The use and range of traditional lightning rods are limited, especially in difficult-to-equip places like wind turbines and outdoor event spaces. NTT has been investigating drone-based lightning induction, a cutting-edge technique that uses drones to monitor thunderclouds, intentionally trigger lightning, and safely reroute it, in order to remedy this issue.
In a recent field demonstration under natural thundercloud conditions, NTT, in collaboration with Fujitsu, successfully tested this concept. The experiment featured two key technologies: lightning induction using electric field fluctuations to attract lightning to a drone, and a specially designed lightning-resistant cage that prevents drone failure even under direct strikes.
In the hilly area of Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, a first successful drone-based lightning-triggering experiment was carried out between December 2024 and January 2025. To safeguard vital infrastructure, the test sought to create technologies that can safely control and actively trigger lightning.
The researchers employed a ground-based field mill to track the strength of the electric field during the experiment. A drone with a lightning-resistant cage was flown to 984 feet (300 meters) on December 13, 2024, when an oncoming thundercloud increased the electric field. The drone was wired to a ground switch, and when the switch was turned on, an abrupt shift in the electric field caused a lightning strike.
It was the first documented instance of a drone actively causing lightning, according to NTT. A lightning-resistant cage and a technique for initiating electric field fluctuations were two significant advancements that the experiment showcased. Even after a strike, the drone remained stable in mid-air thanks to the metal cage’s ability to distribute magnetic fields and redirect lightning current away from delicate drone components.
The aim is to create novel materials that are lightweight, electrically conductive, and remarkably stable in extremely high-temperature conditions.
“The materials can be made into almost any shape or size, making them valuable for many industrial applications such as energy storage, electric systems, and nanodevices,” the press release noted.
Another experiment on ISS will explore cellular life. In collaboration with NASA JPL, and Teledyne Brown Engineering, Portland State University will test the ELVIS holographic microscope on the ISS.
This advanced system will provide detailed 3D views of cells, allowing scientists to study how life adapts to extreme conditions. The research could significantly contribute to the search for life beyond Earth.
Pentagon chief leaked US war plans in 2nd Signal chat to family members: Reports
The Pentagon faces mounting criticism over Hegseth’s handling of sensitive military operations.
In the days leading up to the U.S. military strikes on Yemen in March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared sensitive attack details in a private Signal group chat. According to The New York Times, this group was created by Hegseth himself and included his wife, brother, and around a dozen others.
These developments have raised serious national security questions and cast doubt on Hegseth’s leadership. His decision to bypass secure communication protocols and involve family members in sensitive discussions is now under intense scrutiny.
Hegseth has yet to make a public statement addressing the reports. As pressure mounts in Washington, the incident may have far-reaching consequences for how future defense communications are handled—especially during high-stakes international operations.
Pope Francis, the second oldest Pope in Vatican history, has died, the Vatican confirmed. He was 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936, Pope Francis had long had lung issues, the most recent being double pneumonia that required his hospitalization on Feb. 14 for about five weeks, starting Feb. 14.
His death was announced from the Vatican early Monday by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an American, who is now the Vatican's de facto administrator.
This makes them particularly attractive for the emerging for the autonomous energy supply of microsensors and other tiny electronic components.
In order to make the materials more efficient, at the same time heat transport via the lattice vibrations must be suppressed and the mobility of the electrons increased – a hurdle that has often hindered research until now.
Powder of an alloy of iron, vanadium, tantalum and aluminum used
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study demonstrates that by incorporating chemically and structurally distinct archetypal topological insulator Bi1−xSbx at the grain boundaries, charge, and heat transport can be decoupled, “resulting in a reduction of κL, and simultaneously, in an unexpected increase of μW.”
Previous research has shown the promise of two-phase cooling but also pointed out challenges, mainly in managing vapor bubble flow after heating. Therefore, to maximize heat transfer efficiency, factors like microchannel design, two-phase flow control, and flow resistance must be optimized.
Using 3D microfluidic channels for improved efficiency
This research presents an innovative water-cooling system that incorporates 3D microfluidic channels, capillary structures, and a manifold distribution layer. The team designed and tested various capillary geometries to evaluate their performance under different conditions.
Results showed that both the microchannel geometry, which directs coolant flow, and the manifold channels, which regulate coolant distribution, impact the system’s thermal and hydraulic performance.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has faced accusations of communist sympathies due to his critiques of capitalism and emphasis on social justice, but there is no evidence he has ever been a communist or formally tied to communist organizations. His views stem from Catholic social teaching and his experiences in Argentina, shaped by Peronism and liberation theology, not Marxism. Below is a detailed examination of the claims and context surrounding his alleged ties to communism
Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO, William Li, expressed the company’s long-term aspirations for its new Firefly brand.
“In the long run, we would like Firefly to reach about 10 percent of Nio Inc’s total sales, as Mini accounts for about 10 percent of BMW’s sales,” Li was quoted by CnEV Post.
Battery swap to reduce range anxiety
The Nio Firefly is equipped with a 42.1 kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which provides a claimed range of 420 kilometers (260 miles). This range is sufficient for zipping around the city and even longer day trips.
The Firefly can handle DC fast charging up to 100 kW, which is decent for a battery of this size.
However, Nio has a real advantage, especially in China: its battery swap technology.
