Engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , a prestigious research university located in Cambridge, United States, have developed the first fully 3D printed electrospray engine. This engine uses an electric field to generate high-speed jets of small droplets that provide propulsion for spacecraft, making it ideal for small satellites like CubeSats. The research, supported by a MathWorks fellowship and the NewSat Project, was conducted in part using MIT.nano facilities.The MIT engine can be produced quickly and at a lower cost than traditional methods. Furthermore, the technology supports in-orbit manufacturing, increasing the flexibility and operational capabilities of space missions and allowing for real-time adjustments during missions.First fully 3D printed electrospray engine by MIT Engineers. Photos by MIT.Modular Design for the 3D Printed Electrospray EngineThe MIT team employed a modular approach, integrating two 3D printing methods to manufacture both macroscale and microscale components. The resulting proof-of-concept engine consists of 32 electrospray emitters operating together to generate a uniform flow of propellant. The 3D printed device demonstrated performance on par with or exceeding existing electrospray engines. MIT explained that with this technology, astronauts might quickly print an engine for a satellite without needing to wait for one to be sent up from Earth.Using semiconductor manufacturing doesnt align with the concept of low-cost access to space. We aim to democratize space hardware. In this work, we are proposing a method to produce high-performance hardware with manufacturing techniques available to more players, said Luis Fernando Velsquez-Garca, Principal Research Scientist at MIT.The electrospray engine directs a propellant through microfluidic channels to an array of emitters. An electrostatic field at the emitter tips induces an electrohydrodynamic effect, shaping the liquid into a cone-shaped meniscus that ejects high-speed charged droplets, generating thrust. The emitter tips are designed for low-voltage electrohydrodynamic ejection and require precise sharpness. To regulate the liquid flow, the device incorporates a hydraulic system that directs propellant through the channels. The emitter array consists of eight modules, each with four emitters working together as an interconnected system.Using a one-size-fits-all fabrication approach does not work because these subsystems are at different scales. Our key insight was to blend additive manufacturing methods to achieve the desired outcomes, then come up with a way to interface everything so the parts work together as efficiently as possible, Velsquez-Garca says.Fabrication Process of the 3D Printed Electrospray EngineThe fabrication process combined two types of vat photopolymerization (VPP) printing: two-photon polymerization and digital light processing (DLP). This hybrid approach allowed researchers to utilize the precision of two-photon printing for fine details and the speed and scalability of DLP for larger parts of the structure.The two-photon method uses two photons of light to initiate polymerization at a highly focused point, enabling the creation of intricate, nanometer-scale features. This method was key in fabricating detailed structures such as sharp emitter tips and uniform, narrow capillaries with high resolution. These emitters are placed into a rectangular casing known as a manifold block, which secures each module and delivers propellant to the emitters.MIT researchers found that fabricating the larger manifold block with the previous method was impractical due to its low throughput and limited build volume. To address this, the team used DLP, which projects entire resin layers and cures them with UV light. Unlike layer-by-layer methods, DLP cures entire layers at once, speeding up production and improving efficiency for larger components.Each technology works very well at a certain scale. Combining them, so they work together to produce one device, lets us take the best of each method, Velsquez-Garca says.First fully 3D printed electrospray engine by MIT Engineers. Image via MIT.Electrospray Engine Performance ImprovementAlongside optimizing the fabrication process, the researchers performed chemical testing to ensure the printing materials were compatible with the conductive propellant, preventing potential corrosion or degradation. They also developed techniques to align and seal components properly, ensuring effective device operation.Ultimately, the prototype demonstrated improved thrust efficiency compared to both traditional chemical rockets and existing electrospray engines. The team also found that adjusting the applied voltage resulted in a broader thrust range, indicating that complex fluid regulation systems could be simplified or eliminated, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective design. We were able to show that a simpler thruster can achieve better results, said Velsquez-Garca.Future DevelopmentsThe researchers plan to further explore the advantages of voltage modulation. Additionally, they aim to fabricate denser and larger emitter modules, while investigating new electrode configurations to further enhance the electrospray process. Future work may also include demonstrating a CubeSat using a fully 3D printed electrospray engine for its operations and deorbiting.Advancements in 3D Printing for Spacecraft ApplicationsThe use of 3D printing for spacecraft components has gained significant momentum in recent years. Earlier in 2024, Conflux Technology, in collaboration with German rocket manufacturer Rocket Factory Augsburg, integrated 3D printed heat exchanger technology into an orbital rocket, marking a significant step forward in the application of additive manufacturing in space missions.Elsewhere, Rosotics, a former U.S. developer of metal 3D printers, announced that its Halo system, a large-format metal 3D printer, will be consolidated internally to support the production of the companys orbital transfer vehicles. Rosotics plans to deploy multiple autonomous spacecraft designed to perform a maneuver around the Moon before entering orbit at the L5 Lagrange point, a stable gravitational position between the Earth and the Moon.In another development, the Italian 3D printing service bureau BEAMIT SpA revealed that it is supplying aerospace components 3D printed with NASA-qualified AlSi7Mg aluminum for the Cygnus program. This program, which focuses on resupplying the International Space Station (ISS) and advancing space exploration, utilizes Cygnus spacecraft manufactured by Northrop Grumman.What 3D printing trends should you watch out for in 2025?How is the future of 3D printing shaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us onLinkedin.While youre here, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays. Featured image shows the 3D printed electrospray engine. Photo via MIT.

