ClipsToNote

Abu Dhabi Airport ‘GoSleep’ Sleeping Pods

2013-05-07T16:10:00.001+02:00

Abu Dhabi airport launches Internet-equipped sleeping pods | SmartPlanet

The days of sleeping on the airport floor or curling up on metal seats may be over, as Abu Dhabi installs sleeping pods in its airport terminals.

Source: Abu Dhabi airport launches Internet-equipped sleeping pods | SmartPlanet

Abu Dhabi International Airport the World’s First Airport to Launch ‘GoSleep’ Sleeping Pods

The ‘GoSleep’ is the latest, state of the art chair that converts into a private flat bed. Ten sleeping pods have now been installed in Terminal 3 and in the Al Dhabi Lounge in Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with a further 35 on order for installation later this year.

The stylish, Finnish designed sleeping pods are easy-to-operate and feature a partial or fully enclosed sliding shade that isolates the customer from noise, light and crowds. After an initial launch phase, the chairs will be upgraded to include Internet access, will include secure storage for luggage and other valuables, and will allow customers to charge their laptops, mobile telephones, and other electronic devices. Passengers will be able to use the chairs at a rate of AED 45/hour using a credit card.

Source: Abu Dhabi International Airport the World’s First Airport to Launch ‘GoSleep’ Sleeping Pods | Press Releases | Media Centre | Abu Dhabi Airports Company

The World's Smallest Movie

2013-05-01T20:44:00.000+02:00

A Boy And His Atom: The World's Smallest Movie - YouTube

You're about to see the movie that holds the Guinness World Records™ record for the World's Smallest Stop-Motion Film (see how it was made at http://youtu.be/xA4QWwaweWA). The ability to move single atoms — the smallest particles of any element in the universe — is crucial to IBM's research in the field of atomic memory. [...] Learn more about atomic memory, data storage and big data at http://www.ibm.com/madewithatoms

Source: A Boy And His Atom: The World's Smallest Movie - YouTube

A boa constrictor killing and then eating an iguana

2013-04-29T12:58:00.001+02:00

Stunning video of a boa constrictor killing and then eating an iguana. It all happened in the Costa Rican backyard of National Geographic Explorer Susan Perry.

Source: a boa constrictor killing and then eating an iguana

Boa constrictor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Prey includes a wide variety of small to medium sized mammals and birds.^[14] The bulk of their diet consists of rodents, but larger lizards and mammals as big as ocelots are also reported to have been consumed.^[13] Young Boa constrictors will eat small mice, birds, bats, lizards and amphibians. The size of the prey item will increase as they get older and larger. Boa constrictors are ambush predators and as such will often lie in wait for an appropriate prey to come along at which point they will attack. However, they have also been known to actively hunt, particularly in regions with a low concentration of suitable prey, and this behaviour generally occurs at night. The boa will first strike at the prey, grabbing it with its teeth, it then proceeds to constrict the prey until death before consuming it whole. Their teeth also help force the animal down the throat whilst muscles then move it towards the stomach. It will take the snake approximately 4–6 days to fully digest the food, depending on the size of the prey and the local temperature. After this the snake may not eat for anywhere from a week to several months, due to its slow metabolism.^[15]

Source: Boa constrictor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Tissue-Like Printed Material

2013-04-29T09:58:00.000+02:00

Video: Scientists Produce Human Tissue-Like Material Using 3D Printing | Surprising Science

Several 3D-printed droplet networks. Image courtesy of Gabriel Villar, Alexander D. Graham and Hagan Bayley (University of Oxford)

[...] a new study suggests 3D-printed material could one day mimic the behavior of cells in human tissue. Graduate student Gabriel Villar and his colleagues at the University of Oxford developed tiny solids that behave as biological tissue would. The delicate material physically resembles brain and fat tissue, and has the consistency of soft rubber.

Source: Video: Scientists Produce Human Tissue-Like Material Using 3D Printing | Surprising Science

A Tissue-Like Printed Material

Abstract
[...] We printed tens of thousands of picoliter aqueous droplets that become joined by single lipid bilayers to form a cohesive material with cooperating compartments. Three-dimensional structures can be built with heterologous droplets in software-defined arrangements. The droplet networks can be functionalized with membrane proteins; for example, to allow rapid electrical communication along a specific path. The networks can also be programmed by osmolarity gradients to fold into otherwise unattainable designed structures. Printed droplet networks might be interfaced with tissues, used as tissue engineering substrates, or developed as mimics of living tissue.

Source: A Tissue-Like Printed Material

Thumb Keyboards

2013-04-25T09:22:00.001+02:00

Thumb Keyboard « Beansoft

Meet Thumb Keyboard, the revolutionary input method for both Android Tablets and Phones. The innovative split design (first introduced and designed by Beansoft in 2010) quickly set the industry standard for tablet input. [...]

