Eyes inspire more efficient solar cell architecture

Solar cells don't at first glance have any relation to a tiny structure in the eye that makes our central vision sharp, but that tiny structure – called the fovea centralis – may be the key to a huge boost in solar cell efficiency. A team of scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light took the underlying mechanisms that guide the fovea and adapted them to silicon as a surface for collecting light in solar cells... Continue Reading Eyes inspire more efficient solar cell architecture



Section: Science



Tags: Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, Max Planck Institute, Photovoltaic, Silicon, Solar Cell



Related Articles:

• Record 19 percent efficiency achieved with low-cost solar cells


• SunPower claims new solar cell efficiency record of 24.2 percent


• Panasonic's HIT solar cell hits record 25.6 percent conversion efficiency


• Empa claims new world record for solar cell efficiency


• New world record claimed for organic solar cell efficiency


• Flexible Cells to expand Solar Energy applications

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1EAPLqN

ESA offers CubeSats a deep space ride on asteroid mission

CubeSats offer a way to get into space on the cheap. They're compact, inexpensive, and they can piggyback on larger launch payloads to get into orbit. The trouble is, this piggybacking is often like trying to hitchhike cross country on a ride that only goes to the edge of town. The European Space Agency is widening the scope a little by opening a competition for CubeSats to ride into deep space on its Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM)... Continue Reading ESA offers CubeSats a deep space ride on asteroid mission



Section: Space



Tags: Asteroid, Competition, CubeSat, ESA, Impact, NASA, Satellite



Related Articles:

• ESA to test asteroid deflection


• Sentinel mission to place asteroid-hunting telescope into orbit around the Sun


• NASA investigates sending CubeSats to Phobos and back


• NEOWISE returns first test images post hibernation


• NASA heads underwater to test concepts for future asteroid mission


• NASA selects next nanosatellite flight demonstration missions

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1GBeSJ3

Aluminum "superatoms" hint at a new type of superconducting materials

Scientists at the University of Southern California have made steps toward discovering a new family of superconductor materials that work at relatively high temperatures, with possible applications in physics research, medical imaging and high-performance electronics... Continue Reading Aluminum "superatoms" hint at a new type of superconducting materials



Section: Electronics



Tags: Aluminum, superconductor, University of Southern California



Related Articles:

• Less than one nanometer wide - the world's smallest superconductor


• Liquid-like compound could lead to better thermoelectric devices


• Thinnest superconducting metal ever may have wide application


• New record brings superconductors closer to the mainstream


• Long sought-after material could revolutionize electronics


• Scientists use light to alter properties of high temperature superconductors

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1ApbeN5

Huawei's round-faced Android Wear watch has looks to rival the Moto 360

Of the early Android Wear smartwatches, the round ones (Moto 360, LG G Watch R and soon the LG Watch Urbane) have been the most eye-catching. You can now add Huawei to that list, as it's teasing its new Huawei Watch (you know, like an Apple Watch ... only from Huawei) ahead of its Mobile World Congress reveal... Continue Reading Huawei's round-faced Android Wear watch has looks to rival the Moto 360



Section: Wearable Electronics



Tags: Android Wear, Huawei, Smartwatch, Wearable, wearable computing, wearable electronics



Related Articles:

• Take that, Motorola: LG teases G Watch R smartwatch with round display


• LG's new Android Wear smartwatch, the Watch Urbane, has an all-metal body


• LG's Watch Urbane LTE gains 4G and mobile payments – but loses Android Wear


• LG G Watch R review: Second time's a charm


• LG makes its round-faced Android Wear smartwatch official


• Motorola demos Moto 360 Android Wear smartwatch

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1zszc9L

NASA's colossal crawlers mark half a century of service

Two veterans of the US space program have marked 50 years of service with in appropriately sedate style. In 1965, a pair of gigantic crawlers were built to move the Saturn V moon rockets to the launch pad. Half a century later, they are still in service and being upgraded to handle NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and other launch vehicles. To celebrate, the 6 million lb (2.7 million kg) Crawler-Transporter 2 (CT-2) made a rollout for a visitor and media day at less than one mph... Continue Reading NASA's colossal crawlers mark half a century of service



Section: Space



Tags: Apollo, Crawlers, Launch Vehicles, Moon, NASA, Rocket, Space Launch System, Space Shuttle, Transport



Related Articles:

