📱TikTok refugees flock to China’s RedNote, floating solar panels could power 100 million US homes, world record in quantum computing

The impending ban on TikTok in the United States has sent waves of users seeking refuge on alternative platforms. Among the beneficiaries is RedNote (Xiaohongshu), a Chinese social media giant that blends social networking, e-commerce, and video sharing.

Following the surge in downloads, RedNote hosted a live chat titled "TikTok Refugees," attracting over 50,000 participants from the U.S. and China. This unprecedented gathering saw lively discussions on various topics, from food and youth unemployment to cultural exchanges.

Many users view the platform as a potential alternative that offers a new way to connect and share content. Let's take a closer look at this Must Read. 

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

> Web Application Engineer - AI Trainer

>Cybersecurity Engineer

Reading Time: 4 mins

Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? Subscribe here.

MUST-READ

📱TikTok refugees flock to China’s RedNote, push it to No. 1 app in US

RedNote’s sudden popularity has not come without challenges. According to reports, the app saw over 700,000 new sign-ups in just two days.

This influx has prompted the platform to develop tools for moderating English-language content and integrating English-Chinese translations.

The surge in users also pushed the share prices of China-based companies associated with RedNote, such as Hangzhou Onechance Tech Corp, up by as much as 20%.

⚛️ MIT sets world record with 99.998% fidelity in quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have developed two new control techniques that have enabled them to achieve a world-record single-qubit fidelity of 99.998 percent using a superconducting qubit called fluxonium.

This breakthrough marks a significant step towards the realization of practical quantum computing.

Qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, are highly susceptible to noise and control imperfections.

☀️ 100 million US homes could be lit up with floating solar panels

A new study has revealed that government-managed reservoirs have the potential to generate enough solar energy to power about 100 million homes in the US annually.

For the first time, a survey applied more precise factors, such as water depth and temperature, to estimate better the number of floating solar panels US reservoirs could support. It was done by the US Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

NREL officials claim that reservoirs have the potential to support enough floating solar panels to generate up to 1,476 terawatt hours, enough to power around 100 million homes annually.

Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. Subscribe here

HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY

SCIENCE

> David Baker, the 2024 Nobel Laureate in chemistry, has spearheaded a study that attempts to reframe the treatment of snakebites. (More)

> Ancient DNA suggests the existence of a matrilineal society in the British Iron Age – where descent and inheritance were traced through the mother’s line. (More)

> A colossal, exquisitely preserved dinosaur skull has been unearthed in China. (More)

ENERGY

> A cutting-edge vertical axis turbine (VAWT) will undergo trials near Adelaide through a partnership between Australia’s Flinders University and start-up VAWT-X Energy. (More)

> U.S. Army scientists have unveiled a novel surface treatment technique that promises to enhance the efficiency and longevity of batteries for military use. (More)

> A 1GW solar-plus-storage project, capable of providing round-the-clock dispatchable power, was unveiled at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). (More)

INNOVATION

> A collaborative effort between Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide culminated in the successful ground testing of a turbine engine powered by liquid hydrogen. (More)

> Engineers have developed a bio-inspired building shading system that adapts to changing weather without requiring external power. (More)

> Scientists have created an artificial motor that emulates the natural processes driving life. (More)

VIDEO

> Realbotix brings robots to life with hyper-realistic faces, eye tracking, and conversational AI. (More)

> KAAN, Türkiye’s 5th-generation stealth fighter, showcases cutting-edge technology and air dominance capabilities. (More)

FROM THE WEB

> Engineers develop breakthrough method for aluminum surfaces, enabling advancements in cooling, self-cleaning and anti-icing technologies

> This quasar may have helped turn the lights on for the universe

> Human-fed red squirrels in Britain develop weaker jaws and flatter skulls

> NASA Solar Observatory Sees Coronal Loops Flicker Before Big Flares

> Conquest of Asia and Europe by snow leopards during the last Ice Ages uncovered

> Depression breakthrough: Almost 300 previously unknown genes identified

Looking to start the new year with better sleep?

Cornbread Hemp’s Sleep CBD Gummies offer a melatonin-free solution for a great night’s sleep! USDA organic and melatonin-free, these gummies help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Grab a jar today and save 30% on your first order with code RESOLUTION at checkout.*

Get ready for a thousand ‘thank you’s!

*One-time purchases only, cannot be combined with subscription discounts.