Top TechTop Tech #29: • deep-body bio-sensors, electric rockets, printed weather stations
Highlighting interesting or important innovations with long-termpromise.
Today’s Top Tech:
• Bio-sensors report from deep in the body
• NASA working with Ad Astra on electric rockets
• Affordable meteorology with 3D-printed weatherstations
Bio-sensors report from deep in the body
New probes detect and measure localized conditions on the molecular scale deep within tissues.
The shape-changing probes are designed to operate in the radio frequency spectrum, Kurzweil AI reports, specifically to be detectable with standard nuclear magnetic resonance or magnetic resonance imaging equipment.
Developed by scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institutes of Health, the geometrically encoded magnetic sensors are smaller than a single red blood cell.
NASA working with Ad Astra on electric rockets
Ad Astra Rocket Company’s Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket works with electrically charged gas heated to extreme temperatures by radio waves and controlled and guided by strong magnetic fields.
Now, as part of NASA’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) competitive solicitation, Ad Astra will receive approximately $10 million over three years.
With the funds, the company says it can increase the engines firing tie to 100 hours.
NASA selected 12 firms for NextSTEP. More information here.
Affordable meteorology with 3D-printed weather stations
When it comes to predicting and preparing for extreme weather, constructing, outfitting, and maintaining weather stations can be prohibitively expensive for poorer countries, Popular Science reports. But 3D printing may become “an invaluable money- and life-saving solution for weather stations with tight budgets.”
The Micro-Manufacturing and Assembly project has begun developing affordable 3D printed meteorological tools. The 3D-printed weather stations are a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and USAID.
Printers make most of the parts, which makes it easy to locally build replacement parts when something breaks, 3D Print adds here. The stations include a rain gauge and sensors for wind-speed, humidity, and pressure, as well as radiation shielding to prevent sunlight from damaging the equipment.
