No more white knuckles: New tech smooths flight turbulence

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This week's top stories feature aviation innovations, space-age weaponry, and futuristic food.

An Austrian company developed wing sensors that reduce turbulence by over 80% for smoother airline rides. Meanwhile, Israel is poised to deploy its Iron Beam laser defense system years ahead of schedule to counter rocket attacks. And researchers in Italy pioneered fully biodegradable, edible batteries made from beeswax and food materials.

Also making headlines: Amazon's expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service internationally, including prescription medications. Scientists discovered a massive new 3,000 mile wide jet stream on Jupiter using the James Webb telescope. And engineers created a DNA-powered nanomachine that runs on biochemical energy.

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MUST KNOW

?? No more bumpy rides: New tech reduces flight turbulence by 80%

Turbulence Solutions, a company based in Austria, has developed technology to reduce in-flight turbulence by over 80%. Sensors on the aircraft’s wings detect air pressure changes and automatically adjust control surfaces within milliseconds, dampening the effect of turbulence on passengers and aircraft.

The system works in a similar way to how birds use feathers for mid-air stability, or how noise-canceling headphones silence the outside world. The continual micro-adjustments differ from the pilot’s inputs so normal flying controls aren't affected.?

Though currently only compatible with light aircraft, the company aims to eventually allow commercial jets to navigate heavier turbulence safely. Turbulence costs airlines up to $500 million yearly in the US alone due to detours, slower speeds, and repairs. Read more

?? Israel's ‘Iron Beam’ laser weapon may join combat service soon

Israel plans to use its new Iron Beam laser weapon in combat for the first time. Iron Beam shoots down approaching rockets and drones with twin high-energy fiber optic laser beams. It is being readied for action years ahead of the planned deployment date to counter increasing attacks.

Iron Beam is cheaper and more effective than conventional missile defense systems. It can destroy multiple targets at once with unlimited laser shots. Iron Beam will join other Israeli air defenses against heavy barrage attacks. Read more

?? Edible electronics: The future of sustainable devices is in your food

Italian researchers have created the first fully biodegradable, edible battery using food materials like beeswax. Though limited in power, it proves the concept of sustainable energy storage. The team is also developing ingestible sensors made from safe, natural substances. These "electronic pills" can track food freshness and health conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. The innovations are inspired by nature to reduce environmental impacts. Read more

WEEK'S MOST IMPORTANT NEWS?

INNOVATION

?? Amazon expands drone delivery service to Italy, UK and US The retail colossus is expanding its Prime Air drone services for faster and more convenient shipping.

?? Molecular engineers successfully create a working DNA 'nanomachine' A new study shows the development of a DNA nanomachine powered by chemical energy from DNA-templated RNA transcription.

?? Oxford researchers’ photonic-electronic AI chip puts apps on steroids The team estimates it can outperform best electronic processors by a factor of 100 using different colors and 3D processing.

SCIENCE

?? Webb telescope discovers a new 3,000 mile wide jet stream on Jupiter This jet stream is about 25 miles high and travels about 320 miles per hour.

?? Study finds metal traces in Earth’s stratosphere post rocket launches Researchers used a research aircraft to collect samples from the upper atmosphere.

?? NASA starts planning of the Roman telescope's future observations Preparations are in full swing to study the vast data that will be generated by the Roman Telescope, including directly obtained images of exoplanets.?

TRANSPORTATION

?? Elon Musk announces Cybertruck production challenges and delivery date Tesla's boss warns of production challenges for the Cybertruck while revealing the delivery date.

?? Health crisis: 220,000 planes still use lead fuel, warns US agency Despite big jets ditching leaded fuel, the FAA discovered over 220,000 small piston-engine planes still use it, posing a health crisis.

?? This large two-wheeled EV can self-balance like a hoverboard SHANE is a concept proposed by the original hoverboard founder, featuring space to seat five people in comfort.

JOB ALERT

In this section you’ll find the latest jobs as featured on: jobs.interestingengineering.com

“We want to replace the classic electronic material with edible ones. For example, cellulose or even honey. This edible pill can act as a probe to study your gastrointestinal tract. These types of pills already exist but are made of very toxic stuff, are indigestible and dangerous.”

Fabrizio Mario Ferrarese, Italian Institute of Technology

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