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Archive for the ‘sustainability’ category: Page 200

May 9, 2016

First single-enzyme method to produce quantum dots revealed

Posted by in categories: engineering, particle physics, quantum physics, solar power, sustainability

Creating Q-Dots/ QDs (Acronym seems to depend on which reference book, article that you read) more cheaply and efficiently too.


Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconducting nanocrystals prized for their optical and electronic properties. The brilliant, pure colors produced by QDs when stimulated with ultraviolet light are ideal for use in flat screen displays, medical imaging devices, solar panels and LEDs. One obstacle to mass production and widespread use of these wonder particles is the difficulty and expense associated with current chemical manufacturing methods that often requiring heat, high pressure and toxic solvents.

But now three Lehigh University engineers have successfully demonstrated the first precisely controlled, biological way to manufacture quantum dots using a single-enzyme, paving the way for a significantly quicker, cheaper and greener production method. Their work was recently featured in an article in The New York Times called “A curious tale of quantum dots.”

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May 8, 2016

These Super-Efficient Solar Panels Are Light Enough To Install Almost Anywhere

Posted by in categories: solar power, sustainability

Affix Sunflare’s technology to wherever you want with barely any effort.

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May 4, 2016

If Something Is Going To Destroy Humanity, It’s Going To Be One Of These Catastrophes

Posted by in categories: asteroid/comet impacts, climatology, existential risks, sustainability

Pandemics, asteroids, nuclear war, and sudden, destructive climate change are all unlikely—but not so unlikely that we shouldn’t be planning for them.

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May 3, 2016

A Tesla Model S equipped with a robotic arm for your wheelchair [Video]

Posted by in categories: robotics/AI, space, sustainability, transportation

A Germany-based company, Paravan, is a leader in the electric wheelchair market and related accessories to adapt vehicles for people with disabilities. While they mostly work with vans and trucks, their latest product makes almost any car with enough trunk space extremely practical for someone using a wheelchair.

They installed it in a Tesla Model S to illustrate the functionalities of the product and the range of vehicles it can be installed on.

A robotic arm, called Robot 3000, can automatically lift a wheelchair (up to 25 kg – 55 lbs) from the trunk of a vehicle, then it moves the chair to the driver’s side and extends it all the way to the driver’s door.

Continue reading “A Tesla Model S equipped with a robotic arm for your wheelchair [Video]” »

May 2, 2016

Tesla put a Model X in a giant plastic bubble to test Bioweapon Defense Mode

Posted by in categories: sustainability, transportation

In less than two minutes, Tesla employees were able to take off their gas masks.

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May 2, 2016

Tech and Facts Photo 2

Posted by in categories: mobile phones, sustainability

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May 1, 2016

Aerial Reforestation

Posted by in category: sustainability

Seed bombing is a method for repairing deforested land.

And that means dropping *a lot* of seeds from the sky.

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Apr 28, 2016

China Quest for Clean Tech

Posted by in categories: economics, energy, sustainability

Nice


Mark L. Clifford on China, renewable energy, and economic growth.

By young china watchers for the diplomat.

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Apr 28, 2016

China’s Jia Yueting intends to outmuscle Musk — Taking on Tesla

Posted by in categories: electronics, mobile phones, sustainability, transportation

LeEco is known as the “Netflix of China” due to its very popular video streaming service, but the conglomerate also has interests in a much wider range of sectors including smartphones, TVs and electric vehicles.

Ding Lei, LeEco’s auto chief and a former top official at General Motors’ China venture with SAIC Motor, says part of LeEco’s advantage in tomorrow’s auto industry is that it carries no baggage from today’s.

This, the man said, is the future of cars, and the Chinese consumer electronics company LeEco is going to make that future a reality.

Continue reading “China's Jia Yueting intends to outmuscle Musk — Taking on Tesla” »

Apr 28, 2016

The Oceans Are Running Low on Oxygen

Posted by in categories: climatology, sustainability

File this under definitely not good: global warming is depleting the oceans of oxygen. You know, that little molecule that we, along with all other complex life forms, require in order to breathe and therefore live.

The reason is simple. According to basic thermodynamics, cold water can hold more dissolved gases than warm water. As our ever-warming atmosphere heats the surface of the ocean, the oxygen content starts to fall. Also, as water warms, it expands and gets lighter. This makes it less likely to sink, which in turn reduces the transport of oxygen from the atmosphere into the deep ocean.

All of this is well-established science. It’s also understood that the oxygen content of the ocean varies all the time due to changes in weather, seasons, latitude, and longer-term climate patterns like El Niño. But a study published this week in Global Biogeochemical Cycles is the first to show that the oxygen content of the world’s oceans is now falling thanks to climate change.

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