#lab test and material analysis

[feamax]

Professional Lab Test and Material Analysis for Accurate Results

At feamax.com, we offer comprehensive lab test and material analysis services to ensure your materials meet the highest standards. Our state-of-the-art lab delivers reliable results for accurate engineering solutions.

[agaselectronicmaterials]

What Is Microfluidics? An Introduction to Lab-on-Chip Technology

Discover how microfluidics and Lab-on-Chip technology are revolutionising diagnostics, research, and environmental monitoring. Learn about their precision, cost-effectiveness, and applications in healthcare, genomics, and food safety. Bring innovation to your business with cutting-edge solutions today.

[vicc-inspection]

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[fanservices123]

Failure Analysis Lab Mumbai, Pune, Nashik,Chennai,Hyderabad,India

[junoshifts]

𝓢PIDERVERSE REALITY !

NOW PLAYING : I WANT WHAT YOU GOT BY PALACE

"she is my rhythm, do you know her? falling star on this earth, falling angel, what's your worth? you're my fire, you're my spark. you're my savior, you light up the dark."

𝓖EMMA 𝓢INCLAIR ✶ [ redacted ]

I grew up in a fantasy world with advanced technology, forever holding an admiration for the stars and the unexplored aspects of the world. I’ve had prophetic dreams since I was a child, from the most menial events to moments of great significance— My work as a scientist, discovering extraterrestrial artifacts and materials, meeting Percy, traveling the multiverse, and many more.

As I aged, I began to dabble in the sciences of the unknown, blending magic and physics to find my way. When I was sixteen, I secured an internship with a space exploration group, working as a lab assistant as we tested extraterrestrial artifacts. During this time, I came into contact with an extraterrestrial arachnid creature that granted me the powers of the usual Spider variant— Enhanced senses, durability, strength, higher intellect, agility, plus a special breed of celestial magic.

I began using my powers for good, masquerading through the city as an unnamed hero for anyone who needed it. While continuing to work as a lab assistant, I began exploring the potentials of the multiverse. Shortly after I turned eighteen, I was recruited by the Spider Society to put my skills to use, especially my knowledge about the multiverse. After a few years of training, studying, and working for the SS, I was called in on a specific mission to provide risk analysis on a potential variant they were keeping an eye on— Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III, but simply Percy for short.

𝓟ERCY DE 𝓡OLO ✶ SPIDER-NOIR

Percy is Exandria’s one and only Spider-Noir. After the murder of his family at the hands of the Briarwoods, Percy began tinkering and creating new inventions to prevent the further spread of evil across the realm. Using his intellect and residual powers from his possession by the vengeance demon Orthax, Percy has created a set of gadgets to combat this, granting him the same skill set used by Spider-variants across the multiverse. When the SS catches word of this new variant, I am sent to investigate and determine if he poses a risk to us or could be helpful.

Our first meeting doesn’t necessarily go as planned. With his skepticism and constant worrying, Percy immediately assumes my presence is a threat, and after a brief tussle, we finally manage to remain civil and just talk. I explain why I’m there, who I am, and ask for further elaboration on what he’s been doing. Once we get to talking, the connection between us is unmistakable— We share a love for invention and discovery, knowing that there’s more to the multiverse than most people are willing to admit. I decide to stick around in Exandria to help clean up any messes occurring there, and Percy agrees to help out the Spider Society with his knowledge once any major issues are resolved. From that day on, Percy and I became inseparable. After all, how do you give up the man who has been appearing in your dreams for as long as you can remember?

layout ib @laylasverse !

[nardo-headcanons]

Writing Scientist Characters

this post is mainly an excuse to post a certain list of lab supplies I've made for a friend and infodump about lab work. but feel free to use this as a little resource when writing characters who are scientists and/or lab nerds. who knows, maybe it'll be of use.

General thoughts

Many people think it's a stereotype that scientist or nerd characters talk using complex technical jargon. While that is true to an extent, there actually is some kind of lab jargon. It varies across different labs and fields, but one thing they have in common is that it seeks to simplify, not the other way around.

gelelectrophoresis becomes elpho

microbiology becomes mibi

deioninized water becomes aqua dist

biochemistry becomes BC

sodium hydroxide becomes NaOH

They will probably not call a glass of water "silicon dioxide and h2o".

...and more. feel free to get creative. If you're writing in any other language than English, you can throw in one or two anglicisms as well. Also, most scientists will never gatekeep their work, and in an opposite fashion, will not shut up about it unless you make them. And no, most chemists do not know the entire periodic table by heart, only the most relevant elements. (main groups and a few commonly used metals of the subgroups) When it comes to characters doing the lab work, keep in mind that there are a lot more people involved than the scientist themself. Most scientists are more occupied with paperwork and data analysis, it is the laboratory technicians and assistants that do most of the practical work. They often have more lab experience than the scientists themselves.

Things you can have your lab nerd character do instead of making random chemicals explode

writing a lab report (and losing their mind over excel)

degreasing the glass bevel stoppers

removing the permanent marker from beakers (labeling is important)

complaining about the lack of funding of [their field] research

cleaning glassware

preparing specimen for examination

googling the most basic equations for their report

checking if the glassware and utensil collections are complete

steal single use plastic pipettes from their lab

pirating expensive textbooks

A list of laboratory supplies and utensils you can have them work with

Laboratory general (chem + bio)

Erlenmayer flasks, beakers, precision scales (3 digits), glass rods, metal spoons/spatulas, screw on glass flasks (autoclave compatible) test tubes, stopcock grease, dispensers with sanitizer and hand cream, gas burners, heating plates, eppendorf pipettes, pipette tips, Peleus pipetting aids, squirting bottles, liquid and powder funnels, incubator/drying chamber, round watch glasses, magnet stirring plates.

