BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For decades, scientists and space enthusiasts have been fascinated by the idea of building permanent structures on the Moon. Addressing the unique obstacles of building in space has prompted academics to create novel solutions. One such achievement combines material engineering and the beloved and popular LEGO brick. Meteorite dust turns into building blocks Scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA) have successfully designed 3D-printed bricks made from meteorite dust that is 4.5 billion years old. These structures, known as ESA Space Bricks, are part of a larger attempt to build sustainable and clean buildings on the Moon. The proposal attempts to allow lunar inhabitants to use resources found on the Moon’s surface, minimizing their reliance on Earth-sourced supplies. These bricks might be used to build shelters, launch pads, and other important infrastructure on the Moon. Why Lego-inspired designs? The decision to base these bricks on LEGO parts was both practical and inventive. While the ESA Space Bricks are not designed for actual lunar construction, their development proves the capability of 3D printing long-lasting, interlocking building components from lunar materials.  “Nobody has built a structure on the Moon, so it was great to have the flexibility to try out all kinds of designs and building techniques with our space bricks,” Aidan Cowley, an ESA science officer, said. “It was both fun and useful in scientifically understanding the boundaries of these techniques.” Future prospects for space bricks These creative concepts may find practical application sooner than expected. As part of the Artemis Program, a crew of NASA astronauts will land near the Moon’s South Pole in late 2026, perhaps testing these approaches. However, until then, the ESA has shared single bricks with select LEGO stores across the world, allowing the public to see these ground-breaking advances until the end of September. Developing the future of space exploration The ESA Space Bricks project demonstrates how advances in 3D printing and material science might pave the way for future space exploration. By utilizing locally available materials, such programs have the potential to dramatically reduce the costs and logistical constraints associated with the construction of lunar habitat. This initiative is a step toward sustainable space life, in line with the larger goal of creating a human presence beyond Earth. “It’s about using what’s there,” Cowley said, emphasizing the significance of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) in future space missions.  From concept to reality While the current focus is on research and development, the potential uses for ESA Space Bricks are vast. If effective, these bricks could change the way we think about building in space, turning science fiction into reality. The utilization of 3D printing technology to manufacture interlocking, long-lasting structures from lunar dust represents a significant shift in space exploration techniques.The post 3D printing lunar LEGO bricks to test out building on the moon first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In light of the extreme coast-to-coast heat hitting the United States and Canada, this week we’re bringing back earlier articles with advice and guidance on how to stay cool and safe during heatwaves and wildfire season. Wildfire smoke is hazardous to our health, impacting not just our respiratory system but also potentially producing long-term health problems. Experts say that the frequency and intensity of wildfires are increasing as a result of climate change—which we’ve been reminded of yet again with the recent and devastating wildfires burning across Canada. In fact, even though it’s only June, more than five million hectares have been burned across Canada this year, surpassing the record-holding year of 2021. This means that our attention and proactive efforts are necessary to protect our well-being and those of our loved ones. While we cannot completely eradicate wildfires, we can take steps to reduce their impact and strengthen our resilience. We can safeguard ourselves and our communities by prioritizing climate action and implementing climate resilience methods. Let’s look at the best methods to prepare for a smokier future. Clean air starts at home If you take the necessary steps, your home can serve as a safe haven from wildfire smoke. Angela Yao, senior scientist at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, recommends creating a “clean air space” in your house. Here are some tips for improving indoor air quality: 1. Ventilation and Filtration: When outdoor air conditions allow, open windows and doors.    – Seal crevices around doors and windows to keep smoke out.    – In forced-air furnaces, use high-quality filters with a high MERV rating (preferably MERV 13) and replace them on a regular basis.    – Determine whether your heating or cooling system draws in outside air and how to set it to recirculate during poor air quality situations.    – Consider purchasing a HEPA-filtered air cleaner for your house or dedicated clean air zone.    – If air conditioning is not accessible, look into other options for keeping your home cool during smokey periods. Stepping out safely Despite hazy conditions, walking outside is sometimes required. Take the following precautions to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke: 1. Reduce difficult activity: Take regular breaks and engage in less difficult activities such as walking instead of jogging. Also, try to limit your time outside. 2. Protective Measures: If you work outside, talk to your boss about ways to restrict your exposure.    – Put on an N95 or equivalent mask that effectively filters out fine particulate matter.    – Carry required medications, such as asthma inhalers, and keep them up to date.    – Stay hydrated by carrying extra water with you and drinking it on a regular basis.    – Check and replace your automobile’s air filters according to the recommendations of your mechanic or car dealer. Building community resilience In order to face the problems of smoke circumstances and climate change, we must support our communities. Consider the following community-building activities: 1. Advocate for healthy air: Work with local governmental authorities to guarantee that everyone has access to cleaner air.    – Inquire about air quality standards for new and existing buildings, and urge retrofits to improve filtration and cooling systems.    – Seek clarification on recommendations for changing or canceling outdoor activities during low air quality, and advocate for their improvement. 2. Assist community spaces: Work with community centers, schools, and health care facilities to guarantee proper air conditioning and air filtering systems.    – Inquire about extreme smoke contingency plans and provide support in developing and implementing them. Preparation for a safer future Although preparing for a hazier future may necessitate some effort, being proactive now will bring peace of mind and safeguard your loved ones in the long run. Keep in mind this is a long-term challenge, and preparation is essential. Consider the following last suggestions: 1. Stay informed: Use local resources to stay up to current on air quality levels and be aware of health advice.    – Monitor air quality indicators and become familiar with the associated health hazards. 2. Plan ahead: Create a household plan, including activities and supplies, for extended periods of inside living.    – Ensure you have access to important things such as air purifiers before they become scarce. We can navigate a smokier future with resilience and defend our own and our communities’ well-being by taking action and supporting collaborative initiatives.The post Preparing for a smokier future first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'You’re fixing to get your baby killed'