Source: Thumb Keyboard « Beansoft

Thumb Keyboard for Android™ (Phone/Tablet) - YouTube

Source: Thumb Keyboard for Android™ (Phone/Tablet) - YouTube

BBC News - KALQ thumb-type keyboard takes on Qwerty

Researchers have created a new keyboard layout which they claim makes "thumb-typing" faster on touchscreen devices such as tablets and large smartphones.
Dr Per Ola Kristensson, from St Andrews University, said traditional Qwerty keyboards had trapped users in "suboptimal text entry interfaces".

The new design has been dubbed KALQ, after the order of keys on one line.

Source: BBC News - KALQ thumb-type keyboard takes on Qwerty

Festo’s Robot Dragonfly

2013-04-17T20:23:00.003+02:00

Festo’s Robot Dragonfly an Awesome Mix of Prehistoric and Futuristic | Singularity Hub

Dragonflies are clever fliers—they can hover, accelerate quickly, stop on a dime, glide, and even fly backwards. As Festo notes, “For the first time, there is a model that can master more flight conditions than a helicopter, plane and glider combined.”

The robot is driven by nine servos, a battery, and an ARM microcontroller stowed in a flexible polyamide and terpolymer structure. The head and tail are moved by passing an electrical current through nitinol muscles. The computer controls the frequency (15–20 Hz), twisting (90 deg), and amplitude (50 deg) of its four carbon fiber and foil wings and, by taking in a constant stream of wing data and body position, corrects for vibration for stable flight indoors or out. (For more, check out the BionicOpter brochure here.)

Source: Festo’s Robot Dragonfly an Awesome Mix of Prehistoric and Futuristic | Singularity Hub

Crash Test Dummy Testing

2013-04-09T22:02:00.000+02:00

Visit a laboratory where crash test dummies undergo high-impact testing to make sure they can accurately simulate the human body in a car accident scenario.

Source: I Didn't Know That - Crash Test Dummy - YouTube

Surviving a Giant Tarantula

2013-04-08T21:51:00.000+02:00

How to Survive a Giant Tarantula Encounter - YouTube

The venomous Goliath Tarantula is the largest spider in the world. What should you do if one lands on you?

Source: How to Survive a Giant Tarantula Encounter - YouTube

The LearningGripper: Festo's Robotic Hand

2013-04-08T09:31:00.000+02:00

Hands That Learn To Hold

This is another of Festo's latest robotic inventions and while it isn't as visually stunning as its flying insect, a multi-fingered gripper that learns how to manipulate an object is still impressive.

Source: Hands That Learn To Hold

Festo -- LearningGripper - YouTube

The LearningGripper from Festo looks like an abstract form of the human hand. The four fingers of the gripper are driven by twelve pneumatic bellows actuators with low-level pressurisation. Thanks to the machine learning process, the gripper is able to teach itself to carry out complex actions such as the targeted gripping and positioning of an object.

Source: Festo -- LearningGripper - YouTube

To Mars in 30 days

2013-04-05T20:41:00.000+02:00

Scientists develop fusion rocket technology in lab – and aim for Mars - Cosmic Log

Researchers at the University of Washington say they've built all the pieces for a fusion-powered rocket system that could get a crew to Mars in 30 days. Now they just have to put the pieces together and see if they work.

"If we can pull off a fusion demonstration in a year, with hundreds of thousands of dollars ... there might be a better, cheaper, faster path to using fusion in other applications," John Slough, a research assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics, told NBC News.

[...]

Next steps
Slough's work at the University of Washington and a private-sector spin-off called MSNW has been supported by grants from the Department of Energy and NASA — including $600,000 from the NASA Innovative Advanced Concept Program, or NIAC. So far, researchers have created the deuterium droplets and heated them up to fusion temperatures. They've also tested the magnetic system for crushing ringlets of aluminum. "Now we've got to do them both together and see that work," Slough said.

Source: Scientists develop fusion rocket technology in lab – and aim for Mars - Cosmic Log

Solar-Powered Shower

2013-04-05T20:04:00.000+02:00

This Solar-Powered Shower Recycles One Tank of Water Up to 50 Times

Developed in France and Bahrain, the shower is different in another major way, too—it's mobile, and made for use outside, rather than in a bathroom. The full system, including LED lighting, is powered by solar panels. The system uses a main water container that holds around 50 liters of water. As someone showers, the water drains into a second container, where it's filtered and purified, and sent back for reuse.