The use and range of traditional lightning rods are limited, especially in difficult-to-equip places like wind turbines and outdoor event spaces. NTT has been investigating drone-based lightning induction, a cutting-edge technique that uses drones to monitor thunderclouds, intentionally trigger lightning, and safely reroute it, in order to remedy this issue.
In a recent field demonstration under natural thundercloud conditions, NTT, in collaboration with Fujitsu, successfully tested this concept. The experiment featured two key technologies: lightning induction using electric field fluctuations to attract lightning to a drone, and a specially designed lightning-resistant cage that prevents drone failure even under direct strikes.
In the hilly area of Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, a first successful drone-based lightning-triggering experiment was carried out between December 2024 and January 2025. To safeguard vital infrastructure, the test sought to create technologies that can safely control and actively trigger lightning.
The researchers employed a ground-based field mill to track the strength of the electric field during the experiment. A drone with a lightning-resistant cage was flown to 984 feet (300 meters) on December 13, 2024, when an oncoming thundercloud increased the electric field. The drone was wired to a ground switch, and when the switch was turned on, an abrupt shift in the electric field caused a lightning strike.
It was the first documented instance of a drone actively causing lightning, according to NTT. A lightning-resistant cage and a technique for initiating electric field fluctuations were two significant advancements that the experiment showcased. Even after a strike, the drone remained stable in mid-air thanks to the metal cage’s ability to distribute magnetic fields and redirect lightning current away from delicate drone components.
!summarize #tesla #earnings #stock
The aim is to create novel materials that are lightweight, electrically conductive, and remarkably stable in extremely high-temperature conditions.
“The materials can be made into almost any shape or size, making them valuable for many industrial applications such as energy storage, electric systems, and nanodevices,” the press release noted.
Another experiment on ISS will explore cellular life. In collaboration with NASA JPL, and Teledyne Brown Engineering, Portland State University will test the ELVIS holographic microscope on the ISS.
This advanced system will provide detailed 3D views of cells, allowing scientists to study how life adapts to extreme conditions. The research could significantly contribute to the search for life beyond Earth.
Pentagon chief leaked US war plans in 2nd Signal chat to family members: Reports
The Pentagon faces mounting criticism over Hegseth’s handling of sensitive military operations.
In the days leading up to the U.S. military strikes on Yemen in March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared sensitive attack details in a private Signal group chat. According to The New York Times, this group was created by Hegseth himself and included his wife, brother, and around a dozen others.
These developments have raised serious national security questions and cast doubt on Hegseth’s leadership. His decision to bypass secure communication protocols and involve family members in sensitive discussions is now under intense scrutiny.
Hegseth has yet to make a public statement addressing the reports. As pressure mounts in Washington, the incident may have far-reaching consequences for how future defense communications are handled—especially during high-stakes international operations.
Pope Francis, the second oldest Pope in Vatican history, has died, the Vatican confirmed. He was 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936, Pope Francis had long had lung issues, the most recent being double pneumonia that required his hospitalization on Feb. 14 for about five weeks, starting Feb. 14.
His death was announced from the Vatican early Monday by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an American, who is now the Vatican's de facto administrator.
This makes them particularly attractive for the emerging for the autonomous energy supply of microsensors and other tiny electronic components.
In order to make the materials more efficient, at the same time heat transport via the lattice vibrations must be suppressed and the mobility of the electrons increased – a hurdle that has often hindered research until now.
Powder of an alloy of iron, vanadium, tantalum and aluminum used
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study demonstrates that by incorporating chemically and structurally distinct archetypal topological insulator Bi1−xSbx at the grain boundaries, charge, and heat transport can be decoupled, “resulting in a reduction of κL, and simultaneously, in an unexpected increase of μW.”
Previous research has shown the promise of two-phase cooling but also pointed out challenges, mainly in managing vapor bubble flow after heating. Therefore, to maximize heat transfer efficiency, factors like microchannel design, two-phase flow control, and flow resistance must be optimized.
Using 3D microfluidic channels for improved efficiency
This research presents an innovative water-cooling system that incorporates 3D microfluidic channels, capillary structures, and a manifold distribution layer. The team designed and tested various capillary geometries to evaluate their performance under different conditions.
Results showed that both the microchannel geometry, which directs coolant flow, and the manifold channels, which regulate coolant distribution, impact the system’s thermal and hydraulic performance.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has faced accusations of communist sympathies due to his critiques of capitalism and emphasis on social justice, but there is no evidence he has ever been a communist or formally tied to communist organizations. His views stem from Catholic social teaching and his experiences in Argentina, shaped by Peronism and liberation theology, not Marxism. Below is a detailed examination of the claims and context surrounding his alleged ties to communism
Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO, William Li, expressed the company’s long-term aspirations for its new Firefly brand.
“In the long run, we would like Firefly to reach about 10 percent of Nio Inc’s total sales, as Mini accounts for about 10 percent of BMW’s sales,” Li was quoted by CnEV Post.
Battery swap to reduce range anxiety
The Nio Firefly is equipped with a 42.1 kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which provides a claimed range of 420 kilometers (260 miles). This range is sufficient for zipping around the city and even longer day trips.
The Firefly can handle DC fast charging up to 100 kW, which is decent for a battery of this size.
However, Nio has a real advantage, especially in China: its battery swap technology.
#askleo
Who were the leaders of Argentina from 1960 through today?
#askleo
Give me a list of the presidents or heads of state for the country of Argentina since 1960.