Mar 2009
India-Japan project develops paper-thin batteries
31/03/09 22:19 Filed in: Energy
One-micron thick thin-film batteries using nanotechnology could power cell phones or laptops.
University researchers in Japan and India say they have developed a battery that uses nanotechnology to make it thinner than a piece of paper.
The one-micron thick, 5.2-volt batteries are expected to combine high energy density with thin film technology.
The resulting technology could be used to power cell phones, laptops, or other devices.
The work is the result of a joint research project of the Kalasalingam University in Krishnankovil, India; the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai; and IMRAM Tohoku University in Japan. India’s Department of Science and Technology assisted.
Kalasalingam University’s G. Hirankumar brought optimized cathode materials to Tohoku University’s laboratories for three months of joint development. Research is ongoing.
The thin-film battery market is expected to reach 10 billion units, or $11 billion, by 2012, according to a report by Wintergreen Research in 2006.
Companies seeking to develop thin-film batteries include Littleton, Colo.-based Infinite Power Solutions and Orlando, Fla.-based Planar Energy Devices (see Infinite Power raises $13M to ramp thin-film batteries and Planar Energy plans battery line for 2009).
http://www.cleantech.com
University researchers in Japan and India say they have developed a battery that uses nanotechnology to make it thinner than a piece of paper.
The one-micron thick, 5.2-volt batteries are expected to combine high energy density with thin film technology.
The resulting technology could be used to power cell phones, laptops, or other devices.
The work is the result of a joint research project of the Kalasalingam University in Krishnankovil, India; the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai; and IMRAM Tohoku University in Japan. India’s Department of Science and Technology assisted.
Kalasalingam University’s G. Hirankumar brought optimized cathode materials to Tohoku University’s laboratories for three months of joint development. Research is ongoing.
The thin-film battery market is expected to reach 10 billion units, or $11 billion, by 2012, according to a report by Wintergreen Research in 2006.
Companies seeking to develop thin-film batteries include Littleton, Colo.-based Infinite Power Solutions and Orlando, Fla.-based Planar Energy Devices (see Infinite Power raises $13M to ramp thin-film batteries and Planar Energy plans battery line for 2009).
http://www.cleantech.com
Earth Hour
24/03/09 13:10 Filed in: Energy
Turn out. Take action.
Be part of this historic event.
March 28, 2009, 8:30 pm local time
World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.
http://www.earthhourus.org
Be part of this historic event.
March 28, 2009, 8:30 pm local time
World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.
http://www.earthhourus.org
New Light Shed On Marine Luminescence
08/03/09 08:11 Filed in: Tecnology
The phenomenon of light emission by living organisms, bioluminescence, is quite common, especially in marine species. It is known that light is generated by chemical reactions in which oxygen molecules play an important part.
In the animal world, these chemical reactions take place in special luminescent cells called photocytes.
These are aggregated into complex light organs, in which the intensity of light is regulated by nerve impulses, and in which light can be modulated with the help of reflectors, lenses and filters.
By these means, organisms can adjust the wavelength, diffusion and intensity of light according to need. But the exact mechanisms behind these processes remain shrouded in mystery.
Jenny Krönström, a researcher at the Department of Zoology of the University of Gothenburg has put another piece of the jigsaw puzzle in place by investigating the light organs of marine jellyfish, crustaceans and fish. In her thesis she reveals that krill, the luminescent crustacean, is equipped with special muscles that regulate light intensity through contraction and relaxation.
Read Full article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com
Is Bamboo Fiber Sustainable?
07/03/09 20:05 Filed in: Fashion
Which fibers and fabrics are more sustainable than others is always open for debate. Bamboo's eco-friendly positioning in the market has been centered on its properties as 1) a natural (that is, nonsynthetic) fiber, 2) a quick-growth plant (it's in the grass family) that sequesters greenhouse gases, and 3) a renewable plant that can grow back after its three to five year harvesting period. It largely doesn't need chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers, but studies show that clearing land to grow it in monocultures can adversely affect the soil and habitat of an area.
Read full article: http://planetgreen.discovery.com
Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths: Cashmere Soft
07/03/09 20:00 Filed in: Fashion
Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths are a brilliant, quick cleansing solution that removes all traces of makeup, daily grime & buildup. Three products in one cloth, these are great for eye makeup removal, facial cleansing & toning. Infused with 8 pure citrus essential oils, organic Canadian honey, sunflower seed oil & oat amino acids. Leaves skin feeling velvety soft, non-irritated, no sticky residue & no need to rinse with water. Made from sustainable bamboo, cashmere soft, unbleached, biodegradable and recyclable. Use anywhere & anytime you need them.
http://www.futurenatural.com/