🔌 Chinese quarter-mile superconductive cable: Fact or Wishful Thinking?

A quarter-mile long, 35kV, superconducting cable -- installed entirely in ducts --  in one of the most densely populated urban centers in the world? Yes, that's what Chinese engineers claim to have powered up in what could potentially be a world's first for superconductive cables.

In today's Must Read, we dive into what this could mean for China and the rest of the world, since these superconductive cables can transmit the same amount of power at only thirty percent of the pipe space needed.

China aside, we also have a study from Stanford showing the cardiovascular benefits of a vegan diet, the latest version of Spaceship Neptune, and seven incredible examples of how modern engineering formed artificial islands.

Apparently yesterday's information on the origins of photovoltaic panels was news to many of us, so today we're going with a prediction poll instead!

Also, we're still reeling from how many of you know about series of insightful newsletters, so we urge you to check them and subscribe here

While Tim is enjoying Boxing Day in the UK, I'm Ata, and this is the Blueprint!

This is Blueprint. Let’s get into it!

Reading Time: 7 minutes

• 🏝️ 7 incredible artificial islands that are testament to modern engineering Whether designed to address land scarcity or offer exclusive waterfront living, these artificial islands redefine landscapes.

• 🌑 10 of the most interesting moons of Jupiter Jupiter has the second largest number of moons in the Solar System, at 95. Here are the 10 most interesting moons of Jupiter.
  

• 🚀 Space Perspective unveils test version of its space capsule Neptune Join the cosmic adventure with Space Perspective's test model reveal of Spaceship Neptune: A luxury capsule's amenities for space tourism that promises breathtaking views.

Engineers have officially powered up a 35 kV transmission capacity superconducting cable in Shanghai, China. Reaching its full-load capacity during a test, this, China.org.cn claims, is the world's longest kilometer-level superconducting cable. The cable, which is 3/4-mile (1.2 km) in length, is unique in that it has been put into operation in an urban core and installed entirely in ducts. This makes it, Chinese sources claim, to be the only cable of its kind globally.

“Superconducting power transmission cables use superconductivity to transmit electricity with almost no losses. The principle of superconducting materials is to reduce the resistance of power transmission to almost zero in low-temperature liquid nitrogen. One superconducting cable can transmit the same amount of power as four to six conventional cables at the same voltage level, thus saving about 70 percent of underground pipe space.

A recent study by Stanford Medicine researchers has unveiled the swift cardiovascular benefits of adopting a vegan diet. The research focused on 22 pairs of identical twins, providing a unique insight into the impacts of a healthy vegan versus a healthy omnivorous diet over an 8-week intervention.A well-balanced vegan diet typically provides all the necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Benefits include improved heart health, weight management, reduced cancer risk, and a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes.

A plant-based diet known as veganism excludes all animal products and by-products. Instead, it focuses on plant-derived foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Ontario-based green tech startup Arc Motor Company aims to electrify classic cars using scrapped Tesla batteries, making strides toward a sustainable and emissions-free future.Spearheaded by Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to establish such a startup, Arc Motor Company aims to combine the charm of vintage vehicles with the environmental benefits of electric power.Arc Motor Company is turning heads with its ambitious project of converting classic cars into electric vehicles (EVs), starting with the iconic 1974 Ford Bronco. The startup, led by Sloane Paul, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in major tech and engineering companies, aims to provide enthusiasts with an electrifying option for their beloved classic rides.

Spearheaded by Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to establish such a startup, Arc Motor Company aims to combine the charm of vintage vehicles with the environmental benefits of electric power.

Arc Motor Company is turning heads with its ambitious project of converting classic cars into electric vehicles (EVs), starting with the iconic 1974 Ford Bronco. The startup, led by Sloane Paul, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in major tech and engineering companies, aims to provide enthusiasts with an electrifying option for their beloved classic rides.

• IE₊ A small shift in solar luminosity could turn Earth into a hellish wasteland

• Breaking temporal barriers: Zman-seq's journey into cellular dynamics

• Docomo unveils taste-sharing tech and a human-augmentation platform

• JWST turns two, marking yet another epic year of discoveries

• Microsoft's $70 million data center investment will transform Wisconsin

what else?

⚙️ To explore the wonders of mechanical engineering, get your Mechanical

🔷 For all the week’s top engineering stories, subscribe to the Vital Component

🧑🏻‍🔧 For expert advice on engineering careers, subscribe to Engineer Pros

🧠 New: To get the latest AI news every Monday, subscribe to AI Logs

🎬 For a weekly round-up of our best science, tech & engineering videos, subscribe to IE Originals

For our weekly premium newsletter and an ad-free experience, sign up for IE+

Give Feedback