Posted on April 7th, 2010 by axb
By now you’ve heard of wind and solar as potential sources of clean energy, but how about looking beneath the surface? Earth’s fiery core reaches temperatures of up to 9,000° F, and much of that heat could be harnessed for fuel. According to a 2007 geothermal study conducted by the Energy Department, the New York Times reports, geothermal power may “produce as much as 60,000 times the nation’s annual energy usage.” It could also prove a more environmentally friendly solution than other energy sources.
Read More
Filed under: Civil, e-News, Environmental, Mining | 2 Comments »
Tags: Civil, Energy, Environmental, Mining
Posted on April 6th, 2010 by axb
Four years ago, Fanxing Science and Technology of China created AIC-AI, “the world’s first cooking robot,” which can rustle up thousands of disparate Chinese dishes. Since AIC-AI burst onto the culinary scene, the New York Times reports, roboticists around the world have devised “a veritable army of new robots designed to serve and cook food.”
Japan’s Motoman SDA10 has spatula arms that can handle savory pancakes. The Famen restaurant in Nagoya, Japan, serves ramen, a soup, prepared by two giant robot arms. The Learning Algorithms and Systems Laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, came out with the Chief Cook Robot, which can make omelettes — provided someone first cracks the eggs.
Read More
Filed under: Computer, e-News, Electrical, Mechanical | 1 Comment »
Tags: Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics
Posted on April 5th, 2010 by axb
A neuron cell diagram – click the image for more details
Neural engineer Matthew Schiefer may have discovered an important lead in one of neurology’s most challenging problems: how to reanimate paralyzed limbs. Working at Case Western Reserve University, Schiefer was able to “hack” a nerve bundle in an unconscious subject’s leg using a small eletrode (image after jump), causing the leg to twitch .
Read More
Filed under: Biomedical, e-News, Electrical | 2 Comments »
Tags: Biomedical, Electrical
Posted on April 2nd, 2010 by jxh
Going to Las Vegas soon? Be sure to catch this stunning attraction, which also happens to be an engineering marvel.
The Fountains of Bellagio is a water performance choreographed to light and music that takes place in front of the Bellagio hotel and casino. The fountains are set in a manmade lake and incorporate a network of pipes with more than 1,200 nozzles that synchronize with over 4,500 lights.
Amazing videos after the jump.
Read More
Filed under: Civil, e-News, Mechanical | 1 Comment »
Tags: Art, Civil, Mechanical
Posted on March 31st, 2010 by axb
She’s inventing medical devices, helping babies and the elderly, getting her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, and founding a start-up company – all at the age of 24. Sanna Gaspard, recently named one of IEEE’s “New Faces of Engineering,” has been described by her coworkers as an “energizer bunny.” It’s true that she gets an incredible amount done, but she’s also driven by her compassion for others. Her pediatric technology may soon be helping infants – especially those born prematurely – stay healthy and happy.
Read More
Filed under: Biomedical, e-News | 1 Comment »
Tags: Biomedical, People
