Good News #16 - #20 - Cancer Detection, Solar Cells, Fabric, Nano Stuff, Science Policy
Hello
The good news keeps coming!
Note: In this edition, we have reversed the order of the posts so the newest post will be first. If this is your first time visiting my GOOD NEWS Blog, you may want to read my first two posts, An Epiphany and Joel Barker's New Ideas to Consider. They will introduce you to the good news ideas you'll find here.
Scroll down to see my good news ideas #16 through #20...
-- Joel
Joel Barker
futurist, filmmaker, author
MEDICINE #16 - Military Technique adapted for Cancer Detection
The Navy developed a way to spot mines in the ocean based on how different elements in the ocean distorts a sonar signal. Michael Duarte has taken that software and modified it to work with mammogram machines to improve its resolution. The result should be more accurate and earlier identification of cancer tumors. This is an excellent example of innovation at the verge as well.
Google: Michael Duarte, "Advanced Image Enhancement"
ENERGY #17 - Plastic Solar Cells?
Another route to inexpensive solar cells made of plastic has been found by researchers from Switzerland and China. These kinds of cells are flexible, made of inexpensive material and can be PRINTED rapidly. To be useful they must be at least 10% efficient (that is, convert 10% of the solar energy falling on them into electricity)which they do. Now they will be tested for their durability and longevity in harsh conditions.
Technology Review January/February 2009 p 85;
online - http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21981/?a=f
Photo: Robert DiMatteo, MTPV
Google: Gratzel cells, printed solar cells
http://blog.coolerplanet.com/2008/11/21/gratzel-cells-to-offer-low-cost-easily-installed-solar/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320095008.htm
MATERIALS #18 - Never Get Wet Fabric
It is a simple problem: how to keep dry in a downpour. Stefan Seeger, a Swiss professor has patented a way of using silicon nano-filaments to keep water from soaking in while it lets any fabric breathe normally. It works on nonfabric materials, too. The technology can also be used on solar cells to help keep them clean.
Google: Stefan Seeger, waterproofing
URL: http://www.geek.com/articles/news/swiss-chemists-create-never-get-wet-fabric-20081128/
#19 - NANO STUFF
Nano researchers are starting to do amazing things. For instance, a University of Oxford team has built a a two-legged molecular machine tht can walk following a DNA strand. They have also fiured out a way for it to carry a molecular package between its legs. This, of course, is very early research but it begins to demonstrate the range of possibilities in the nano world.
Google: molecular machines, Niles Pierce, DNA feet, nanobot
URL: www.newscientist.com
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126884.300-nanobot-lets-dna-legs-do-the-walking.html
SCIENCE POLICY #20 - Scientists Picked by Obama to Lead Agencies
After eight years of science and technology being put on the back shelf, President Obama has changed direction dramatically. His appointments in all areas of science have been scientists. Since so much of US innovation is a direct result of the scientific research done in our universities and government labs, it only makes good sense to have people in a leadership roles that understand science. It may be the most distinguished set of appointees in the last 50 years.
Google: Obama science appointments, Steven Chu, Jane Lubchenco
URL: www.newscientist.com
JOEL BARKER RESOURCES...
Visit the Joel Barker COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
Joel Barker's Good News Blog
and Joel Barker's Innovation at the Verge Blog
at the Global Dialogue Center
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