. coli lurking in just a tiny sample of water.

With 61% of tested water sources waving the red flag for STEC, itʼs clear (pun intended) this tool couldnʼt come at a better time.

For the 720,000 folks in Ireland relying on private wells, this could be the godsend!!

Fresh from the oven

Your next adventure?

Reply

or to participate.