'Felt like this was Obama 2008'

'We are here live, as opposed to some other networks that just have big LED – who shall remain nameless,' Tapper said

'I was trying to connect with Emma Watson'

'Let Trumpomania run wild brother!'

'So what do you want me to do with the bikini line here'

'I'm being asked to be very quiet here guys'

Donald Trump is the key to returning democracy to America, political commentator and veteran talk-show host Tucker Carlson said Thursday night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.  “The entire point—from the famous escalator ride nine years ago until today—for Donald Trump’s public life has been to remind us of one fact, which is a leader’s duty is to his people, to his country, and to no other,” Carlson said. “Another word for this is democracy.” Democrats and many in the media repeatedly have claimed that Trump is an existential threat to democracy. But, Carlson noted, politicians in Washington have refused to respond to the will of the people for generations.  “Democracy, in case you’re a little sick of being beaten in the face with ‘democracy’ on television, actual democracy is the proposition that the citizens of the country own that country,” Carlson said, referring to Democrats’ Trump-is-a-threat-to-democracy narrative.  “They are not renters, not slaves, not serfs,” he said of Americans. “They are the owners.”  Carlson talked about the moments after Trump was shot, when he stood back up surrounded by Secret Service agents and put a hand in the air to reassure and inspire his watching supporters. He then repeatedly shook his fist and shouted, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” “The effect that it had on Donald Trump—he was no longer a political party’s nominee or a former president or a future president. This was the leader of a nation,” Carlson said.  And being a leader means more than being a president, he said.  “You can’t name someone a leader,” Carlson said. “A leader is the bravest man. That’s who the leader is. That is true in all human organizations. This is a law of nature.”  The former Fox News host noted that Trump’s reaction to the shooting has not been that of the divisive, irresponsible figure that the media tries to portray Trump as.  “He turned down the most obvious opportunity in politics to inflame the nation after being shot—to inflame the nation—which is an opportunity almost every politician I’ve ever met and certainly his opponent would have taken instantly,” Carlson said.  The post Trump Is Saving American Democracy, Tucker Carlson Tells GOP Convention appeared first on The Daily Signal.