Researchers Using Bio-Engineered Viruses to Power Nano Electronics
The researchers looked to viruses as a new material to work with because they reproduce rapidly and align far better than other materials, making them good candidates to accumulate a charge on one end of the virus.
The researchers then genetically engineered the virus with proteins that enhance the buildup of charge on the ends of the rod-shaped viruses. The viruses only attack other bacteria so are considered benign. The viruses are stacked onto thin films and then several thin films are layered to build up as much voltage as possible.
The Lawrence Berkeley Lab group isn’t the first to pursue viruses as a means for building up electric charge. Researchers at MIT in 2009 said they were able to wire a charge-building virus to a lithium ion battery. The Lawrence Berkeley Lab’s prototype was only able to generate about a quarter of the voltage of a triple A battery, but they believe that their approach to “viral electronics” can scale up.
(via Step on it: Virus could lead to motion-powered gadgets | Cutting Edge - CNET News)
Social Media For Restaurants Made Easier Through Burgers | Food Tech Connect - StumbleUpon →
A simple distinction across 10 leading social tools, from the viewpoint of a burger joint:
David Ciancino, Social Media For Restaurants Made Easier Through Burgers
- Twitter – I am eating a burger
- Facebook – I like burgers
- FourSquare – This is where I eat burgers
- Instagram – Here’s a vintage photo of me eating a burger in a blizzard
- Youtube – Here I am eating a burger
- LinkedIn – My skills include burger eating and blogging
- Pinterest – Here’s a burger recipe
- LastFM – Now listening to “burgers”
- Google+ – I am a Google employee who eats burgers
- Foodspotting – Look at this burger I am eating
- Untappd – I am drinking this beer with a burger
- Tumblr – When I’m not eating a burger, I’m doing this
- Wikipedia – The burger was created by and when
- Flickr – Here are pictures of the burgers I’ve eaten
Simple.
Oakley Plans To Launch Its Own Brand Of AR Glasses - PSFK
At the start of this month, Google secretly began testing its augmented reality goggles with selected employees. The prototype eyewear allows users to view messages, videos, maps, and images in real-time. Now, Oakley has confirmed that it’s testing similar technology that will rival Google’s ‘Project Glass.’
Colin Baden, CEO of Oakley, stated in an interview that:
As an organization, we’ve been chasing this beast since 1997. Ultimately, everything happens through your eyes, and the closer we can bring it to your eyes, the quicker the consumer is going to adopt the platform.
Oakley has been working on technology to produce head-mounted displays for nearly 15 years, and has 600 patents mainly relating to optical specifications. Baden refused to confirm if Oakley would produce its own pair of smart glasses, or if the company would only license its technology.
via PSFK:
“Global warming is having a drastic effect on Russia’s permafrost. The frozen soil once covered 60 percent of Russia but there are signs it is starting to thaw. A meltdown would destabilise the ground, destroy buildings and infrastructure and have drastic consequences on Russia’s energy industry.”
Via AFP Global News
Microsoft unveils universal translator that converts your voice into another language
Microsoft Research has shown off software that translates your spoken words into another language while preserving the accent, timbre, and intonation of your actual voice.
Full Story: ExtremeTech
Twitter’s ecosystem passes 1.5 million apps
It’s been easy to ignore Twitter as a platform lately, as Facebook has stolen much the show with its IPO, but with this announcement it is clearer than ever that Twitter’s reach goes far beyond its core service.
Full Story: The Next Web
