This week everything sparkles. From glowing mice to invisible, wireless networks to holographic chocolates, scientists and artists alike are using technology to reveal unseen mysteries.
1. Glowing Mice
In this photo, mice glow under ultraviolet light. University of Toronto Warren Chan injected them with nanoparticles called quantum dots to show how theses minute particles, which already exist in myriad commercial products, including food packaging, water treatment chemicals, pesticides and cosmetics, can build up in organs and skin. Kind of icky.
2. Electric Airplane
The Airbus Group has been running tests on its electric E-Fan plane. The company wants to develop a hybrid-electric version that could accommodate 70 to 90 people and serve as a regional aircraft.
3. Water Droplet Network
As the world heats up and deserts expand, water is becoming more scarce. An important study conducted by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered a way to form a network of water droplets that did not merge with one another. The technique could lead to equipment that efficiently harvests fog from the air that could be used as drinking water.
4. Solar Powered Lamps
In sub-Saharan Africa, families lack the basic infrastructure for electricity. Most people use kerosene-powered generators that emit lots of pollution. Bloomberg Philanthropies wants to change that and has invested US$5 million to bring solar-powered lamps from Little Sun to these communities. The lamps are already popular in some areas, but the investment will lower the cost to a price below kerosene, making the lamps more affordable and practical.
5. Extreme Explorer Robots
Humans have made it to the Moon and to Mars. What's next? In order to explore the further reaches of the solar system, scientists must build robots that can withstand extreme environments. At Keio University in Japan, researchers are doing just that by focusing their efforts in three key areas: vehicle-terrain interaction mechanics, autonomous mobility systems and robotic devices. The goal is to make robots that can autonomously explore unknown worlds and unpredictable environments.
6. Ghost in the Machine
Researcher and artist Luis Hernan has found a way to illuminate the invisible infrastructure of wireless networks. His project called Digital Ethereal relies on a Kirlian Device, an instrument that scans for wireless networks and then translates the signal strength into colour LEDs. As a person moves through the environment, the signal strength fluctuates and so do the colours. The results are eerily beautiful. See more by visiting his website.
7. 3D-Printed Shark Skin
For the first time, scientists have found a way to print the microscopic texture of shark skin. George Lauder and his colleagues from Harvard used 3-D printing techniques to replicate tiny structures called "denticles" that comprise shark skin. Because printers cannot output the structures in the same small size that they occur in nature, the resulting artificial skin is much larger. However, when tested in water, the 3D-printed denticles, which were embedded in a flexible membrane, closely mimic the fluid dynamics of shark skin. The material could lead to a better understanding of sharks and even surfaces that move through water with less friction.
8. Hoverbike Ready to Fly
Aerofex has been testing its hover vehicle since 2012. Now, the company is ready to bring this vehicle market. They announced that they'll begin selling the commercial Aero-X for US$85,000 starting in 2017. Start saving your pennies.
9. Holographic Chocolate
The Swiss really know their chocolate. Chocolatier Morphotonix, based in Lausanne, has found a way to etch microstructures into chocolate that refract light and produce holographic images. The technique is similar to the way holograms are etched into plastic credit cards, only these are edible.
10. Tesla's Model X
One of the most alluring features of Tesla's new all-electric Model X is its rear "falcon-wing" doors. The car is not yet ready for market, but everyone loves the way these doors open upwards. The problem is that they're proving difficult to seal against wind and rain. The company is dumping tons of money into research and development and car enthusiasts are crossing their fingers that the Model X will fly.
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