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- pls get mayo
pls get mayo
not for making sandwiches, it's for......
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Q. You know youʼre an engineer when... |
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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? |
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? |
Q2. In which country is there a bridge that is made almost entirely of glass and suspends visitors over a canyon? |
Q3. What ancient engineering technique involves using ice to construct buildings that remain solid even during the summer? |
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!!
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