June 3, 2009
Stem Cell Contact Lenses
Stem cell research is advancing fast. Scientists announced 3 legally blind patients now have restored vision thanks to stem cell contact lenses. Crazy!
Posted by tranism at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 23, 2009
Aqua Penguins, Not Your Average Robot
Penguins are survival artists that brave the icy Antarctic storms to rear their young on land, where they move rather staidly and at times even somewhat clumsily. They feed mainly on small shrimp-like creatures - krill - which they hunt in the depths of the ocean. The penguins' swimming and diving behaviour has been studied in Antarctica for many years. Using state-of-the-art methods, researchers have succeeded in revealing the secrets of the underwater "flight" of this unusual order of birds.
More after the jump
The bionic penguins are designed as autonomous underwater vehicles that independently orient themselves and navigate through the water basin and develop differentiated, variable behavior patterns in group operation.
I'm always fascinated in the science of biomimicry and robotics. I adore penguins and to see these robots move with such life-like precision is mind blowingly AWEsome. Make sure to watch the video.
Posted by tranism at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 26, 2009
Humble Telescope
Designed and developed by a Melbourne based team ENESS. The Humble Telescope is an interactive civic sculpture that brings the wonders of space down to earth and encourages us learn more about the universe in a whole new way.
Inside the telescope exists a 3D simulation of our entire known universe. Pointing the telescope in any direction immediately shows us what exists in that area of space, so now we can get a greater understanding of where the planets are and where we live in the Milky Way.
via MoCo LoCo
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March 22, 2009
Tokyo Fiber '09 SENSEWARE
I'm so excited about this year's SENSEWARE exhibition - it's taking place in Italy and already the innovations from Japan's amazing group of designers and scientists are mind boggling. If you don't know...
Tokyo Fiber SENSEWARE was started as a project to show to the world the merit's of Japan's fibers. Exhibitions were originally held in Tokyo and Paris. Senseware refers to materials or mediums that arouse a creative desire in people. An example from last year's exhibition was Sony's squishable TV.
Hit the jump to see explanations of the 6 projects featured above in the picture.
Yasuhiro Suzuki - Fiber Being
BREATHAIR is a new type of cushioning material formed of highly elastic monofilament into a random coil shape. Being 95% air, the material is lightweight with superior durability and the capacity to maintain its elasticity. It is also washable with good permeability to preserve cleanliness.
Kosuke Tsumura - Cocoon Cradle
FELIBENDY has air permeability, water absorbability, acoustic absorbability, stretchability and other properties, and is a nonwoven highly functional fabric with the capability of tuning its comfort to the human body. Created using a steam jet manufacturing process, the material is extremely lightweight and has superior three dimensional formability. Here, softness and hardness are manifested simultaneously in one material.
Ross Lovegrove - Teardrop
In contrast to conventional textile fabrics where the double spindle of warp and weft intersect at 90º, Triaxial Woven fabric consists of a configuration similar to a reticulate arrangement where the weft intersects diagonally at 60º with two warp strands. It is extremely lightweight as the load is dispersed three ways and has application in everything from aerospace engineering to everyday consumer products.
Nendo - Blown Fabric
SMASH is a special polyester filament nonwoven fabric, has the advantage of its thermoplasticity and its shape can be easily changed when heated. It can be molded using a hot press process. The material does not tear and has superior permeability as well as excellent print quality thanks to its smooth surface.
Antonio Citterio - Finex
FINEX is a specialized stretch material having a double or triple layered structure which uses the polyurethane elastic fiber ROIC in joints. It is light, soft with high permeability and may be used to create reversible or three dimensional structures. The stable shape prevents fraying and curling of the fabric edges and is suitable for casting moulds.
Mint Designs - SMASH
SMASH is a special polyester filament nonwoven fabric has the advantage of its thermoplasticity and its shape can be easily changed when heated. It is a nonwoven highly functional fabric which can be molded using a hot press process. It refuses to tear and is perfect for printing on.
Posted by tranism at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 5, 2009
Does Oral Sex Protect Against HIV? Suck it and See
Public health types are always agonizing about oral sex. Should we say it’s dangerous or not? Now, Swedish researchers have shown that lots of oral sex with an HIV-infected partner may actually be protective against the virus.
The study, published in the (expensive, subscription only) AIDS journal and helpfully summarised by Aidsmap suggests that men who give lots of blow jobs to their HIV-positive partners develop antibodies specific to that partner’s virus, protecting themselves against infection. The more virus their partner has kicking around in their semen, the higher the concentration of specific antibodies, and the protection seems to last for quite a while too. None of the men became infected over the course of the study, even though their partners were not all on treatment.
Posted by tranism at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 29, 2008
Huggable
Once again I need to profess my love to the brainiacs at MIT. Their latest project, "Huggable" is a robotic teddy bear complete with servos, sensors, webcams, speakers, articulated joints, and artificial intelligence. It even acts as a telepresence device mirroring the movements of a remotely controlled Huggable.
The Teddy Bot was designed for early learning and hospital use but lets get to the real deal here. This thing is about as close as we'll get to the lovable "TEDDY" in Spielberg's "A.I." DO WANT!
via Gizmodo
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November 14, 2008
The Eye of Mordor is Watching Us
Researchers made a break-thru this week when the Hubble Telescope photographed 2 planets orbiting a star very similar to our own. What's more the two planets seem to be within the habital zone - the area where it's just the right temperature to support liquid water. Unfortunately the system is over 130 light years away - longer than a human lifetime. More surprising to the researchers is the fact that the system looks like the Eye of Mordor.
via Bad Astronomy
Posted by tranism at 3:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 21, 2008
Huge Win for Biomimicry
I'm a big fan of biologist Janine Benyus, co-founder of the Biomimicry Guild, an organization that helps companies and people examine how design and production could follow the time-tested formulas nature has already adapted. In a big win for the guild is news of HOK, one of the world's largest architectural firms, joining forces to become the premier bio-inspired innovation company.
We're talking buildings with paint inspired by plants - wonder why leaves never seem to get dirty? It's because the surface is textured in a way that prevents dirt from sticking. We're talking windows that change density to optimize heat. How about pipes inspired from seashells? They're made of the same calcium deposits clogging copper pipes yet they somehow control it. And all of this built from a revolutionary way of production - from the bottom up, molecule by molecule so there's no excess.
The future is now, for real!
Posted by tranism at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 16, 2008
Froggy don't play that
So after much debate scientists finally agree our amphibian friends are in fact experiencing a mass extinction. They're not sure exactly when it started but nearly half of all species are dying out because of humans. Our activity has taxed their biodiversity too hard to adapt. Almost 200 species have gone extinct in the last 50 years alone.
Amphibians evolved in the Devonian period nearly 400 million years ago. They've survived 4 of Earth's mass extinction events and to think their time may be coming to an end is disheartening. Next time you see a frog, pet its head, unless it's colorful. Might be best to stay away from those.
Posted by tranism at 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 3, 2008
Space Collective
SpaceCollective. Where forward thinking terrestrials exchange ideas and information about the state of the species, their planet and the universe, living the lives of science fiction today.
Posted by tranism at 9:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
May 30, 2008
Sparky Says Your Air Quality Sucks
Sparking responds negatively to: carbon monoxide, cigarette smoke, alcohol, too much dark lighting, hitting and yelling. Any of the above factors (depending on severity) makes Sparky drop it's head and tail, whimper, and it's body collapses. Sometimes you will not know why it's whimpering and it is up to the person to figure out what is wrong with their dog. What can make Sparky stand up and make happy noises is strong lighting, talking nicely and walking him. (Walking him will give the fastest positive results).
Posted by tranism at 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Renewable Gasoline
Yes it's true. A company name Sapphire Energy just announced they've managed to produce 91 octane from nothing but algae and CO2. The algae take in CO2 and spit out waste that can be processed into gasoline.
So what does this mean? In the short term nothing since the process is way too expensive to be viable. In the long term I hope people don't look at this and think it's a solve because ultimately we'll just put more CO2 in the air which would require more algae to process it and pretty soon, we'll be living in a hot ass planet bathed in autotrophic organisms.
Posted by tranism at 12:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
May 24, 2008
Teen Figures Out Plastic Decomposition
Some brilliant teenager name Daniel Burd achieved what many scientists have failed to do. We all know plastic does break down. It just takes about a thousand years. The fact that it breaks down means there is some natural bio process occurring and of course it turns out to be microorganisms. With this knowledge in hand, he's figured out how to speed up the process cutting down decomposition to months.
He's currently named America's Top Young Scientist and hopes this discovery finds its way into mass industry.
via Treehugger
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May 17, 2008
Digital Escapism
Imagine seeing the world at its most beautiful, peaceful, and greatest regardless of what "reality" is. With increasing pollution, devastating wars, poverty, and climate change, human society may be turning for the worse. Although nobody suggests ditching any last efforts to fix our problems, no one can argue with the need to escape every now and then.
Frog Design's "A Digital Escape" is a mask that augments reality into a more serene place. You could look at a pile a rubble surrounded by death and see nothing but glorious sunshine; beautiful architecture set amongst a bed of dandelions. This virtual escapism provides a sort of virtual drug to make the world appear a better place even if just for a moment.
Posted by tranism at 2:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
April 10, 2008
Firefox Nebula!
Tho Hubble is creeping on the last legs of its position as top eye in the galaxy, but the venerable telescope still manages to eek out some amazing photographs. Take for example the V838 Monocerotis nebula. Looks like something else don't it?
via Newlaunches
Posted by tranism at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 29, 2008
Japanese Want To Launch Origami Space Shuttle
Japanese scientists believe origami airplanes could make it back to Earth without burning up. A prototype shuttle built from folded paper and coated to withstand stress was able to survive durability tests in wind tunnels.
If this all sounds nutty to you, consider this is from a country that has a culture of alien creatures sodomizing school girls, Mount Doom sized buildings, and food delicacies that guarantee a 99.9% chance of death if prepared incorrectly. So why are you surprised? I'm not. Hell, I'm sitting here wondering why the entire Japanese airforce isn't made of origami planes.
Posted by tranism at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
March 26, 2008
Better Than Your Weatherman
Science is humorous. We spend so much money and time inventing machines to do things nature already figured out millions of years ago. Take a shark for instance. Researchers at Aberdeen University concluded they're much better and forecasting weather. Their super sensory organs pick up everything from temperature shifts to changes in air pressure.
So maybe sometime in the feature, bimbo-like weather ladies (sorry I call them like I see 'em) will be replaced by more competent sharks.
Posted by tranism at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 28, 2008
Robot Will Learn To Speak
In 4 years time, that robot dubbed iCub (seriously tho) will reach some level of cognitive intelligence. At least that's what A.I. researchers at the University of Plymouth hope. The 3 foot tall humanoid baby (not a bear) will develop language and basic motor skills. They promise nothing sinister; just another study on how babies learn language.
via Ubergizmo
Posted by tranism at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 15, 2008
Heart Caught In A Web
Pretty interesting invention by scientists at Leeds University. It's synthetic webbing designed to wrap around the heart. It detects when the heart is about to pump and triggers a series of miniature motors to assist, causing the entire web to contract.
Posted by tranism at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Robots Replacing Rabbits
A lot of our modern conveniences owe thanks to rabbits since they are the "guinea pigs" for all sorts of medical, chemical, and biological testing. Thankfully the National Institute of Health and the EPA are instigating a new research program by where robots could take the place of rabbits. It's still a good 5 years away from fruition but hippity hops all around should rejoice since this a total win for rabbit rights, or is that wabbit wights?
Posted by tranism at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (39)
January 25, 2008
Man Creates Artifical Life
See that man there? Dr. Craig Venter has successfully created the first man-made DNA strand thus taking him only one step away from creating artificial life. Pundits will say scientists are trying to play God but the opposite camp would argue our new understanding of organic molecular architecture can open up doors to new fields of medicine.
Posted by tranism at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 22, 2008
Touch The Invisible Sky
NASA has this incredible book called "Touch The Invisible Sky" written in braille; photo braille that is.
Every photo has brail embedded into the image. It would be amazing to feel what the universe. Unfortunately it doesn't look like the book is for sale. You'd have to go to your local library to see it. I personally would love to add it to my collection.
Posted by tranism at 2:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 9, 2008
Parkinsons Linked To Pollution
After years of debate, some scientists are finally agreeing there's a link between parkinsons and pollutants, particularly TCE which is found in many cleaning solvents. To a lesser extent, there's also a connection to pesticides. Both pollutants destroy mitochondria which has been identified as the precursor to degenerative diseases.
The research is based on a 25 year study on workers who had contact with TCE now mostly only found in industrial areas.
Posted by tranism at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 7, 2008
Begging To Be In A Daft Punk Video
The Kamioka Observatory in Japan is perhaps one of the most stunning pieces of architecture designed for scientific research. Located 1,000 meters underground, a cylindrical tube houses 50,000 tons of ultra-purified water. The walls are completely sheathed in photomultiplier tubes able to detect neutrinos, proton decay and cosmic rays.
Not open to the public but I can only imagine. Seen it at New Launches. More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Bush Admin Removes Enviro Protection, Approves Logging
It's sad but true. The Bush Administration is busy working back door deals to remove environmental protection laws over Oregon's Old Growth Forest to the tune of a 700% increase in logging if passed. The forests are OLD and some trees are ANCIENT. They've been there long before humans even settled in Oregon. They not only add to the natural majestic beauty of Oregon but provide shelter for many animals and natural flood protection.
