Gizmorama
December 30, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------
Clearance Sale - Electronics, DVDs, Housewares and more...
http://pd.gophercentral.com/u/3839/c/186/a/474
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Morning,
Bio-inspired energy takes a step forward as scientists find
that simple machines can be powered by bacteria. Read the
first article for all the details on this exciting new find.
Until Next Time,
Erin
Questions? Comments? Email me at: mailto:gizmo@gophercentral.com
Email your comments=
P.S. You can discuss this issue or any other topic in the new
Gizmorama forum. Check it out here...
http://gizmorama.gophercentral.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Bacteria used to power simple machines
ARGONNE, Ill. - U.S. Department of Energy scientists say
they've used common bacteria to power simple machines,
providing insight for creating bio-inspired energy pro-
duction. The researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory
and Northwestern University said they discovered bacteria
can turn microgears when suspended in a solution. "The gears
are a million times more massive than the bacteria," said
physicist Igor Aronson, who led the study. "The ability to
harness and control the power of bacterial motions is an
important requirement for further development of hybrid bio-
mechanical systems driven by microorganisms." The scientists
discovered the aerobic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, appear
to swim around the solution randomly, but occasionally the
organisms will collide with the spokes of the gear and begin
turning it in a definite direction. The researchers then
added a few hundred bacteria which worked together to turn
the gear. When multiple gears are placed in the solution
with the spokes connected, the bacteria will begin turning
both gears in opposite directions and it will cause the
gears to rotate in synchrony for a long time, the scientists
said. "Our discovery demonstrates how microscopic swimming
agents, such as bacteria or man-made nanorobots, in combin-
ation with hard materials can constitute a 'smart material'
which can dynamically alter its microstructures, repair
damage or power microdevices," Aronson said. The research
is reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences.
------------------------------------------------------------
MINI DISINFECTING UV SCANNER...
Normal Price: $19.99
DEAL PRICE: $14.99
SAVE EVEN MORE: Get Two for $25.98
This lightweight scanner instantly disinfects faucets, door
knobs, keyboards, phones & more! The UV light kills 99.9% of
germs in just 10 seconds. It is safe & effective. It includes
a carrying pouch for traveling or for a purse.
If you travel, you simply MUST have this. Take a few minutes
and run it over your hotel bed and sheets... you wouldn't
believe the germs in even the finest hotels. And don't forget
to run it over the almost never wiped down phones and remote
controls.
Remember get one for $14.98 or two (2) for $25.98. To see this
or get more info, visit:
http://pd.gophercentral.com/u/3747/c/120/a/474
------------------------------------------------------------
Global warming impacts wine and corn
STANFORD - Stanford University scientists say they've deter-
mined global warming could significantly negatively impact
U.S. wine and corn production. The researchers, led by
Assistant Professor Noah Diffenbaugh, said global warming
has made the early arrival of spring commonplace across the
planet. "Our experiment is unprecedented," he said. "It's the
first time a climate model has been applied at such spatial
and temporal detail over such a long period of time." The
researchers concluded, among other things, global warming
could reduce the current U.S. wine grape region by 81 percent
by the end of the century -- primarily because of a projected
sharp increase in the frequency of extremely hot days. They
also determined that by the end of the 21st century, warmer
growing seasons and milder winters could increase the popu-
lation and geographic range of the corn earworm, an insect
that preys on corn, tomatoes and other cash crops. "In the
case of agricultural pests, many of their ranges are limited
by severe cold temperatures," he said. "In our new simula-
tions, we find that those temperatures could disappear over
the next few decades, potentially leading to an expansion of
pest pressure." The findings were presented this week in
San Francisco during a meeting of the American Geophysical
Union.
------------------------------------------------------------
MEMORY FOAM INSOLES
It's like walking on air...
Retail Price: $9.99
DEAL PRICE: $4.99
You'll feel like walking on air with these specially designed
insoles. These Memory Foam Insole have a top layer made of
pressure-relieving, memory foam that conforms perfectly to
your foot's shape for the most comfortable fit and support
possible. Easy-to-use... simply cut for a perfect fit... anyone
can use them... that is up to a size 11 Men's foot.
Benefits:
- Molds to your feet for unbelievable comfort
- Excellent for people with foot conditions seeking added comfort
- Molds to your foot
- Relives pressure on the ball of your foot, bunions and joints
- Prevents heel shock by cushioning your every step
- Supports your arch
- Increases stability by cradling your foot & preventing foot roll
- Gives you custom comfort from your heel to your toes
- Provides much needed rest for your tired, achy feet
http://pd.gophercentral.com/u/4006/c/120/a/474
------------------------------------------------------------
New nanoparticle might find, treat cancer
HOUSTON - U.S. scientists say they've created a nanoparticle
that might be able to allow both cancer diagnosis and treat-
ment during one hospital visit. Rice University and Baylor
College of Medicine researchers said their single nanopar-
ticle can be tracked in real time with magnetic resonance
imaging as it homes in on cancer cells, tags them with a
fluorescent dye and then kills them with heat. "Some of the
most essential questions in nanomedicine today are about bio-
distribution -- where particles go inside the body and how
they get there," said study co-author Professor Naomi Halas.
"Non-invasive tests for biodistribution will be enormously
useful on the path to FDA approval, and this technique --
adding MRI functionality to the particle you're testing and
using for therapy -- is a very promising way of doing this."
The new research that included graduate student, Rizia
Bardhan and Baylor Assistant Professor Amit Joshi appears
online in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
------------------------------------------------------------
Check out Viral Videos on the Net at EVTV1.com
http://www.evtv1.com/
EVTV1.com