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Sharp Electronics has paired up with London University biologist John Oxford to bring us all H5N1, a defense against the dreaded bird flu. When certain positive and negative ions are released at the same time, the cells combine and become free radicals, thereby disabling the micro-organisms. Originally the plastamacluster was developed for purifying in air conditioners, but it proved to remove an incredible 99% during lab testing.
Read More 
| Tokyo Mango
Gallery: Sharp and LU Find Bird Flu Deterrent
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DIY mechanics can now build a Hybrid to save some bucks and help the planet. The XR3 holds two passengers and can get 125 mpg on diesel and 225 mpg when combined with electricity. Weighing a mere 1,480 lbs., designer Robert Q. Riley promises fast acceleration and a maximum speed of 80 mph. With a clam shell canopy and three-wheel platform, use battery power alone for up to 40 miles distance. You can build the XR3 in a diesel only model for less than $10,000.00 while a Li-ion version can cost up to $25,000.00. Plans will set you back $170.00 to $200.00.
Read More | R Q Riley
Gallery: XR3 Hybrid Car Kit
In Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC, a turtle wearing a GPS device for research happened across a marijuana field. The discovery was found by the ranger in charge of the program. Apparently, this is not the first time that people have used the park for growing their own. The culprit was taken into custody and the turtle has gone back to his research. When complimented on his dedication and discovery, the turtle just looked glassy-eyed and commented “Far out, man.”
😉
Read More | WUSA9
Gallery: Turtle Turns Narc
NMI Golden Shellback Waterproof Coating
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Science,
The Northeast Maritime Institute has developed Golden Shellback coating. This waterproof polymer repels oil, dirt, dust, synthetic fluids, hazardous materials, and water based solutions. It can be applied to plastic, metals, ceramic, glass, and other types of sufaces to also become anti-corrosive. While the coating is not yet available to the public, it would appear that the process would involve sending the gadget to them and paying ~$50.00 to $75.00, depending on the size. To see it in action, catch the video featuring lots of electronic devices, including an iPod touch.
Read More | Golden Shellback
Gallery: NMI Golden Shellback Waterproof Coating
Tamiya Loopwing Wind Power Generator Set
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Toys, Transportation,
Get your kids thinking about alternate energy sources with the Tamiya Loopwing Wind Power Generator Set. The windmill has a loop-wing design with low-friction connectors that needs very little breeze to run. A rechargeable vehicle is included that, after a 5 to 10 minute charge, can run for 1 to 2 minutes. The set has a double gear for light wind and triple for strong, and the base can also be used as a handle. Pre-order for $67.00, which sounds expensive until you realize no fuel costs are involved.
Read More | Tamiya
Gallery: Tamiya Loopwing Wind Power Generator Set
Touch Sight Camera for the Visually Impaired
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Design, Science,
What a unique idea. Designers Chueh Lee and team from Samsung, China came up with Touch Sight, a digital camera for the visually impaired. The cam records sound when the shutter button is pressed and can be used as a reference for managing the photos. The device has a lightweight Braille display sheet with a 3D image instead of an LCD. Once taken, the images can be down or uploaded for sharing. The team discovered that the forehead is the best place for this device to aim and stabilize. We can’t wait to see the results if the prototype becomes reality.
Read More | Yanko Design
Gallery: Touch Sight Camera for the Visually Impaired
Researchers from Texas A&M have been utilizing radar to map a leaf-cutting Atta ant colony. They then digitize the images and turned into an interactive visualization system without displacing them. The results are a vertical slice of dirt with tunnels showing as low density, the food fungus, higher, and the earth surrounding the tunnels even higher. By shifting the GPR device, they get 3D.
“Leafcutting ant nests can hold a 3-story house—the rural legend is that tractors can disappear into them,” says team leader Dr. Carol LaFayette.
That makes you wonder just what is down there, doesn’t it?
Read More | BBC
Gallery: Scientist Study Ants in 3D
Samsung took the opportunity of utilizing the Olympics to introduce its new E200 Eco Cell Phone. Instead of being made of petroleum-based polycarbonate plastic, this one is made of bio-plastics that is created out of corn. Even the box has been made of non-coated, recycled paper. The Eco will debut in September and is part of their environmentally friendly line that includes the W510, which is also made of bio-plastic, and the F268, a BFR/PVC free mobile phone.
Read More | Akihabara News
Gallery: Samsung E200 Eco Cell Phone
GM Plans Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Science, Transportation,
AM General, the company that makes the Hummer H2 for GM, is hoping to make wheelchair-accessible vehicles by 2010. The car will be made for the U.S. and Canada and will include an automatic ramp that will be able to handle wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobile devices. They say they already have reservations for 3,500 units. Since GM has mentioned that other parties might be interested in its Hummer brand, it will be interesting to see if this will be another carrot or a last ditch effort by the company to keep those gas-hogs on the road.
Read More | Detroit News
Gallery: GM Plans Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Japan’s Tokyo University researcher Tsuyoshi Sekitani and team have created e-skin. Carbon nanotubes are combined with an iconic liquid and then added to rubber. The result is that it can feel heat and pressure the same as human skin. Applications include being used in steering wheels to determine body temperature to see if the driver should operate his/her vehicle, as a mattress cover for those who are bedridden to gauge body pressure, and of course the obvious, robot skin.
Read More | Space Daily