It's disappointing to know all that money could be spent on educating the public about recycling and building new sustainable facilities to support new industries but I guess with the Bush Administration, stuffing coffers is more important.
Take action now and watch this video.
Posted by tranism at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 26, 2007
Are Elephants Really Afraid Of Mice?
I'm not sure if it's an age old question but the idea of a big ole' elephant running at the sight of a tiny innocent mouse has been ingrained in me since I was a child, thanks Dumbo. But is it true? Results are fascinating.
via Neatorama
Posted by tranism at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
November 14, 2007
Make An Onion Battery
Here's a fascinating video on how you can charge an iPod or any small device using Gatorade and an onion. The active ingredients are actually an electrolyte (Gatorade) and an acid (onion). The two create a chemical reaction that can be harnessed as electrical energy. You can technically do this with almost any fruit or vegetable. The more acidic, the better the chemical reaction. Just be smart and don't eat it afterwards.
Posted by tranism at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Time Travel Not Possible
Not my opinion, in fact I don't have one because time travel is so far beyond what my poor brain can handle but some scientists are now saying time travel is not possible. Hit the jump to find out why.
Most of us are familiar with the concept of light speed which is how fast light can travel. According to Einstein that's as fast as anything can go. Somehow break that speed and you're moving thru time but there's a fatal flaw to this theory.
Time is a human invention. It is our way of measuring what time really is - the state of all particles in the universe at any given moment. It really doesn't have anything to do with moving faster than the speed of light. No, all that does is alter our perception of time when in reality the particles in the universe are still changing.
This would suggest that in order to time travel, a machine would have to record the state of every particle in the universe. Then you have to figure out how to change every single particle back to the state of your intended "time". This also suggests our trips are limited to when the machine first started recording. On top of that, it wouldn't be possible to travel into the future since there's no data recorded yet. The future is where all particles have infinite possibilities of change.
It's an interesting theory except I think I read somewhere how our perception of time is incorrect, that in fact time is not linear. That's hard to imagine since we are corporeal beings and everything we do is at least based on a past and present.
I must go now. My head hurts.
Posted by tranism at 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
November 12, 2007
Nature Has A Sense Of Humor
I really do believe Mother Nature has a sense of humor. This spider found only in Hawaii is called the Happy Spider for obvious reasons. Sure the markings keep predators away but they also make us smile.
Posted by tranism at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Outdoor Play Crucial For Creative Development
I never really thought about it but after reading a study about how outdoor play is crucial to child's creative development, I find myself agreeing.
I grew up in a time when electronic toys were rare. Play usually consisted of riding bikes, chasing each other, or solitary moments playing make believe in my room. When children are forced to create their own games, they kick their imagination into high gear. It's the only time in their lives when they can create their own, outside the realm of adults. The part of the brain that deals with creativity begins to grow which in turns benefits them as adults. Food for thought.
Posted by tranism at 1:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wii-mote Is Minority Report
Seriously Nintendo could have kept the Revolution code name had they taken the Wii in the direction this guy demonstrates. It's just one step away from Minority Report.
Posted by tranism at 12:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Shrimp Band-Aids
There's this company called Hemcom pushing bandages made out of shrimp shells, or more specifically chitosan which is very similar to what our nails and hair are made of. As odd as that sounds, it's apparently quite revolutionary because the military is all about it.
Chitosan naturally carries a positive ionic charge while blood carries a negative one. The result creates a blood clot and barrier. The bandage naturally sticks to skin and is a totally green renewable product.
My only question is when will we get a Hello Kitty branded one?
via Incubaker
Posted by tranism at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 6, 2007
Harnessing Wind Power With Sails
Architects Chetwood Associates are applying for grant to build a large wind dam in Russia. The dam will be located over an extremely windy gorge at Lake Lagoda in north west Russia. The 75 meter sail, the first of its kind will funnel the high winds down to a turbine. Tho the company doesn't mention how much electricity the wind dam can produce, the prospects of new building projects staying green is a definite sign of improvement and advancement.
via Dezeen
Posted by tranism at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Kids Bond With Robots
A landmark research project conducted by UCSD completed a 5 month study on human-robotic interactions. The study placed QRIO, Sony's artificially intelligent robot in a classroom with toddlers. By the end of the study, the children not only came to accept the robot but also treated it as an equal.
Researches initially limited what QRIO could say and do. Children seem to only interact if there's reciprocation. Another robot was also introduced with no programming as a control and the children ignored it, simply regarding it as a toy. As the researchers increased the amount of activity in QRIO, the children responded. They started to refer to QRIO as a person, calling it by its name. When QRIO fell, the children would help it up and give it encouragement. When QRIO laid down on the floor as its batteries ran down, a toddler would put a blanket over his silver-colored body and say "night-night".
It's not exactly a surprise since humans display a great propensity to bond with both people and objects, but the study is already receiving criticism citing a matter of ethics. The children were not happy when QRIO left and tho it's the longest study of its kind, there's no data on long term interactions between children and robots.
You can read the complete study in the National Academy of Sciences.
Posted by tranism at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 22, 2007
Transparent Metal, Like For Real This Time
Remember that scene in Star Trek The Voyage Home where Scotty programs the formula for a material light as plastic but strong as metal? Yeah, he called it transparent aluminum and it's just another example of how Star Trek envisaged yet another technology just now coming to fruition.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a light weight transparent composite plastic strong as steel. The molecular structure mimics mother of pearl, the iridescent lining found in mussels and oyster shells. It's considered to be the toughest natural mineral in the world. It's still years away from any real use but ongoing experiments could create a new class of materials that are organic and renewable.
Posted by tranism at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
September 6, 2007
No More Arctic Ice By 2030, WOOF!
This is maddening people. This summer has seen the largest arctic melt ever recorded in human history. Experts said they were "stunned" by the loss of ice, with an area almost twice the size of Britain disappearing in the last week alone. So much ice has melted this summer that the north-west passage across the top of Canada is fully navigable, and observers say the north-east passage along Russia's Arctic coast could open later this month. If the increased rate of melting continues, the summertime Arctic could be totally free of ice by 2030.
Think about that for a minute. No more ice in the Arctic. Can you imagine that?
via Guardian UK
Posted by tranism at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
August 28, 2007
Robots Have Terrible Handwriting
When this video was released, I was first intrigued, then kind of dismissive, but now I'm a little worried. I may be a futurist at times but this appendage strikes me as familiar. I think less than a hundred years from now, our robots turn on us and when stripped of their fleshly appearance, look a lot like Airic's Arm.
That's what this robot is called... err, rather it's just an arm for now but a mighty impressive one. Researchers are showing how studies of human anatomy have allowed them to take biomimetics to the next level. They don't say how strong the arm is but it's totally capable of pumping a weight, without tiring out too. I guess I can take comfort in knowing it has terrible handwriting tho.
via Core77
Posted by tranism at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 10, 2007
First Dolphin Extinct Because Of Humans
I'm sad to report the beautiful River Dolphin has been officially declared extinct. The small cetacean made its home in China's Yangtze river but over development and over fishing has destroyed much of the dolphin's food supply and habitat. They were classified as endangered last year but an expedition this year was unable to yield any of them. Although there are bound to be a handful left, the definition of extinct extends to the fact that there aren't enough of them left to sustain a viable genetic pool.
The Chinese know the dolphin as Baiji and there are tons of folk-tales about a friendly fish that understood humans because it could breathe air. Unfortunately future generations will never see the Baiji in person. What a shame. What a waste.
"The harms to the environment humans have inflicted during the past few centuries is much more than 10,000 years of natural history. Are we really becoming stronger or are we blind to see we are becoming weaker?"
Posted by tranism at 5:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
August 8, 2007
Hoverboards So Real
Remember the hover skateboard from Back to the Future Part II? Well that lil' gem may be a reality someday. There's research regarding maglev technology that could potentially harness something called the casimir force - strong enough to repel even heavy objects and suspend them in mid-air.
Professor Ulf Leonhardt and Dr Thomas Philbin, from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, have worked out a way of reversing this pheneomenon, known as the Casimir force [wiki], so that it repels instead of attracts.
Their discovery could ultimately lead to frictionless micro-machines with moving parts that levitate But they say that, in principle at least, the same effect could be used to levitate bigger objects too, even a person.
via Neatorama
Posted by tranism at 2:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
August 3, 2007
See This Fish!
Zebrafish are cool pet fish, they always swim right up front by the glass in the aquarium. I remember thinking maybe they couldn't see me as most of the other fish always hide.
New research proves quite the contrary. Zebra fish has the ability to regenerate damaged retinas by growing a type of adult stem cell in their eyes. In almost every case of blindness or sight loss both in fish and mammals the retina's ability to send messages to the brain is damaged.
Researchers are blown away by the possibilities and already testing with diseased rats, where they've successfully migrated cells, which took on the existing characteristics. They think within 5 years we will be able to make transplants to the human eye.
I can't help thinking of people that have been completely blind for many years, what if they could get a chance to see!
So cool, it will be exciting to follow this story.
Posted by diverseawareness at 3:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
July 19, 2007
An Odd Duo Make For A Sticky Situation
Did you know Geckos and Mussels are some of the most stickiest animals in the world? One of nature's greatest clingers, geckos have long fascinated scientists with the tiny hairs on their feet, which allow the tropical lizards to scurry up walls and across ceilings. Mussels are renowned for their ability to hold steadfast even in the roughest of waters. By combining the strength properties of the gecko's clinginess with the mussels waterproof stickiness, scientists have invented a next generation adhesive they call "geckel." The new adhesive is super thin, stronger than anything currently in the market and has natural antibacterial properties, perfect for band-aids.
It'll still be a few years before we start using geckel glue so in the meantime, keep that Elmer's handy.
Posted by tranism at 2:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
July 17, 2007
Man's Best Friend Gets A New Paw
The first metallic limb implant was successfully completed in England to a poor pooch name Storm. He lost his paw after it became infected with a vicious tumor. Doctors decided to use a new metal artificially created to mimic bone. This advancement allows skin to grow over the metal creating a seal not possible before. The limb itself is shaped like a scoop, has the strength of metal, and flexibility of plastic, enabling Storm to do all the things he once did.
Storm will be closely monitored since his paw could mean a new class of prosthetics for people. Up until now, metallic prosthetics were only worn over the missing limb.
Give it up to Storm ya'll.
via Spluch
Posted by tranism at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 18, 2007
The Science of Gaydar, It's All In The Hair Whorl
New York magazine has an interesting article on sexual orientation can be tied to physical biological traits. For example, gay men are more likely than straight men to have a counter clockwise hair whorl.
Other clues are gay men and women have a 50% greater chance of being left handed. Another good one is gay men have longer fingers than straight men.
The late psychologist and sexologist John Money famously called these the details of our “gendermaps,” which he believed are drawn primarily by life’s experience and social conditioning. Money planted some of the earliest flags in the nature-versus-nurture war by claiming that dysfunctional parents, not inborn biology, is what produced “sissy boys,” tomboys, and other gender variants. But today, the pendulum has swung just about as far in the other direction as possible. A small constellation of researchers is specifically analyzing the traits and characteristics that, though more pronounced in some than in others, not only make us gay but also make us appear gay.
Gives new meaning if a gay man asks to see your head.
. . . Gone to check my hair whorl, be back later.
Posted by tranism at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
New Footage of The Loch Ness Monster
Okay before you watch this video, let me give you some scientific fact. The waters of Loch Ness are nutrient poor supporting few and only small fish. A large fish or reptile could hardly survive in such a desolate environment. Of course, we also once thought nothing could live on the ocean floor. With that being said, here's clean footage taken by tourists of Nessy doing a Shamu Sham Slam, (yes I've been to Sea World). Thoughts?
via Neatorama
Posted by tranism at 5:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
June 5, 2007
North Korea's Version Of Evolution
This is what North Korea teaches their people. Apparently, humanity came from the Korean peninsula.
via Neatorama
Posted by tranism at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 31, 2007
Xiang Xiang Killed By Wild Pandas
Xiang Xiang is the first captive-bred giant panda ever released into the wild. He was freed into the wild last year in hopes that he would survive and give credence to the breeding program. A year later, researchers tracked Xiang Xiang down and found him dead apparently due to injuries suffered from a fall related to attacks by wild born pandas.
Although breeders and scientists did their best to teach Xiang Xiang how to survive in the wild, nothing can replace the hard lessons learned in life. It seems Xiang Xiang learned the hardest way. I hope this doesn't stop the breeding program tho. We really need to help these magnificent creatures regain their place in the world.
Posted by tranism at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
May 21, 2007
Helix Skyscaper
Riddle me this, what takes the form of a transverse wave? A Helix! Okay now what if we applied that shape to a building? What would it look like? How would it function?
It's an interesting design question that could cause in paradigm shift in building design. The degree of incline would be so slight, people inside would have no idea they were moving from floor to floor. It would probably feel like a really long circular hallway. This design characteristic would eliminate the need for stairs. The building would be 100% wheelchair friendly since it's just a rising slope. Structural rigidity would be improved since it's just a corridor wrapped around a central core but there are some problems with this design.
The taller you build, the longer it takes for someone to get to the top. Sure you could build an elevator but since there are no defined floors, elevators would have to be redesigned. An alternative is to use moving walkways but that would still be a slow climb to the top. The second problem is levelness. What happens if I drop a ball. Even at a slight 14º grade, the ball would roll and provided there are no obsticles, keep rolling. That pretty much applies to anything with wheels.
However there is a huge advantage in using a Helix. The shape inherently holds a lot of volume without much mass. That's why our DNA strands are helices. Following DNA as an example you could place two helices into a building that intertwine. They would never touch and the overall mass of the building would stay the same. Imagine that? Apple and Microsoft could exist in the same building without ever seeing each other.
via absidea
Posted by tranism at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
April 30, 2007
Almost A Star Trek Shield
The US Military is currently developing a plasma shield capable of disrupting projectiles from penetrating it. A short intense laser ignites gas and creates a ball of plasma. A second laser generates a supersonic shockwave within the plasma to generate an intense flash and loud bag. Repeat this process in rapid succession in mere milliseconds and you have yourself a good old fashioned energy shield.
Now of course when I say old fashioned, I mean it! In the Star Trek universe, shields are created by amassing a large concentration of gravitons to generate a barrier. Unfortunately current science has failed to prove the existence of gravitons so until then, the plasma shield is almost a Star Trek shield.
via Aurum Newtech
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April 26, 2007
Poor Sick Honey Bees
Turns out the reason why honey bees are dying (which I was totally oblivious to) is not because of cell phone radiation, but caused by a pathogen.
The honey bee population has dropped dramatically within the past few years. So dramatic that nearly 50% of honey bee hives have disappeared. Whole colonies are collapsing at alarming rates all over North America and Europe. After examining some dead bees and deserted colonies, scientists have found a strange pathogen that may be the culprit. They haven't yet figured out exactly what the pathogen does but there's a huge movement to find a cure fast. If honey bees die out, it would mean HUGE ramifications for the environment and economies around the world.
Aww, I feel so bad for them. I didn't know they were so sick. It's like mother nature is playing some mean trick on them. They're also the nicest bees. Ironically as I eat this honey sandwich (mmm), I can't help but notice the bottle is shaped like a bear. Bears like honey right? But bees don't like giving up their honey to bears. I think I see it clearly now. I think I know who done did it!
via Science Daily
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April 25, 2007
Building Material Of The Future
ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is the building material of the future. This wonder polymer, a transparent plastic related to Teflon is replacing glass and plastic in some of the most innovative buildings being designed and constructed today. Its selling points? Compared to glass, it's 1% the weight, transmit more light, is a better insulator and costs 24 - 70% less to install. It's also resilient able to bear 400x its own weight, self cleaning because of its non-stick surface and 100% recyclable.
The current largest ETFE construction projects are the Beijing National Stadium and Aquatics Center for the 2008 Olympics. They will be the strongest and most energy efficient buildings in the world.
image via core77
story via Business Week
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The First Habitable Planet Found!
European scientists believe they have found the first Earth-like planet beyond our solar system. It orbits a red dwarf star and is estimated to be 50% larger than Earth also making it the smallest planet found outside the solar system.
Gliese as it's been named is located in the constellation Libra 20.5 lightyears away. Gliese orbits its sun 14 times closer than Earth does to its sun. A year just lasts 13 Earth days and gravity may be twice as strong. Although it's closer to its sun in proximity, dwarf stars aren't nearly as bright. This puts Gliese in the habitable zone with temperatures ranging from 32º - 104º F, perfect for liquid water.
Unfortunately we have no technology to traverse the great distance in our lifetime. Instead scientists are using super powered telescopes and theory to determine how much of the planet might be liquid and how much might be solid rock.
Just imagine 250 years from now, somebody's birth certificate will say "Gliese". That's so awesome.
Posted by tranism at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 21, 2007
Just Add Water
Building future electronic components could be made easier by using self-folding mechanisms. The only instruction is to just add water. French researchers are currently experimenting with how complex they can make these systems. If successful, it could bring about a revolution in micro engineering.
via Techeblog
Posted by tranism at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 18, 2007
To Sex Or Not To Sex
Apparently that is the question. Two species of Crotoniidae mites have done something scientists thought only plants were capable of doing - the animal kingdom's first known case of reversal sexuality.
That probably confused you so let me explain. These mites were once sexual meaning they mated, but that was a long long time ago. Then they evolved to become asexual reproducing via parthenogenesis. Now it seems they are changing their minds and once again mating. Scientists have examined their genetic sequences and confirm these mites actually went from being sexual to asexual back to sexual. They also now have to reevaluate the idea of sexual reversal in higher organisms since the little mites have proved them wrong.
Can I just say these mites are more finicky about sex than my last two ex's. SHEESH!
via Neatorama
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April 5, 2007
Martian Global Warming But Not Our Fault
Mars is experiencing global warming and one might think it's some kindred spirit thing with Earth but for once, this isn't our fault.
Mars is gradually warming because of wind storms sweeping the brightly colored dust away revealing a darker layer underneath. The darker surface absorbs more heat from the sun warming the air above which creates more wind storms. The process repeats and scientists are noticing average temperatures rising steadily.
So maybe Mars will warm up enough to melt its massive ice caps, to create oceans which create atmosphere, which create weather, which makes it habitable for us. Of course that might take about 5000 years so don't hold your breath. Oh wait it's Mars - do hold your breath.
Posted by tranism at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
April 4, 2007
One Blood Type To Rule Them All
Scientists have found bacteria that can convert blood types A, B and AB into type O which can be given to anybody without eliciting an immune response.
Blood types A, B and AB have sugar molecules that attach themselves to the blood cells. When the wrong blood type is introduced, the body detects the incorrect sugar molecules and mounts a deadly attack. Type O however has no sugar molecules therefor nothing to detect which is why there is such a huge demand and shortage for it. The bacteria they found clips away the extra sugar molecules in the other 3 types converting them into type O.
They're currently refining the process in hopes of relieving the massive blood shortages in developing countries and during natural disasters. This couldn't come any sooner.
Posted by tranism at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
March 22, 2007
Do Not Kill The Polar Bear!
Some animal rights activists in Germany want a baby polar bear killed. Say What?!?!
The cub name Knut or "Cute Knut" was abandoned by his mother. Out of love, zoo keepers decided to take the the cub in and raise it themselves. Much to their surprise, an animal rights group told the zoo Knut should be killed. They argue bandoned bear cubs have almost no chance or survival in the wild and keeping them captive only makes them unhappy and lonely.
The zoo argues polar bears are solitary by nature and killing Knut would serve no purpose. As for being unhappy, zoo keepers are weaning the 4 month old cub and he's already shot one ad campaign to promote environmental protection. He is healthy, energetic and full of life - far from being "abandoned".
People have already fallen in love with Knut and to think that an ANIMAL RIGHTS group would actually condone killing him is heinous and most certainly immoral.
"If a polar bear mother rejected the baby, then I believe the zoo must follow the instincts of nature. In the wild, it would have been left to die." animal rights activist
Right, so next time I see a human newborn in a dumpster, I'll just ignore it and be well knowing "nature" is just following its course.
via Telegraph
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March 17, 2007
Plants Do It, Why Can't We?
When I was 10, I had to write a report about photosynthesis. I was fascinated with how plants are living factories of renewable energy. I remember writing, "if plant's can make energy from sun, water and CO2 - why can't we?"
Well it seems we can. Scientists and researchers are racing to create an artificial model of photosynthesis and they're getting close to creating the key component; a catalyst that reacts to ultraviolet light.
The catalyst splits apart the stable bonds in the one emission we are so adept at making; CO2. The resulting synthesis can be harnessed to make liquid fuel - fuel that can power our cities.
The next step is to fully replicate natural photosynthesis. As of now, current test models use chemicals as the catalyst. Plants use sunlight. The new catalyst will have to react to ultraviolet light. Once that hurdle is crossed, a new chapter in our society can begin.
You see, I have a motto. It's called "the heart of smart". Our genius, ingenuity, resourcefulness and adaptability; we have all these smart tools at our disposal yet we keep failing. We can fix our problems if we would just listen to our hearts before listening to anything else.
via New Scientist
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March 9, 2007
Scientist Find The Tanning Gene
Scientists have found the gene that triggers tanning. The gene identified as p35 activates when exposed to UV light. This triggers melanin production and opens tanning pathways. Researchers have always known about the tanning process but up until now were unable to explain how it started.
This of course doesn't mean we'll all be tanning it up the easy way. Gene manipulation is still pretty much dangerous if not impossible. For now, you'll still have to expose yourself to UV rays to get that burnt cookie look, but it's nice to know all of us are born with the gene that enables it. See, we really are all the same. Tell 'em girls!
via New Scientist
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February 28, 2007
The Power of Bubbles
Ever wonder why submarines travel so slow under water? No? Me neither. But there's nothing wrong with learning something new. Water pressure creates drag slowing almost any fast moving object underwater. In fact the faster a sub moves, the greater the drag.
So scientists searched high and low for something that could travel thru water will little to no friction and they found it; the bubble. Working with the Pentagon, they created a prototype sub that encases itself in a self-sustaining bubble. The bubble moves thru water quickly with no drag to the sub itself allowing it to attain greater speeds with greater fuel savings. The actual process of encasing an object in a bubble is called super-cavitation.
I wonder if this technology can be applied to divers.
via SciFi
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February 25, 2007
Revision Revolt
The challenge: how would you intelligently power a city block in a sustainable manner? Think big idea. Think small environmental impact. Think about ways to make a difference in how we fuel our future. Re:Volt is your chance to flip a switch on the status quo on dirty energy. To use the sun, wind or even people in an inventive way. To make a positive impact on our environment. For the next three months, we're looking for your revolutionary plan. Wherever you are, whatever you do, you could be the one to empower the next ideas about power. Imagination is a force so think about it and enter the competition. The deadline is April 1st.
more info here
Posted by tranism at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Robot Swarms Evolve
This story is fascinating and yet slightly unnerving. Swiss researchers (really?) recently demonstrated how robots can evolve and pass on traits to later generations.
The research revolves around groups of robots that start out as individuals, each with their own unique randomly generated digital genome. Their only preprogrammed instructions are to explore, find food, avoid poison and do it all in the most efficient manner. Their anatomy consists of a motor, wheels, sensors and LEDs.
Each staging area contains large red knobs. Some are food, represented by the Apple icon and some are poison, represented by a skull and crossbones. The bots are unable to distinguish which is which until they're up close but by that time, real food sources may already be depleted by other bots.
Here's the fascinating part. The bots figured out if they work together, they can locate food sources much faster. After some 500 generations later, they formed a rudimentary communication system to notify others when foods sources are found and to flag areas where poison is located. The bots that inherently had genomes better suited to working in groups and splitting tasks successfully passed on their "DNA" to offspring. Those that worked alone eventually starved themselves to death, thus removing their genome from the gene pool.
Now here's the scary bit. Some of the starving bots found an alternative way to get food. After all, they were all programmed to find food in the most efficient manner. Given their environment and situation, they evolved a new behavior whereby they lure other bots using false signals to steal from them and it seems the other bots have yet to figure out a defense against this.
The researchers caution this is no where near real biological evolution since it's infinitely more complex. However this research does demonstrate how behavior and evolution are directly affected by the environment. I believe that's another strike against Darwin nay-sayers.
via New Scientist
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February 16, 2007
This Dolphin Thanks Bridgestone Tires
This is a touching story about a dolphin name Fuji at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium who got a second lease on life thanks to the most unlikely of friends; the Bridgestone Corporation. You see, Fuji suffered from a debilitating form of fin rot - a bizarre and rare case of localized necrosis. To keep the disease from spreading, Veterinarians had to amputate most of her fin. Dolphins need to play in order to be happy but without her fin, Fuji was unable to keep up with her brethren, thus she grew depressed and withdrawn.
That's when an $83,000 research grant from Bridgestone gave this dolphin a second chance. Made from the same rubber used in Formula 1 race cars, Bridgestone crafted a custom fin fitted for her body. The prosthetic has given Fuji full range of motion and within weeks, she was jumping in the air again.
It sounds like an easy task but making rubber as smooth as dolphin skin is incredibly difficult. Not to mention making a rubber fin light enough to wear for the rest of her life and one that will resist corrosion. Congratulations and many thanks to the research team, Bridgestone and the Fuji's caretakers for not giving up.
YouTube video
via neatorama
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February 15, 2007
HIV Attacked for Massive Damage
Scientists have discovered a weak spot in the AIDS virus that is susceptible to antibodies which could lead to a vaccine.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health issued a report yesterday Feb. 14th, about a specific protein in HIV that provides the initial "handshake" when making contact with immune cells. The cells are tricked thus giving the virus the opportunity to take over. This specific protein can be neutralized by a protein we all make but immune cells have yet to identify it as a resource to use against HIV. When the virus is positively identified, the correct antibody is applied easily neutralizing the virus.
Although the journal is careful to point out it's not a cure yet, they remain positive about future research which would ultimately lead to a vaccine.
I think it's an amazing prospect that our bodies may already have the weapon to defeat the virus, it just never knew to use it. There are currently 2 other HIV vaccines in human trial so if anything, this new research is another beacon of hope to hold on to.
via yahoo news
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February 8, 2007
Japan's Snow-Digesting Picachu Bot
Our Japanese technologic-overlords are at it again! This experimental robot roams parking lots and sidewalks in search of a certain white powdery substance (no, not THAT substance). Using GPS sensors, built-in video cameras, tank-like treading, and no human supervision, the Yuki-taro bot seeks out and gorges on snow; scooping it into its hungry mouth.
That's where things get weird. Instead of simply blowing or melting the snow down, the Pokemon-inspired automaton's guts compress it into tightly packed blocks of ice; which are then pooped out the bot's backside(!!!) and later collected and stored for Summertime refrigeration needs.
The inspiration for 800 pound Yuki-taro seems to come from mankind's increasing fear of any sort of manual labor. Afterall, no one hates shoveling snow more than a Japanese scientist.
via Pink Tentacle
Posted by mac at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
January 24, 2007
A Snow White Beetle
I think it's so cool we still discover new organisms everyday. I mean, just how much did nature make? Sheesh!
Anyhow, the finger-tip sized Cyphochilus beetle (I'll just call him Snow White) was found in South East Asia. He's just like any other beetle except he is whiter than any other natural material. To date we know how to make white pigment. Certain cephalopods make white by a chemical means. The Snow White beetle makes white by ways of surface structure. His body is covered in scales 10 times smaller than human hair; that's 5 micrometers people!
Upon further inspection, the scales are arranged in highly random 3D structures. The very nature of this design somehow foils light giving the beetle its brilliant white outlook. The design is of particular interests to scientists because humans can make white, but our technology is significantly "thicker" in design. Nature has managed to create the same brilliant "whiteness" without all the bulk. If the beetle's secret can be unlocked, it would lead to a revolution on how color is artificially created; everything from paper to electronic displays.
another picture after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
January 22, 2007
In 1000 Years
Popular Science has a great article on terraforming the red planet, which won't be red anymore if Dr. Zubrin's theories are successful. According to him, humans can transform Mars into a warm temperate world capable of supporting human life in just 1000 years. I know that's longer than any of us will ever live but on a geological time-scale . . . that's insanely fast.
The first step we've already done; exploration. We need to accurately map and identify what minerals are available. The next step is creating a rich CO2 atmosphere. Although Zubrin suggests space mirrors and hijacked meteorites, a more realistic approach relies on something humans have mastered; making artificial CO2.
We could build large CO2 producing factories and in little as 50 years, create an atmosphere thick enough to raise the temperature to +32º F. Frozen water will begin to melt creating weather. The next step is to garden. Plants start the conversion of CO2 into yummy oxygen. Their decay replaces the CO2. In time (like 900 years), our efforts at playing mother nature should bear us a planet capable of sustaining human life. TA-DAH!
For all of humanity's ingenuity, we have a dark side. I'm sure once Mars is ready to be colonized, a massive space race will ensue between countries wanting to get there first to stake their claim. An ideological war breaks out between scientists and religious sects and Mars becomes the new battleground. Unfortunately for Earthlings, Martian colonists revolt and that'll be the end of our utopian dreams.
A more positive path would be to realize humans will be incapable of terraforming and colonizing other planets unless we work together. Let's hope in 1000 years that'll be the case.
Posted by tranism at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
January 4, 2007
Robots via Human Thought
A group of students from the University of Washington have created a robot they can control using their thoughts with a 94% success rate.
Although mind reading robots are a long ways off, this research is the first step towards a future where humans use the most powerful computer at their disposal to control them; the brain.
The in-house built robot is connected to a computer which reads brain wave signals from a person using a cap studded with electrodes. The software can correctly translate the brain signals into simple instructions fed to the robot. Right now a person can instruct the robot to move forward, differentiate between two objects, pick one up and move it to another location. The team hopes with further research, the instructions can become more complex perhaps daisy-chaining them to complete more complicated tasks.
Although the robot they're using seems innocent and demure, how long do you suppose it'll be before it somehow becomes self-aware, turning our brain waves against us? In cases like this, I recommend the alpha training technique used for dogs. Always make direct eye contact with the bot, sniff its behind, and force it on it's back every now and then so it knows who's boss.
Posted by tranism at 11:49 AM | Permalink
December 28, 2006
The Inkless Pen
At one point in time, society moved away from liquid based writing instruments in favor for silver ones. These pens were called silverpoints. Leonardo di Vinci used them because it was easier to carry then a quill and ink bottle.
Unfortunately silverpoints only worked with specially treated paper so it was back to ordinary ink. Now you can own your very own silverpoint but advances in technology now allow it to write on any paper surface.
The modern version doesn't use silver at all. Instead it's made of a metal alloy with a nib that will take forever to wear down. The marks it makes look like pencil but you can't smudge or rub it out. It's as permanent as ink.
It's a great looking pen and a conversation starter when people see you writing from nothing but solid metal. At only $30 a piece; makes a great gift.
Posted by tranism at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
November 16, 2006
Space Mirrors
Just as author Kim Stanley Robinson predicted in his book "Red Mars", a proposal heads to NASA regarding 300 space mirrors orbiting the red planet.
The concept centers around reflecting solar energy towards the surface, warming it to a mild 68º F. The extra sunlight means less thermal insulation needed for astronauts and more solar power for equipment. On a larger scale, it's the first step to terraforming Mars. The heat would melt the giant ice caps creating oceans which in turn help create an atmosphere.
Although terraforming a planet would take several centuries, we better get started soon because I don't think Earth can handle much more of us. Perhaps moving to a brand spankin' new planet will encourage us to be more careful with our resources and pollution.
If you wanna think really long term, I think we should try and find a planet even further out. After all, our sun is aging and in about 2 billions years, the outer rim of the sun will have expanded so much, there won't be an Earth, much less a Mars left to call home.
via newscientist
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November 15, 2006
Bone Rings
I know the title is sorta convoluted so let me explain. Biojewellry is an attempt at merging jewelry design with science. The rings are made from bone cells sampled from your wisdom teeth. The project is already successful but they're looking for more volunteer couples.
Basically you and your significant other go in, donate your bone samples, where they will be cultivated in a lab to form different shapes. In time, they hope to create combinations of bone with metals like gold and platinum to elevate the design. When the ring is complete, you wear rings made from each other's cells - tethering you two together for life.
The rings are lighter and much stronger than you think. It is real bone after all. Although kinda creepy, its fascinating where science (even when mad) can lead us.
Posted by tranism at 5:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 6, 2006
Northern Lights
My friend Mattias recently sent me this amazing capture of the "Northen Lights" in Umea Sweden.
This atmospheric projection of light is the result of colliding particles that release their energy in the form of visible light. It's a fairly complex phenomena, but yet fairly common this time of the year.
Posted by diverseawareness at 9:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
MIT Interactive Board
Seriously tho, those guys at MIT truly are geniuses. As the Professor here demonstrates their interactive board, I can only imagine how easier physics would have been for me to grasp if I had this learning tool.
The board is actually a large projection of a desktop application. Anything the professor draws, the computer can identify and apply the correct physics to the animated machine. Basically, the drawings come to life easily translating what is static to a visceral learning experience.
watch the video here
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October 5, 2006
Sodafy Goldfish
A freak science experiment taped for all of you to gawk over. Your pet goldfish needs to live in water with a pH level between 7-8. But you can do something really sick to change your goldfish's chemistry to an acidic level - killing it. However, if you act fast enough, you can bring it back to life with a 9 volt battery.
Just watch the video.
via NOTCOT
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September 30, 2006
Allerca Cat
Cat allergy sufferers rejoice because a biotech company called Allerca have finally begun selling their long awaited Allerca cat.
These are the world's first hypo-allergnic cats. Now you may think it all sounds creepy but rest assured, these cats aren't some lab experiment grown in test tubes. Quite simply, the company has identified the gene that triggers allergies. By screening and breeding only cats who have the genes missing were they able to carefully create a new cat that doesn't carry the gene at all.
Aside from its biotech origins, the Allerca cat is assured to be as healthy as any pedigree. They are loving, energetic, and very expensive. At $4,000 a pop and a year long wait list already, the company can hardly breed enough of the kitties to go around. So if you have cat allergies but love furry little felines, go ahead and put yourself on the wait list. For you non-allergy sufferers, save yourself the money and go adopt a cat. There are many that need homes.
via slash gear
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September 18, 2006
Oh SNAP! Photovoltaic OLEDs
Organic light emitting diodes or OLEDs are heralded as the future of LCD technology, for its ability to turn electricity into light with very little loss of energy, making them appear brighter and more efficient.
Scientists decided to think backwards and realized if you reversed the process, (light turning into electricity), you get a photovoltaic cell. They put that theory to the test and found OLEDs can not only generate light but also recover some of the energy lost by turning light back into electricity.
Just think about it! Imagine your cell phone screen bright as it wants to be, when it's in idle mode, the screen captures ambient light and recharges your battery. The same tech can apply to everything from TV's to windows. Soon, OLEDs will offer both low-cost lighting and low-cost energy production.
via ecogeek
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September 16, 2006
Largest Known Planet
It's a planet name HAT-P-1, some 450 light-years from Earth. Normally I'm not impressed by new planetary discoveries because it's obvious more and more will be discovered as our spy glasses into the vastness of space continue to improve. However, I am interested when something discovered wipes the smugness off our Scientist's faces. HAT-P-1 is just that one discovery.
The gas giant is almost twice as large Jupiter but only 1/4 the density. In other words the planet is lighter than water. Find a big enough tub and it'll float in it. The planet turns all known theories about planetary size and density upside down. It was long thought size is directly proportionate to weight. The bigger something gets, the heavier it is, but this planet doesn't follow those rules. Obviously Scientists now have to go back and reevaluate their current theories about planets in our own system. One could say the planet may be larger in size but it might be made of lighter gases. That's true, but there's another theory that says the core of a planet is directly proportionate to it's mass. For a planet this large, it's core should be heavy enough to sink in water. Our current telescopes detect no core at all. A planet with no core?
So kids, moral of the story is, our existence - so far, is only a micro-instance in the corporeal timeline. So much we don't know, but the exciting thing is that means there's more to discover and that's where I think our truth nature exists. Doesn't that excite you more than trivial concerns like making money, getting rich, dying, only to do it all over again? The more you know (star bursts across the screen, twinkles).
Posted by tranism at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 23, 2006
Print Me A 3D Plane
When I was just a wee-geek-boy, I remember watching a show called Beyond 2000 and in a particular episode, they covered a new technology called 3d printing which uses lasers to carve and melt polymer together. At the time, it was just small projects - little objects that could help designers better envision and test their creations. This opened the doors to rapid prototyping.
Fast forward almost 20 years and it seems the technology has advanced far enough to print not only the object, but the mechanics inside as well.
One of the first to fruition from this technology is of course, funded by the military. It's called the Polecat UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), designed to test cheaper and faster manufacturing technologies. Since most of its parts are laser printed, there is less room for manufacturing errors as computers are far more accurate and consistent.
If the project proves successful, we could see the technology trickle down to consumer levels. 3D laser printing could be the bridge between current manufacturing methodologies and the often romanticized nano technology.
Posted by tranism at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
July 2, 2006
Big Earth, Bigger Universe
As a kid, I remember looking up at the sky and thinking if I reached far enough, I could touch it. Thus began my fascination with our world and beyond. In the 2nd grade I learned about the other planets in our solar system and soon after, my first visit to the planetarium. During that presentation, I was in awe how tiny Earth was compared to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Sure, I always knew they were bigger but my young mind could not visually comprehend what hundreds of thousands of square miles looked like. The planetarium put that into perspective.
I'm all grown up now and every now and then, some news of space comes my way that perks my interest but never have I really relived those moments from when I was a kid.
I came across this page that has scale models of our space neighborhood. Yes, Earth is really blue and its quite large compared to Mars. No shocker there. Yes Jupiter and Saturn are huge but again, no shocker there. Then I see the planets scaled to size against our sun. Not really a shocker, but def. an eye opener. At this scale, Earth is very tiny. Even Jupiter is dramatically dwarfed. Move beyond our solar system and we find stars and planets that make even our sun look miniscule. In fact, so tiny, that the sun is only 1 pixel big compared to some of the stars out there.
The universe is so vast. My mind boggles at the seemingly limitless space. I can imagine even larger stars, so large, they even eclipse our entire solar system in size. THAT'S HUGE!
I love the universe and I'm glad to say, I think I'm having that moment of "first discovery" again, and it really feels good.
Posted by tranism at 2:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 11, 2006
Eye Tracking Visualizations
These visualizations show the dominant pattern of how people perceive content on the web.
In a study on how to enhance the user experience on the web, made by Nielsen Norman Group, an interesting pattern was discovered.
In the shape of a letter "F", viewers scan through any website within a few seconds. Users first read horizontally, usually across the upper part of the page. This initial element forms the "F's" top stroke. Next, users move down the page a bit and read across again, typically covering a shorter distance than the previous. This element forms the F's lower stroke. Lastly, users track the contents left side vertically.
The study was made from several different sites with a variety of designs and the results were shown to be consistent throughout with some exceptions of users reading across a third and fourth time.
It's interesting to think how the web has changed our ways of perceiving information about absolutely everything. For the most part we don't want to spend more then a few seconds looking for something. Our attention span has dramatically lessened because of that. Don't you hate that slow connection at work?
Lets say "F" is for fast - think about the important implications that has.
-Users won't read your text thoroughly. Exhaustive reading is rare.
-The first two paragraphs must state the most important information. There's some hope that users will actually read this material
-Start subheaders, paragraphs, and bullet points with information-carrying words. Users will notice when scanning down the left side of your page in the final stem of their F-behavior. They'll read the third word on a line much less often than the first two.
Posted by diverseawareness at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
June 1, 2006
North Pole Tropics
Upon further research, scientists have discovered the North Pole was a Miami-like 74º F in the summer time . . . 55 million years ago.
