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May 22, 2018
3D Printers And Robotic Arms: How One Startup Plans To Build Colonies In Space
Posted by Klaus Baldauf in categories: 3D printing, robotics/AI, space
When history’s pilgrims and pioneers arrived in a new territory, they used the land’s natural resources to build their settlements. Space colonists, on the other hand, will have to bring materials from Earth and assemble them on Mars. Andrew Rush, president and CEO of space-based manufacturing firm Made In Space, believes the process of creating off-world infrastructure will be similar to building IKEA furniture. Only the parts will be made with an advanced 3D printer and put together by an autonomous robot.
“We think the future of in-space operation is one of manufacturing and assembly, just like how you built the table you’re sitting on right now,” Rush says. “That table is a multi-material object, and its pieces were all manufactured in different ways. I don’t think space colonies are going to take a different approach.”
May 22, 2018
Quantum dots made from tea leaves lay waste to lung cancer cells
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: health, quantum physics, solar power, sustainability
Full of antioxidants and vitamins, tea is pretty good for you, and green tea extracts have even been used as effective carriers for cancer drugs. New research led by Swansea University has found a novel way to wring more health benefits out of the stuff, by making quantum dots from tea leaves and using them to slow the growth of lung cancer cells.
Quantum dots are semiconductor particles so small they exhibit strange electrical and optical properties, such as the ability to fluoresce in different colors, or help with certain chemical reactions. Their glowing properties mean they’re showing up in TVs and solar cells, and in medical applications as biomarkers to help doctors precisely locate tumors. They’re also being used to treat cancer, fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and convert CO2 into liquid fuels.
The problem is, manufacturing them can be a costly and complicated process, and the end results can be toxic. So the Swansea team, along with researchers from Bharathiar University and K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, set about making quantum dots out of humble tea leaves.
May 22, 2018
Dealerships trash talk electric cars: study
Posted by Bill Kemp in categories: sustainability, transportation
Car dealerships in Nordic countries actively discourage consumers from buying electric vehicles, researchers who conducted an undercover investigation said Monday.
Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed Nature Energy, reveal an overlooked barrier to the sale of electric vehicles, which are expected to play a key role in lowering CO2 emissions and curbing global warming.
Posing as prospective buyers, the researchers made 126 enquiries at 82 dealerships in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland.
Continue reading “Dealerships trash talk electric cars: study” »
May 22, 2018
Bioquark Inc. — Enterprise NOW! Podcast — Ira Pastor
Posted by Ira S. Pastor in categories: aging, bioengineering, biotech/medical, business, disruptive technology, DNA, economics, finance, futurism, genetics
May 22, 2018
France, China, and the EU All Have an AI Strategy. Shouldn’t the US?
Posted by Derick Lee in categories: economics, robotics/AI
France isn’t alone. Last month, the European Union’s executive branch recommended its member states increase their public and private sector investment in AIt also pledged billions in direct research spending. Meanwhile, China laid out its AI plan for global dominance last year, a plan that has also been backed up with massive investment. China’s goal is to lead the world in AI technology by 2030. Around the world, our global economic competitors are taking action on artificial intelligence.
Opinion: Rep. John K. Delaney argues that if the United States wants a prosperous economy, it needs a national plan for artificial intelligence.
May 22, 2018
Artificial blood made from stem cells could save thousands of lives
Posted by Ian Hale in category: biotech/medical
May 21, 2018
There’s New Evidence for the Mysterious “Planet Nine”
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: space
The strange orbit of a distant object is likely due to a massive, undiscovered ninth planet traveling deep beyond Neptune, according to new models.
May 21, 2018
A little-known feature in Google Maps lets you explore our local solar system — here’s how to visit Mercury, Venus, and other planets and moons in Google Maps
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: education, space
Most people just use Google Maps to get directions from A to B, but it’s also an incredible educational tool in its own right.
Using Google Maps is a great way to learn more about the various cities and countries around the world. But many people might not know that Google Maps can also be used to explore other worlds besides Earth.
That’s right: If you visit Google Maps and zoom out far enough, you’ll have the option to explore several planets and moons in our own solar system.