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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
Posted by tranism at 2:35 AM | Permalink
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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