Source: This Solar-Powered Shower Recycles One Tank of Water Up to 50 Times | Environment on GOOD

Boston Dynamics Petman Tests Camo

2013-04-05T19:47:00.000+02:00

The PETMAN robot was developed by Boston Dynamics with funding from the DoD CBD program. It is used to test the performance of protective clothing designed for hazardous environments. The video shows initial testing in a chemical protection suit and gas mask. PETMAN has sensors embedded in its skin that detect any chemicals leaking through the suit. [...]

Source: Petman Tests Camo

Sense of place found in rat's brain

2013-04-05T10:01:00.000+02:00

Sense of place found in rat's brain - Science

Scientists have watched a specific network of brain cells light up in rats to create a mental map of their location.
The new study, in which researchers looked at brain cells that literally turned on and off like light switches as rats navigated a maze, could shed light on how the brain creates a sense of place.

[...]

Mental maps
To watch the entire process of learning a new place unfold, Moser and his colleagues created a virus that could insert tiny biological light switches into the neurons of rats. Next, they threaded optical fiber into the rats' brains to connect to the light-switch-enhanced brain cells, allowing the researchers to turn the lights on and activate the neurons at will. Finally, they inserted electrodes that could record electrical signals traveling between different brain cells.

Source: Sense of place found in rat's brain - Science

World's first hovercraft golf cart

2013-04-03T21:41:00.000+02:00

Masters champ Bubba Watson helps invent world's first hovercraft golf cart | Georgia Straight

Apparently, this smooth ride is no joke. If these become standard issue, country clubs everywhere are going to have a problem: no one's going to want to play golf any more.
Why play 18 holes, when you can race hovercrafts across the greens and through the water hazards?

Source: Masters champ Bubba Watson helps invent world's first hovercraft golf cart | Georgia Straight

Sea Lion Keeps The Beat

2013-04-03T08:39:00.001+02:00

Sea Lion Keeps The Beat

The research team at the University of California at Santa Cruz's Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Laboratory says Ronan is the first nonhuman mammal to show evidence of beat keeping, something previously seen mostly in parrots and cockatoos.

"The fact that we showed Ronan could do it means that there's a raw capability in sea lions," lead researcher Peter Cook, a graduate student in psychology at UC-Santa Cruz, told NBC News.

Source: Sea Lion Keeps The Beat

Hyundai E4U Personal Mobility Vehicle

2013-04-02T19:38:00.000+02:00

Hyundai Unveils 'E4U' Personal Mobility Vehicle -- Tech-On!

The E4U is a concept vehicle that can be actually driven and was designed by the company's Advanced Design Department. The initial letter "E" represents "egg," "evolution," "ecology," etc. It can be moved in any direction with a motor that rotates only in one direction.

Instead of tires, the vehicle uses a rotating semispherical part (like the lower half of a ball). When the part is vertical to the ground (with the apex of the semisphere touching the ground) and rotating in the horizontal direction, a force is generated to spin the vehicle.

Source: Hyundai Unveils 'E4U' Personal Mobility Vehicle -- Tech-On!

Google Nose

2013-04-01T11:50:00.002+02:00

Introducing Google Nose - YouTube

... What do wet dogs smell like? Google Nose! How about victory? Google Nose! Try searching on Google for "wet dog" and explore other smells that people sniffed for, or visit google.com/nose to learn more. Happy smelling!

Source: Introducing Google Nose - YouTube

Condensed History

2013-04-01T10:17:00.000+02:00

Our Story In 2 Minutes - YouTube

Source: Our Story In 2 Minutes - YouTube

History of the World in Seven Minutes - YouTube

Source: History of the World in Seven Minutes - YouTube

History of the World in Two Hours - YouTube

Source: History of the World in Two Hours - YouTube

Bubble Scientist Deni Yang

2013-03-30T11:37:00.001+01:00

Bursting the learning bubble | bubbles, science, year - News - The Orange County Register

Bubblefest XVII
What: Bubble scientist Deni Yang brings his bubble show, the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, from New York. The Bubblefest exhibit area, which is included in general admission, features hands-on bubble activities where kids can create giant bubbles, learn about the science behind the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show and play.

Source: Bursting the learning bubble | bubbles, science, year - News - The Orange County Register

Bubblefest 2013 - DiscoveryCube - YouTube

Source: Bubblefest 2013 - DiscoveryCube - YouTube

Home

The Gazillion Bubble Show has been featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “The David Letterman Show”, “LIVE! with Regis and Kelly”, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, “Fox & Friends”, “The View”, “CBS Sunday Morning”, “The Today Show”, FOX, NBC, ABC, CW11 as well as television stations all around the world. “It is simply UNBUBBLIEVABLE!” The Gazillion Bubble Show…“It will BLOW you away!!!”

