Friday, April 30, 2010

Nanotechnology Update

Relatively inexpensive nano-scale fabricator can construct 3D structures half the size of previous methods:


"To show off the tool, the researchers at IBM's Zurich lab made a three-dimensional map of the Earth so small that 1,000 of them would fit onto a single grain of salt."

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Virtual Reality Update

New floor tiles use haptics, speakers and video projection to simulate a variety of surfaces that feel like the real thing--grass, snow, ice, pebbles, etc.--when walked upon:

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Artificial Intelligence Update

Using nanoscale memristors to develop synapses to emulate how the human brain processes information:

Artificial Intelligence Update

Circuits that work like the brain to evolve, work together and even self-heal have been developed:

Technology Update

Predicted in David Brin's "The Transparent Society," 24/7 video recording of one's life has become a reality:

Robotics Update

Skin for robots developed to improve tactile sensitivity and social acceptance:

Computing Update

Microchip manufacturers are working with different materials to carry Moore's Law beyond silicon:

Transportation Update

DARPA has been commissioned to come up with a VTOL flying car that can also drive off-road by 2015:

Technology Update

A new 3D printer could make rock-solid housing structures (even on the moon) far faster and less expensively than conventional means:

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Friday, April 9, 2010

Technology Update

The sidestep in the goal of creating a true invisibility cloak is creating an illusion over an object to appear as something else:

Transportation Update

The first solar-powered plane that will fly both day and night completely on solar power has completed its maiden flight:

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Computing Update

Advances in memristor technology may now make them viable commercially:


“Our brains are made of memristors,” he said, referring to the function of biological synapses. “We have the right stuff now to build real brains.”

Nanotechnology Update

Gains in efficiency in nanopiezoelectronics may allow them to power nano-scale machines through scavenged power:

Computing Update

Software is now able to distinguish between two different things a person is thinking about with 90% accuracy:

Artificial Intelligence Update

Advances toward making a conscious machine:

Robotics Update

Vehicles are now being built with automatic collision avoidance systems. Within a few years, driving will be semi-automated, and not long after that completely automated:

Robotics Update

Human-appearing android robots are getting close to indistinguishable from humans...but they're not there yet:

Virtual Reality Update

Haptics--being able to feel physical sensations in virtual worlds--is slowly getting off the ground:


Friday, April 2, 2010

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Artificial Intelligence Update

A new "grand unified theory of artificial intelligence" unites two different philosophies in an attempt to achieve AI:

Robotics Update

Examples of robots currently found in the world:

Computing Update

Charles Babbage envisioned a mechanical computer in 1822. It was never fully realized, and electronic computers are much more powerful right now. However, at the nano-scale, it may make sense to create mechanical computers as a way of saving energy:

Transportation Update

Fully-covered, 2-wheeled concept cars based on the Segway:

Cybernetics Update

New technique allows merging of carbon nanotubes with neural cells--the basis for a true bionic replacement system:

Alternative Energies Update

New high-efficiency hydraulic hybrid INGOCAR would weigh much less than conventional hybrids and get 170 mpg:

Active ingredient in Viagra tied to lower Alzheimer's risk — but don't get too excited

More links between the little head and the big head: https://www.livescience.com/health/alzheimers-dementia/active-ingredient-in-viagra-tied...