Alternative Energies Update

New lithium ion battery with 10x the charge and 10x the charging speed:

http://www.kurzweilai.net/batteries-with-10x-more-capacity-and-that-charge-10x-faster

Computing Update

Intel creates the first teraflop chip:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/intels-1-teraflop-chip-exascale-computing-needs-better-story/63597?tag=nl.e539

(Major accomplishment, lousy article.)

Genetic Engineering Update

Modification of one gene doubles muscle strength:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-11/epfd-tag110711.php

Robotics Update

New and improved ASIMO robot is faster, stronger, smoother and overall more capable:

http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-unveils-all-new-asimo-with-significant-advancements

Robotics Update

More information on the powerful new "Alphadog" robot:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/military-robots/boston-dynamics-alphadog-prototype-on-video


"A couple notes on the video: those weights that AlphaDog is carrying in a few of the clips weigh a total of 400 pounds (180 kilograms), and the robot will be able to carry that load up to 20 miles (30 kilometers) over the course of 24 hours without having to refuel."

And it's a LOT quieter than Bigdog was.

Nanotechnology Update

The first artificial self-replication has been achieved!

http://www.foresight.org/nanodot/?p=4822

Medicine Update

Removing senescent cells can eliminate aging related diseases and increase lifespans:

http://www.livescience.com/16845-longevity-aging-cellular-cleaning.html?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=LS_11032011

Robotics Update

PETMAN robot is close to being a "real" humanoid robot:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/stunning-video-of-boston-dynamics-petman-humanoid