Microbiology Autoclave, petri dishes, agar plates, innoculation loops (reusable and metal), clean bench, microscope slides, microscope, drigalski-spatula, test tubes with clamping lids

Histology

Paraffin bath, water bath, scalpels, scissors, razor blades, microtomes (rotating microtome, slide microtome and freezing microtome), histocinette, tweezers (various kinds), ocular

Biochemistry

Sequencing robots, eppendorf tubes, gelelectrophoresis chambers, centrifuge

Analytical Chemistry

Photometer, kuvettes, burettes, mass spectro meters, UV bank (for chromatogrophies), pyknometers, melting point meter, porcelain mortars, pH paper, analytical scales (4 or more digits)

Prep Chemistry

Tripod/standing material, miniature lifting platforms, spiral condenser, colon condenser, round bottom flask (three necked and y- necked), filtration material, Separating funnel

Electrical engineering

Electric generators, Soldering iron, Clamp connectors, plugin connectors, ohm’s resistors, plug in lamps, condensers, transistors, PCBs, amperemeters, voltmeters, multimeters

Mechanics

Tripod/standing material, metal hooks, metal rods, mechanical stop watches, marbles, metal springs, Newton meters, laser motion detectors

Optics

Prisma (various kinds), various glass lenses (concave, convex, biconcave, biconvex), laser pointers, optical bench, mechanical iris diaphragm, looking glasses, monochrome lamps, lamp filters

Most used chemicals

Deionized water, ethanol, NaOH, HCl, H3PO4, NaCl (+ physiological NaCl solution 0.9)

Useful websites for writing science stuff

DNA sequence generator (simple): http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/~mmaduro/random.htm

DNA, RNA and protein sequence generator: https://molbiotools.com/randomsequencegenerator.php Annealing temperature calculator: https://tmcalculator.neb.com/#!/main

Medicine name generator: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/medicine-names.php Anything chemistry related: https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=chemistry

Commonly used software:

MS Excel

Yenka

CASSY Lab

LabView

SpectraLab

LIMS

LaTex

Slack

Scientist friends, feel free to add onto this.

Have fun writing!

[materialsscienceandengineering]

2025 Monthly Topic Poll

As mentioned previously, 2024 is rapidly coming to an end - and that means the end of the 2024 daily posts! Next year, every three months (March, June, Sept, and Dec) I’ll be posting about an MSE topic at least every other day - and it's time to vote on topics! Top four topics will win, unless it's ambiguous, in which case I'll run another poll (or if there's no interest in any of them!)

More explanation for each topic is under the cut:

Acoustics and sound: All about acoustics in materials science, and also the materials science of acoustics, anything from ultrasonic testing to the science of musical instruments.

Atoms: The science of things at the atomic level; electron energy levels, protons, neutrons, isotopes, etc.

*Careers: This one would require input from followers, but would include posting on what kind of careers exist that involve materials science, however directly.

Color: The sources of color in the world around us. Incandescence, color centers, structural color, etc.

Computational materials science: Different techniques and methods of computational materials science

Data: Presenting data, managing data, collecting data, etc.

Elemental groupings: What are the halogens? The refractory elements? Noble metals?

Energy sources: Where are we drawing energy from? What types of solar power exist? What's the status of tidal energy generation?

Integrated circuit (IC) failure analysis: Exactly what it says on the tin, failure analysis of integrated circuits.

Materials maturity levels: Also manufacturing readiness levels; how do we go from testing a new material in the lab to mass production?

Property prefixes and suffixes: Is piezoelectricity the only piezo- property there is? What is the prefix tribo-? How many types of magnetism are there?

Transmission electron microscopy: All about the ins and outs of how transmission electron microscopy works and the different varieties and forms of it.

[rottenpumpkin13]

Do you Sephiroth teleports to fuck with people sometimes, he’ll warp behind them or when they blink he’ll be gone?

Genesis: Sephiroth! Good. Now that you're here, you can listen to my latest analysis on act four of Loveless.

Sephiroth: Okay!

*Genesis turns around to get his notes*

Genesis: So I was thinking—

*Sephiroth is gone*

-

Zack: I have gossip! It's about Sephiroth.

Cloud: Uhh...is that a good idea?

Zack: Don't worry, he's not here.

*Sephiroth appears behind them with popcorn*

Sephiroth: Go on.

*Zack and Cloud start screaming*

-

*Angeal walks into the conference room*

Angeal: Hey guys! Good to see you all here. It looks like this meeting will last a total of three hours, so I hope you're all ready.

Sephiroth: Look over there. Is that Zack vandalizing the vending machine in the hallway?

Angeal: What!? Where!? ....I don't see anything.

*He turns back around and Sephiroth is gone*

-

*Hojo is working in the R&D labs*

Hojo: Hm. Perhaps this is a good day to call Sephiroth up here for some tests.

*Sephiroth materializes behind him with a hammer*

-

*Genesis crawls into bed half asleep*

Genesis: What a day. If I never take an assignment in the jungle again, it'll be too soon. Now for some sleep.

*Sephiroth appears in bed next to him*

Sephiroth: Good night, Genesis.

Genesis: Good night, Sephiroth.

