Spiking biofuel with nanoparticles found to increase performance

Spiking biofuel with nanoparticles found to increase performance: "Nanoparticles have added yet another string to their microscopic bows with a new study showing that the addition of alumina nanoparticles can improve the performance and combustion of biodiesel, while producing fewer emissions."

Einstein's Pedometer app provides a relatively good incentive to get you moving

Einstein's Pedometer app provides a relatively good incentive to get you moving: "Among other things, Einstein's theory of special relativity says that as an object's velocity increases, time as experienced by the object will slow down when compared to another object traveling at a lower velocity."

U.S. Navy demonstrates solid state laser weapon at sea

U.S. Navy demonstrates solid state laser weapon at sea: "Solid-state laser weapons are a step closer to operational capability with the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) reporting that it has successfully disabled a small target boat during testing off the Californian coast."

Ford turns to chocolate bar to develop lighter plastic components

Ford turns to chocolate bar to develop lighter plastic components: "We've seen the world's first Formula 3 car running on a fuel derived from waste chocolate, and now engineers at Ford have turned to the tasty treat for inspiration to produce lighter plastic parts for Ford's vehicles."

Mind over mouse: Researchers demonstrate thought-controlled cursor

Mind over mouse: Researchers demonstrate thought-controlled cursor: "It is a commonly held myth that much of the effectiveness of communication is determined by nonverbal cues, but try telling that to someone who has lost the power of speech due to brain injury or damage to their vocal cords or airway."

The homebuilt electric Z-Kart - who needs a Tesla Roadster?

The homebuilt electric Z-Kart - who needs a Tesla Roadster?: "As major automobile manufacturers around the world pour countless dollars and man hours into the research and development of electric vehicles, George Fortin has quietly gone about making one of his own."

Keyport looks to streamline the modern keychain

Keyport looks to streamline the modern keychain: "With most households yet to make the move to biometric lock systems, many of us are still carrying around jangly keychains. And with keychains also attracting non-key items such as USB flash drives, mini-torches and the all-important bottle opener, they can quickly reach pocket bulging, Kramer-esque proportions."

Latest FinePix compact gets new EXR sensor, multi-touch display

Latest FinePix compact gets new EXR sensor, multi-touch display: "The FinePix Z900EXR is a good 2mm thinner than its predecessor at 18.2mm (0.7-inches). There's a major change in the sensor department too. The 12 megapixel EXR CCD sensor has been replaced by a new EXR CMOS sensor with a resolution boost up to 16 megapixel plus backside illumination (BSI) technology."

The inspired Platypus Electric Underwater Exploration Craft

The inspired Platypus Electric Underwater Exploration Craft: "The French-designed Platypus is a new and immensely practical two-person electric underwater exploration concept designed to travel for eight hours above the water at 10-12 knots (18.5-22.2 km/h), or below the water at 3-4 knots (5.5-7.5 km/h). Most importantly, it offers a safe and stable below-water platform that requires no operating equipment to be worn by the pilot or passenger other than masks because the pontoons contain an integrated compressor which supplies air via hoses."

Research sheds new light on wall-climbing critters

Research sheds new light on wall-climbing critters: "Few things are as disconcerting, or as curious, as the sight of a gecko or spider skittering effortlessly upside down along the ceiling. This ability is known to be facilitated by microscopic hairs or 'setae' on the footpads of insects and mammals and a better understanding of their function could lead to advances in synthetic adhesives, wall climbing robots and yes, even the the holy-grail of the spiderman suit."

CO2 scrubber turns carbon emissions into building materials

CO2 scrubber turns carbon emissions into building materials: "Students at Michigan Technological University have designed and constructed their own mini-smokestack to showcase a new method for scrubbing carbon dioxide from emissions. The approach is similar to SkyMine technology, but instead of producing sodium bicarbonate as a byproduct, it turns captured carbon into a solid material that could have applications as a construction material."

Hyundai unveils its first sedan-style FCEV in Seoul

Hyundai unveils its first sedan-style FCEV in Seoul: "Hyundai unveiled its new mid-size hydrogen powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept this week at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. Powered by a 90 kW (120 hp) electric motor that delivers fuel economy of 34.9 km/L (82.1 mpg), the Blue2 (pronounced 'Blue square') is intended as a 'blue' print for the automaker's future sedans."