Mass timber continues to be crucial in delivering carbon-neutral and energy-efficient buildings that, as the following products attest, rise to match the demands of each project. (Courtesy Mid-Atlantic Timberframes)48-feet-span Glulam TrussMid-Atlantic TimberframesFor a carbon-neutral dining hall at Swarthmore College, Mid-Atlantic Timberframes arrived at a 48-feet-span glulam truss to support the shed dormer. The project features glulam columns on a 24-foot by 32-foot grid, topped by large glulam purlins; all in support of curved rafters on 16-foot centers. The roofs sweeping curvature is achieved with laminated deck boards that reach as long as 32 feet.(Courtesy Mercer Mass Timber)CLT 3100 m3Mercer Mass TimberIn California, Google Borregas is a 5-story, 182,500-square-foot office building that uses CLT 3100 m3. The project, led by Michael Green Architecture, features 14-foot cantilevered floor plates made possible by a woodconcrete composite system that connects the CLT panels with concrete.(Courtesy Timberlab)CLT panels atop glulam columnsTimberlabA structural system of CLT panels atop glulam columns and girders was used to build Northlake Commons, a 275,000-square-foot, mixed-use project with 158,000 square feet of mass timber. This system meets one of the most strict vibration requirements in any building type, which can often be difficult to achieve with mass timber. (Courtesy Freres Engineered Wood)Mass Ply PanelsFreres Engineered WoodShown in Portland International Airports new terminal, Freres Mass Ply Panels make up 400,000 square feet of the mass timber roof. Almost 75 percent of the wood fiber used in the panels is salvaged from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires in Oregon, and 100 percent of the material was sourced from Oregon fiber.(Courtesy International Timberframes)Curved DLT PanelsInternational TimberframesInternational Timberframes developed curved dowel-laminated timber panels made from hand-cut wood to help better select the best notches and faces. The curved panels offer a greater variety and ease in mass timber designs that are unique to the market.