Genesis:

Genesis:

Genesis:

Genesis: WHAT THE FUCK.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Seismic clues from Marsquakes suggest liquid water and life potential beneath the surface

Are subterranean lifeforms viable on Mars? A new interpretation of Martian seismic data by scientists Ikuo Katayama of Hiroshima University and Yuya Akamatsu of Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics suggests the presence of water below the surface of Mars. "If liquid water exists on Mars," Katayama says, "the presence of microbial activity" is possible.

This analysis is based on seismic data from SEIS (Seismic Experiment for the Interior Structure), deployed from NASA's InSight lander that landed on Mars in 2018. This robotic lander is unique because it was able to use its robotic arm to place a seismometer on the surface of Mars. The SEIS instrument, which contains the seismometer, uses the seismic waves naturally generated on Mars from Marsquakes or meteorite impacts to scan the planet's interior.

When a Marsquake or meteorite impact occurs on Mars, SEIS can read the energy emitted as P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves to create an image of the planet's interior. Scientists can use P-waves and S-waves to determine a lot about the rocks that make up Mars, including the density of the rocks or potential composition changes within the rocks.

For example, S-waves cannot travel through water and move at a slower speed than P-waves. Therefore, the presence, absence, and arrival time of S-waves can determine what the subsurface looks like. Moreover, P-waves can travel faster through higher-density material and slower through less dense material, so their velocity can help determine the density of the material the wave is traveling through, as well as if there are any changes in density along its path. The seismic data collected with SEIS shows a boundary at 10 km depth and 20 km depth from measured discrepancies in seismic velocity.

This boundary has previously been interpreted as sharp transitions in the porosity (the percentage of open space in a rock) or chemical composition of the Martian interior. However, Katayama and Akamatsu have interpreted these cracks as potential evidence for water within the Martian subsurface. The seismic data indicate a boundary between dry cracks and water-filled cracks in the Martian subsurface. To test their hypothesis, they measured the seismic velocity passing through rocks with the same structures and composition of a typical Martian crustal rock under wet, dry, and frozen conditions.

A typical Martian rock is similar to the diabase rocks from Rydaholm, Sweden, due to their evenly sized plagioclase and orthopyroxene grains. In the lab, Katayama and Akamatsu measured P-wave and S-wave velocity using a piezoelectric transducer, which uses "electrical energy . . . as a wave source" that "monitor[s] seismic wave energy" on dry, wet, and frozen diabase samples. Experimentation revealed that the seismic velocities of the dry, wet, and frozen samples are significantly different, which supports the interpretation that the boundary at 10 km and 20 km could be from a change from dry rock to wet rock.

These laboratory experiments back up Katayama and Yuya's hypothesis that the boundary measured by seismic data indicates a transition from dry rock to wet rock rather than a change in porosity or chemical composition. The findings, therefore, provide compelling evidence for the existence of liquid water beneath the surface of Mars. "Many studies suggest the presence of water on ancient Mars billions of years ago," Katayama explains, "but our model indicates the presence of liquid water on present-day Mars."

TOP IMAGE: NASA's InSight lander is shown above with all of its different devices that have been used for scientific discovery. The SEIS (Seismic Experiment for the Interior Structure) seismometer is shown to the bottom left of the lander. Credit: Ikuo Katayama

CENTRE IMAGE: A diagram showing how different seismic waves travel across Mars. Credit: Ikuo Katayama

LOWER IMAGE: A panel of figures showing how S-wave and P-wave velocities, the ratio of P-wave and S-wave velocity, and porosity change throughout the Martian subsurface. The diagram on the far right shows what these differences mean for each rock layer. Credit: Ikuo Katayama

[half-developed-frontal-lobe]

My predictions and analysis on the new Hero in Overwatch →

Also Lore on Oasis, Moira, and the hero lore itself.

Wayfinders and Vanadium

The Wayfinders find a vein of an unknown vanadium isotope in Petra. One that isn't decaying in the natural environment.

I actually looked around Petra at one point didn't find anything regarding the isotope itself, so maybe they really aren't interested.

Which is ironic because Venture has a pet rock, Rosetta, with similar looking crystals on its head, a violet colored crystal poking out at the top.

This also brings some insight to what's being used. What we should be expecting from this experiment. It may also explain why Talon is going around Wayfinder dig sites, if substances like these can be found.

Vanadium is known as a steel additive. You mix it with other metals to strengthen tools, armor, weapons, etc, and makes them resistant to corrosion and rusting.

It's incredibly durable when mixed with a different material, and makes it shock resistant and vibration resistant. Not only that, but an oxidized vanadium isotope has the power to store and emit efficient amounts of energy.

Which is why it is said to be 'nearly indestructible'. Whatever mixed with this might be hard to eliminate.

Moira and Oasis

On the Chemistry Ministry lab's computers, right next to the destroyed site of where one experiment has escaped, you can find recent chats between Moira and Anya Al-Shahrani.

And my god, these messages not only talk about the hero and it's possible abilities, but about how off the rails Moira is when it comes to the experiments in Oasis. Her craft is unhinged, and she truly is a mad scientist. She goes as far as keeping the material used for the experiment away from the other Ministries, specifically the Ministry of Geology.

You can find the entire translation of the chats here.

Minister Anya Al-Shahrani and Moira are constantly clashing heads at this point, and not only does it give us insight on the new hero, but also how Moira works around her Oasis peers.

Where her demeanor towards the others is snide and possessive. Undermining another Ministry in the process. In this instance we need to remember that Moira's drive stems from her own self-testing, she is physically 'withering away' as Lifeweaver would put it.

