The world of science and technology was vibrant last week, featuring everything from glowing mice and invisible wireless networks to projection chocolate.
1. Glowing Mice
Photo: Warren Chan
In this image, the mice glow under ultraviolet light. Expert Warren Chan from the University of Toronto (Canada) injected nanoparticles known as “quantum dots” to observe the formation of these tiny particles within organs and skin after absorption. From this, he can draw conclusions about the accumulation in the body of particles found in commercial products, including food packaging, water treatment chemicals, pesticides, and cosmetics.
2. Electric Aircraft
Airbus is testing a new aircraft model called the E-Fan, which features a hybrid gasoline-electric engine. The goal is to create an electric aircraft capable of carrying 70 to 90 passengers for regional routes.
3. Water Droplet System
Photo: Kyle Kuykendall
As the world heats up and deserts expand, water is becoming increasingly scarce. A significant study conducted by experts at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States has discovered a way to model a water droplet system that prevents them from coalescing in the air.
This technique could aid in the creation of devices that harvest dew from the air and recycle it for drinking water.
4. Solar-Powered Desk Lamps
Photo: Little Sun
The sub-Saharan region of Africa lacks basic infrastructure for electricity production and usage. Most people rely on kerosene generators, which emit toxic fumes. The Bloomberg charity has invested $5 million to bring solar-powered desk lamps to several communities in the area.
5. Robots for Exploring Harsh Environments
Humans have sent spacecraft to the Moon and Mars, but to expand exploration to other planets in the solar system, scientists need to develop robots capable of withstanding extremely harsh environments.
At Keio University (Japan), experts are focusing on three areas: terrain interaction mechanics, autonomous mobile systems, and robotic devices. The goal is to create robots capable of autonomous exploration in uncharted worlds and under unusual environmental conditions.
6. “Ghosts” in the Machine
British photographer Luis Hernan has found a way to make invisible infrastructure within wireless networks “manifest.” His project, called Digital Spirits, primarily relies on Kirlian devices, which scan wireless networks and interpret signal intensity into LED color forms. The visual effects are striking, allowing viewers to see the “ghosts” within networked machines.
7. Shark Skin Printing
Photo: Harvard University
For the first time, scientists have found a way to print shark skin. George Lauder and colleagues from Harvard University (USA) utilized 3D printing technology to recreate tiny structures known as “micro teeth” that form the distinctive patterns on shark skin.
Since printers cannot create structures at the microscopic level found in nature, the artificial skin will naturally be much larger than real shark skin. However, when tested in water, the “micro teeth” still effectively mimic the hydrodynamic mechanism of real shark skin.
This material could advance research on sharks and even on surfaces moving through water with minimal friction.
8. Hoverbike
Aerofex has been testing a device called the hoverbike since 2012. Now, the company is completing the final stages before launching the finished product to market. In a recent announcement, Aerofex stated it would begin selling the commercial version Aero-X for $85,000 in 2017.
9. Projection Chocolate
Switzerland is clearly the leading country in chocolate. Chocolatier Morphotonix, based in Lausanne, has unveiled a new type of chocolate that can refract light and create vivid projection images. This technique is similar to how projection technology is integrated into plastic credit cards, only this chocolate is edible and safe.
10. Tesla Model X
Photo: Tesla Motors
One of the most attractive features of Tesla’s new electric vehicle, the Model X, is its wing-like doors (as shown in the image). Unfortunately, this model is not yet ready for market release.