• NASA’s giant crawler transporter gets an overhaul


• NASA building world's largest solid-fuel rocket


• SLS completes key development review


• NASA unveils countdown clock for the 21st century


• Dynetics in negotiations with NASA over using Apollo F1 engines for heavy lift


• Boeing wins Instrument Unit Avionics contract for Ares I launch vehicle

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1zsza1J

Samsung's ridiculously light/thin Ativ Book 9 (2015) laptop hits stores March 1

Samsung's Ativ Book 9 (2015) impressed us at CES 2015, with its combination of ridiculously light/thin build, razor-sharp screen and (allegedly) long battery life. What we didn't know was when it would launch (apart from "Q1"). Well, you can mark your calendars: the Ativ Book 9 hits stores tomorrow, March 1... Continue Reading Samsung's ridiculously light/thin Ativ Book 9 (2015) laptop hits stores March 1



Section: Laptops



Tags: Samsung, Samsung Ativ Book 9



Related Articles:

• Samsung Ativ Book 9 (2015) vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 3


• Hands-on: Samsung's new Ultrabook makes the MacBook Air feel like a brick


• Samsung to show curved All-in-One and its thinnest laptop yet at CES


• Samsung Ativ Book 9 (2015) vs. 11-in MacBook Air (2014)


• Samsung's Ativ Q: The best case yet for Microsoft's vision of the future?


• Five Samsung Windows 8 "Ativ" devices break cover

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1G3l9jr

Runcible circular smartphone recalls the pocket watch

We've become accustomed to cell phones as noisy, rectangular devices filled with applications that are designed to assist us – but often distract us – in our daily lives. California-based startup Mohohm is looking to buck the trend with Runcible, a round device that doesn't use apps and doesn't beep or vibrate to alert users. .. Continue Reading Runcible circular smartphone recalls the pocket watch



Section: Mobile Technology



Tags: firefox os, Smartphones



Related Articles:

• Amazon offloading Fire Phone stock with $199 off-contract price


• See double with the Kyocera Echo dual-screen smartphone


• Micro-Phone combines a GSM phone and locator in a credit-card sized package


• Romo the robot uses your smartphone as its brain


• Flash Dock attaches iPhone to DSLR, raises camera's IQ


• Location-based Social Mapping on your mobile

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1znkEIL

Limpet's shell could inspire next-gen transparent displays

The humble limpet has been receiving a lot of press lately, as scientists recently determined that the material from which its teeth are made is officially the world's strongest natural material. Now, an MIT/Harvard study suggests that a specific type of limpet's shell may hold the key to transparent displays that require no internal light source. .. Continue Reading Limpet's shell could inspire next-gen transparent displays



Section: Science



Tags: Biomimicry, Display, Harvard, MIT



Related Articles:

• Limpets sink their teeth into world's strongest natural material crown


• MIT researchers clarify things with new transparent display technology


• Potentially very-useful "polymer opals" change color when stretched


• Scientists find natural photovoltaic cell in hornet, and copy it


• Turtle Shell wireless speaker for bicycles and beyond


• SmartShell uses hydraulics, not bulk, for structural strength

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1G1jLxO

High-performance flow battery could rival lithium-ions for EVs and grid storage

A new redox flow battery developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) more than doubles the amount of energy that this type of cell can pack in a given volume, approaching the numbers of lithium-ion batteries. If the device reaches mass production, it could find use in fast-charging transportation, portable electronics and grid storage... Continue Reading High-performance flow battery could rival lithium-ions for EVs and grid storage



Section: Science



Tags: Batteries, Electrolyte, Lithium-ion, PNNL



Related Articles:

• EVs to get improved mileage from redox flow batteries


• Flat batteries could improve performance and lower cost of energy storage


• MIT's flow battery could store solar and wind power on the cheap


• Hybrid anode quadruples the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries


• Tesla gearing up for release of batteries for the home


• Organic flow battery could transform renewable energy storage

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1ACeQQp

Gila Board brings independent suspension to off-road skateboarding

We've seen a number of off-road skateboards hit the market over the past several years, although most of them have little or no suspension, and many do have electric motors – the latter is fine if you want it, but just adds weight, expense and complexity if you don't. Industrial designer Chris Terpstra's new Gila Board doesn't have a motor, but instead sports a unique fully-adjustable independent suspension system. .. Continue Reading Gila Board brings independent suspension to off-road skateboarding



Section: Outdoors



Tags: Kickstarter, Off-road, Skateboard, Suspension



Related Articles:

• Sheraton’s Wild Horse Pass Resort launches GeoGreen sustainability program


• Lean Skateboard initiates sure turns with tilting, multi-link wheels


• S-Walker Board turns a balance board into a personal transportation device


• Snap folding skateboard slides in your backpack for easy transport


• Swing Blade skateboard carves and climbs without foot push-off


• Deska wants to be your "CitySurf" board

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1AiKfTi

Review: Splash Tunes Pro Bluetooth shower speaker

We're really beginning to like singing (or arguing with out favorite podcasts) in the shower, thanks to the Splash Tunes Pro waterproof shower speaker from FresheTech. This small, unassuming suction cup-mounted Bluetooth speaker delivers a surprising amount of sound in a speaker that costs US$70... Continue Reading Review: Splash Tunes Pro Bluetooth shower speaker



Section: Electronics



Tags: Audio, Bathroom, Bluetooth, Reviews, Shower, Speakers, Waterproof



Related Articles:

• Speaker-equipped shower head plays tunes via Bluetooth


• The Bluetooth Shower Speaker: Shower Yourself In High-Quality Sound


• Get 60% off the Bluetooth Shower Speaker from TRNDLabs


• Review: Nyne Aqua waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a floating party


• Soap delivers morning caffeine fix


• H2O Power radio runs on water from the shower

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/186teox

FlexCharger charges up to five devices at a time

Charging devices is, for many people, just a part of their daily routine. We have smartphones, tablets, laptops, portable game consoles, and all kinds of other devices that need some juice. With that in mind, there's no shortage of devices that aim to make charging easier and more efficient. A new player in the game is the FlexCharger, a versatile device that can charge five things at one time – and it does it in style... Continue Reading FlexCharger charges up to five devices at a time



Section: Electronics



Tags: Charger, Indiegogo, Wi-Fi, Wireless Charging



Related Articles:

• Ampere wireless charging sleeve aims to make charging on the go easier


• LG announces Wireless Charge Pad


• Sonicable can charge mobile devices faster, when using a PC's USB port


• LG’s WPD-800 turns wireless charging on its side


• Power2U offers USB charging straight from the wall


• Power Pillow charges your electronic devices while you relax

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1MZuD0Z

Scientist claims that human head transplants could be a reality by 2017

Transplanting a human head onto a donor body may sound like the stuff of science fiction comics, but not to Italian doctor Sergio Canavero. He has not only published a paper describing the operation in detail, but who also believes that the surgery could be a reality as early as 2017. .. Continue Reading Scientist claims that human head transplants could be a reality by 2017



Section: Medical



Tags: Neurological, Transplant



Related Articles:

• Spinal implant could one day let paralyzed people walk again


• Regenerative body parts in the works


• 3D-printed spine cage enables customized spinal fusion surgery


• AMES device helps the paralyzed regain movement


• Spinal cord tissue regenerated with sodium


• Scientists discover a "mini-brain" in spinal cord that helps keep us balanced

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1DZZd6A

NASA study looks to the ionosphere to improve GPS communications

A new NASA study focusing on irregularities in Earth’s upper atmosphere may help scientists overcome disruptions in GPS communication. The findings provide an insight into the causes of the disruptive regions, and represent the first time that such observations have been made from space. .. Continue Reading NASA study looks to the ionosphere to improve GPS communications



Section: Space



Tags: Communications, GPS, Ionosphere, NASA



Related Articles:

• Ionospheric Connection Explorer mission gets green light for development


• MAVEN uncovers secrets of Martian atmosphere loss


• NASA launches rocket into the heart of an aurora


• MAVEN: NASA's post-Phoenix Mars probe


• NASA's twin GRAIL spacecraft now together in lunar orbit


• Orbiters study effect of giant comet-caused meteor shower on Mars

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1wrpKU3

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus unveils SCG003 road and track supercars

The company behind the one-off Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina has unveiled its latest creation. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus (SCG) has developed road and race versions of the new SCG003. SCG says it has downforce and engine torque that are "unknown in the supercar world.".. Continue Reading Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus unveils SCG003 road and track supercars



Section: Automotive



Tags: Racing, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, Supercars



Related Articles:

• Alfa Romeo's new 300kmh Supercar


• Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione at Australian Motor Show


• Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione to be unveiled at Pebble Beach this weekend


• Maserati to debut four-seat GranTurismo MC Stradale in Geneva


• Alfa Romeo 4C to debut at Geneva Motor Show


• Le Mans-winning Ferrari 275 GTB heads for Scottsdale Auction

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1BmVobf

Scientists find brightest night light circling impossibly huge black hole

Astronomers have discovered a distant, massive and ancient black hole that calls into question current models for the early expansion of the universe. A team of scientists from China and Arizona spotted the brightest quasar from the early universe, named SDSS J0100+2802, centered on a black hole 12.8 billion light years away and as bright as 420 trillion suns... Continue Reading Scientists find brightest night light circling impossibly huge black hole