You can see how her own self experimentation is adding pressure to her progress overall. Where she is isolated and obsessed, pushing herself until the material itself is thoroughly analyzed.

However, when Moira says that the material has found a permanent home in the Genetics Ministry, you can guess that she's already used the isotope for her own personal experiments, keeping it stored in the Chemistry Ministry later on.

And, it breaks loose.

Who is or what are the 'Phreaks?'

I'm just going to say, holy cow, this hero and their faction has made a mess of things in the Oasis lab. We can't be entirely sure whether or not to call this person a hero, but I'd like to think this is a hero amongst Moira's experiments.

Perspective wise, a hero towards the newest 'Phreaks' faction that is being introduced. They are foils against Oasis, but this does not mean that they aren't capable of hurting other factions as well.

I'm going to also assume that Talon is one of them considering that this is one of Moira's experiments gone awry. But also say that Doomfist is not going to be pleased about any of this.

Or he might be pleased that one of these experiments is wreaking havoc on people in revenge, though I think this might make his plans more difficult with coming to fruition.

(I'm being open minded about the possibilities.)

I also would love to see this hero interact with all of Moira's experiments. I'm sure we will at some point, but I'm rooting for Sigma's interaction the most. Maybe Mercy's if we're lucky enough.

As for the Phreaks, I'd like to say that the sprays in the Chemistry Ministry is not conveying just one character.

I think that it could convey a number of different experiments. A character mutated plant-wise with a touch of toxicity, a dog-like experiment guarded with armor and it's own enlarged teeth, and a sparked up serpent with a lit fuse. There's also another small holo-spray to the right door of the lab, but I can't quite figure it out.

This could also be seen that with the Vanadium isotope being used as the main part of this experiment, that these signs could just be the different parts of this hero altogether, or the different facets of each experiment affected by Vanadium testing.

Armored Dog: Vanadium's capability to enhance other metals, making them stronger.

Acidic Flower: Vanadium's resistance to natural corrosion.

Electric Eel/Serpent: Vanadium's capability to store and emit energy efficiently.

So what about the new hero?

However, with humans, Vanadium is a toxic material. It affects in a negative way.

"High exposure to Vanadium can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and greenish discoloration of the tongue."

So I think this character, although mixed with an 'indestructible isotope' could have negative side effects if not taken care of properly, or watched over by the person (Moira) who is responsible for the change in the first place.

Regarding roles, and the ongoing buzz of this being a tank, I do think making use of the vibration and shock resistance would make sense if going up against a different hero like Venture, or a possible Mauga slamming down onto your team.

This does sound like another form of an Orisa fortify, but I think the difference is that this hero might become slightly less hindered by status effects instead of knockback. You're still going to get pushed around, but the damage intake can be lessened with one of your abilities.

As for the resistance to natural corrosion, abilities that cause map and area denials might not work, but end up charging this hero's damage output.

I'm thinking of Lucario from Super Smash Bros, mixed with Electro from the Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Abilities like Torb's Molten Core, Venture's Tectonic Shock, and Sigma's Gravitic Flux might not work well against this hero.

But D.Va bombs, Kitsune Rush, High Noons, Baptiste's matrix, and ultimates that can dish out incredible amounts of high damage input and increase could work well.

Then again, this is all just a theory, so let me know what you think. Since the hero has yet to be released, I'm making it adamantly clear that this is purely my take on what they could be. It is no way canon.

[americas-favourite-fossil]

TO: Captain Steven Rogers FROM: @carlos-the-ai SUBJECT: Analysis of Substance Responsible for Age Regression of Subjects Lina and Pyro

Objective: To analyze the molecular composition of the provided substance and determine potential pathways for reversing its effects, which caused age regression in subjects identified as Lina and Pyro.

Analysis Summary: The sample exhibits unique characteristics indicating temporal manipulation at a molecular level. Key findings include: Molecular Composition: The substance contains artificially synthesized compounds not commonly found in organic materials. Significant presence of particles with properties akin to “chronoton” particles, typically associated with temporal displacement. However, the substance is engineered, suggesting intentional manipulation for specific effects. Temporal and Aging Effects: Preliminary findings indicate the substance acts on a cellular level, reversing age markers. It appears to temporarily suspend natural metabolic decay while promoting regeneration to a predetermined age range, hence the regression to a teenage state in subjects. There is evidence of accelerated cell division and growth in reverse, a process similar to biological age manipulation observed in certain advanced serums and magic-based phenomena. Potential Countermeasures: Reversal may be possible by isolating the key chronoton-like particles and developing a counter-agent that neutralizes these effects. Suggested research includes synthesizing an agent that can target the particles without further disrupting cellular stability. This would require a controlled environment, preferably in a lab with access to both high-energy particle accelerators and molecular stasis technology. Next Steps: Isolate Chronoton Agents: Further isolate the particles responsible for age regression effects. Synthesize Counter-Agent: Using data from known temporal stabilization protocols, develop a prototype antidote. Testing Protocol: Initiate controlled trials on a cellular sample to gauge the counter-agent's efficacy prior to testing on subjects. Conclusion: The substance responsible for age regression holds substantial complexity, blending artificial compounds with properties associated with temporal manipulation. Given appropriate lab resources, an antidote or counter-agent could be synthesized within an estimated timeframe of 2-4 weeks, pending trials. Recommended Actions: Secure lab access and begin the synthesis of a counter-agent under controlled conditions.

Thank you Carlos.

You might find it helpful to know they’re adults again, almost like it wore off?

