Improvements in the cost and performance of LCDs and plasma televisions is reducing interest in carbon nanotube televisions Work is still being done, but improvements in other technology is making it difficult for the new technology to impact the market.
Gene Therapy goal: deliver desired genes to cells to either cure disease or improve body functions such as stronger muscles. Gene therapy has the potential to enhance human performance and cure diseases. Problem: Viruses used for gene delivery occasionally cause severe immune responses. The novel lipid molecule created at UC Santa Barbara has a tree-shaped, …
This is progress achieved via advanced chemistry towards more complex molecular machinery. A pair of light activated molecular pliers has been joined to a pair molecular flippersThe result is the first example of one molecular machine controllably driving the action of another, say the researchers. “The next step is to integrate multiple molecular machines” into …
Here is a summary of recent advances in regards to robotics. Some have been mentioned before on this blog, but are summarized here. New consumer robots. Furry robot horse that can be ridden $300 Robotic pack mule, 4 legs, stable, able to carry over 40 kilograms 100 times more powerful artificial robot muscle Currently, robotic …
James Sims of NIST and Stanley Hagstrom of IU announced a new high-precision calculation of the energy required to pull apart the two atoms in a hydrogen molecule (H2). Accurate to 1 part in 100 billion, these are the most accurate energy values ever obtained for a molecule of that size, 100 times better than …
James Sims of NIST and Stanley Hagstrom of IU announced a new high-precision calculation of the energy required to pull apart the two atoms in a hydrogen molecule (H2). Accurate to 1 part in 100 billion, these are the most accurate energy values ever obtained for a molecule of that size, 100 times better than …
Magnetically inflated cables can spring open a large (kilometer or larger) membrane space structure This can be used to make massive space telescopes, solar power collection systems, solar thermal propulsion and many other structures. This looks like one of the most simple and straight forward yet highest potential of all of the new Nasa institute …
Advancement on powered tether propulsion. Improved for movement in all directions and the structure can be used for other functions The article also has an interesting analysis of power storage systems now and near term.
Scalable flat panel nano-particle propulsion is and advancement of ion drive Different size particles are used to get maximum efficiency and to optimize either specific impulse (speed of propellant) or the amount of acceleration force.
Telecommunications researchers have demonstrated a novel communications network design that would provide both ultra-high-speed wireless and wired access services from the same signals carried on a single optical fiber. The system could provide 32 different channels, each providing 2.5 gigabit-per-second service. That capacity is already working in the lab. Using a technique developed at Georgia …
Researchers at the University of Dallas have created alcohol- and hydrogen-powered artificial muscles that are 100 times stronger than natural muscles, able to do 100 times greater work per cycle and produce, at reduced strengths, larger contractions than natural muscles. Among other possibilities, these muscles could enable fuel-powered artificial limbs, “smart skins” and morphing structures …