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Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG): Crystal Tech
Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG, Y3Al5O12), is a synthetic crystal known for brilliance, scientific properties and versatility. From...

Sylvia Rose
Apr 143 min read
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Yttrium (Y): Rare Earth Element Super-Metal
Yttrium (Y), a silvery transition metal, is a member of the rare earth elements (REEs). It's a favored component in technologies, from...

Sylvia Rose
Apr 135 min read
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Magnetite (Fe3O4): Magnetic Mineral
Magnetite is a magnetic mineral found in diverse geological settings. Its strong magnetism is an predominant quality. Magnetite makes up...

Sylvia Rose
Apr 46 min read
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Creation of Magnetism in Rocks
Rocks hold within them hidden forces. While not all rocks are obviously magnetic, most carry a subtle magnetic field. It comes from their...

Sylvia Rose
Apr 34 min read
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Semiconductors: Materials, Methods & Markets
Semiconductors are materials forming the basis of computer chips. They're used in consumer electronics like smartphones; solar panels,...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 168 min read
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Aluminum (Al): Metal to the Stars
Aluminum is lightweight, strong and resistant to corrosion. The most abundant metal in the Earth's crust, it's used in spacecraft,...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 144 min read
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MLI: Gold & Silver Foil on Spacecraft
Multi-layer insulation (MLI) creates the shiny crinkled gold and silver foil look on spacecraft and space equipment. MLI helps protect...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 132 min read
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Super Alloys in Space Exploration
Super alloys have unique combinations of strength, corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability. Made primarily with nickel,...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 53 min read
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What Robots Need to Function & Survive
Robots are automations in all shapes and sizes, yet they need key factors to function and survive. These include power or energy,...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 34 min read
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Myanmar (Burma): Beauty & Brutality
Myanmar (Burma), has a rich cultural heritage but violent history of conflict, military rule and civil unrest. Brutal changes and warfare...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 26 min read
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Solar Panels & Batteries in Space
Particularly solar panels and batteries help provide reliable power for spacecraft and satellites. Without terrestrial resources, space...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 24 min read
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How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) panels are designed to convert sunlight directly into electricity. They're composed of multiple smaller...

Sylvia Rose
Mar 14 min read
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Transition Metals in Science and Health
Transition metals are integral to nature, science, health and technology. Common transition metals include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), nickel...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 283 min read
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Zinc (Zn): Technology, Nature & Health
Zinc (Zn) is a transition metal integral to health, environment and technology. It's forged in the crucible of stars through nuclear...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 285 min read
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CubeSats: Science, Technology & Risky Business
CubeSats are miniature satellites with cutting edge technology and aerospace innovation. They are small units measuring 10x10x10 cm and...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 285 min read
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Titanium (Ti): From Space to Earth & Back
Titanium (Ti) is a metallic element. From celestial origins titanium has widespread appeal as the metal of choice for robots,...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 274 min read
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Building Robots: Elastomers, Metals & Plastics
Building robots is a mix of engineering, technology, and creativity. Metals and plastics are the standout choices for roboticists....

Sylvia Rose
Feb 273 min read
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Silicone: Creation, Robotics & Technology
Silicone is strongly integrated into modern technology. From kitchen to electronics and self-healing robots, silicone is a human made...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 264 min read
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Space Satellites: Mechanics & Materials
Space satellites or artificial satellites orbit Earth sending and receiving data. Many function in navigation (GPS) and global...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 266 min read
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Molybdenum (Mo): Ecology & Human Health
Molybdenum (Mo) is a chemical element of great importance to nature, industry and health. A transition metal, molybdenum is also an...

Sylvia Rose
Feb 14 min read
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