[dailyanarchistposts]

The Technological Components of Colonialism

Many comrades cannot grasp the technological components of colonialism (or rather they ignore them deliberately), remaining perplexed at a perspective based on the urgency of utterly annihilating techno-domination and the tech industry. If you talk to them about the connection of technologies to power, they respond with the supposed neutrality of these technologies and that they can be decoupled from the very logic of power which developed and produced them.

Such a perspective ignores that the entire framework of fundamental technologies which have today entered into all fields of social life stem from military research, and that colonialism, historically and presently, has a strong technological component. It is in fact a cornerstone. The process of colonization developed over centuries, always adding new technologies as soon as they developed. These technologies are based not only on the exploitation of people in the Global South and their lands, but were and have always been unleashed against the “enemy” or tested in the colonies, until they finally make their way into the empire itself.

With the aid of the British colonies, undersea cables enabled telegraphic communication in service of the British Empire. New developments in record-keeping, archiving, and organization of information were first utilized by the US military intelligence service during the conquest of the Philippines. Governments today work together with tech-giants to enable widespread surveillance and control of their own people. This is first tested in the global south. Microsoft offers a solution for police vehicles with facial-recognition cameras that was launched in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa. The “Command-and-Control Surveillance Platform” named “Microsoft Aware” is utilized in Brazil and Singapore. Microsoft is also heavily engaged in the prison industry. They offer a variety of software solutions for the penal system, covering the whole process. In Africa they have gotten together with a firm named Netopia offering a “Prison Management Software Platform,” including “escape management” and prisoner analysis. Countries in the global south also offer an abundance of cheap laborers for technological processes and tech giants. These includes data annotators for artificial intelligence, call center workers, and content moderators for social media giants like Facebook. They clean disruptive content from social media feeds and are often left psychologically damaged.

Over centuries, imperial powers have tested technologies for the surveillance and control of their own populations on foreign populations; from Sir Francis Galtons pioneering work on fingerprinting, which occurred in India and South Africa, all the way to America’s combination of biometrics and innovations in the management of statistics and data, which constructed the first modern surveillance apparatus to pacify the Philippines. The wide collection of surveillance technologies used in the Philippines offered a testing site for a model that was finally brought back to the United States to set against the dissidents in its own country. High tech surveillance projects by Microsoft and their partners suggest that Africa will continue to be serve as a lab for carceral experiments.

The technological component of colonialism also reveals itself in the ways and means by which people in the Global South are exploited for menial and dangerous work as their lands are destroyed, just to provide supposedly necessary technology. Thus Congo supplies more than 70% of worldwide Cobalt, a vital raw material for the batteries used in cars, computers, and smartphones. As for Lithium, the biggest reserves are found in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Australia. Out of these, Australia is less attractive because the workers there earn dramatically higher wages. The actual process of mining the raw materials often has negative consequences to the health of the workers and their surroundings.

To eradicate colonialism, its causes, main actors, and processes must be clearly and plainly illustrated and linked. There must be no illusions: an anti-colonial struggle must inevitably align itself against the tech industry if decolonization is to live up to its name.

[dr-octavio-kalev]

"Ready... aim... catchim!"

Subject Classification: M-06-043

Damage Type: Physiker 🔴

Danger Level: HOCH 🔴

Anomaly Type: Military

Discovery Classification: Contracted (06)

Department: MOTHRA Military Base

Lead Researcher: Dr. Ironclad

Identification: Captain Coin

Containment: ANM-043-A must be kept in a locked vault at the MOTHRA military base, as one of the three supreme generals of MOTHRA. The vault must be guarded by two armed guards at all times. Only personnel with Level 3 clearance or higher may access ANM-043. Any use of ANM-043 for testing or research must be approved by Captain Coin himself.

Description: ANM-043-A is a Brazilian 50-centavo coin, dated 2010. The coin exhibits physical and cognitive anomalies that distinguish it from other coins of the same series. It weighs 1.5 kg, has a temperature of 37°C, and a heartbeat of 60 bpm. The coin also emits a weak electromagnetic field that interferes with nearby electronic devices.

The coin has a human-like personality and intelligence, capable of telepathic communication with anyone holding it or within 10 meters of it. ANM-043-A identifies itself as "Captain Coin" and claims to be a soldier of the Institution, assigned to protect humanity from anomalous threats. It demonstrates a high degree of loyalty, bravery, and a strong sense of duty, following the orders of any personnel who recognize it as such.

ANM-043-A can transform into a humanoid form, ANM-043-B, standing about 2.10 meters tall and weighing 810 kg. In this form, ANM-043 resembles a middle-aged man with hair, eyes, and a mustache. He wears a yellow military uniform with the Institution's insignia and several medals of honor. He also wields a golden rifle called "Gut-Puncher." The rifle resembles an M16 but is made entirely of gold and uses a magazine filled with coins from different countries and eras. The rifle can shoot these coins at supernatural speeds, causing lethal damage to both organic and inorganic targets. The humanoid claims the rifle is an experimental weapon of the Foundation, and that he is the only one who knows how to operate it.

ANM-043-B's body is made entirely of various materials used in coin production, such as gold, bronze, and silver. Despite its weight and form, it moves with agility, though somewhat robotically. Its body is also extremely durable, even more so than ANM-035.

ANM-043 can return to its coin form at any time and does so automatically when not in use or when in danger. It can also teleport to any location within a 50 km radius, provided there is a 50-centavo Brazilian coin at the destination. It uses this ability to move around, escape hostile situations, or assist the Foundation in missions. As a strategy, MOTHRA began placing a 50-centavo coin every 50 km across the Institution.

