This week we discover a new diamond based computer storage solution for all the data that we will create when Quantum Computing is a reality. We also as if Life came to Earth on an Asteroid and we find a use for all those face masks that we wore during the Pandemic. We investigate a new Virtual Reality controlled Robots building railways in Japan. Finally we have some sage advice for those contemplating going to space with a Canadian. It may save your life.
Diamond Computer Storage
Japanese Jewelry company, Adamant Namiki Precision Jewel Co and researchers from Saga University in Southern Japan on the island of Kyushu have developed a way to mass produce diamond wafers that can store all the data that we will create when we eventually have access to quantum computing. Quantum computers are likely to lead to an explosion in the amount of data that we use and store. We need to be ready to store all that new data.
Diamond is a very promising material for quantum computer systems however the presence of nitrogen disrupts the quantum storage capabilities. The team developed an ultra high purity diamond that contains less than 3 parts per billion nitrogen atoms.
Until now diamond crystals were only about 4 millimeters square. This new technology allows wafers of up to 50 millimeters (2 inches) in diameter. This size of wafer will allow the storage of 25 exabytes of data which is equivalent to 1,000,000,000,000 blue ray discs.
Diamond wafers are created by growing the crystals on a substrate material, usually a flat surface. Nitrogen gas is used to obtain a high growth rate which causes storage problems. Additionally diamond produced this way can crack under the strain. The team developed a new method for creating the crystals where the substrate is shaped by steps. The crystal spread horizontally which prevents cracking. This allows them to make much larger wafers with higher purity.
The team hopes to commercialize the technology in 2023 whilst increasing the size and capacity of the discs even further.
Did Life arrive on Earth via Asteroids?
The instructions for creating life are encoded in our DNA and RNA. Up until recently we had only discovered 3 of the five informational components in DNA and RNA on asteroids that had fallen to earth from outer space. A team from Hokkaido University in Japan have identified the final two nucleobases that had previously evaded detection.
It is unlikely that DNA ever formed on a meteorite or asteroid this discovery shows that the components of DNA are available for delivery and could (emphasise could) have contributed to the development of life on earth.
The newly discovered pair of nucleobases, cytosine and thymine have a very delicate structure which may have degraded when samples were previously analyzed. A new technique and more sensitive equipment were used to analyze the meteorites that lead the team to identifying the missing nucleobases.
This discovery is just another small piece in the quest to find “Where we came from”.
How do we use all those disposable masks from the pandemic?
Researchers at Washington State University have found a way to use discarded face masks to improve the strength of concrete by up to 47%. We are still using massive numbers of these masks which have to date, all gone to landfill. We now have an alternative.
Disposable surgical makes are usually made of polyester fabric or polystyrene, polyethylene or polypropylene. These are all thermoplastic polymers that can be molded into shapes whilst working at high temperatures. Masks also contain metal clips and cotton loops which also end in landfill.
Experiments have found that the addition of microfibers increases the strength of concrete thereby reducing the amount needed to get the same structural strength. Concrete is a significant source of carbon emissions so any reduction in the amount required has a positive impact on environment and will also reduce the cost of building.
The team cut the masks into 5mm to 30mm long pieces and treated them with graphene oxide before mixing them in the concrete paste. The addition of the microfibers helped to absorb or dissipate the fracture energy that usually contributes to tiny cracks in concrete reducing its’ integrity. The graphene oxide allowed the microfibers to adhere strongly to the surface without any any gaps. It is the tiny gaps that can turn into larger cracks and eventual failure. The cotton loops and the metal clips were shredded and added to ordinary cement.
It is possible that the technique could also be used on other polymers such as discarded clothing which would provide an incentive to collect rather than dispose of this waste.
VR Powered Robots to build the Railways
Japanese rail company, JR West have developed a VR powered robot to aid in the construction of rail lines. It is a piece of multifunctional heavy equipment that is comprised of a railroad construction vehicle merged with a humanoid heavy robot. JR West have based the robot on the Transformers (ask your kids).
The operator sits in the driving cab and uses an HP Reverb G2 headset to view the world from the perspective of the robot. A control panel operates two mechanical arms equipped with dual clams which allow operators to interact with various machinery in detail. Operators can feel the weight of objects in VR as they work, offering a more intuitive and natural operating experience.
The equipment will allow workers to work in high risk environments with little danger. There is potential for the robots to be adapted to a range of environments and industries.
Never go to Space with a Canadian
Strange advice however it might save your life. Currently it is not illegal for a Canadian to murder you in space. Canadian law does not currently apply to illegal acts in space. For many countries if you commit an illegal act outside your country you can still be held liable upon return. This is not currently the case for Canada however the most recent Canadian Federal Budget papers contained a note indicating that the Government will shortly change the law.
To date, 9 Canadians have been to space. To the best of our knowledge they have all returned without killing any crew mates. The new law change will ensure that any future illegal acts will have consequences. The question of what law applies in space is still very much open. Something that will become more important to solve as more and more people head to space.
Paying it Forward
If you have a start-up or know of a start-up that has a product ready for market please let me know. I would be happy to have a look and feature the startup in this newsletter. Also if any startups need introductions please get in touch and I will help where I can.
If you have any questions or comments please comment below.
I would also appreciate it if you could forward this newsletter to anyone that you think might be interested.
Till next week.
Diamond Computer Storage, Did Asteroids bring Life to Earth and VR Controlled Robots
But does that DNA also arrive on other planets from Asteroids. Is this the source of Alien -Covenant? There is a new theory that perhaps we should not broadcast Earths coordinates to space to other planets, in case other Aliens are more advanced and not friendly.