Check out this decontamination point at the Maun airport in Botswana. Imagine in the future airport screenings for biological agents, as well as for viruses like SARS and bird flu, to contain epidemics, and reduce the threat of bio-terror.
Scientists have developed a computerised mind-reading technique which lets them accurately predict the images that people are looking at by using scanners to study brain activity.
For more information, click here for source article [the Guardian].
A Lab in Switzerland is using one of the world’s most powerful super computers to reproduce a fully functioning brain.
We’re hearing a lot about alternative energy these days. But ethanol, wind and wave energy, and fuel cells, so far have many negative externalities. Solar power is still inefficient and expensive. Why don’t we hear more about the potential of free energy, the energy that exists freely in air, and is available to all nations equally? Check out this link to see all the potential technologies that can tap free energy.
I’ve also been thinking about the fresh water problem. At least one-third of the planet faces severe water shortages. More than one billion people worldwide lack access to safe and sufficient water for their household needs, subsistence and livelihoods.
Now, here’s a wild thought - what if free energy could power atmospheric water generators, a developing technology that can produce water from the humidity in air (link)?
Check out this CNBC segment featuring Lego’s innovation efforts. The Company actively solicits ideas from its customers, and customers even vote on the products they would buy, to assist Lego with product development priorities.
You can imagine the advertising possibilities with this 3M display technology…
A Discovery Channel feature on the possibility of developing a time machine.
Finally, a 1939 video for the World’s Fair, which presents a vision of the futuristic world of 1960!
Scientists and engineers and a Cornell design student are developing clothing that has the potential to eliminate viruses before giving you a cold, eats smog, so you can breath cleaner air, and never have to be washed. Microscopic nanoparticles coating the garments can actively eliminate viruses and bacteria.
One of my favorite television shows growing up was “Beyond 2000″ - hopefully, Wired Science will be as good!
An Irish technology firm, Steorn, has placed an advertisement in The Economist seeking a dozen top scientists to examine the firm’s technololgy project, which invalidates one the basic laws of physics, the Principle of the Conservation of Energy, by producing “free” energy via manipulating magnetic fields. The technology potentially eliminates the need to recharge mobile phones, or refuel cars, and offers the potential for zero emission energy production!
[via RTE Business and gizmag]
A robot designed to crawl through the human gut by mimicking the wriggling motion of an undersea worm has been developed by European scientists. It could one day help doctors diagnose disease by carrying tiny cameras through patients’ bodies.
For a video of an early prototype, click here. [via new scientist]
UCSB scientists have been making nanomaterials using a method inspired by a marine sponge. The sponge creates intricate lattices of glass as it grows. The first applications could be ways to make materials for more powerful batteries and highly efficient solar cells at a lower price.
[via futurismic]
[UPDATE (7-18-06): The Business Innovation Insider has a great roundup of Biomimicry activity, as linked to by IFTF Blog. ]