ANM-043 was discovered in 2022 during an operation by the organization to contain a group of hostile anomalies. ANM-043 appeared at the scene, introduced itself as reinforcements for the organization, and helped neutralize the threats. It was then taken to a military base for analysis and interrogation. The individual cooperated with researchers, revealing that it was created in 2010 in a secret lab of the organization as part of a project to develop anomalous weapons. ANM-043 stated it was one of several prototypes, but the others were destroyed or captured by enemy forces. ANM-043 claimed it escaped the lab and has since wandered the world, searching for dangerous anomalies and helping the Foundation whenever possible.

ANM-043 expressed a desire to continue serving the Foundation and requested to be assigned to a field team. The request is pending approval.

[pccyouthleader]

Hedgehog Hodgepodge: A Story of Espionage, Confusion, and an Evil Plan Gone Haywire

Chapter 13: A Shred of Evidence

Back downstairs, Shadow was helping Amy clean up after dinner. “You don’t seem quite as upset about Aurora’s decision as Sonic,” he said gently. He paused and studied her briefly. “You know she’ll be okay.”

Amy gave him a small smile. “I do. She’s part Rose, after all. Plus, I’ve had a feeling this was coming. Everything you said earlier was right - she needs to be able to make her own decisions.”

Shadow was about to respond when a notification came through on his communicator. Seeing it was from Tails, he lost no time reading the message. 

Amy looked up when he swore under his breath. “Something wrong?”

“I asked Tails to run some tests on that strange trophy he won recently. He’s only had one test result so far, and it’s showing the material used to make the trophy is organic.”

“Organic?” Amy asked, confused. Then she saw the look on Shadow’s face. “You mean alive?”

“Yes.” Shadow stood lost in thought for a minute. “I hate to leave without talking to Aurora, but I need to see Tails. This is urgent.”

Amy wiped her hands on a towel and moved across the room to Shadow. He felt a pang of guilt when he saw just how weary she looked. 

“Hey,” she reassured, “this is Aurora we’re talking about. Sure, she’ll be disappointed, but she’ll understand. Just don’t make a habit of it,” Amy added with a laugh.

“Thank you, Amy. Please tell her I’ll see her as soon as I get a chance.”

—

Shadow decided to walk to Tails’ lab to clear his head. He rubbed his temples and attempted to calm the noise in his brain so he could think. The more clues he came across, the more valid his theory seemed. But wasn’t it impossible?

He reached Tails’ lab and rapped on the door. That crafty fox had to have more ideas up his sleeve. Shadow was surprised to see a distressed look on Tails’ furry face when he opened the door.

“It’s gone!” Tails sputtered. “I got the one test result back, and now the trophy’s gone!”

Shadow pushed past him into the building. “Show me,” he said hastily. Nothing was surprising to him at this point.

Tails took him back to a part of the lab he’d never seen before. “It was in this clear case, and I had just come back with those results when it started giving off this weird signal.”

“The trophy?” Shadow clarified.

“Yes! Almost like it was sending a message!”

“Did you record the message?”

“I didn’t have time. It was mere seconds between the moment it started and the time it stopped. I ran to get a recording drive, and when I returned, the thing had disappeared!”

Shadow took a second to think. “Have you searched the entire lab?”

“That’s what I was doing when you arrived. CC is going through all available data to see if anything picked up the signal. You’re welcome to help me search.”

Tails and Shadow looked the entire lab over twice before conceding that the trophy was truly gone. The doors had been secured from the inside, so no one could have pilfered it that way. CC’s search also turned up nothing.

But Shadow had an idea. “Rouge and Knuckles also came across a mysterious object that was similar in nature to the trophy. I’ll have them bring it here so you can continue your analysis.”

Using his communicator, he put a call in to Rouge, but there was no answer. A call to Knuckles gave the same result. Frustrated, Shadow decided to retrieve the orb himself.

—

Rouge answered the door almost immediately. 

“Doing business offline, now?” Shadow grumbled, annoyed.

“How’s that?” Rouge asked. His surly countenance had her immediately on the defensive.

“I tried to call you,” he answered gruffly.

“Well it’s kind of hard to answer a call that you never receive,” Rouge responded. At Shadow’s confused expression, she continued. “Something has zapped our communicators. Heck, we don’t even have any electricity!” She opened the door wide to prove her point. 

Shadow closed his eyes and told himself to calm down. Rouge wasn’t an enemy. “I’m sorry. There’s a lot going on right now and I’m a little on edge.”

“You don’t say?” responded Rouge with a smirk.

Still simmering, Shadow decided to get to the point. “Do you still have the orb that you showed me earlier today?”

“No.”

“What do you mean, ‘No’?”

“I thought you took it when you left! I couldn’t find it anywhere when I went back into the vault,” said Rouge.

“Not even on the floor?” Shadow’s heart was racing.

“Not even on the floor,” she said, crossing her arms. 

Shadow apologized again, assured her he didn’t take the orb, and hurried back to Tails’ lab.

—

“Things just don’t disappear into thin air, whether they’re organic or not!” said Tails, scratching his head.

Shadow wanted to hit him with a “Thank you, Captain Obvious,” but decided to hold his tongue. He wasn’t making friends this evening with his sarcastic remarks.

“We still have more research to do,” he tried instead.

“But it’s hard to do research on something that isn’t here,” Tails complained. “Besides, right after you left, our systems crashed. Our communicators were fried too. The only reason we have power at all is because of the backup generators.”

Shadow was at a loss for words. “I’ll keep looking,” he finally managed, then left the lab. 