Source: Home

Nuclear Battery

2013-03-27T18:45:00.000+01:00

Particle research could lead to controllable nuclear batteries | News | The Engineer

New research could help create nuclear batteries that have controllable energy release like conventional batteries but with many times the storage capacity.
Scientists at Surrey University have identified a material that may have the necessary properties to trap energy in its atoms and then release it when required, unlike existing nuclear batteries that release energy at a constant rate.

Source: Particle research could lead to controllable nuclear batteries | News | The Engineer

Towards a Nuclear Battery | UAS VISION

A University of Surrey release reports that by capturing charged particles in a special storage ring the experts have solved a long-standing problem of how to understand the fundamental structure of an unstable isotope of bismuth, Bi-212, with potential far-reaching consequences. Professor Phil Walker, of the University’s Department of Physics, said: “The new understanding gives us confidence in the nuclear theory, which guides us to the next step of experimentation. It is hoped that this may, in the longer term, lead to the ability to control a form of trapped nuclear energy, with the ability to release the energy on demand.”

Source: Towards a Nuclear Battery | UAS VISION

Bio-Batteries Breakthrough

2013-03-26T09:05:00.002+01:00

UEA researchers make breakthrough in race to create 'bio-batteries' - University of East Anglia (UEA)

Scientists at the University of East Anglia have made an important breakthrough in the quest to generate clean electricity from bacteria.
[...]

The research shows that it is possible for bacteria to lie directly on the surface of a metal or mineral and transfer electrical charge through their cell membranes. This means that it is possible to ‘tether’ bacteria directly to electrodes – bringing scientists a step closer to creating efficient microbial fuel cells or ‘bio-batteries’.

Source: UEA researchers make breakthrough in race to create 'bio-batteries' - University of East Anglia (UEA)

'Double Helix' Skyscraper

2013-03-23T09:05:00.000+01:00

Work begins on 'double helix' skyscraper in Taipei | The Verge

The concept of a green skyscraper is by no means new, but Vincent Callebaut's DNA-inspired design is impressive nonetheless. Construction recently started in Tapei on Agora Garden, which has two sections that twist a full 90 degrees as they ascend. The resulting twenty-story building will resemble a giant double helix on completion, permeated by hanging gardens on every floor and surrounded by a small forest. The building will be topped off with an array of solar panels, while the hanging gardens will be fitted with composting facilities, bird nests, and rain water tanks that irrigate the plants. It's hoped that the wide range of plants will encourage wildlife and improve air quality for residents.

Source: Work begins on 'double helix' skyscraper in Taipei | The Verge

DNA Nanotechnology

2013-03-23T08:34:00.001+01:00

ASU scientists develop innovative twists to DNA nanotechnology | ASU News

In a new discovery that represents a major step in solving a critical design challenge, Arizona State University Professor Hao Yan has led a research team to produce a wide variety of 2-D and 3-D structures that push the boundaries of the burgeoning field of DNA nanotechnology.

The field of DNA nanotechnology utilizes nature's design rules and the chemical properties of DNA to self-assemble into an increasingly complex menagerie of molecules for biomedical and electronic applications. Some of the Yan lab's accomplishments include building Trojan horse-like structures to improve drug delivery to cancerous cells, electrically conductive gold nanowires, single molecule sensors and programmable molecular robots.

Source: ASU scientists develop innovative twists to DNA nanotechnology | ASU News

Tiny endangered frog successfully bred

2013-03-22T20:54:00.000+01:00

Oh hoppy days! Tiny endangered frog successfully bred - Science

Scientists have successfully bred a certain type of endangered Panamanian amphibian — the limosa harlequin frog — for the first time. The development is key because populations of the itty-bitty frog, which is smaller than a quarter as a baby, are declining in its native country.

[...]

The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project has successfully bred other challenging endangered species, including crowned treefrogs, horned marsupial frogs and toad mountain harlequin frogs, the release noted.

The frogs will eventually be released into the wild, where the scientists hope they will help replenish the animal's dwindling numbers.

Source: Oh hoppy days! Tiny endangered frog successfully bred - Science

Cookies Dipped In Tea Taste Better

2013-03-21T19:50:00.000+01:00

Dunking Science: Do Cookies Really Taste Better Dipped In Tea? : The Salt : NPR

Of course, the Brits call them "biscuits" and dip primarily in tea, while we are more promiscuous and are willing to plunge our treats into coffee, hot chocolate or even milk.

But does immersing a cookie into a warm beverage really make it taste better? And if so, why?

That's what the British chef Heston Blumenthal recently set out to discover on his TV show, Heston's Fantastical Food. With the help of a high-tech gadget inserted up the nose, he found that a chocolate-covered biscuit dipped into hot black tea did indeed have more flavor than an undunked one.

Source: Dunking Science: Do Cookies Really Taste Better Dipped In Tea? : The Salt : NPR