Water Powered Nano Rockets Can Safely Explore the Human Body [Science]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5938437/water-powered-nano-rockets-can-safely-explore-the-human-body

The idea of targeting a specific part of the human body with a microscopic rocket carrying a payload of medication has been tossed around for a while. And working nano-sized rockets have already been created, the only problem is that they're powered by chemicals like hydrogen peroxide which will do more harm than good for a patient.

But a team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new kind of micromotor made of an aluminum-gallium alloy that's propelled by hydrogen gas produced by a chemical reaction between the aluminum and water. In pure H2O the rockets—which measure in at a mere 20 micrometers in diameter—can travel as fast as three millimeters per second. But that speed is reduced in denser salt solutions or blood. And while the chemical reaction that propels it is safe for humans, the rocket itself isn't as it dissolves away less than a minute later. So while the Tylenollo 11 isn't ready for launch just yet, this is an important step towards making this technology a viable tool.

[C&EN via Slashdot]

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Former Rdio software engineer joins Google's Project Glass team

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/former-rdio-engineer-joins-google-project-glass/

There's still quite a few months before those lucky early adopters can get their eager hands (and eyes) on Google's Explorer Edition set of wearables, but in the meantime, the company's not wasting any time and is building up its team to have the frames as loaded as can be. One of the latest additions to Mountain View's Project Glass squad is former Rdio and Danger software engineer Ian McKellar -- who'd previously worked on the streaming service's API, among other things. Mum's the word on what exactly he'll be tinkering with at the Project Glass laboratories, though we can't imagine it'll be anything short of amazing. In case you'd like to dive into his thoughts a little more, you can check out his tweet on the matter at the link below.

Filed under: Misc, Wearables, Software

Former Rdio software engineer joins Google's Project Glass team originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG EA93 21:9 aspect ratio 29-inch LCD spotted on IFA show floor (eyes-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/lg-ea93-21-9-lcd-eyes-on/

Fancy a wickedly wide 21:9 aspect ratio LCD that's more than a touch larger than what you'll find on that unique Toshiba Ultrabook? It looks like LG's got you covered, with its 29-inch EA93. We spotted a half dozen of the ultra-wide IPS displays during a preview of the show floor at IFA, and were able to grab a few frames. You need to see this LCD in person to get a feel for just how wide it really is -- with a 29-inch diagonal panel that's incredibly short and squat, you'll be compromising quite a bit of desk real estate in order to add some horizontal pixels.

From booth materials, it seems that LG is promoting this product as a multitasking solution -- the format is well-suited as a replacement for dual-monitor rigs, letting you view several windows at once without adjusting your eyes vertically. We already had a solid grasp on the EA93's specs, which include a 2,560 x 1,080-pixel panel, a four-way split screen feature and plenty of inputs, including two HDMI ports, DVI Dual Link and DisplayPort, though the product placard also revealed USB 3.0 connectivity and 7-watt stereo speakers. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but if you're prepared to add such a device at any cost, we'd suggest clearing some desk space now -- these are set to ship in November.

Filed under: Displays

LG EA93 21:9 aspect ratio 29-inch LCD spotted on IFA! show fl oor (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maingear Solo 21 receives a makeover, $899 all-in-one PC is now fully upgradable

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/maingear-solo-21-all-in-one-pc-is-now-upgradable/

Back in March, Maingear entered the world of the all-in-one PC with the utilitarian Solo 21. Even though the unit is now only five months old, it's being replaced with a model that's more attractive, more functional and that carries a lower price. We're most excited that the redesigned Solo 21 is now fully upgradable -- and yes, this includes the Mini-ITX motherboard itself. Available from $899 on up, the baseline configuration includes a 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 2125 CPU (Ivy Bridge), 4GB of RAM, 500GB of storage, a DVD burner, Bluetooth, WiFi and Windows 7 Home Premium. The Solo 21 also supports mSATA SSD storage and can also be outfitted with Blu-ray in place of the standard DVD configuration. You'll also find it supports the VESA mount, should you decide to throw the PC on your wall. If you'd like to become a bit better acquainted with Maingear's latest refresh, you'll find the full PR after the break.

Gallery: Maingear Solo 21 all-in-one PC receives a makeover

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Continue reading Maingear Solo 21 receives a makeover, $899 all-in-one PC is now fully upgradable

Filed under: Desktops

Maingear Solo 21 receives a makeover, $899 all-in-one PC is now fully upgradable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spherical glass lens concentrates sunlight by up to 10,000 times, boosts solar cell efficiency

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/spherical-glass-lens-solar-energy-generator/

Eking out more power from solar cells is an ongoing challenge for scientists, and now architect André Broessel has developed a spherical glass energy generator that's said to improve efficiency by 35 percent. Acting as a lens, the rig's large water-filled orb concentrates diffused daylight or moonlight onto a solar cell with the help of optical tracking to harvest electricity. In certain configurations, the apparatus can be used for solar thermal energy generation and even water heating. In addition to the oversized globe, Broessel has cooked up a mobile version of the contraption for domestic use and an array of much smaller ball lenses with dual-axis tracking that offers 40 percent efficiency. These devices aren't the first venture into concentrated photovoltaics, but they are likely among the most visually impressive. If the Barcelona-based architect's vision of the future comes true, you'll be seeing these marbles incorporated into buildings and serving as standalone units. Hit the source links below for the picture spread of prototypes and renders.

Filed under: Alt

Spherical glass lens concentrates sunlight by up to 10,000 times, boosts solar cell efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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