Published February 25, 2025 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': This technology is curing loneliness in seniors VR transforms senior care: Kurt Knutsson says immersive tech helps older adults explore and connect via virtual experiences. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Seniors are proving that age is just a number as they dive into the world of virtual reality (VR). This cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing senior care, offering thrilling adventures and therapeutic benefits that are changing lives one headset at a time. A man wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Skydiving at 80? No problemRemember when adventure seemed like a distant memory? Those days of spontaneous travel and memorable experiences don't have to be over. Virtual reality is your new passport to excitement, bringing the world right into your living room. Imagine soaring over the Swiss Alps or exploring the vibrant depths of the Great Barrier Reef without packing a suitcase or worrying about travel insurance.A group of smart people atMynd Immersive, a pioneering company in VR for seniors, has created a virtual playground just for you, with over 200 immersive experiences designed specifically for active seniors like yourself. No physical strain, no exhausting preparations, just pure, exhilarating adventure at the click of a button. Whether you're 55 or 100, these experiences are tailored to your comfort and curiosity.Want to revisit the streets of Paris, where you honeymooned? Curious about walking on the moon? Interested in a front-row concert of your favorite era's music? This isn't just technology. It's your ticket to rediscovering the world, challenging your own expectations and proving that age is truly just a number. Your next great adventure awaits, and you don't even need to leave your favorite chair. A woman wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The device behind senior VR experiencesMynd Immersive uses the HTC VIVE Flow immersive glasses as their primary device for delivering virtual reality experiences to seniors. The VIVE Flow is a lightweight, compact VR headset designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making it suitable for older adults in various care settings. This device is part of Mynd Immersive's Mynd Essentials package, which also includes a CareTablet and a hard case for storing the devices and attachments.More than just fun and gamesWhile the entertainment factor is undeniable, VR's impact on senior health is where it truly shines. Studies have shown that VR can be a powerful tool in combating some of the biggest challenges faced by seniors.Dr. Zachary Lutsky, a board-certified emergency physician with more than 20 years of clinical experience, says, "Loneliness can be severely detrimental to the elderly population, as it is linked to multiple negative health outcomes, including cognitive decline, increased risk of heart disease, weakened immune system, depression and even premature death."Virtual environments provide a calming escape from daily stressors, effectively reducing anxiety in older adults. The immersive experiences offered by VR can also enhance memory function, as nostalgic trips down memory lane stimulate cognitive processes and aid in recall. Perhaps most importantly, engaging in VR activities keeps minds sharp and active, potentially slowing cognitive decline.This technology offers a unique combination of mental stimulation and emotional engagement that traditional activities often struggle to match. By providing seniors with novel experiences and challenges, VR helps maintain mental acuity and promotes overall brain health, making it a valuable asset in the field of senior care. VR headset and CareTablet (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The numbers don't lieThe proof is in the real-world experiences of seniors engaging with virtual reality. According toresearch at the Virtual Human Interaction Lab atStanfordUniversity, an impressive 79% of seniors report feeling happier and more connected after using VR technologies. This groundbreaking statistic isn't just a number. It represents a significant breakthrough in senior care and mental wellness.This technology isn't merely changing how seniors spend their leisure time. It's fundamentally improving their quality of life. By providing immersive experiences that range from nostalgic memory tours to global adventures, virtual reality is offering seniors a new way to engage with the world, combat isolation and maintain cognitive vitality.The data suggests more than just entertainment. It reveals a transformative tool that can address critical challenges of aging, including social isolation, cognitive decline and limited mobility. With over 200 virtual experiences designed specifically for older adults, Mynd Immersive is at the forefront of this technological revolution in senior care. A man wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)A gateway to better health and deeper connectionsVirtual reality is breaking down the walls of isolation that often come with aging. Seniors can now "travel" the world, attend virtual family gatherings or even revisit cherished memories from their past. This digital connection is proving to be a powerful antidote to loneliness, with 60% of seniors reporting feeling less isolated after engaging with VR. A man wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurt's key takeawaysVirtual reality is a lifeline to adventure, health and happiness for our older population. As we continue to embrace this technology, we're not just adding years to life but life to years. So the next time you visit your elderly loved ones, don't be surprised if you find them virtually scaling Mount Everest or dancing in the streets of Rio, because with VR, age truly is just a number.What experiences would you or your senior loved one be interested in exploring through immersive VR experiences? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