The Earth went thru a period of hyper carbonization. No one's really sure why, but the fact of the matter is the Earth was HOT. Sea levels were at their all time high and our atmosphere was flooded with enough greenhouse gases to spur on the rise of huge and I do mean HUGE forests.
For scientists, it's a pretty big discovery since it gives us a glimpse of what Earth would be like if global warming persists. Our planet has an amazing balancing system in place that with or without us, will recover.
The more greenhouse gases we put in the air, the hotter the Earth gets, melting all polar ice caps, reshaping coastlines, eventually nearly wiping us out, to replace us with huge forests, to suck up all the nasty carbons we created, to regulate and reverse the effects, eventually cooling the planet down, which causes the forests to recede, to start all over again with new life.
Will we still be here when the slate has been wiped clean? Come back to this post in 55 million years to find out.
Posted by tranism at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 20, 2006
Peruvian Observatory
Some of the world's oldest ornate carvings have just been unearthed deep in Peru. The site dates back 4,200 years before such artistic and technologic skill was previously known to have existed in the Americas.
The artifacts reveal a stone society that pre-dates the Inca culture by thousands of years. One of the structures are of a giant frowning face aligning with when the sunsets. On the opposite end of the site is another face that aligns with sunrise. Other carvings are more specific and depending on when the sun hits them - mark the beginning and end of that region's growing season.
I think the find is startling. It was previously thought the most advanced of ancient societies existed only in Europe and North Africa. Clearly we were wrong. This pre-ceramic culture created an agricultural calendar, technology that didn't come to Europe until much later.
There is so much scientific and artistic value in these ancient cultures. It's just a shame that so much of that history is lost forever due to the mistakes of modern times.
Posted by tranism at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 27, 2006
Bees Say We're Flying All Wrong
Researchers have discovered the faster a bee flies, the more it lowers its legs? Our own aviation prowess tells us to tuck anything protruding inwards to reduce drag in order to maintain that speed. Mother nature has her reasons and apparently, we've been doing it wrong all along.
Researches tested orchid bees known for their speed. They placed special aromatic oils that attract the bees at the mouth of a wind tunnel. As the bees flew for the scent, the scientists kept increasing the wind speeds. Instead of tucking their hind legs in, the bee's actually extended them further. Interestingly, this forces their head to pitch forward, allowing them to cut thru the air and fly faster.
This technique is similar to how old helicopters used to pitch forward to offset wind drag before flying forward.
Researchers also found the bees extended their legs to increase stability. At such high speeds, its easy to crash or fly upside. You need something to protrude out to increase equilibrium. This is similar to how a figure skater extends their arms in order to stop a fast spin or keep from tipping over.
NOTE: Those bees in the photo really are that color. They are called orchid bees.
Posted by tranism at 1:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 14, 2006
Ferrofluid Display
A true liquid display using the science of ferrofluid (micro magnetic particles suspended in a soap like agent) to play a simple game of SNAKE.
The display was created as a student project entitled SNOIL. The developers not only demonstrate snake, but also time keeping, and simple text animations. The display apparently has gyroscopes in it or something to read the slight angle pitches created by the player to direct where the ferrofluid should react.
Ferrofluids are normally used in industrial applications so it's damn cool to see it used like this.
Check out this video.
via Core77
Posted by tranism at 1:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 10, 2006
MUSH ROVER MUSH!
Strange, it doesn't look like any rovers I know. All the rovers I know are four legged, tail wagging doggies. No, this rover has more in common with distant cousins that are currently "roving" around Mar's surface.
Meet Cool Robot; a solar powered prototype capable of navigating the arctic wastes while towing massive loads behind it. The bot can move more equipment in less time than a standard pack of dogs.
On the flip side, I've always felt the image of dogs pulling humans across vast snow flats was beautiful. Of course using bots as a replacement is no detriment. I know the conditions are extremely dangerous out there for these nomadic explorers and anything to lessen the likely hood of catastrophes is a step in the right direction. I say, bring on the rovers!
more pictures after the jump
via BBC
Posted by tranism at 2:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 3, 2006
How Much is That Dragon in the Window?
Mythological creatures here they come! Rogue geneticist and business man GeneDupe is at it again. He believes that one day, we all could have dragons as pets - or any creature we wanted; myth or self-invented. The vehicle to deliver this "miracle"? Virtual cell biology.
Biology has a lot in common with computing since both are about processing information. The general difference is one is biochemical and the other is electronic. His theories about virtual cell biology could allow us to accurately model a cell in every biochemical detail. All animals use the same basic building blocks - mitochondria for energy processing, endoplasmic reticulum for making proteins, and golgi body for protein assembly.
By building an electronic version of these building blocks, GeneDupe's scientists can customize results so that it belongs to a particular species by loading it with a virtual copy of that animal's genome. Since it's all virtual, the whole growth process is accelerated to form an adult.
Here comes the fantastic part; by selectively "breeding" virtual models of real animals (lets say a lizard) and carefully combining it with other animals and then cross breading it's offspring to keep only the wanted mutations - we could end up with a real virtual dragon.
The final step is to make it all happen for real. That means taking a cell, removing it's nucleus and replacing it with a customized one, then let nature do the rest.
Kinda scary but kinda cool since I would LOVE to have me a little pet dragon, but I take it all with a grain of salt. After all, this is the same guy that claimed he could make goldfish with real gold skin cells. He was actually successful. Unfortunately gold is one of the heavier elements and the poor goldfish just sank straight to the bottom.
via Economist
NOTE: If you didn't know, this is just an April Fool's Joke. Yes pretty late but I had a cute picture of a dragon and this article went great with it.
Posted by tranism at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 27, 2006
Learning A Foreign Language
And how much more foreign can you get than the native tongue of the humpback whale? Yes after years of research scientists have concluded that humpbacks do have their own dialogue. They won't call it a language yet, but they do admit the songs sung by these creatures are not random, are not simple repetitive sounds. No, the songs are full of complexity, very similar to human languages.
Humpback songs are arranged within a hierarchical structure with equivalents to themes, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and words themselves. The only major difference is human language averages 10 bits of information per second - that is to say with our grammar, intonations, and inflections, we can communicate whole ideas within one second. A humpback whale on the other hand can only communicate 1 bit of information per second. Scientists believe this may be an evolutionary trait more than a deficiency in language. Humpbacks live in the vast oceans which require their "language" to travel at great distances. What this means is sounds need to be long and stretched out so that they can be carried for hundred and thousands of miles without degradation. In order for the humpbacks to communicate an idea, it would require multiple sounds overlapping. This is probably why they are arranged more like songs.
It's absolutely fascinating. I even wanted to see if it were possible for humans to mimic those sounds. Apparently its nearly impossible for us since much of the tones are only reproducible in water; not to mention our vocal chords don't support many of the sounds whales make. I guess I'll never learn "whale" then.
via Discovery News
Posted by tranism at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hydrogen Powered Mazda RX-8
Japan's 4th largest automaker Mazda is serious about fusing eco-technology and alternative energy with their sports heritage. The new (not so new since the concept appeared years ago) hydrogen powered RX-8 is proof of that.
Now to be fair, this isn't powered purely by hydrogen but rather its a hydrogen/electric hybrid. Just image a prius you pump with hydrogen instead of gasoline. Mazda has delivered two of them to different companies in Japan and as the country's hydrogen infrastructure expands, Mazda hopes to deliver more.
I applaud Mazda for doing so and of course I can't forget Honda who has a small fleet of hydrogen cars in California. I wish the big three automakers here in America would take their concepts and put them to the real test. Yes its expensive but part of pushing in new technology is educating the public and what better way to that than to put those vehicles on the road.
Posted by tranism at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 19, 2006
Never Eat Spoiled Food Again
Milk and orange juice. Those are the two items that ALWAYS go to waste in my fridge. I need my milk for cereal, and I need my juice for, well, juice! Worst is when I forget to check the label, prepare my meal, sit down ready to chow only to be greeted by the most disgusting soured taste. I check expiry date and get upset at myself.
A test product exists called Smart Labels (color changing) that inform the consumer of food quality by using special ink that disappears thru oxidation. Why this isn't on food products already is a mystery to me. It's a conspiracy, must be.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 4:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 15, 2006
Powered By Termites
Scientists are closer to understanding how bacteria inside the hardy termite digests wood because the byproduct is pure hydrogen. The hydrogen could then be processed to power our fuel cell future possibly creating a carbon neutral way of making power. It's plausible and if successful, it's a win-win situation for both us (power needy fools we are) and the termites (them hungry mofo's).
Biotech engineers could mass produce the tiny microbes inside termites responsible for digestion for hydrogen production on an industrial scale. The only real setback right now is funding (like all alternative energy research), but because termites are a naturally occurring resource, you wouldn't need quite as much money as say - developing some mechanical way of producing hydrogen.
A future possibly fueled by these little eaters; that's pretty damn cool!
Posted by tranism at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 18, 2006
Bubo
It's a crazy lookin' owl that has magic powers. It can cast spells to take over any electronic device that has a remote. Bought a new electronic device? No problem. In time Bubo will learn to control it too.
Who's it for? It's for little boys and men who want to prove themselves masters of their world.
I didn't write all this. This came straight from the company's website. I kid you not. If you're totally confused, it's just an electronic owl that looks for IR signals around your home. By constantly trying different codes, it will eventually figure out which one controls which device, kind of like a universal remote. The fun part comes in when you get more than one. A battle can ensue to see who's owl is more "IR powerful".
Posted by tranism at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 16, 2006
Skiwear Armor
A fascinating little tidbit that perked my fashion and science interests. The US and Canadian winter Olympic teams have skiwear with d3o incorporated into them.
So what is d30? It's a thin material that can be worn under or integrated into almost any fabric that acts as body armor when its molecular structure is disturbed.
The secret material is a synthesized mix of viscose fluid and a polymer. Under normal conditions, the molecules are weakly bound allowing the body full range of movement, but when the material senses a sudden deformation, the chemical bonds between the molecules interlock and tighten forcing the molecules to lock to each other changing the surface into armor shaped to the area of the body it resides on.
The technology is amazing when you think about how fast it has to react; within milliseconds. After initial impact, the bonds loosen and the fabric is once again soft and flexible.
Now if only I could get the company to send me a sample. :)
via new scientist
Posted by tranism at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Even More Stars To Look For
Astronomers have identified a new type of cosmic object they've named RRAT (rotating radio transients). To simplify, it's basically a neutron star left over from supernovas except with one major difference; these stars pack almost twice the mass as our own sun but in a space of a small city.
RRATs are similar to pulsars which steadily emit energy every second as they rotate. However RRATs only emit something every 3 minutes to 3 hours. The erratic behavior could be explained by energy being unable to escape the star's dense core.
Of course, nothing else is known about them but if they really are the left overs of supernovas, perhaps the energy they emit could give clues as to how old or how recent the supernova was.
Posted by tranism at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 8, 2006
True 3D Image Projection
Scientists and researchers at Japan's National Institute of Advance Industrial Science have developed a device that uses lasers to project real three-dimensional images.
Until now, projected 3D imagery was an artificial optical illusion due to the parallax difference between the eyes. That's why prolonged viewing of them causes discomfort.
The new device uses lasers to focus light at points in space thru a lens. The light ignites nitrogen and oxygen in the air to create focus. Currently the device can only project single points of white light 2-3 meters in the air, but their movement is infinite and is only limited to how fast light can travel.
As laser technology improves, the scientists hope to create color images and eventually displays of video media.
via pink tentacle
another picture after the jump
Posted by tranism at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 9, 2006
Honda Promises
For me, the real big announcement at this years NAIAS is the promise Honda made. Their FCX Fuel Cell concept will be production ready in 3 - 4 years.
In the last 5 years, engineers have had to cope with obstacles such as cold starting, mileage and range equal to that of today's petrol based vehicles. Honda has said they've moved beyond that stage and since 2000 have concentrated on the other half of the equation; infrastructure.
Fuel Cell infrastructure cannot simply be something handed off to the government in hopes of fueling stations magically popping up all over the country. It is PAINFULLY obvious much of government is too tied up in said-be alliances with the major oil companies. Honda believes it is up to the auto industry to come up with a solution to help push in the era of fuel cells. They've come up with the home energy station that can be installed in an industrial environment like future gas stations or in private residences. In a private setting the energy station could provide enough power to give the FCX a 350 mile range POLLUTION FREE.
If Honda adheres to its words, then in 4 years time, we will really begin to see the first of a new age where technology forces governments and companies to finally face the music and embrace fuel cells. Honda is at the forefront of this new breed and they know that clean air and engines won't be enough to sell. They know the car has to operate just like any other car so the transition into the masses is smooth and seamless. Nobody wants to learn how to drive again and because of that, the FCX has all of today's amenities plus tomorrows innovations.
I can't wait!
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 24, 2005
Think Away The Pain
Pain can be mysterious, untreatable and debilitating, and its causes can be unknown. But if you can see the pain - or at least, your brain's reaction to it - you might be able to master it.
A study from researchers at Stanford University and MRI technology company suggests that's possible. The researchers asked people in pain to try to control a pain-regulating region of the brain by watching activity in that area from inside a real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI machine. Initial results showed subjects managed to reduce their pain dramatically and in some cases, completely force the pain to subside.
