⚡ China's plasma torch, Taiwan tsunami warning, Artificial pancreas

Researchers in China have successfully extended the lifespan of a plasma torch from a few hundred hours to several years. In doing so, the team has allegedly achieved the world’s longest-lasting plasma torch.

Just in case you didn’t know, a plasma torch is a device that generates a constant flow of plasma – the fourth state of matter. To find out more about its significance and potential applications, don’t skip today’s Must Read.

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MUST READ

⚡ China makes ‘world’s longest-lasting plasma torch’ that could last years

A plasma torch is a device that generates a constant flow of plasma – the fourth state of matter. In this state, matter is superheated, and electrons are ripped away from the matter, resulting in an ionized gas. A plasma torch can reach temperatures of 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit (20,000 degrees Celsius).

In industry, when cutting materials, a plasma torch creates a powerful arc with the material being cut. This arc is narrowed down by a copper nozzle with a small opening. This narrow opening helps to boost the temperature and speed of the plasma coming from the torch, making the cutting process more effective.

The plasma torch’s efflux also helps remove the molten material from the surface. Unlike cutting using oxygen, plasma cutting does not oxidize the metal under process. It, therefore, can be used across a wide spectrum of materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and non-ferrous alloys.

🌊 Powerful 7-scale earthquake rocks eastern Taiwan; Prompts tsunami warnings

On Wednesday morning (local time), a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 hit Taiwan's eastern coast. It's considered the strongest quake in over 25 years, causing significant shaking in buildings across the region.

The immediate concern following a powerful offshore earthquake is the potential for destructive tsunamis. Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned of tsunami waves potentially reaching three meters (10 feet) in height along remote southern Japanese islands, including Miyakojima island.

Evacuation orders were swiftly issued, urging residents to higher ground. Additionally, Taiwan, a global leader in advanced computer chip manufacturing, experienced disruptions as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) temporarily suspended some operations.

💉 World-first: 1000s of diabetic patients in UK to get ‘artificial pancreas’

Thanks to a world-first initiative launched by the UK’s National Health System (NHS), thousands of children and adults living with type 1 diabetes will have access to the Hybrid Closed Loop system. It’s also being dubbed as an artificial pancreas.

Apparently, the artificial pancreas monitors a person’s blood glucose. There is a sensor under the skin that automatically measures blood sugar levels. Then, the readings are sent wirelessly to a pump that calculates the amount of insulin that is needed.

The final step is for users to follow the reading on their phone. That option can, for example, help them by enabling them to input the precise quantities of carbohydrates consumed during meals.

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