DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

SCIENCE: CROWS - THE AVIAN EINSTEINS

Source: Stock

A University of Washington study finds that crows have an uncanny memory of human faces that remains for 5 years and they give gifts to people who feed them. They also share their intelligence with fellow crows. Here's what we know:
This is a 5-year study by scientists at the University of Washington
Crows are kind-hearted, grateful and give gifts to those who have been kind to them - like bringing lost keys, earrings, rocks and bones back to people who feed them - called gifting
They're fiercely protective and can hold a grudge if you threaten their nest in May or June, which could result in repetitive strikes against the miscreant - so stay clear & remember they have incredible memories
How to make a crow a friend:

Feed them once a day at roughly the same time with what they like (seeds & nuts)
Stay a distance away (they're a bit standoffish)
After several times, you may have a new bestie giving you gifts

So be careful: if on their bad side (seen as nest threat) you may get attacked; but if you're on their good side (feeding them seeds and nuts), they could bring back your lost keys or earrings.

NASA'S HUGE SOLAR SAIL IS IN ORBIT

Source: NASA & Stock

NASA's cutting-edge, huge solar sail is now deployed in space and propelled by the sun. This new technology holds the potential to be one of the most efficient propulsion systems for spacecraft. Here are some key facts:
It measures 17,780 square feet with thickness less than a human hair
Called the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System
Now in low Earth orbit
Serves as a test on the effectiveness of very large solar sails
The solar sail harnesses the power of sunlight and starlight to propel vehicles across space
How it works: protons of sunlight hit the reflective sail and push it forward
Built by RedWire in conjunction with NASA
Made of flexible polymer and carbon fiber
The concept of using sunlight to propel spacecraft goes back to 17th century astronomer Johannes Kepler and was advocated by Carl Sagan in the 20th century
Experts believe solar sails could prove to be one of the least expensive and most efficient propulsion systems for vehicles in space.

Important Innovations