This type of brain control could be similar to what many Eastern cultures have done for thousands of years - as a form of meditation to control physical pain. As they say, it's all in the mind. Damn, I can almost feel my jedi powers surging thru my mind. This is very very interesting stuff.
via Wired
Posted by tranism at 1:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Synthetic Biology
Work on the world's first human-made species is well under way at a research complex in Rockville, Md., and scientists in Canada have been quietly conducting experiments to help bring such a creature to life.
Their goal? To play a key role in the production of the first synthetic life-form - a microbe made from scratch.
The work is an extreme example of a burgeoning new field in science known as synthetic biology. Several scientific groups are trying to make genes that do not exist in nature, in hopes of reconstructing microbes that perform useful tasks such as producing industrial chemicals, clean energy and cheap drugs.
I find this bit of news fascinating. It has become apparent that we as humans have one tool that sets up apart from every other creature on this planet; we can be inventive, learn, and then pass that information on. It would seem our fate might be dictated by our hand after all and the ability to manufacture micro-organisms to solve many of our diseases and energy problems could revolutionize the way we live and improve the quality of life ten-fold.
However, just with any other new science, international security and ethics concerns place valid eyes on this new field. Could this technology be used to cheaply manufacture bio-weapons? Are we attempting to play the role of "God" by creating life on our own?
Currently, opponents have no warranted fear since even our advance science cannot get around the one universal law; you can't create an egg without the chicken. Sure we can put together all the genetic codes to make our microbe but we need that spark of life in order for the microbe to become active. Scientists are attempting to use natural microbes as a vehicle to absorb the artificially composed DNA and manufacture more by synthesis. To continue our example with the egg and chicken, they basically want to use a natural microbe as a surrogate mother.
I can't wait to hear more about this science.
Posted by tranism at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 20, 2005
Killing Polar Bears
plankton here, jackin' electro's blog account again.
Approx. 62.5 Miles is how far the polar bear has to swim to find food. Researchers have now found proof that the bears are dying due to global warming.
They are all great swimmers but the distance they need to travel has gotten too far. They simply drown along the way in the icy waters. Several bears have been found along the northern coast of Alaska last month.
Even though the temperature has only shifted a few degrees it has done enough damage to the areas where the polar bears dwell. Large ice caps have melted away leaving many bears stranded with no option but to swim.
This will naturally push the bears even further north where ice shelfs are still intact. There are about 20,000 polar bears today in the arctic parts of the world, all soon will compete for the same foods in less space.
And NO, there are no polar bears in Sweden...not for the last 12,000 years.
Posted by tranism at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 16, 2005
Visionaire
Visionaire is a groundbreaking collaboration with International Flavors & Fragrances combining scientific and creative talents of the worlds leading flavorists, contemporary artists, chefs, and photographers. Together, they've created works of art that stretch sensual boundaries of imagination by simultaneously engaging the viewer's eyes and tongue.
Visionaire 47 TASTE (as the project is referred to) uses taste-film technology, much like the popular breath films on the market - to deliver completely unprecedented flavors to the mouth. Each taste, such as Orgasm, Guilty, and Mother are accompanied by an image interpreting the concept. Some tastes are easy to identify while others are highly conceptual. This is considered to be the first time taste and flavor are used as a pure art medium, totally disconnected from food.
mmmm sounds soooo TASTY!
Posted by tranism at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 14, 2005
magenn Floating Wind Turbines
Want free electricity? Here's how. The magenn flying wind turbine is held up by helium generating 4Kw, enough to power your needs. Cost is about 10k, but it pays for itself in about 6 years depending on usage.
It's anchored by a tether that can extend up to 1,000 feet above ground. Generally, 400 feet is enough to catch the minimum 3 meters/sec wind speed needed to sustain a nice supply of electricity. The turbine spins in the air turning the generators. The rotation also stabilizes the turbine while energy is transfered down the tether which also acts as the transfer system.
If you're seriously interested, read more about it here and if you're REALLY interested, order one. :)
another picture after the jump
via treehugger
Posted by tranism at 2:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 12, 2005
KiteGen
So it's another alternative way to harness the power of wind but there's more than meets the eye. This is no crazy looking windmill turned on its side. No, this is a giant KITE FLYING MACHINE.
Yes just imagine, giant sized kites attached to a generator as they fly around in a carousel potentially generating 1 gigawatt of power!
Invented by scientist Massimo Ippolito, he believes in a future of clean energy. He envisions multiple KiteGen machines that could produce more power than a nuclear plant. He's also a realist, pointing out that NO human activity is "clean" but he believes we should strive to move towards an era where efficiency is achieved from a balance between new and renewable. You can read his full interview here.
It's a shame that more high profile projects like this aren't taken seriously or even have a launch pad to start from here in the States. I fear the U.S. is slipping further and further behind.
Posted by tranism at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hopping Robots on Mars
Penelope Boston and Steven Dubowsky have received a grant from NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts to work on tiny hopping robots. An array of the micro-bots could be deployed on Mars, coordinating with one another like a swarm of insects to search for life below the surface of the planet.
The spheres would store up muscle energy, and then "boink" themselves off in various directions.
The researchers have calculated that about a thousand of the robots could be packed into a payload mass the size of one of the current Mars Exploration Rovers. That would give them the flexibility so suffer the loss of a large percentage of the units and still have a network that could be doing recon, sensing, imaging and perhaps even some other science functions.
A fleet of these little spheres would be sent to some promising landing site, exiting from the lander and then making their way over to some subsurface or hazardous terrain, where they deploy themselves as a living robotic network working independently and together. They create a cellular communication network, on a nodal basis.
Some of the units could be fitted with magnification capability, so one could look at the textures of the materials that they are landing on. Some would also have chemical sensors to sniff and sense the chemical environment.
So freakin cool but it reminds me of that one Futurama episode where humans had to do battle with these super intelligent bouncing balls. Hummmmm. . .
Posted by tranism at 3:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 28, 2005
Space Ship One
I've been meaning to write about this forever but somehow it keeps slipping past me only to get postponed to a post-it note on my monitor.
On October 4th, 2004, Space Ship One claimed the 10 million dollar prize to become the first private manned space craft to reach space. With that, it obliterated any thought that space was only within the reach of those large, sometimes cumbersome government managed space agencies (ahem . . . NASA).
The story embodied all the virtues of a classic young techno upstart by Paul Allen of Microsoft, designed by supreme aviation designer Burt Rutan, and built by his company Scaled Composites.
This is an age where inventions are often more evolutionary and incremental rather than revolutionary, Space Ship One is ground breaking - perhaps standing right up there with the Wright Brothers, Alexander Bell, and Lambie Baird.
WIth hopes of a bright future in hand where humans can really reach up far beyond the sky, Space Ship One hopes to start its first passenger flights into space in 2007.
Are you a pioneer? If you could afford the air(space)fare, would you go?
another photo after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 25, 2005
Designer Organisms Power Our Future
The same scientist who cracked the human genome now hopes to exploit the properties of DNA to solve the world's pending energy crisis.
J. Craig Venter gained worldwide recognition in 2000 when he successfully mapped the human genetic code - is now behind a new start-up called Synthetic Genomics which plans to create new types of organisms that would produce hydrogen and break down greenhouse gases.
The initial focus will be on creating bio-factories for hydrogen and ethanol, two fuels seen as playing an increasing role in powering vehicles, our homes and even our mobile devices.
With the genome mapped, scientists can now program new instruction sets in DNA for organisms to execute. Since they follow the life cycle of nature, nothing is wasted, everything is recycled and they are powered by the same sources our plants love; greenhouse gases and the sun.
Nature is incredibly efficient, even photosynthesis is about a million times more efficient than even the most complex and expensive solar panels despite doing the same thing - harnessing the power of the sun's light. By using nature as the bio-factory, our energy crisis can be solved without further harmfully contributing to the environment.
via cnet
Posted by tranism at 1:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Honda Demos The Future Of Energy
Wouldn't it be ideal to fuel your car and your home energy needs all by yourself? No need for a government run utility service. Honda sees a future in fuel cell technology for home consumers, not just industry.
Further advancing its vision of a gasoline and emissions free transportation future, Honda Research & Development introduced the Home Energy Station III, which provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle.
Unlike traditional energy sources like gasoline, the Home Energy Station III uses natural gas as its base energy source. In keeping with the path established by early generation systems, Home Energy Station I and Home Energy Station II, the Home Energy Station III is designed to work in a home-based refueling environment as is able to supply a sufficient amount of hydrogen to power a fuel cell vehicle, such as the Honda FCX, for daily operation while providing electricity for an average size household. The ultimate goal it to allow consumers to become directly aware of their own energy usage while drastically reducing emissions.
The future is upon us, if only we could get more lobbyists on our side to push these advancements ever further.
Posted by tranism at 1:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Zubbles Story
The story of a struggling toy maker and his 11 year battle to solve what veteran toy manufactures said couldn't be done; make colored bubbles.
To summarize, Tim Kehoe had always been fascinated with bubbles. I mean who wasn't? There is something mystical about their transparent aloofness and yet their temporary existence makes them all the more magical. Most of us out-grow their novelty but Tim Kehoe saw a future in bubbles. He wanted to bring them to life and in full technicolor, but the laws of physics have made that next to impossible . . . or so they thought.
A bubble is basically surfactants (a material found in all soap) interacting with water to reduce surface tension. This allows the fluid to spread across a bubble without breaking. You would think all you have to do to add color is to add some dye or food coloring. Two major problems exist with both those methods. First, color dye and food coloring is heavier than water so instead of spreading evenly across the bubble, it just sits and collects at the bottom under the whim of gravity. Secondly, they leave nasty stains once the bubble pops.
So the question became, is it possible to create a colored bubble that doesn't stain or leave any mark at all. After 11 years of home experimentation, Tim Kehoe finally consulted a molecular chemist (very few of them in the world) from India and with half a million dollars, a dream, and some of the most challenging work they have ever embarked on, they finally figured out the holy grail of bubble making.
The same toy manufactures who at first shunned Tim, regarded him as a toy making mad man are know clamoring to carry his latest invention - "Zubbles". Due out just in time for the Holiday season, Zubbles are posed to make the world's best selling toy even better. They making beautiful vibrant colored bubbles that last longer and once popped, leave no stains on anything. The color simply disappears once it interacts with air.
There is something intricately hot and incredibly appealing about a 30+ year old man never giving up on his kid dreams. Make sure you read the full story here. It's inspiring and better than any lifetime channel movie. Believe dat!
Posted by tranism at 1:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Eden Project
The Eden Project (located in the United Kingdom) is a showcase for global bio-diversity and one of the most innovative and high profile lottery funded projects.
The "biomes" makes up the largest plant enclosure in the world built in the lightest and most ecological way possible. They are a sequences of honey-comb shaped spheres that encapsulate humid tropic and warm temperate regions.
Make sure you check out the website. The structure(s) are amazing. Too bad it's not in the USA.
Posted by tranism at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
November 24, 2005
People+
Modern lives are increasingly becoming more flexible, connected and mobile. How do you update your living space to communicate the themes of mobility and its influence on people's lives? The People+ installation exposes flaws of communication, and stresses the fact that mobile communication expands the boundaries of a person and augments the distances one can reach.
The installation uses the human figure symbol (imagine a stick figure) and the "+" sign as a vehicle to tell a story; and the story is simple - connect one human being to another and you have created a network and mobile communication is all about networks. It's a type of emotional math if you will.
From that "equation", how does the installation look? A cloud of human figures and "+" signs hang from the ceiling and react to mobile phone activities like calls, SMS, MMS, etc. When this happens, the cloud becomes alive with steams of light flowing between the objects. The objects glow and dim, a human figure, a "+" sign, another human figure, another "+" sign and so on. An imaginary line is then created portraying a trajectory of activity. The result is beautiful and hypnotic.
Posted by tranism at 8:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 18, 2005
pixile
A Pixile is a projection applied onto spherical objects suspended in space. The projection consists of a realtime 3D rendered environment which mimics the physical shape and size of the objects is it projecting onto. The result is a holographic illusion. You can interact with the pixile with the use of a mouse, clicking and dragging objects as if they existed in real life.
The image above is taken from the DesignEDGE expo in Singapore last week. It's called "The Fishbowl Pixile". Three spheres are placed in a vertical row. A fish bowl shape is projected into each sphere, creating a virtual opening on the physical sphere, the user is able to rotate the individual bowls around in all directions with the use of a mouse. Small physics based cubes are placed inside the bowls so the user is able to pour the cubes from one bowl into another. The cool thing is the cubes start as primary colors but once they mix with the other cubes, they average out and form new colors.
check out this video
Posted by tranism at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Abyss That Is New York
I hate long vertical images but I'm doing this for all my New York buddies and blogmates. I present to you an underground depiction of your city (not to scale of course). It looks so freakin interesting. Makes me wonder what's under Los Angeles.
Posted by tranism at 12:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Creating A New Language
What would happen if you were locked in a room with a bunch of strangers, not allowed to speak and all you had were four to sixteen symbols to work with? How would you all communicate?
To find out, Yale cognitive scientist Bruno Galantucci decided to run an experiment. He set up a computer game in which two people wander through a virtual space with several rooms - each marked with a geometric symbol on the ground. Neither can see the other, but they can communicate by drawing symbols on a rapidly scrolling chalkboard that each can see. To figure out where the other person is, they must develop a system of communication that is linked to the symbols on the ground, yet also which communicates complex concepts like relative position and direction someone is heading in.
