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Light Activated ‘Warhead’ Turns Modest Molecules into Super Protein Killers (PhysOrg)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:08:04 +0000

Using a novel light activation technique, Scripps Research Institute scientists have been able to turn molecules with only a modest ability to fight specific proteins into virtual protein destroyers. … Read more

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Virtual Reality Pioneer Turns Against Web 2.0 Culture (Toronto Star)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:03:48 +0000

Lanier, a former proponent of the open-source model of freely sharing intellectual property, has reversed course as the author of a contentious new book, You are Not a Gadget. The heretical manifesto sounds a serious alarm that open source and Web 2.0 culture pose an “existential threat” to individuality and creativity. … Read more

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Climate Change ‘Makes Birds Shrink’ in North America (BBC)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:01:50 +0000

Songbirds in the US are getting smaller, and climate change is suspected as the cause. A study of almost half a million birds, belonging to over 100 species, shows that many are gradually becoming lighter and growing shorter wings. … Read more

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The Digital Disconnect: In Relentless Pursuit of ‘Connecting,’ We Miss Out on Each Other (Seattle Times)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:59:37 +0000

While communication and gaming gadgets have convenienced and connected us in ways never before possible, they may also be profoundly hurting our ability to be social, empathic and involved with each other. The signs are everywhere — from the near collisions on city streets where drivers are too busy texting to pay attention to the virtual relationships on Facebook and the addiction to video games. … Read more

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The Virtual Battles Where Soldiers Can’t Die: MoD Trains Army to Fight Using Sophisticated video Games (Daily Mail)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:56:47 +0000

Poised with his rifle in the searing heat of the Afghan desert, a British soldier suddenly has to dive for cover as he comes under enemy fire. However, despite the bullets whizzing all around he is in no real danger … because he’s sitting in an Armed Forces base in Bristol 3,500 miles from the front line. Although this might seem like fun and games it is a serious part of the pre-deployment training for troops heading into the combat zone. … Read more

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India Company’s Medical-Tourism Push (BusinessWeek)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:53:48 +0000

Indian hospital operator Fortis Healthcare’s purchase of a big stake in Singapore-based Parkway Holdings could lead to a major shakeup in the global health-care industry. … Read more

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China Looks to ‘Combustible Ice’ as a Fuel Source (PhysOrg)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:52:13 +0000

Buried below the tundra of China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a type of frozen natural gas containing methane and ice crystals that could supply energy to China for 90 years. China discovered the large reserve of methane hydrate last September, and last week the Qinghai Province announced that it plans to allow researchers and energy companies to tap the energy source. Although methane hydrate is plentiful throughout the world, the key challenge for China and other nations will be to develop technologies to excavate the fuel without damaging the environment. … Read more

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New Computing Tools Threaten the Role of the PC (Mercury News)

iw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:44:14 +0000

The PC has been at the center of the computing universe for 30 years. But that’s about to change. Within two or three years, smartphones will outsell PCs, if analysts’ projections hold true. Already, netbooks — essentially low-cost laptops with more limited capabilities than standard PCs — are the fastest-growing part of the PC market. … Read more

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Japan Aims its Home Fuel Cells at Europe (BBC)

iw — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:12:45 +0000

With over 5,000 fuel cells providing heat and energy for conventional homes up and down Japan, the BBC has learnt that companies such as electronics giant Panasonic are in talks with EU governments about the possibility of bringing these proven energy and carbon-saving devices to market in Europe and elsewhere. … Read more

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China May Emulate U.S. ‘Quiet Revolution’ in Shale Gas Output (Bloomberg)

iw — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:11:17 +0000

China may produce a quarter of its natural gas from shale deposits within 20 years to meet growing demand for the cleaner-burning fuel, reduce imports and emulate a boom in U.S. output from the gas-bearing rock. … Read more

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