—

Back in Aurora’s windowsill, Shadow’s day had come full circle. He was drained both mentally and physically, but found a great sense of calm just knowing she slept peacefully nearby.

Whether from the exhaustion of his faculties, or a sense of rebellion at the day’s adversity, he decided he had to be closer. To touch her.

Slipping into her room from the windowsill, he inched closer to her bed, carefully listening for sounds from the hallway. Shadow knew if Sonic were to find him in Aurora’s room now, after offering to let her move in with him, that the cerulean speedster would wage war.

Finally he was at her side, reaching to smooth the quills at the back of her head…

“Shadow…” she breathed, completely unaware of his presence. Hearing his name in her soft sigh nearly did him in. His fingers tingled at the very touch of her. He wouldn’t be able to stay long.

His mind shifted to the major changes in her life. Not only was she losing her “only child” status, but she was looking to live on her own for the first time. Living with her parents kept her protected and safe. Sonic was right; now she would be vulnerable. 

Shadow couldn’t actually imagine her moving into his apartment. It would be too much of a temptation, and he wanted to honor her wishes. Plus, he didn’t have any furniture to speak of. 

An idea suddenly struck him. After gently kissing her on the forehead, Shadow quietly made his way out of Aurora’s window, heading toward his apartment building. But instead of entering his own abode, he stopped at the apartment next door and knocked loudly.

“Who is it?” asked a voice a few moments later. The door opened and a slender tanuki stood tying his bathrobe. “Can I help you?”

Shadow stared at him with those deep crimson eyes. “I’m going to need you to move out of this apartment by the end of next week.”

-End Part One-

Stay tuned for an intermission chapter and Part Two, coming very soon!

[photon-insights]

The Role of Photon Insights in Helps In Academic Research

In recent times, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with academic study has been gaining significant momentum that offers transformative opportunities across different areas. One area in which AI has a significant impact is in the field of photonics, the science of producing as well as manipulating and sensing photos that can be used in medical, telecommunications, and materials sciences. It also reveals its ability to enhance the analysis of data, encourage collaboration, and propel the development of new technologies.

Understanding the Landscape of Photonics

Photonics covers a broad range of technologies, ranging from fibre optics and lasers to sensors and imaging systems. As research in this field gets more complicated and complex, the need for sophisticated analytical tools becomes essential. The traditional methods of data processing and interpretation could be slow and inefficient and often slow the pace of discovery. This is where AI is emerging as a game changer with robust solutions that improve research processes and reveal new knowledge.

Researchers can, for instance, use deep learning methods to enhance image processing in applications such as biomedical imaging. AI-driven algorithms can improve the image’s resolution, cut down on noise, and even automate feature extraction, which leads to more precise diagnosis. Through automation of this process, experts are able to concentrate on understanding results, instead of getting caught up with managing data.

Accelerating Material Discovery

Research in the field of photonics often involves investigation of new materials, like photonic crystals, or metamaterials that can drastically alter the propagation of light. Methods of discovery for materials are time-consuming and laborious and often require extensive experiments and testing. AI can speed up the process through the use of predictive models and simulations.

Facilitating Collaboration

In a time when interdisciplinary collaboration is vital, AI tools are bridging the gap between researchers from various disciplines. The research conducted in the field of photonics typically connects with fields like engineering, computer science, and biology. AI-powered platforms aid in this collaboration by providing central databases and sharing information, making it easier for researchers to gain access to relevant data and tools.

Cloud-based AI solutions are able to provide shared datasets, which allows researchers to collaborate with no limitations of geographic limitations. Collaboration is essential in photonics, where the combination of diverse knowledge can result in revolutionary advances in technology and its applications.

Automating Experimental Procedures

Automation is a third area in which AI is becoming a major factor in the field of academic research in the field of photonics. The automated labs equipped with AI-driven technology can carry out experiments with no human involvement. The systems can alter parameters continuously based on feedback, adjusting conditions for experiments to produce the highest quality outcomes.

Furthermore, robotic systems that are integrated with AI can perform routine tasks like sampling preparation and measurement. This is not just more efficient but also decreases errors made by humans, which results in more accurate results. Through automation researchers can devote greater time for analysis as well as development which will speed up the overall research process.

Predictive Analytics for Research Trends

The predictive capabilities of AI are crucial for analyzing and predicting research trends in the field of photonics. By studying the literature that is already in use as well as research outputs, AI algorithms can pinpoint new themes and areas of research. This insight can assist researchers to prioritize their work and identify emerging trends that could be destined to be highly impactful.

For organizations and funding bodies These insights are essential to allocate resources as well as strategic plans. If they can understand where research is heading, they are able to help support research projects that are in line with future requirements, ultimately leading to improvements that benefit the entire society.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

While the advantages of AI in speeding up research in photonics are evident however, ethical considerations need to be taken into consideration. Questions like privacy of data and bias in algorithmic computation, as well as the possibility of misuse by AI technology warrant careful consideration. Institutions and researchers must adopt responsible AI practices to ensure that the applications they use enhance human decision-making and not substitute it.

In addition, the incorporation in the use of AI into academic studies calls for the level of digital literacy which not every researcher are able to attain. Therefore, investing in education and education about AI methods and tools is vital to reap the maximum potential advantages.

Conclusion

The significance of AI in speeding up research at universities, especially in the field of photonics, is extensive and multifaceted. Through improving data analysis and speeding up the discovery of materials, encouraging collaboration, facilitating experimental procedures and providing insights that are predictive, AI is reshaping the research landscape. As the area of photonics continues to grow, the integration of AI technologies is certain to be a key factor in fostering innovation and expanding our knowledge of applications based on light.

