Smarter Robots, Super Corals, and the Science Behind Your Kettle

The Point by Modern Sciences - April 23, 2025 (A)

Author

Don Smith
April 23, 2025

By The Modern Sciences Team

April 23, 2025

Happy Wednesday, Cultivators of Curiosity!


Welcome to the 16th volume of The Point by Modern Sciences, where we explore cutting-edge innovations in robotics, environmental science, and everyday technology. In this edition, we delve into the ILDA robotic hand, a groundbreaking development that combines delicate precision with impressive strength, offering a glimpse into the future of prosthetics and robotics. We also examine how heat-resistant algae could provide hope for coral survival amid rising ocean temperatures. We also look at the clever engineering behind your electric kettle, revealing the science behind a simple household staple.


Each article showcases fascinating advancements that intertwine with our daily lives, from life-saving robotics technologies to solutions for environmental preservation and even the unnoticed mechanics in everyday appliances. This volume offers valuable insights into the ingenuity that drives both the present and future of science.


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ENGINEERING

New “ILDA” Robotic Hand Combines Delicacy and Strength

The ILDA robotic hand, developed by scientists at Ajou University, combines strength and delicacy. It is capable of tasks like lifting 40 lbs, picking up eggs without breaking them, and crushing cans. Made from steel and aluminum, it features 20 joints and metal tendons for impressive dexterity. The team aims to adapt it for prosthetics and incorporate artificial skin for a human-like touch. Read more.



The Point:

  • Ajou University’s ILDA hand marks a breakthrough in robotic dexterity: Built with 20 joints and metal tendons, the ILDA hand can delicately pick up eggs or firmly lift an 18 kg dumbbell without damage or strain.

  • The ILDA hand combines precision and strength for real-world use: It demonstrates consistent performance even after sustained gripping, making it a strong candidate for integration with commercial robotic arms.

  • Future upgrades aim to bring tactile realism to the ILDA hand: Researchers are exploring prosthetic applications and developing artificial skin to simulate the sensation of human touch.


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NATURE

Study Reveals Heat-Resistant Algae Offer Hope for Coral Survival Amid Rising Temperatures

A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B highlights heat-resistant algae, Durusdinium glynnii, as key to coral survival amid rising temperatures. Corals paired with this algae showed resilience to heat, with no decline in energy production or growth during simulated heatwaves. This discovery offers hope for developing "super corals" to combat climate change and protect vital marine ecosystems. Read more.



The Point:

  • Coral-Algae Partnerships: A study reveals that corals partnered with heat-resistant algae, Durusdinium glynnii, can withstand extreme ocean temperatures, maintaining growth and fertility even under simulated heat wave conditions.

  • Coral Reef Crisis: Coral reefs are vital for biodiversity, coastal protection, and local economies. However, nearly half their population has been lost since the 1950s due to rising temperatures and bleaching events. With 2023 posing heightened threats from record heat and El Niño, coral reefs are in danger.

  • Hope for "Super Corals": The findings suggest the potential for engineering heat-resilient corals, leveraging the relationship between corals and thermally tolerant algae to enhance reef survival against climate change challenges.


ENGINEERING

Fancy a Cup of Coffee? Here’s How Your Electric Kettle Knows When Your Water Is Boiling

Have you ever wondered how your electric kettle knows when the water is boiling? It does so thanks to a bimetallic thermostat, a clever device made from two metals that expand at different rates when heated. As steam rises, it bends the thermostat, triggering a switch to stop the heating element once the water reaches boiling point. This simple yet effective use of physics keeps your kitchen safe and your coffee brewing. Read more.



The Point:

  • Your electric kettle doesn’t need a computer to know when to stop: It uses a bimetallic thermostat—two metals that expand at different rates—to trigger a switch when steam hits it physically.

  • This thermostat snaps like an umbrella in the wind: Once it reaches boiling temperature, it flips position and cuts off the heating element, stopping the kettle safely and precisely.

  • A clever bit of engineering hides in plain sight: The simple act of boiling water showcases how science and materials engineering quietly power everyday tools.