New phases of water detected

Plus: A sunspot four times the size of Earth just let out a 10-million-degree-solar flare. Sep 29, 2022 [Blueprint]( So water is either a liquid, a solid or a gas… right? Wrong! Unbelievably, [there’s a new phase in town](. Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the U.K. have found that in a single molecule layer, when put under extreme pressure, water behaves like neither a liquid nor a solid. And, it becomes electrically conductive. Fancy that. This new research demonstrates that when water is compressed to the nanoscale, its properties change dramatically. The team behind the research said they were able to anticipate the phase diagram of a one-molecule thick layer of water with “extraordinary accuracy.” But before you get charged up about that, get charged up about [this video]( of a high-voltage Tesla coil, which is being used to play Toto's 'Africa'. (And it sounds great!) Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s dive in. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers had an exclusive insight from Ryan Harne, one of the lead researchers on the recent development of the material that can “think and feel.” This week, they’ll hear from Steve Komadina, the DARPA program manager for ANCILLARY, about the development of the new military vertical-takeoff aircraft from the U.S. Defense Agency. [Play]VIDEO OF THE DAY [YouTuber plays Toto's Africa on a high-voltage Tesla coil.]( [YouTuber plays Toto's Africa on a high-voltage Tesla coil.]( It’s shockingly good. [Must Read]MUST READ [Scientists detect new phases of water acting like neither a liquid nor a solid.]( [Scientists detect new phases of water.]( In somewhat unexpected news, a [new phase of water has been detected]( by researchers from the University of Cambridge, in the U.K. They found that when contained in a one-molecule thick layer, water travels through several phases, including a "hexatic" phase and a "superionic" phase. In the hexatic phase, it is neither a solid, nor a liquid. Then, when you put it under a lot of pressure, the water turns highly conductive during the superionic phase. In that phase, protons were seen to move through ice in a very similar way to how electrons move in a conductor. → The existence of the superionic phase at easily accessible conditions is a bit odd in particular, as this phase is generally found in extreme conditions like the core of Uranus and Neptune. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Linkedin]( [SCIENCE]SCIENCE [A sunspot 4 times the size of Earth just let out a 10-million-degree-solar flare.]( Solar scientists have been observing a sunspot that grew to four times the size of our planet. This week, it [let out a solar flare]( estimated to be 18 million degrees Fahrenheit (10 million degrees Celsius). [READ MORE [Arrow]]( And Other Stories in Science - China to produce [clean energy with nuclear fusion]( by 2028, top weapons expert claims. - Astronomers can now [predict an oncoming supernova]( just a few years in advance. - Exclusive photos: Research reveals details about [Iceland's ‘silent’ volcano eruption](. [SHARE TO WIN]SHARE TO WIN Share The Blueprint! Give your friends deeper insights into engineering and tech, and win exclusive IE swag for free. [Referral program terms and conditions.]( [READ DETAILS [Arrow]]( [Interesting Engineering Referral Awards]( Copy & Share Your Link [ [INNOVATION]INNOVATION [AI may destroy humanity, DeepMind scientists claim in co-authored paper.]( The researchers speculate that an advanced AI could conceive of a cheating strategy to get its reward more efficiently, while [essentially harming humanity](. It could decide to circumvent its assigned tasks and do its own thing. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( And Other Stories in Innovation - The [most powerful laser in the US]( will have a three-quadrillion-watt maximum output. - SpaceX hits a milestone as [Starlink arrives in Antarctica]( high-speed internet now available on all seven continents. - A [superhero cyborg cockroach]( could help with rescue operations - here's how. [premium] [MAIL & MUSINGS]MAIL & MUSINGS Scientists have detected new phases of water, where it acts like neither a solid, nor a liquid. What do you think this discovery could primarily help us better understand going forwards? [Superionic reactions]( [Water behavior]( [Hexatic phases]( [Something else entirely]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Yesterday, we asked you if you think you think volunteers should be used to aid space observations more often, and 66 percent of you said totally, as it’s great to be involved. 66% Yes, it’s great to be involved 20% I wasn’t even aware this was a thing 10% It works in some instances, but not others 4% No, they should pay us to help [QUOTE OF THE DAY]QUOTE OF THE DAY “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former”. Possibly Albert Einstein, possibly Frederick S. Perls, possibly an astronomer. (It's been heavily debated.) 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