🐦 Microplastics filling up the lungs of birds, bringing taste the virtual reality space, launching the world’s first 5G mmWave satellite internet

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The University of Texas Arlington found microplastic pollutants in the lungs of wild birds. As they thrive in natural and urban environments, UTA researchers collected lung samples to assess how airborne plastics are infiltrating our bodies and ecosystems.

They chose birds located near Tianfu airport in western China to evaluate an area with a high amount of human activity. The results were alarming, considering the severe health conditions that can incur from exposure to microplastics, from heart disease to cancer to fertility problems.

It is urgent to investigate airborne plastics. Let's take a closer look at this Must Read.

Today’s job of the day as featured on jobs.interestingengineering.com:

> Data Engineer- AI Trainer
> Network Engineer

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MUST-READ

🐦 After breaching human sperm, brain, microplastics fill lungs of 51 bird species

The University of Texas at Arlington team used advanced chemical analysis to study 56 wild birds from 51 species. After counting microplastics and detecting nanoplastics, the results showed an average of 221 microplastic particles per species and 416 particles per gram of lung tissue.

The most common types of plastic found were chlorinated polyethylene, often used for insulating pipes and wires, and butadiene rubber, a synthetic material found in tires. Because this type of plastic is lightweight and carried by winds, it is a significant source of airborne pollution.

That means that microplastics are effectively infiltrating entire ecosystems, affecting multiple levels of the food chain.

📡 French startup to launch world’s first 5G mmWave satellite internet

Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), a French start-up is ushering a new era of space telecommunications with its Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite constellation. Telecom companies could use a satellite network to deliver internet fast from space.

However, SpaceX and Amazon also deploy satellite constellations to meet this growing demand. CTO is aiming to be a pioneer in using 5G mmWave spectrum. Their constellation would require 1,500 satellites for global coverage.

CTO has introduced the Early Test, its first “regenerative operational payload” of the 5G millimeter wave (5G mmWave) spectrum. It’s a fundamental “brick” for continuing to develop the next generation of space infrastructure for telecom operators. 

🍜 Tasting cake, fish soup online now possible with new virtual flavor tech

Researchers from Ohio State University invented a system that uses chemical sensors and wireless dispensers to simulate taste sensations in virtual reality.

The system known as “E-Taste” consists of an actuator that connects to the mouth, along with a miniature electromagnetic pump that dispenses taste-inducing chemicals. When activated the pump releases tiny amounts of liquid through a gel interface.

In human trials, participants could distinguish between different intensities of a sour profile with a 70% success rate.

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