Through embracing these developments scientists can open up new possibilities for research, which ultimately lead to significant scientific and technological advancements. As we move forward on this new frontier, interaction with AI as well as academic researchers will prove essential to address the challenges and opportunities ahead. The synergy between these two disciplines will not only speed up discovery in photonics, but also has the potential to change our understanding of and interaction with the world that surrounds us.

[vikingsong]

WIP Wednesday (6/5/24)

Reforged (excerpt)

Merlin Bingo 2024 adopted prompt: “science fiction/fantasy”

Context:

When Albion’s greatest need arrives in the form of an alien invasion, the reincarnated figures of legend must deal with the consequences of their shared past even as they fight for humanity’s future.

Arthur ascends to the British throne after the invasion begins, and he works closely with the team of experts who are trying to determine why the only offensive weapons that have been effective so far against the reptilian aliens are medieval swords. Gwen is a museum curator specializing in medieval weaponry, and Merlin is a paleontologist at the same eclectic museum. Elyan studies materials science and has been called in to assist Gwen and Merlin with their research. They have a status update for Arthur…

“There’s something strange about these swords,” Gwen said, glancing at Elyan. “We’d never noticed it before, but once we started looking…”

Elyan picked up the story. “At first, we thought it was something in the iron itself—like an unusual isotope or something—so we ran a spectrometer analysis on a sample.”

Gwen nodded. “We were half-right. Turns out there is something in the chemical composition of the metal in swords forged in the late 5th to early 13th centuries that isn’t in any of our swords from other eras.”

“Or anywhere else on earth, as far as cutting edge chemists know,” Elyan added.

“So, for those of us who didn’t do A-level chemistry…?” Arthur prompted.

“It means,” Elyan said, grinning like a kid at Christmas, “that we found another element in there—an element that was previously undiscovered.”

Gwen nodded eagerly. “And it’s in all of our swords from that era, or nearly all. There are only a few that don’t have it, but they’re fragmented and terribly deteriorated, far more so than the rest. Interestingly, it doesn’t matter whether they’re katanas or arming swords; if they’re from that era and in even half-decent condition, then they all have that same element, no matter where in the world they were forged.”

“A new element?” Arthur repeated slowly, trying and failing to dig out a mental image of the periodic table from the recesses of his Year 9 memories.

“Yep! Element 120,” Elyan said. “We might even get to name it!”

Gwen’s eyes crinkled at her brother’s exuberance as she turned her attention back to Arthur. “Want to know what the best part is?”

“Uh, sure.”

“They found the same element in the bio samples from the aliens you killed.”

“What?”

Elyan nodded. “I swear, we’re not making this up.”

Arthur glanced between them. “You’re sure it’s not just, I don’t know, residue from the sword?”

“They tested samples from parts that were nowhere near where your sword struck,” Elyan said.

Gwen elaborated. “They tested samples from the teeth, the wing membranes, and a variety of organs and other tissues. Interestingly, the element was most prevalent in the lungs, followed by the mouth and teeth.”

“What are you getting at?”

“I think they mean dragonfire,” Merlin said, strolling into the lab.

“Exactly!” Elyan agreed. “The thing is, scientists haven’t been able to produce element 120—not even in particle colliders—because it’s too unstable. It would go through radioactive decay before the collider sensors could register that it had existed.”

Arthur glanced at the swords on the lab table—with no lead shielding in sight—and took a tiny step back.

“But the swords aren’t radioactive,” Gwen added quickly.

Arthur chose to ignore Merlin’s snickering, looking instead to Elyan for an explanation.

Elyan shrugged. “Even if that element theoretically existed outside of particle colliders, it would take an incredible amount of energy to get it to forge stable molecular bonds—like these—to prevent its radioactive decay.”

Gwen gestured to the sword. “Medieval forges definitely didn’t have the ability to heat steel that hot.” She tapped her gloved fingers against the nearest sword’s pommel. “So what could have forged these, then?”

“Dragonfire,” Merlin repeated with a grin. “When they told me what they’d found, I ran some tests on a couple of the fossilized pterosaur teeth in our collection. Same element.” He shook his head. “Just when I thought pterosaurs couldn’t get any cooler.”

Arthur looked from Merlin to Gwen to Elyan as the pieces clicked. “You mean to tell me that…that those aliens are pterosaurs and real medieval dragons?”

“Or something very, very similar,” Elyan confirmed.

“And that all of them breathed fire?”

“Yes!” Merlin exclaimed.

Arthur decided that Merlin was probably the most radioactive thing in the room; he was vibrating with enthusiasm.

“And, apparently,” Gwen said, leaning a hip against the table, “their dragonfire, this element, is their own kryptonite…or bane, to go a bit more medieval.”

Arthur chewed his lip. “Explains why none of the modern weapons will hurt them.”

“Exactly,” Elyan said. “And why replica swords—”

“Or swords from other eras,” Gwen interjected.

“—don’t have the same effect.”

Arthur couldn’t decide whether to fist-pump or head-desk. “We finally understand what material will work against them,” he summarized, “but we can’t make any more of it.”

“That is the one downside,” Merlin agreed.

“The one downside? You did see the alien invasion up there, right?”

“Yeah, but consider: dragons were real and they breathed fire.”

“The ones burning my kingdom look pretty real, too.”

(Note: I don’t know what source content was used in that gif, but I’m 99% sure it’s supposed to be a nyctosaurus…)