💧A device that pulls water from the air, the 100-million-year-old unchanging beetle, new erotic frescos discovered in Pompei

INTERESTING ENGINEERING SHOP

Extracting water from the air is not new. Several developments in this arena have brought the initiative closer to its goal: to create a technology that isn’t bulky or energy-inefficient. A research team from the University of Ohio might have the solution.

They have developed a new prototype water harvester that can be carried in a backpack. It’s simpler, more efficient, and more portable than the standard desiccant wheel dehumidifiers used to pull water from the air.

Even better, the innovative device made of special materials uses half the energy compared to the current methods. Dive deeper into this Must-Read.

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MUST-READ

💧US develops portable device that extracts water from air using 50% less energy

Several initiatives are underway to make water accessible even in the driest climates. The new portable device developed by the University of Ohio is a major stride, as 2 billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water.

The nickel titanium-based dehumidifier was built with temperature-sensitive materials, which allow it to cool the air and condense water vapor with minimal energy consumption.

During rigorous tests, the prototype demonstrated super water harvesting efficiency, extracting more water within the 30-minute timeframe than conventional methods. And it’s adjustable. A larger prototype could be created and would perform just as well as the smaller device.

🪲 Dinosaur extinction survivor black beetle thrives 100 million years without change

Chinese researchers studied adult and larval beetle fossils from the Cretaceous, revealing a surprising fact. The beetle, of all creatures, has stayed mostly the same for 100 million years.

They’ve retained their unique hunting technique, using specialized antennae to trap prey in a cage-like structure formed by the setae (hairs).

Upon first glance, the tiny but mighty beetle might appear to shake up Darwin’s theories of evolution. But the beetles’ lack of significant change fits right in. He also recognized the concept of living fossils, organisms that exhibit little to no change.

🖌️ Tiny house featuring erotic frescoes discovered in ancient Roman city of Pompeii

Archaeologists discovered a tiny house in Pompei filled with an unusual amount of elaborate and erotic frescoes.

The paintings, some well-preserved, depict a variety of mythological scenes such as the myth of Hippolytus and Phaedra, a close embrace between a satyr and nymph, and a divine couple. A final scene probably depicts the Judgment of Paris. 

In a small courtyard, a richly decorated domestic altar features plant and animal motifs on a white background. The project has been described by the Park Director as “an example of public archaeology.”

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