Slashdot Mirror
Domain: popsci.com
Stories and comments across the archive that link to popsci.com.
Stories · 260
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Hydrogen Micro Turbine Only 4mm In Diameter
savaget writes: "Luc G. Frchette of the Columbia University Microsystem Engineering Laboratory has developed a 20W electrical generator powered by a hydrogen turbine just 4mm in diameter. For more details, read the Wired article or an older Popular Science article. The tiny generator is more efficient than any battery and is expected to find military and commercial uses including robotics." Imagine the uses ... -
Beer and Bacteria to be used in Toxin Cleanup
GospelHead821 writes "According to this article in Popular Science, a chemistry student at the University of Tulsa is driving research into use of toxin-munching "sulfate-reducing bacteria" (SRBs) to help cleanup toxic, solid effluent from abandoned zinc and lead mines near her home. Where does the beer come in? Apparently, it has proved an excellent food source for the bacteria and helps to extend the lifespan of the normally short-lived SRBs by several months. Currently, the procedure is in the testing phase, with models being employed to simulate the conditions that would be present in a large-scale detoxification plant, which in turn, is based on the natural wetlands from which these bacteria hail." -
Beer and Bacteria to be used in Toxin Cleanup
GospelHead821 writes "According to this article in Popular Science, a chemistry student at the University of Tulsa is driving research into use of toxin-munching "sulfate-reducing bacteria" (SRBs) to help cleanup toxic, solid effluent from abandoned zinc and lead mines near her home. Where does the beer come in? Apparently, it has proved an excellent food source for the bacteria and helps to extend the lifespan of the normally short-lived SRBs by several months. Currently, the procedure is in the testing phase, with models being employed to simulate the conditions that would be present in a large-scale detoxification plant, which in turn, is based on the natural wetlands from which these bacteria hail." -
Erector Set Turns 100
GospelHead821 writes: "It's been one hundred years since the first Erector Set was patented in Europe under the name of Meccano (It is sold under this name in Europe to this day). Unfortunately for Erector, the advent of plastic Lego bricks in 1958 spelled misfortune for the more complex, metal frame construction kit. Erector fans should keep an eye out, though! The Brio Corp. may be looking to reintroduce the Erector Set to the United States sometime soon. I remember playing with an old Erector Set when I was a kid, but I haven't seen one in quite a while. Here's hoping it makes a comeback. As versatile as Legos are, there's just something unconvincing about a Martian Destroyer Robot made out of plastic." My ranking is Capsula > Erector > Tinker Toys > Lincoln Logs > Lego. -
Bionic Eyes for Everyone
Rob Riggs writes "As seen on this SlashCode using site, scientists at the University of Rochester are working on a project to bring adaptive optics, technology used in ground-based astronomy, to the human eye. They expect to achieve 20/10 vision and enhanced contrast for everyone, but this article claims 20/2.5 is ultimately possible." The best thing about this story is that the submitter picked the rarely-used "Upgrades" category for it. -
Chinese Space Program
ilduce writes "Here's a short but interesting piece on China's space program. It doesn't reveal a tremendous amount of new stuff, but I think it's especially interesting that they target economic benefits as one of the reasons for justifying it. I'm reminded of a NYTimes article a few months ago on genetic engineering that said that in 1986 (?) they gathered scientists for and poured money into the seven areas of science critical for their future. This interests me because it would seem that with the more or less stall in the american program and the willingness of the chinese to spend money and lives, china may end up being the first (20 years later) to mine the multi trillion dollar near earth asteroids. Food for thought. (or not)" -
U.S. Army Developing Prototype Holodeck
Our friend, Anonymous Coward, wrote in to tell us that the U.S. Army is developing what it calls the 'Cave Automatic Virtual Environment'. The facilities use 3d video and various forms of projection technology to create a virtual, interactive environment. Note the recursive acronym. (The story's in the February issue of Popular Science.) -
U.S. Army Developing Prototype Holodeck
Our friend, Anonymous Coward, wrote in to tell us that the U.S. Army is developing what it calls the 'Cave Automatic Virtual Environment'. The facilities use 3d video and various forms of projection technology to create a virtual, interactive environment. Note the recursive acronym. (The story's in the February issue of Popular Science.) -
Color Gameboys?
MacJedi writes " Popular Science reports that Nintendo is going to release the first portable to use a "color reflective" LCD. Those things are supposed to use about 10% of the power of a traditional color LCD and be viewable in sunlight too." I need to reintroduce tetris into my life. -
Penny-sized CD that holds 400GB
Jason Flood writes "Here is the link to a Popular Science article on a new penny-sized CD being developed which will hold 400GB. The story is mostly fluff, but it sounds interesting if true. " I love reading the dumbed down popsci/popmech versions of important news events. It has the same demented appeal to me as reading those terrible articles in the mainstream press about computer crime.