Then he plopped a few subjects down to see what would happen. Nine out of ten pairs developed a communication system of three or four symbols and solved the puzzle in three hours. A more complex version of the puzzle was solved in six hours with sixteen symbols created. The interesting thing was, each language was different. You would think people would come up with the same solutions and conclusions.
The good doctor expected the pairs would build their language on elements on the icons that appeared on the floors of the rooms. A few did, but they extracted features of the icons - the number of vertices or some abstraction of the shape for example. Others adopted a numbering system for the rooms - such as slanting one line for the first room and two for the second. Another technique involved labeling the rooms by their relative position in space by placing marks on different parts of the screen.
So how do humans develop these language skills so fast? Intriguingly, communication was born as soon as one partner decided to copy another's symbols. There's something cognitively deep about the act of mimesis between two sentient beings. The one pair that didn't complete the game basically reduced themselves to the equivalent of screaming in frustration by scribbling all over chaotically.
Since this video game started as a study, I could image it extrapolated into a massively multiplayer game similar to World of Warcraft. What kind of language would 10,000 people online develop? How would language influence relationships, alliances and growth? What kind of languages will be the easiest to learn and spread rapidly and what kind will quickly die and be absorbed into others? If anyone can make this kind of game, it would be Nintendo, known for their passion to create games based on motives and ideas rather than just graphics. DO IT NINTENDO!
Posted by tranism at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 12, 2005
VirtuSphere
VirtuSphere provides a mechanical basis for truly immersive virtual reality environments. Long gone are the cumbersome heavy head gears of the late 90's. Enter a new era where the user wears lightweight wireless head gear and every real step is associated with a virtual step.
The device consists of a large hollow sphere which is mounted on a specially mounted platform that allows the sphere to rotate freely as the user walks in any direction. The user wears a head mounted display which provides the virtual environment. Sensors under the sphere provide subject speed and direction to the computer running the simulation. Users can ever interact with objects in virtual space using a special manipulator.
Currently there are 18 VirtuSpheres around the world with more to come. Some of the foreseen applications are:
- Military, Law Enforcement, Dangerous Occupations training simulations
- Video Local Area Network Arcades
- Health and exercise, professional athlete training, fitness clubs
- Business and personal communications
- Education
- Virtual travel and tourism
- Virtual museum exhibits
- Entertainment at events
- Home gaming and exercise
The ability to move physically and thereby control the simulation is one of the enabling technologies behind such science fictional devices as the Star Trek holodeck. (Yes I'm a geek). The holodeck is a virtual environment that provides infinitely varied participatory, interactive entertainment in a very small space. On Federation Starships, stressed crew members need to have some sort of outlet for exercise and entertainment.
Posted by tranism at 6:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 8, 2005
Robot with 20,000 Brain Cells
A robot operating on biological principles without any pre-specified instruction; is that possible?
Apparently yes - researchers at the Neuroscience Institute have developed "Darwin VII", a trash can shaped robot that has 20,000 brain cells.
The infant bot crawls across a floor strewn together with blocks, grabbing and tasting as it goes, its malleable mind is impressionable and hungry to learn. It is already adapting, discovering that the striped blocks are yummy and the spotted ones are gross.
Its exploration is driven by instincts, an interests in bright objets, a predilection for tasting things (sounds like me), and an innate notion of what tastes good. In time, it will learn more and researchers are eager to study Darwin's "brain" develops.
So here is the beginning of self-thinking robots. Darwin may be an infant now but if moore's law holds true, he will soon rule the world and in preparation for his dominion, I bow to my new overlord. You all should too.
Posted by tranism at 2:12 AM | Permalink
Carbon Neutral & Clean; It's The Future
The Toyota Fine-X provides a glimpse of the radical opportunities that a hybrid fuel cell system can provide, delivering strong environmental performance and exceptional maneuverability through a four-wheel independent drive and the use of a large steering angle mechanism that allows the vehicle to turn on a dime.
The Fine-X follows Toyota's "vibrant clarity" design principles and has external dimensions slightly greater than the current Toyota Corolla. Interior space however is closer to a Prius or Camry. The interior is designed to be welcoming, with variable lighting intensity and power seats that automatically move in and out of the car through gull-wing doors.
Four-wheel independent drive with in-wheel electric motors and four-wheel independent steering with a large angle steering mechanism gives the Fine-X more maneuvering ability than any other vehicle. With this ability, the car can make u-turns on the spot or move into tight parking spaces since the wheels can rotate to a perfect 90 degree angle. Driving is also made easier and safer thanks to the use of multiple displays that gives the driver a 360 degree view around the car.
The hybrid system, combining a hydrogen fuel cell and electric motors ensures environmental performance, while Toyota pursues a carbon-neutral profile for the vehicle by using plant-based materials in the construction of internal and external components. The source plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow and even if the components are burned when the vehicle reaches the end of its life, no additional CO2 is emitted.
The interior of the production version varies from the concept mockups but at least there is a production model. Could this be the future Prius? The future looks promising don't it?
click on images for a larger view
additional pictures via gizmag
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:39 AM | Permalink
November 6, 2005
Water Drops Make Music
The Aqueous installation is a meditative space that encourages perception of small things. In a dark room, visitors can see lights near the floor and on the ceiling and hear soft water sounds from every part of the space. As the sound gains and loses musicality, they can also catch glimpses of tonal, rhythmic and spatial patterns.
Water droplets fall through the space into 25 water filled tubes that are approximately tuned in an equal temperament scale spanning two octaves. Each tube is lit from the bottom by an LED creating a glow in the ceiling that shimmers and flickers when the water surface is distorted. The release of droplets is hidden above the ceiling allowing it to act as a canvas.
via Zehao Chang and near near future
Posted by tranism at 1:37 AM | Permalink
PhaSR
Trekkies aren't the only ones sportin' phasers - soon the military will too. Developed by the Air Force, the PhaSR (personal halting and stimulation response) is a non-lethal illumination technology weapon. It was designed to protect troops and to control hostile crowds. The weapon employs a laser system that temporarily blinds its targets. The contract to build this weapon has been awarded and the first complete prototypes will come out in March of 2006.
And it dawns on me, the age of weapons being used to control rather than kill. After all, people are more useful alive.
Posted by tranism at 1:32 AM | Permalink
Fish TANK
The fish that live in this tank talk by using their body language. Designer Sangmin Bae created a device that explores the many aspects of biosonic and infrasonic sound. Video captured from a webcam mounted above the tank is combined with data from flow sensors inside the tank (measuring the currents created by the fish swimming). These inputs are combined to create audio and video output. Bae suggests that "even if the fish can't speak and express their feelings in a human way, it has energy and communicate in its own way". Here, vibration is the medium of interaction.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:11 AM | Permalink
October 30, 2005
NEtROBOt project
Yet another thing you can do with AIBO, Sony's artificially intelligent dog.
The NEtROBOt project aims to establish a new concept of communication over the internet, getting the feel of existence in the virtual world by interacting with an actual robot, "AIBO".
The goal is to create an un-simultaneous communication and 3D space sharing system using web3d techniques and AIBO as an interface. The project proposes new entertainment content by virtually interacting within this 3D world to trigger images, sound, music and AIBO dances. 3D models of AIBO are displayed on a web browser while the real AIBO is by your side. He bridges the communication between you and his avatar in the 3D world.
This is one of those times when seeing it in action is the only way to do it any justice.
Posted by tranism at 11:07 PM | Permalink
October 26, 2005
Fish Pilots Vehicle!
Seith Weiner has created a vehicle piloted by a fish and propelled by 2 drive wheels. The fish steers its vessel by its movements. A camera above the cockpit tracks the movements of the Terranaut (the name of the fish). Its location is then wirelessly transmitted to a remote processing station where the data is converted into motion commands and transmitted back to the motion controller of the vehicle.
If you live in NYC, go check it out at the EXIT BIENNIAL 2: Traffic, Exit Art, thru Decemeber 23, 2005
Tre cool man, just f*cking cool!
via near near future via interactive USC
Posted by tranism at 1:53 AM | Permalink
Mac Mini Bot
Take a $500 computer, throw in a $149 camera, some servos, a couple of casters, a power source and some programming - viola! You've got yourself an autonomous robot.
Some people at the University of Osnabrueck (have no idea where that is) did just that. This robot has three modified servos glued to lots of plywood. A controller run by a series of 6 volt batteries, an Apple iSight camera with the body of a Apple Mac Mini provide the power and brains. The software that runs the "brain" is Java based. It processes images from the iSight camera and decides where to go to avoid obstacles.
The batteries last almost 2 hours! The group hopes after successful testing - to sell a home kit to people interested in building their very own Mac Mini Bot to do your bidding. I soooo want one.
picture of the finalized bot after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:46 AM | Permalink
Theory Of The Wobbly Table
How many times have you sat down at a table, plopped your arms up only to find the whole table shifting towards you? How many times has that happened to you + drinks spilling all over your lap? Me? at least one of each incident.
Some of us even try to find ways to "un-wobble" it. The folded up napkin technique is sometimes successful but then that leaves your napkinless. I've also seen the matchbook technique but what if you don't smoke? So what's a frustrated person to do? According to one scientist, all you need to do is turn the table top.
Yup, Andre Martin, a physicist at CERN found that by rotating the table (working under the assumption all the legs were even to begin with), the ground would eventually yield up four areas at the same level. He took it a step further to see if a mathematical formula could prove his technique.
Okay, I'm going to pause here for a moment and comment on ANY person that finds fun in postulating mathematical formulas in the freetime. YOU ARE SMART and that makes you SO HOT. Your brain must be "ginormous" and I have always wanted a walking human calculator as a friend. You would definitely complete my circle of power, which consists of a doctor, dentist, real estate agent, banker, police officer, scientist and a rich person.
Back to the topic at hand. Andre Martin's recent paper arguing that proof indeed exists. Rotate a table for long enough and you will inevitably produce stability. Mind you, Martin makes several assumptions. The table must be round, its legs are all even to begin with and the ground should never have an inclination between any two points of more than 15%.
Ummm, I really can't comment anymore. I have no idea why I found this interesting. If you've read to the end of this entry, please tell me what you will walk away with. Have you learned something new?
Posted by tranism at 1:18 AM | Permalink
October 19, 2005
The Key Is Seaweed
A type of seaweed recently discovered in Fiji could someday be used to fight bacterial infections, cancer or even AIDS.
The red species (known for it's antibacterial and antivirual attributes) is found on shallow coral reefs along the South Pacific island's coastline. Researchers studying the plant identified ten new compounds that might be developed for pharmaceutical use. Some of the compounds show promise as antibacterial fighters - even mutated strains that are resistant to current antibiotics.
The more startling find is one of the compounds seems to trigger cell auto destruction in cancer cells. The compound was able to completely kill a tumor with massive doses. There in lies the problem. Massive does of the compound can harm organs in the human body.
"We can cure cancer with a shotgun, so curing cancer isn't the problem. Curing cancer without harming the patient is a whole different thing that's very very difficult to figure out."
The power of seaweed comes from it's abilities to create molecules and compounds for reproduction, defense and disease resistance. The compounds can deter predators by poisoning them, slowly their growth, sterilizing them or even killing them. If seaweed is so good for the body, ever wonder why more marine animals aren't eating them? Its precisely because the seaweed can quickly adapt and change the molecular content of it's fleshy leaves to poison those that try and eat it.
When I read stories like this, it fascinates me and reinforces the idea that nature has already created the solves to many of the diseases that challenge us; its just a matter of discovering them. Unfortunately, researchers believe it will be ten more years before any drug based off the red seaweed will make it to market - thats a lifetime for those who need it now.
Posted by tranism at 1:47 AM | Permalink
October 16, 2005
AMD Dresden, The New Chill Spot
I know making super complex micro-processors requires a very chill environment but damn, photos of the new AMD fabrication plant in Dresden Germany make me wonder . . .
These guys look like they are just kickin it - laid back while all the robots make the chips. Look how freakin sterile the environment is. I suspect not one of those "chip makers" has ever caught a cold from work. I want one of those outfits too.
more photos after the jump
Posted by tranism at 12:47 AM | Permalink
October 11, 2005
Backpack Power
To all perpetual students, that heavy ass backpack can now do more than haul around those $100 textbooks you never use - you can now generate your own electricity.
A backpack that generates electricity as its wearer strolls along has been developed by experts in human locomotion.
By harnessing the looping up and down motion of our hips as we walk, the backpacks' freely-moving load bounces up and down, generating up to 7 watts. That is more than enough to power cellphones, pda's, digital camera, Gameboys and PSPs.
There's also a social utilitarian function to these packs. Scientists hope they will be a standard among troops, field researchers, explorers and rescue workers who need to generate their own power.
All very cool but I say, this is just a hop-skip-and-jump away into a future where all humans generate their own power for our robot overloads.
via new scientist
Posted by tranism at 2:50 PM | Permalink
October 7, 2005
Plants Smoke Too
Problem: We all know, (even the smokers do) that smoke stinks. It travels far (which is why non-smoking sections don't work) and when it has no where else to go, it seeps deep into your clothing until you start to smell like the back of a closet.
Solution: Make an ash tray with a very hardy indoor plant that will filter out the smoke and expel out clean breathable oxygen.
The tobacco industry has got it all wrong. If I were them, I'd market to the plants. Plants would smoke that shit up in a heart beat.
via yankodesign
Posted by tranism at 5:01 PM | Permalink
October 5, 2005
HandySinger
The HandySinger system is a tool that naturally expresses a singing voice controlled by the gestures of a cute cute hand puppet. Developed at ART Intelligent Robotics and Communication, the singing voice morphing algorithm smoothes out the strength of expressions delivered with a singing voice.
