Intel’s CTO Justin Rattner had several highlights at this weekend’s Singularity Summit. 1. Claytronics catom components are now millimeter size in the lab and will be micron size in 5-10 years. 2. Intel will have all digital multi-radios in 2009. Digital components can be miniaturized far better than analog and can have benefits in terms …
In 2001, the FDA approved the use of capsule endoscopy, which uses a capsule size camera [1.2 inches long by 0.4 inches in diameter]. These are passive systems. There is work to make smaller robotic systems and systems that can perform more of the capabilities of regular endoscopes. These capabilities include therapeutic and diagnostic operations …
ASML Holding NV (ASML) presents today at the 2008 International Symposium on Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) on recent achievements in its EUV lithography program and unveils a production system roadmap that supports cost-effective chip manufacturing to at least 11 nanometers (nm). This would enable the ITRS roadmap to stay on track through 2022. The ASML …
September 25th, China successfully launched Shenzhou 7 for their first space walk and the first module of a space station. The Shenzhou 7 spacecraft blasted off atop a Long March 2F rocket shortly after 9pm (2300 AEST) under clear night skies in northwestern China. The spacewalk by one of the astronauts is expected to take …
A simplified picture of the electric sail. An actual system would have 50 to 100 or more 20 kilometer wires. 100 kg spaceships could be accelerated to final speeds of 40-100 km/second. [Further refinement can enable a 800km/s top speed – the top solar wind speed] This site has identified the solar electric sail as …
The Transition “Personal Air Vehicle” is expected to be released in late 2009 and has just shown its operational prototype. The estimated purchase price is $148,000. Owners will drive the car from their garage to an airport where they will then be able to fly within a range of 100 to 500 miles (800 km). …
This technology news roundup has imminent testing of the Vasimr plasma rocket in space, twelve dollar personal computers, ten dollar dime sized microscopes and a plant that is 250% better than corn for biofuels and twice as productive as switchgrass. (the plant has not been modified yet and genetic modifications could vastly increase yields.) Nasa …
The Kiplinger Letter talks about the potential and timing of the Bakken oil play An official government survey of the Bakken region’s oil treasure trove is due out next month. The report is expected to play it very conservatively, because it will confine estimates to the amount of oil that likely can be produced profitably …