[16th March 2025] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week

After a brief hiatus I am back at publishing this. Had been heads down at getting Sudama Clinic operational. Not that I did not learn during this time, but was struggling to find time to pen down all that. Got a little breathing time now, so here is it is. 

 

1. Dillo Browser : Dillo is a remarkably lightweight and fast web browser, prioritizing speed and efficiency above all else. Designed for minimal resource usage, it excels on older or less powerful systems. By focusing on core web functionality and avoiding complex features like JavaScript and advanced CSS, Dillo achieves a streamlined experience. This minimalism also contributes to enhanced security by reducing potential vulnerabilities. Available across various platforms, including Linux and BSD, Dillo caters to users seeking a basic, no-frills browsing experience. Its simplicity makes it ideal for specific use cases where speed and resource conservation are paramount, offering a practical solution for those who require a fundamental browser without the overhead of modern, feature-rich alternatives.

My Take: I recently learned that the Dillo browser has existed since 1999 (a brief history is available here). It's important to have diverse browser options, and I'm glad some people are putting in the effort to build something as complex as a browser today. I am yet to try running it on my system, but it's definitely on my list of things to do. I'm particularly interested in its lightweight design, though it would definitely not be something I would be using everyday.

 

 

2. Biofabricated Rhino Horn : Pembient is a biotechnology company striving to combat wildlife poaching through biofabrication. Their core mission centers on creating synthetic rhino horns, genetically and chemically similar to natural ones, aiming to disrupt the illegal trade and protect endangered rhinos. By providing a legal, sustainable alternative, Pembient seeks to diminish the economic incentive for poaching. Beyond rhino horns, the company explores the potential for other biofabricated wildlife products, addressing the trade in various endangered species. Utilizing advanced biotechnology and material science, Pembient is driven by scientific innovation to develop solutions that can effectively reduce the demand for poached wildlife products, ultimately contributing to conservation efforts.

 

My Take: This lab-grown material concept is amazing! I hope they can do more with it. I wonder if they could also replicate elephant tusks. That would seriously help protect endangered animals from poachers, maybe even make poaching pointless. It's like how lab-grown diamonds are changing the game for blood diamonds, which are way more expensive. I think the same thing could happen to cryptocurrencies if someone figures out how to mine them easily on phones or break the encryption used. In my opinion, those are a few useless markets that shouldn't even exist.

 

 

3. Laser light made into a supersolid for the first time - Scientists have created a supersolid from laser light, a first, by firing a laser at a ridged gallium arsenide surface. This formed polaritons, hybrid particles, constrained into a supersolid state. Traditionally, supersolids, exhibiting both solid and fluid properties with zero viscosity, were only achieved with atoms in extremely cold environments. This light-based supersolid demonstrates these same characteristics, proving its unique nature. The breakthrough is significant because light-based supersolids are potentially easier to manipulate than atomic ones, offering new avenues for quantum mechanics research. Future work will explore its structure, potentially revealing fundamental insights into supersolids.

 

My Take: Room-temperature supersolids could be a turning point in the development of quantum computers. It will likely be some time before that actually happens. As the saying goes, change happens slowly, then suddenly. I predict quantum computing will become the next widely hyped technology available to the masses around 2030. It could happen sooner, but who knows. 

4. France runs fusion reactor for record 22 minutes: France has achieved a significant milestone in fusion power by maintaining a plasma reaction for over 22 minutes at the CEA WEST Tokamak reactor. This breakthrough advances the quest for commercial fusion power, which promises unlimited, clean energy. The test focused on maintaining a stable reaction without damaging the reactor. The next steps involve creating longer, hotter reactions, and the data will be used to improve larger machines like ITER.

My Take: Fusion power has been a long-held dream, but only recently have we extended its operation from a few seconds to a few minutes. Fusion reactors will be crucial, and if developed successfully, could potentially make traditional power companies obsolete (hopefully). That has been a long-standing vision of science writers. Until then, we will likely rely on solar power and battery storage for clean energy.