Thursday, March 31, 2011

Fires could be extinguished using beams of electricity

Fires could be extinguished using beams of electricity: "It's certainly an established fact that electricity can cause fires, but today a group of Harvard scientists presented their research on the use of electricity for fighting fires. In a presentation at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, Dr. Ludovico Cademartiri told of how they used a unique device to shoot beams of electricity at an open flame over one foot tall. Almost immediately, he said, the flame was extinguished."

Biomarker research could lead to finger-prick cancer test

Biomarker research could lead to finger-prick cancer test: "A new interdisciplinary breakthrough could see cancer being diagnosed through a quick finger-prick test. After five years of research, the team of biologists, clinical oncologists, pathologists and information scientists from ETH Zurich, University Hospital Zurich and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen have determined a biomarker for prostate cancer – a particular pattern of proteins in the blood that indicate the presence of cancerous disease."

Scientists unveil 'world's first practical artificial leaf'

Scientists unveil 'world's first practical artificial leaf': "Leaves – the kind that grow on trees – create energy from sunlight and water through the process of photosynthesis. For over a decade, scientists have been kicking around the idea of creating an 'artificial leaf.' Such a device would use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which could then be stored in a fuel cell and used to create electricity."

Video: A tribute to Space Shuttle Discovery

Video: A tribute to Space Shuttle Discovery: "The final touchdown of space shuttle Discovery at Kennedy Space Center in Florida earlier this month marked the end of a remarkable career for the oldest of the surviving NASA shuttles."

Body Art - Hand Animals | Optical Illusions

Body Art - Hand Animals | Optical Illusions: "These have to be some of the best examples of hand art I’ve ever seen. Great fun to look at for the kids and a real example of how to disguise your hand as an elephant, eagle or tiger. Click the main post for the full set of pictures."