Triple-junction solar cell design could break 50 percent conversion barrier

Triple-junction solar cell design could break 50 percent conversion barrier: "The current world record for triple-junction solar cell efficiency is 44 percent, but a collaboration between the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Imperial College of London, and MicroLink Devices Inc. has led to a multi-junction photovoltaic cell design that could break the 50 percent conversion efficiency barrier under concentrated solar illumination."

'via Blog this'

Hajime Sakamoto takes a ride on giant robot legs

Hajime Sakamoto takes a ride on giant robot legs: "Have you ever dreamed of what it would be like to pilot a giant robot? If you have, you're not alone. A roboticist by the name of Hajime Sakamoto dreams of building his very own Gundam mobile suit, and he's making progress on a real 4 meter (13 feet) tall bipedal robot that can carry him around. So far the legs have been completed, and you can watch them stand up and take a few steps in the video below."

'via Blog this'

Samsung’s T9000 fridge with 10-inch touchscreen and Evernote

Samsung’s T9000 fridge with 10-inch touchscreen and Evernote: "Despite being around for a few years now, fridges with internet connectivity and LCD touchscreens haven't really taken off with consumers. Samsung isn't giving up, though, previewing its 32 cubic-feet (906-liter), four-door T9000 model at CES 2013 that boasts a 10-inch LCD touchscreen option."

'via Blog this'

2014 Corvette Stingray debuts with rev-matching 7-speed | Detroit auto show 2013 - CNET Reviews

2014 Corvette Stingray debuts with rev-matching 7-speed | Detroit auto show 2013 - CNET Reviews: "DETROIT--Chevrolet has pulled the covers back on what is easily the most hotly anticipated (and worst-kept secret) of the 2013 Detroit auto show: the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray."

'via Blog this'

Blazing black holes: NuSTAR provides a fresh view of the Universe

Blazing black holes: NuSTAR provides a fresh view of the Universe: "Black holes, which abound in the Universe, convert matter into geometry – the larger the amount of matter that disappears through the event horizon, the larger they grow, with the only external sign of their presence being the warping of space due to their gravity. In the process, a great deal of extremely hot gas is generated, and that gas emits hard x-rays. Now NASA's NuSTAR space telescope can find black holes by forming high-resolution images of the cosmos in hard x-rays."

'via Blog this'

Polaroid releases Kids Tablet

Polaroid releases Kids Tablet: "If you have noticed that tots are getting acquainted with digital technology increasingly early, wait until they get hold of a tablet designed specifically for them. Polaroid has expanded its tablet portfolio with Kids Tablet, a new addition to this expanding market that includes MEEP!, Tabeo and LeapPad."

'via Blog this'

Acrobatic polymer film developed at MIT harvests energy from water vapor

Acrobatic polymer film developed at MIT harvests energy from water vapor: "A team of researchers at MIT’s David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research has developed a new polymer film that generates power from water vapor. Consisting of two polymer films, the material makes remarkably acrobatic somersaults in the presence of even tiny traces of evaporated water, opening the way for new types of artificial muscles for controlling robotic limbs or powering micro and nanoscopic devices"

'via Blog this'

Sony goes one (inch) better with "world’s first 56-inch 4K OLED TV"

Sony goes one (inch) better with "world’s first 56-inch 4K OLED TV": "When Sony showed up to CES 2012 with a Crystal LED prototype TV rather than an OLED TV like its rivals Samsung and LG, it prompted reports that the company was abandoning OLED TVs aimed at the consumer market. Sony might finally have put paid to these reports by displaying a prototype OLED TV at this year’s CES. And in the spirit of one-upsmanship, Sony is touting the prototype TV as the “world’s first and largest 56-inch 4K OLED TV.”"

'via Blog this'

Asteroid to miss Earth by less than 20,000 miles next month

Asteroid to miss Earth by less than 20,000 miles next month: "Asteroid 2012 DA14 is about 40 meters (131 ft) in size, has a mass of 130,000 tons, is traveling relative to the Earth at a speed of some 6.3 km/s (14,100 mph) ... and will miss us by less than 32,000 km (20,000 miles) on February 15. If it did hit the Earth, the result would be a huge explosion yielding about 2.5 megatons,"

'via Blog this'

IllumiRoom takes video games beyond the TV

IllumiRoom takes video games beyond the TV: "The way we play video games is forever evolving. Nintendo brought motion control to the masses with the Wii, while the rise of smartphones and tablets has meant the number of casual games (and casual gamers) has grown exponentially over the past few years. What is next on the agenda? The signs all point towards a more immersive experience being the main aim and Microsoft Research is keen to lead the way with IllumiRoom."

'via Blog this'

World's first car-carrying electric ferry to see use in Norway

World's first car-carrying electric ferry to see use in Norway: "Presently, the Norwegian villages of Lavik and Oppedal are linked by a ferry that burns about a million liters (264,172 US gallons) of diesel a year, emitting 570 tonnes (628 tons) of carbon dioxide and 15 tonnes (16.5 tons) of nitrogen oxides. That’s about to change, however, as it’s slated to be replaced by what is claimed to be the world’s first all-electric car-carrying ferry. Developed by Siemens and Norwegian shipyard Fjellstrand, the vessel can recharge its batteries in just ten minutes."

'via Blog this'

Amazing People Compilation - Amazing skill and Talent in HD 2012 - YouTube

Amazing People Compilation - Amazing skill and Talent in HD 2012 - YouTube:

'via Blog this'