Make sure you watch the video to fully understand what this is about. Once you watch it, then it'll hit you how damn cool this is. The researchers recorded a young woman singing a nursery rhyme in four types of expressions; normal, dark, whisper and wet. Normal is normal, dark emphasizes expressiveness like that produced by an opera singer, whisper is a hoarse voice like a lullaby and wet is a type of expression often heard in pop music.
The hand puppet consists of a cute cute stuffed penguin and a sensor covered glove that acts as a capturing device for movement. The sensor's signals are then processed to output MIDI signals while a sound controlling program produces a singing voice.
Interaction design really is a new frontier with the availability of all these new technologies, enabling experiments like this. I can't wait to see more!
via near near future
Posted by tranism at 9:41 PM | Permalink
October 3, 2005
Just Add Water
There's no doubt that plastics have revolutionized the way we live. From medicine to storage to being easy and cheap to produce, plastics helped usher in a new era of human ingenuity. It has become our civilization's "artificial skin". Durable, long lasting and easily replaced. Unfortunately plastics are also toxic and release tons of carcinogenic particles into our air when burnt and because of it's resilient nature, burning it is the only way to get rid of it. We've succeeded in initiating recycling programs but we're missing one major part of the formula. In nature, materials are not only recycled, but they have to break down fast and refuel the whole process again. In our haste for the mother of all artificial materials, we forgot to make our plastics biodegradable.
An Australian company called Plantic says you only have to add water to its plastic and it will disappear right in front of your eyes. Its plastic is made out of 90% organic materials and left in a compost heap, the material will disappear in less than 3 months.
The "green" technology behind this plastic is amazing. By using water as a catalyst, potentially the plastic could break down releasing water into the soil and carbon dioxide into the air. Low laying plants surrounding the plastic could convert that carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen into our air.
As we tread closer to the realization that our current methodologies are wasteful and unbalanced with the rest of nature, technologies like these will help evolve our current materials into products not just for us, but for our source; the earth as well.
Posted by tranism at 1:54 PM | Permalink
October 1, 2005
A Mid-Air Snatching . . . Macro Style
Nature is frighteningly beautiful. What do you suppose happened when a spider snatches a bee twice it's size out of mid-air flight?
pictures after the jump
DAYUM, just damn . . .
Posted by tranism at 11:07 AM | Permalink
September 29, 2005
Robots Do DNA
these images show from left to right in each row, the sequence of self assembly by the miniature robots
One of the cornerstones of organic development is how cells are able to replicate DNA using building blocks floating randomly inside a cell's nucleus. A little bio lesson; the interior of a nucleus is filled with a gel-like liquid known as plasm. Also present are polymerases which grab nucleotides (the DNA building blocks I was speaking of) as needed when copying DNA.
Inspired by these biological systems, scientists at M.I.T have developed miniature robots that can self assemble using parts that float randomly in their environments. Basically, the bots latch on to one another in specific sequences. They come in two colors, yellow (Y) and green (G) and float around on a cushion of air like hockey pucks. Each robot is programmed to latch onto a green robot on one side and a yellow robot on the other to form 5-robot strings such as YGGYY or GYYGG. They robots can also correct any mistakes they've made by checking to make sure they are latched on to the correct colored neighbor.
More and more research like this is surfacing after years of lab time - all with some similar conclusions when attempting to artificially simulate biological processes. Nature has a way of using the simplest actions to complete the most complex tasks. Currently most technology needs to be complex in order to achieve complex actions. In order to get to where nature has perfected biological processes, we need to minimize that complexity level. Less complexity means less room for error and less energy wasted. I find this research totally fascinating.
Posted by tranism at 1:21 PM | Permalink
September 27, 2005
Killer Whales? No, Killer Dolphins
I am alarmed at the idea of our sea saviors being trained to kill! Don't believe me? The Guardian Unlimited reported that armed dolphins escaped from US Naval facilities during Hurricane Katrina. The article explains the dolphins have been trained to shoot toxic darts at terrorists and spies using a specially designed harness and could prove extremely dangerous to surfers and windsurfers should they be mistaken for terrorists by the dolphins. The US Navy admits it has been training dolphins for military purposes, but has refused to confirm that any are missing.
I'm sure animal rights activists are probably going to have a field day with this one.
Posted by tranism at 10:13 PM | Permalink
September 20, 2005
Harry Potter and The Recessive Gene
Most people are familiar with J.K. Rowling's stories about the young wizard Harry Potter and the latest book "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" only serves to further prove itself as a cultural phenomenon. In fact, I've just finished reading it and even thru 6 book iterations and 3 movies, I still want more. Anything Harry Potter and I will be happy. Somehow the stars all lined up and the bright full moon this past weekend smiled bright on my wishes and an article surfaced across my computer screen. Scientists (real legit ones) have written theories about how wizarding ability may be genetic. They believe using the Harry Potter franchise would be a great way to get children interested in genetic concepts by using analogies to a story so endearing and close to their hearts.
Wizards or witches can be of any race, and may be the offspring of a wizard and a witch - the offspring of two muggles (muggle-born), or of mixed ancestry (half-blood).
This suggest that wizarding ability is inherited in a mendelian fashion, with the wizard allele (W) being recessive to the muggle allele (M). According to this hypothesis, all wizards and witches therefore have two copies of the wizard allele (WW). Harry's friend's Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom and his arch-enemy Draco Malfoy are pure-blood wizards: WW with WW ancestors for generations back. Harry's friend Hermione is a powerful muggle-born with (WW with WM parents). Their classmate Seamus is a half-blood wizard, the son of a witch and a muggle (WW with one WW and one WM parent). Harry (WW with WW parents) is not considered a pure-blood, as his mother was muggle-born.
Just like in real genetics, there are even scientists who dispute this theory and offer their own. They hope with the use of these examples, the concepts of mendelian genetics can be introduced to children as young as five, and then built on by gradually introducing specific terms such as "gene" and "allele", and relating these to chromosomes and DNA. At every stage, children's familiarity with the Harry Potter characters can be used as a hook to engage them in discussing concepts of heredity and genetics.
Damn, I only wish science would have taken a similar approach to teaching me the foundations of genetics back when I was schooling. It would have been so much more fun that staring at half-assed drawings of DNA chains and mitochondria in textbooks.
Posted by tranism at 11:27 PM | Permalink
September 6, 2005
Subaru R1e Maybe Soon
At the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru unveiled the R1e which is an all electric version of the R1 sold only in Japan. So what's so hot about an electric vehicle? We used to have one here in the states called the EV1 made by GM only to be completely axed and GM admitting it was a failure. The R1e addresses all the issues the EV1 faced; size, economy, cost, reliability, recycle-ability and efficiency.
So lets talk stats. The R1e is a 2+2 vehicle powered by a next generation battery codeveloped by NEC technologies. The batteries are super light, much more energy dense, made from manganese lithium-ion and can be charged in about 15 minutes from a single standard outlet. One full charge allows the R1e to travel 125 miles. That would be perfect for trips to and from work, school and errands, but the reality is, that range is too short for the wide open expanses of American freeways. So how will this vehicle and vehicles like it impact the future of automotive travel?
Economically, the R1e makes sense because its a "transitional vehicle", meaning it's not to replace current petrol based autos. Its purpose is to force people to re-evaluate their transportation needs, getting the public used to technology they didn't grow up with, and eventually penetrating the mass market. Once those three conditions are met, only then will the mass public be able to transition into alternative energy based technologies such as fuel cells. Current methods of trying to get alternatively powered vehicles into market will never "sale" past early adopters and tree huggers because it causes a disruption in current energy, power and fuel infrastructures. We can not expect large oil and car companies to move first. They watch where the demand is so it is up to the public to move first and thats where vehicles like the R1e step in.
The size of the R1e is perfect for many reasons. Going smaller allows you to pull from old design manuals that say if you want a super strong object, with the maximum amount of volume, using the least amount of materials . . . you go for a spherical shape. The bubble shaped R1e fulfills all these requirements. It's nut-shell like frame makes it incredibly strong and it's aerodynamic shape lends to its smooth ride and long range for an all electric vehicle.
Reliability was a major issue for GM's EV1. Many owners complained of battery failure and exceedingly long charging hours for very little mileage. Cost wise the EV1 was a nightmare as GM tried to market it for the everyday commuter but the vehicle cost nearly 2x as much as a better equipped gas car. Subaru did right by making the R1e's list of standard features comparable to current offerings. Unlike the EV1, you get air conditioning, cd player, cruise control, safety, car like ride and easy maintainence.
The technology inside the EV1 was still in it's infancy and the market wasn't ready. However with the success of hybrids, now is the time for a vehicle like the R1e to really step forward and claim it's market. Hybrids are wonderful (I own a Prius) but as environmentally friendly as they are, there are still emissions exiting it's tail pipe and they still need a commodity that is growing shorter and more expensive every day; gas.
This is where the R1e exceeds previous electric vehicle iterations and surpasses current hybrid offerings. No emissions and a battery system that is 100% recyclable. Subaru and NEC spent a considerable amount of money figuring out a way out to re-use battery components and to completely recycle them into new vehicles. This drives down costs and makes the most expensive component of the vehicle much more manageable to produce, thus passing those savings on down to the consumers.
Which leads to the final element for the R1e's possible success here in America. As a transitional, alternative, and even 2nd vehicle . . . it needs to be affordable. Because it lacks the range gas vehicles enjoy, it needs to undercut current offerings by making it even more affordable. A sub $9,000 car would send legions of college students, first time buyers, and commuters to Subaru show rooms. It's mass adoption will force the big companies to finally open and distribute an alternative energy infrastructure and from that success; will allow Subaru and other car manufactures to seriously spend more money not just on concept research but actually bringing these vehicles into production. The goal one day is to finally allow technology to step forward to solve our oil, gas and pollution problems. The current model of our capitalist based society often hinders advancements for monetary reasons. We need to force a revolution there but to get to that point, we need consumers to buy, adopt, and mass-accept.
I for one love the R1e. It's design appeals to me much more than the SMART cars do. It's all electric platform makes my bank account happy as my dependency on gas will be alleviated. 125 miles per charge is plenty to get me to and from work and run errands. With it's success I can see charging stations opening up all over the country. With 15 minute charge times, that'll give me just enough time to get out, stretch my legs and grab a snack. Subaru has already confirmed the R1e will come to Japan with the possibility of an introduction to America. I say, bring it on Subaru, bring it on. It's a small step, but a right one.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 12:56 AM | Permalink
September 4, 2005
Mr. Octopi is More Than Meets The Eye
Scientists may now have to re-evaluate the predator - prey relationship of the deep ocean and it all started at a Seattle aquarium. Marine Scientists at the aquarium had to move a Giant Pacific Red Octopus into a larger tank containing sharks and other large fish while the Octo's tank was worked on. They figure an Octo's introverted personality and color changing ability would keep it safe, but which animal was really in danger here? Every week, they would find shark carcasses all over the tank. They decided to keep a camera running all night and what did they find?
My Octopi was caught red (pun intended) handed; snatching sharks, twisting their bodies, smashing their heads against the rocks and holding them still since sharks literally drown if not constantly moving. They posted the video and I have to say, that is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The final scene shows Mr. Octopi bringing in the shark's head into it's beak delivering the final "crunch" putting the shark out of it's misery.
That shark got his ass OWNED! Some marine biologists are now re-evaluating whether or not sharks are natural predators (which was assumed) or actual prey. Was this all just some freak coincidence or are sharks gettin owned all up and down the Pacific? A mere invertebrate and yet they will probably rise up one day to OWN us. I for one would like to publicly say, I welcome our new masters and bow to their ultimateness and offer many years of servitude.
make sure you check out the video here
via collision detection
Posted by tranism at 12:55 PM | Permalink
September 3, 2005
The Real Mighty Mouse
The miracle mouse (mice) is/are creating a stir in the scientific community. Apparently it all started with one mouse that somehow regenerated it's amputated limbs - a feat normal for amphibians, fish and insects but extremely rare for mammals. What is even more startling is the scientists were able to extract the regenerative cells and inject them into normal mice. Those mice also began to heal and regenerate lost tails, toes and ears.
"We have experimented with amputating or damaging several different organs, such as the heart, toes, tail and ears, and just watched them re-grow. It is quite remarkable. The only organ that did not grow back was the brain."
The scientists have identified 12 genes that attribute to the regeneration and it is theoretically possible for those genes to be compatible in humans. If further study is approved, this could open up a whole new era in medical science. The regenerative abilities kicked in regardless of when a limb was lost, whether it was yesterday or 12 months ago. Lab mice typically have a life span of only 2 years so its hard to conduct any long term studies without using an animal that can live longer.
The powers of regeneration usually stays with lower animals. Mammals have regeneration abilities when they are still young, but as they grow, the body's cells become more specialized losing their ability to become other cells. This allows mammals to become much more complex organisms but in lower life forms like a newt for example; when it loses it's leg, the cells around the damaged tissue revert back to stem cells, dividing and multiplying rapidly. Because they are stem cells, they can become any cell thats needed to regenerate the missing limb.
If anything, this is all the more confirmation that world governments need to open up the barriers currently blocking stem cell research. Religion and conservative beliefs need to step aside, for the growth, betterment, and advancement of humankind.
Posted by tranism at 11:36 PM | Permalink