As we mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it is essential to reflect on the profound impact this conflict has had on the global cyber security landscape. The war has not only reshaped geopolitical dynamics but has also significantly influenced the nature and frequency of cyber threats, cyber crime, operational technology (OT) attacks, and hacktivism.In the early stages of the conflict, we observed a disruption in cyber extortion operations by actors based in the region, as the chaos of war created instability for these criminal enterprises as much as for regular citizens. However, as the situation stabilised, cyber extortion surged once again, with actors bouncing back to new levels of activity. The Security Navigator 2025 report highlights that while growth in cyber extortion incidents has since stabilised, the tactics employed by cyber criminals have evolved, for example with AI tools being utilised to enhances attackers' operational performance and makes it relatively easy to produce phishing and other social engineering techniques.The war has also catalysed a rise in targeted cyber threats against critical infrastructure, particularly in Ukraine. The report emphasises that targeted Operational Technology (OT) threats have surged, with state-sponsored actors leveraging cyber capabilities to disrupt essential services. Russian Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups like Sandworm have been linked to several destructive malware campaigns, including the deployment of HermeticWiper and CaddyWiper, which aim to erase critical data and disrupt operations within Ukrainian organisations. These attacks have been characterised by their sophistication and sometimes coordination with kinetic military operations, demonstrating a clear strategy to undermine Ukraine's resilience.Intelligence reports also detail the activities of the Gamaredon group, a Russian state-sponsored actor responsible for extensive cyber espionage campaigns against Ukrainian entities. This group has been active since 2014 and has been exceptionally busy of late, primarily targeting government systems to exfiltrate sensitive information. Its recent campaigns have involved spear-phishing attacks and the deployment of custom malware.Hacktivism has also evolved dramatically and gained momentum in response to the conflict, with various groups taking sides and launching cyber operations to support their political agendas. The report notes that sophisticated hacktivism has become a significant concern, as these actors engage in disruptive activities that can further escalate tensions and complicate the security landscape. Pro-Ukrainian hacktivist groups, such as the IT Army of Ukraine, have mobilised to target Russian entities, while pro-Russian groups like Killnet have launched DDoS attacks against Western organisations. The scale of these operations has been unprecedented, with reports indicating that DDoS attacks targeting Ukrainian websites increasing dramatically in the early months of the conflict.The implications of hacktivism extend beyond mere disruption; they represent a new frontier in cyber conflict. The rise of pro-Russian hacktivism has introduced a layer of complexity to the conflict, as groups like Killnet and NoName057(16) have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks against perceived adversaries, including government institutions and private companies in NATO countries. These groups operate with a level of anonymity, making it challenging to attribute attacks and hold them accountable.Read more about cyber security and geopoliticsUpdates to the EUs Cyber Blueprint, establishing best practice for multilateral security incident response in Europe, include calls for more collaboration with Nato member states.Russia is using phishing attacks to compromise encrypted Signal Messenger services used by targets in the Ukraine. Experts warn that other encrypted app users are at risk.A report from the Google Threat Intelligence Group depicts China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as a bloc using cyber criminal gangs to attack the national security of western countries.In this context, the concept of cognitive attacks has emerged as a significant concern. Cognitive attacks exacerbate the impact of DDoS and other technical attacks, and aim to manipulate public perception and sow discord through disinformation campaigns, often leveraging social media and other digital platforms. The Russian government has employed these tactics extensively, using state-sponsored actors to disseminate false narratives and undermine support for Ukraine, but a new generation of pro-establishment hacktivist actors are operating from the same playbook. The Security Navigator highlights that disinformation campaigns are designed to erode trust in institutions and create confusion among the populace, making them a potent tool in modern cyber conflict.As we reflect on the past three years, we acknowledge the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the global community's response to the crisis. The lessons learned from this conflict serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our digital and physical worlds and the need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats.The ongoing war in Ukraine has reshaped the cyber threat landscape. As we face another year characterised by conflict and uncertainty, we must remain committed to fostering a secure and resilient digital environment for all.Charl Van Der Walt is head of security research at Orange Cyberdefense.

The UK's demand for an encryption backdoor in iCloud, and Apple's response, have repercussions that go far beyond national borders, threatening user privacy and security worldwide.

Google didn't tell Android phone users about this new picture-scanning service, and people are unhappy. Fortunately, you're not stuck with it.

With global trade policies growing increasingly unpredictable, manufacturing businesses face the prospect of significant disruption.

In todays hyper-connected digital economy, securing identity is not just about protectionits about enabling agility, compliance and trust.

