Acoustic diode allows sound waves to only travel in one direction

Acoustic diode allows sound waves to only travel in one direction: "When it comes to the sound-proofing of buildings, most people likely think of using materials that simply absorb the sound waves in a noisy room, so they can't proceed into a neighboring quiet room. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), however, are taking a different approach."

Scientists create water walking bionic microrobot

Scientists create water walking bionic microrobot: "Chinese scientists have developed an aquatic microrobot that mimics the water-walking abilities of the Gerridae - a family of long-legged bugs commonly known as water striders that are able to run on top of the water's surface. The scientists say their bionic microbot incorporates improvements over previous devices that make it an ideal candidate for military spy missions, water pollution monitoring and other applications."

Fujitsu Toshiba unveils IS12T - world's first Mango OS phone

Fujitsu Toshiba unveils IS12T - world's first Mango OS phone: "Fujitsu and Toshiba have announced IS12T, the first smartphone to run on Windows Phone 7 with the new Mango update pre-installed. The new smartphone is waterproof and dust-resistant and comes with 13.2 megapixel camera and large 32GB of internal storage."

Ion Audio’s Piano Apprentice + iDevice = personal, take anywhere piano tutor

Ion Audio’s Piano Apprentice + iDevice = personal, take anywhere piano tutor: "We recently took a look at the iPerform3D online guitar lessons for those looking to unleash their inner Hendrix, but if you're thinking tinkling the ivories might be more your style then Ion Audio's Piano Apprentice could be worth a look - at least for a basic introduction to playing the piano. Following the Simon school of music instruction, the Piano Apprentice features a 25-note keyboard that docks with an iPad, iPod touch or iPhone to demonstrate how to play as the relevant keys on the device light up."

Lockheed Martin’s HALE-D airship takes to the air

Lockheed Martin’s HALE-D airship takes to the air: "With the use of airships for passenger transport decreasing in the early 20th century as their capabilities were eclipsed by those of airplanes - coupled with a number of disasters - they were largely resigned to serving as floating billboards or as camera platforms for covering sporting events."