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Innovative fan design wins Live Edge Electronic Design award
Ceiling fan combines an electronically commutated motor and controller, and an aerodynamically efficient blade design that reduces fan input power by up to 66 percent of that of a traditional ceiling fan
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Knee brace acts as charger for cell phones, artificial limbs
Canadian researcher develops new device which harnesses the energy of a person’s leg as it swings forward during a step; running the generator constantly through the stride generated 7 watts of power
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Billions spent on airport security, but major security gaps remain
In the post 9/11 rush to bolster airport security, billions were spent and different technologies and systems were tried, but experts — and government watchdog organizations — say major security gaps remain; Congress, TSA, and the industry are increasingly anxious; the latest hope: Millimeter wave machines, which can see through clothes by analyzing the reflection of radio frequency energy bounced off passengers
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DOE grants $114 million to small-scale biorefinery projects
DOE grants $114 million for four small-scale biorefinery projects; these biorefineries will use a wide variety of feedstocks and test novel conversion technologies to provide data necessary to bring online full-size, commercial-scale biorefineries
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EU and industry launch Clean Sky technology initiative
The initiative, a joint EU-industry scheme in which $2.3 billion will be invested between 2008 and 2014, aims to speed up technological breakthrough developments and shorten the time to market for new green aviation solutions
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LAX implements game theory insights for better security
Game theory algorithm, developed by USC graduate student, improves security by putting police on unpredictable schedules and in unpredictable locations, making it more difficult for terrorists to plan an attack which would exploit observable weaknesses in security routines
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Hazard protective suits made of new, "breathing" material
Chemical protection suits can make the wearer hot, sweaty, and extremely uncomfortable, thus limiting the time such suits can be worn; Drexel University researcher develops better material for protective suits: The new material is a new class of polymer membrane incorporating nanopores filled with an ionic polymer that allows water vapor to pass through
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New method for anthrax decontamination developed
Yellow Jackets, SMD researchers develop an X-rays and UV-C light-based method for anthrax decontamination; it is rapid and nondisruptive, and also less expensive than currently available decontamination methods; it kills anthrax spores — even those hidden in crevices and cracks — within two to three hours without any lingering effects
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Harder video game to help in better pilots head-up displays
Canadian researchers tracks the eyes of video game players for the purpose of making enemies appear where a player is least likely to see them; research could be used to design harder video games — and head-up displays for helicopter rescue pilots that would put vital information in easy-to-see places and less important information where it would not be distracting
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CCAT looking to fund new military technologies
CCAT is seeking funding applications for technologies which support the smart unmanned ground robotics initiative; technologies of interest to the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC); and force health protection
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Quantum teleportation and memory demonstrated in tandem
In quantum communication, information is transmitted using atoms, photons, or other quantum objects; researchers, for the first time, show quantum teleportation and quantum memory in a single experiment
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E.coli to serve as a future source of energy
Aggies researchers shows that a strain of E. coli produces 140 times more hydrogen than is created in a naturally occurring process; finding may prove to be a significant stepping stone on the path to a hydrogen-based economy
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Protein found in mouse urine offers powerful biosensor
Proteins found in mouse urine could help create powerful biosensors for environmental monitoring and security applications; major mouse urinary proteins coated on a standard piezoelectric crystal enabled a one thousand-fold increase in sensor sensitivity compared with existing electronic sensing methods
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Robots use electromagnetic force to create shape-shifting swarm
Carnegie Mellon researchers develop herds, or swarms, of robots using electromagnetic forces to cling to each other so they assume any shape or formation on the go; The prototype robots use electromagnetic forces to maneuver themselves, communicate, and even share power
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New method dramatically increases accuracy of facial recognition systems
University of Glasgow researchers develop a method to increase the accuracy of face recognition biometrics: A computer “averages” 20 pictures of an individual into a morphed portrait; tests show that the new method increases accuracy of a facial recognition system from 54 percent to 100 percent
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More headlines
The long view
Encryption Breakthrough Lays Groundwork for Privacy-Preserving AI Models
In an era where data privacy concerns loom large, a new approach in artificial intelligence (AI) could reshape how sensitive information is processed. New AI framework enables secure neural network computation without sacrificing accuracy.
AI-Controlled Fighter Jets May Be Closer Than We Think — and Would Change the Face of Warfare
Could we be on the verge of an era where fighter jets take flight without pilots – and are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI)? US R Adm Michael Donnelly recently said that an upcoming combat jet could be the navy’s last one with a pilot in the cockpit.
The Potential Impact of Seabed Mining on Critical Mineral Supply Chains and Global Geopolitics
The potential emergence of a seabed mining industry has important ramifications for the diversification of critical mineral supply chains, revenues for developing nations with substantial terrestrial mining sectors, and global geopolitics.
AI and the Future of the U.S. Electric Grid
Despite its age, the U.S. electric grid remains one of the great workhorses of modern life. Whether it can maintain that performance over the next few years may determine how well the U.S. competes in an AI-driven world.
Using Liquid Air for Grid-Scale Energy Storage
New research finds liquid air energy storage could be the lowest-cost option for ensuring a continuous power supply on a future grid dominated by carbon-free but intermittent sources of electricity.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Promising Source of Round-the-Clock Energy
With its capacity to provide 24/7 power, many are warming up to the prospect of geothermal energy. Scientists are currently working to advance human-made reservoirs in Earth’s deep subsurface to stimulate the activity that exists within natural geothermal systems.