The big picture: Having the last name "Null" is apparently the modern equivalent of being cursed. Just ask the Nulls who endure a never-ending loop of website errors, processing failures, and customer service reps telling them their accounts don't actually exist. And it's all thanks to a computer scientist who decided that, when it comes to programming, the word should be reserved for signifying an invalid or non-existent value. One of the victims is Nontra Null, a 41-year-old clothing designer from Burbank. She was initially excited to take up her husband's name since it was a lot easier to pronounce. What she didn't realize was the pain it would cause her.Nontra Null told the Wall Street Journal that in 2014, she nearly missed attending a friend's wedding in India because the consulate's systems kept getting tripped up trying to process her newly acquired surname when issuing her visa. She made it just before her flight after an agonizing delay.These days, Nontra has learned some clever tricks to bypass the null issue, like using her former maiden name or inserting a hyphen into her current last name to prevent systems from misreading it as computer code.Even basic tasks like booking hotel rooms online can turn into massive headaches for Nulls. Jan Null, a 75-year-old meteorologist, now includes his first initial when making reservations to stop sites from interpreting his name as an empty value and locking him out.Those without the surname aren't immune from null nuisances either. Joseph Tartaro told WSJ that he purposely got a "NULL" license plate in 2018 assuming it would be a harmless joke. Amusingly, after paying a single parking ticket in 2018, his mailbox was soon flooded with hundreds of erroneous traffic citations meant for other vehicles. His plate triggered a glitch in the systems and wrongly linked those fines to his vehicle. // Related StoriesAfter the debacle made headlines in 2018, the citation company finally left Tartaro alone. But just last December, his insurance company accused him of being in two separate accidents within 48 hours when their system wrongly matched his policy to the incidents.For Morgan Null, a 26-year-old attorney in Pittsburgh, her family name created issues when she tried canceling her internet service after moving. The provider initially claimed they couldn't because her account had no associated last name on file despite her paying them for months. She eventually had to switch ISPs.The origin of this coding blunder traces back six decades to a British computer scientist who first gave null its special reserved status. He obviously didn't take into account the 4,910th most common surname when he did so, and has regretted the move ever since, even calling it a "billion-dollar mistake."

What just happened? More than 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and the Eurythmics' Annie Lennox, have released a silent album in protest against proposed changes to Britain's copyright laws. The new rules could allow companies to use artists' work to train their AI models without permission. The album, called Is This What We Want?, features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces. Organizers say this represents the potential impact on artists' livelihoods, and creativity in general, should the government's plans go ahead.The UK has put forward proposals that will allow AI companies to train their models on any material to which they have lawful access. Any creators or companies that don't want their work used this way would have to opt out, an option that has been called unfair and unworkable.Ed Newton-Rex, the British composer and former AI executive behind the album, said, "The government's proposal would hand the life's work of the country's musicians to AI companies, for free, letting those companies exploit musicians' work to outcompete them.""It is a plan that would not only be disastrous for musicians, but that is totally unnecessary: the UK can be leaders in AI without throwing our world-leading creative industries under the bus."The artist responsible for each of the album's 12 silent tracks is uncredited, but more than 1,000 artists are credited as co-writers. It's believed that Kate Bush recorded one of the tracks in her studio. // Related StoriesBush, whose popularity experienced a revival following the use of her hit Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) in Stranger Things season 4, said, "In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?"Other co-writers include Tori Amos, Billy Ocean, the Clash, Blur/Gorillaz's Damon Albarn, and Annie Lennox. The track listings spell out the message: "The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies."The album is now available on Spotify. All proceeds go toward Help Musicians, a UK charity supporting current and former musicians.Responding to the album, a government spokesperson said the current copyright and AI laws were holding back the creative industries, media and AI sector from "realising their full potential.""We have engaged extensively with these sectors throughout and will continue to do so. No decisions have been taken," the spokesperson added.The government consultation on the copyright law changes closes today. Other protests include several daily newspapers featuring the slogan "Make It Fair" on their front pages. There's also a letter in the Times slamming the proposals, signed by 34 creatives, including film producer Barbara Broccoli, Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding, actor Stephen Fry, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and musician Ed Sheeran.