Tecnology
Innovative Folding Power Plug Design
18/01/10 19:14
Industrial designers sometimes make the mistake of thinking that certain product elements are written in stone, or that they just aren’t worth thinking about. And sometimes it takes a set of fresh eyes to see an exceptionally simple yet innovative solution. That was the case when Royal College of Art student Min Kyu Choi re-imagined the bulky UK power plug
Full article: gajitz.com
Glowing 'bomber worms' discovered
22/08/09 16:06
Researchers describe the bizarre "Swima worms" in Science journal.
The creatures, which the scientists say could be widespread in the deep sea, indicate the extent of biodiversity yet to be discovered in the oceans.
The team found them whilst exploring the waters just above the sea-bed off the west coast of the US.
Lead author Karen Osborn, from the University of California San Diego, told BBC News that she and her colleagues found the worms accidentally, whilst exploring the deep oceans with remotely operated submersible vehicles.
The green "bombs" may have evolved from gills
"We came across them and thought they were very interesting, firstly because of their bioluminescence," she said.
"When we brought them up and realized they were different from anything that had been described before, we became even more interested."
via: bbc
Solar Powered Mobile Phone
20/04/09 19:56
AU (KDDI) and Sharp will soon propose in Japan a new mobile phone featuring a solar panel embedded in its lid that recharges your phone on the go. Leaving your phone in direct sunlight for up to 10 minutes will give up to 1 minute of communication or 2hrs on standby. It's also waterproof.
Via http://www.akihabaranews.com
New Light Shed On Marine Luminescence
08/03/09 08:11
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
The blooming flower gadget that wilts when we use too much power in the home
26/11/08 11:24
Homeowners battling rising energy bills can now keep an eye on their electricity consumption with a high-tech flower that wilts when too many appliances are left on.
The blooming gadget connects wirelessly to the home's electricity meter and changes colour and shape depending on the amount of electricity used.
When electricity use is low the flower glows a healthy greenish-blue and stands tall and open.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk