Category: Science & Technology

Junkyard Revolutions That Transform The Battery-Operated World

Not many battery companies would like this invention now. Mr. Pint from the Vanderbilt University developed a grid-scale, high performing battery. The assistant professor from the mechanical engineering stream had collected metal scrap and chemicals to evolve the battery. The battery is indeed a vibrant and innovative approach to bypass the large industrial production. It is easy to construct and powerful too. Moreover, it can be delivered straight to the people. Pint’s vision was to develop the community for the better. With a lot of materials on the internet to construct a machine, the process seems to become simpler which has led to greater innovations.

Mr. Pint along with his students wanted to experiment with the creation of batteries since there were not much information on producing them. Together they wanted to design videos that describe the step by step processes of building a battery. He was also curious to receive feedbacks so that improvements can be made. He solicited help even from an average person because it was an open source approach. Pint’s team derived inspirations from the Baghdad Battery, a significant ancient technology. A copper sheet, an iron rod, and a terracotta pot was utilized. It was combined with chemicals to form the electrolyte. Pint used similar materials for his battery.

He used brass, steel, and a jar to build the battery. A solution was prepared using water and salt. Pieces of brass and steel were soaked in that solution. Pint and his team further applied voltage. The process is known as anodization. It rearranges the microscopic composition of the metal. The interior surfaces of the metallic pieces become receptive to energy accumulation. It can store as well as release energy. Mr. Pint then separated steel and brass with the help of a physical barrier. The setup was finally immersed in the electrolyte solution comprising potassium hydroxide and water. On connecting with wires, the battery generated current and performed well.

The Dawn Of The Hobbit

In 2004 the world was shocked by hearing the name of the ancient 1-meter tall human who is nicknamed as ‘The Hobbit.’ Scientists selected more fossil for confirmation. The scientists have spent so many years in researching this in the hope that they might find a separate species and will resolve the mystery behind the origins. So they started searching in the Indonesian islands, and all that they could find was animal bones, in huge numbers but no human fossils, till date.

This week, the team made an announcement that tiny hominin specimens were found on Flores and the specimens were isolated teeth and a jaw fragment. After careful studies, scientist says that it should date 700000 years ago when there were thousands of hobbits and also were pretty small, about 20% smaller. Scientists say that it is an amazing thing to see something that is 700000 years old.

Some researchers said that they were expecting to get a large fossil however they could only find some fossils of those tiny humans. Years ago, a Catholic priest and an archaeologist found some stone tools, however, no was ready to believe them then.However, the researchers are giving importance to this findings. The decay of the fossil is due to humid climate, and so the team had a tough time in digging the landscape. The complete digging was done with the help of 120 students and the other local workers in 10 different field seasons.

When the project was about to reach the finalization, the workers were paid off. One of the workers found the tooth and the jaw part followed by five more teeth of which two were baby teeth. Scientists confirmed that the jaw is an adult. The researchers said that they will research on the fossils completely and will give the necessary information.

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