Jeffery DelViscio: Hi there 60-Second Science followers, that is Jeff DelViscio, the manager producer of the podcast. First, I actually simply need to thanks all for being loyal listeners–for nevertheless lengthy you have been listening.
And simply in case that’s from the very begin–you’ve been with us now for 16 years, 3 months, and seven days, counting right now.
(That’s close to prehistoric in podcast years.)
In that point, we’ve printed effectively over 3,000 episodes on each conceivable science and well being matter.
However on Sept. 5, 2006, we began all of it off with beetles.
Karen Hopkin, who has been with us the entire method–truthfully she has…she simply had a phase final week on how your feminine pooch is certainly judging your competence–described how MIT researchers have been making water-saving supplies based mostly off of the character tech constructed into the Namib desert beetle.
Right here, for nostalgia’s sake, is that phase in full:
[Segment Plays]
Karen Hopkin: This Scientific American’s 60-Second Science. I’m Karen Hopkin…this can simply take a minute.
The biologist J.B.S. Haldane as soon as stated, “the creator, if he exists, has an inordinate fondness for beetles.”
Effectively, so do researchers from MIT. Impressed by the Namib desert beetle, MIT Engineers Robert Cohen and Michael Rubner have produced a brand new materials that may lure and management tiny volumes of water.
The Namib desert in southern Africa is among the driest spots on Earth. Its inhabitants survive by extracting valuable moisture from the morning fog that periodically sweeps throughout the desert sands.
The beetle’s wings are studded with hydrophilic bumps that accumulate water droplets, and hydrophobic channels that funnel water droplets into the bug’s mouth.
The MIT scientists used the same design for the beetle mimicking materials, described in a web-based model of the journal Nano Letters. Such supplies might be used to maneuver small liquid samples round on a lab on a chip or to make tents that present shelter and a cool drink to individuals who camp within the desert.
The water harvesting materials may not characterize clever design, however it’s certain an excellent instance of clever imitation.
Thanks for the minute. For Scientific American’s 60-Second Science, I’m Karen Hopkin.
[Segment Ends]
DelViscio: Fascinating…and really 60-seconds lengthy.
Which, actually, is why I’m right here speaking to you all right now.
The podcast that you simply’ve cherished and listened to for thus lengthy is getting a serious replace. We’re going to begin with altering the title to mirror actuality (we’re into actuality round right here).
The present hasn’t been only a minute for a very long time, so we’re going to cease saying it’s.
However the present isn’t going anyplace. Precisely the other.
Within the new 12 months, we might be again with a recent new title and look. We’ll be publishing extra typically–each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, to begin.
And we’ll take you on sonic journeys that also respect your time–so, they’ll be fast–however we’ll additionally increase the breadth of what we cowl.
It’s going to be actually fascinating and enjoyable, and we wish you all alongside for the journey.
Whereas we prep for the large relaunch, we’re going to take an prolonged vacation break (plus a little bit bit).
However don’t fear, we’ll be again in your podcast feed in early 2023 with new, thrilling reveals that dive into fascinating science and nonetheless depart you in surprise…however with loads of time left in your day for every part else.
We’ll see you all then. And thanks.
For the present now previously often known as Scientific American’s 60-Second Science, I’m Jeff DelViscio.
