New efficiency record advances spray-on solar cells

New efficiency record advances spray-on solar cells: To make quantum dot solar cells that can be sprayed or painted on, the tiny nanoscale semiconductors need to be dispersed evenly within another substance - this is known as a colloid.

The world's oldest running car up for sale

The world's oldest running car up for sale: A very special car will cross the autcioneers block next month - it's the world's oldest running motor car, a historic 1884 de Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout. The second prototype built by Count de Dion, the car participated in the world's first automobile race.

The spherical genius of the Hüttlin Kugelmotor

The spherical genius of the Hüttlin Kugelmotor: The car is not going to disappear anytime soon and neither is the combustion engine, despite the inevitable rise in fuel prices. We have said it before, electrical motors are an energy-efficient method for driving vehicles but battery technology is simply not going to advance quickly enough for all-electric vehicles to be a practical reality for most uses anytime soon.

'Intelligent T-shirt' could remotely monitor patients' vital signs

'Intelligent T-shirt' could remotely monitor patients' vital signs: "More and more we're hearing about clothing made from smart fabrics being used in the field of medicine, to monitor patients wearing such garments. One of the latest examples is the "intelligent T-shirt," designed by scientists at Spain's Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). It can remotely monitor a person's temperature, heart rate, activity level, position and location."

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First airport installation of Arch Group's Sleepbox

First airport installation of Arch Group's Sleepbox: "There are lot of "pod" hotel concepts around. It's one of those things that every young design/architectural practice likes to have a go at for its portfolio. The use-cases for these things are obvious, airports, train stations, exhibition halls, shopping malls, even temporary hostels or emergency shelter."

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iRoom iDock is the world’s first motorized, in-wall iPad dock

iRoom iDock is the world’s first motorized, in-wall iPad dock: "We've seen iPad docks that mount an iPad on a wall, on a car dashboard and on a fridge, but the iRoom iDock is the first we've come across that mounts an iPad in the wall. Featuring a motorized docking system that automatically opens and closes thanks to a proximity sensor, the iRoom iDock is flush-mounted to the wall, which means you'll need the services of an electrician to connect the unit to your home's electrical system."

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TankBot - smartphone-controlled toy tank keeps itself out of trouble

TankBot - smartphone-controlled toy tank keeps itself out of trouble: "Exhibited during Toy Fair 2011 in New York, Desk Pets' TankBot has joined the likes of the HELO TC, Sphere and AR Drone in the growing ranks of smartphone-controlled gizmos. In addition to smartphone control, the US$25 bot has individually powered tiny tank-tracks and infrared sensors for free-roaming and maze solving modes."

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Ford tips F1 technology into elegant E-Bike concept

Ford tips F1 technology into elegant E-Bike concept: "Automotive manufacturers often use the media glare surrounding events like the International Motor Show in Frankfurt to showcase concept vehicles never intended for production. Such models are created to highlight cutting edge design or brand new technology."

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All-electric Tron Lightcycle hits the streets

All-electric Tron Lightcycle hits the streets: "Practicality tends to take a back seat when you combine sci-fi cult status with custom chopper building - and there's no room for a pillion passenger on the Lightcycle. We first spied Parker Brothers Choppers Lightcycle project last year when it surfaced in gas-powered form, now the company has released video of a fully-electric version of the neon-packing two-wheeler in action. The electric motor may be quieter, but this one's still guaranteed to turn heads."

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Logitech Harmony Link turns an iOS or Android device into a universal remote

Logitech Harmony Link turns an iOS or Android device into a universal remote: Logitech has revealed the Harmony Link, its latest addition to the Harmony line of accessories, which until now mostly included universal remote controls. Featuring a hockey puck-like design, the Harmony Link requires a home WiFi network and the free Logitech Harmony Link App.

Research demonstrates that activated carbon could store hydrogen at room temperature

Research demonstrates that activated carbon could store hydrogen at room temperature: With hydrogen atoms consisting of just a single electron and single proton, its gaseous form made up of two hydrogen atoms can be hard to contain. Hydrogen storage, along with hydrogen production and the lack of infrastructure, remains a major stumbling block in efforts to usher in hydrogen as a replacement for hydrocarbon-based fuels in cars, trucks and even homes.

Infiniti M Hybrid equals Lamborghini Countach in standing quarter mile

Infiniti M Hybrid equals Lamborghini Countach in standing quarter mile: Records may come and go but, aside from grabbing headlines, they're a way of benchmarking the progress of new technologies. In the automotive world this means hybrid drivetrains and we've seen a number of new record attempts in recent times - usually related to fuel economy as with the Kia Optima Drive.