Section: Space



Tags: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Australian National University, Black hole, Physics, Quasar, Telescope, Universe, University of Arizona



Related Articles:

• Astronomers detect largest, most distant reservoir of water ever found in the universe


• Space telescopes uncover supermassive black hole winds


• The smallest black hole ever


• Recent discovery may change our understanding of how black holes form and evolve


• Dwarf galaxy suggests black holes may be more common than previously thought


• Map of the universe revealed

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/18uwXO4

World’s first climate-positive data center being built in Sweden

Information and communications technology consumes a full 10 percent of the world’s electricity, meaning that whenever a new data center is designed, its efficiency is of paramount concern. A new project, known as EcoDataCenter, will be the world’s first-climate positive data center, utilizing various techniques and technologies to ensure a positive impact on the wider world. .. Continue Reading World’s first climate-positive data center being built in Sweden



Section: Environment



Tags: Climate, Data Center, Environment, Sweden



Related Articles:

• Fjord-cooled data center in Norway claimed to be world's greenest


• Apple looks greener than ever with new renewable energy-powered data centers


• Google builds on green credentials with new data center in Finland


• Icelandic facility uses geothermal energy to store data for UK colleges


• Microsoft Research paper proposes using 'Data Furnaces' to heat the home


• Apple to build largest end user-owned, onsite solar array in the U.S.

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1vG5e6R

Mercedes reveals ravenous-looking AMG GT3

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its new GT3 racer. It is an altogether more hedonistic and angry-looking version of its GT sibling, which looks positively sedentary in comparison. The GT3 will race in the FIA GT3 Championship... Continue Reading Mercedes reveals ravenous-looking AMG GT3



Section: Automotive



Tags: AMG, GT3, Mercedes-Benz, Motorsport, Racing



Related Articles:

• Mercedes reveals V8 heart of new AMG GT supercar


• New Mercedes AMG C 63 models include the fastest Mercedes C-Class ever


• Mercedes takes the wraps off AMG GT


• Mercedes strikes a fine balance with the C 450 AMG 4MATIC


• The first carbon racing bike from Mercedes-Benz


• Brabus B63 620 Widestar puts Mercedes-Benz AMG sibling in the rearview

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1G0yV6h

Muscle injection could help burn more calories during routine activities

The future of weight loss could look like this. Inject your muscles with a compound that helps them burn more calories than usual and then do your daily chores to shed those extra pounds. That's the vision of a team of scientists who are working on a muscle-targeted injection therapy to help overweight people lose weight easily, even with low to moderate exercise... Continue Reading Muscle injection could help burn more calories during routine activities



Section: Medical



Tags: Energy Efficient, Health, Mice, Muscle, Obesity, Research, Weight Loss



Related Articles:

• The key to Obesity? Mayo researchers find mechanism that adjusts fat burning


• Exercise and caffeine have beneficial effects on DNA


• New drug mimics the beneficial effects of exercise


• The FitWet Jet Bike combines an exercise bike and a hot tub


• Spinal implant assists paraplegics to exercise


• TAO Chair lets you work out while relaxing in your living room

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/18tUdM0

Weinsberg CaraKids concept campers make RVs feel like children's forts

Recreational vehicle camping is a timeless family vacation tradition that provides a fun, memorable and affordable form of travel. While families with children make up a key demographic of the RV industry, that industry focuses its design and features overwhelmingly on adults. Features like illuminated wine cabinets and slide-out espresso machines do little to make the trip better for junior (though we guess they do keep mom and dad jovial). Sure the adults are the ones buying the RV, but as any parent knows, keeping the little ones happy during the trip is priority number one. The CaraKids motorhome and caravan design studies from Weinsberg were constructed from start to finish with children in mind, and they feature a number of smart details that promise to make RV camping more fun and convenient for the smallest campers and, thereby, the adults, too. .. Continue Reading Weinsberg CaraKids concept campers make RVs feel like children's forts



Section: Automotive



Tags: Campervan, Camping, Caravan, Children, Concept Cars, Knaus Tabbert, Motorhome



Related Articles:

• The Renault Dacia YAV III - the world’s most affordable motorhome


• Honda survey reveals what children want from cars


• The Airstream Skydeck lifts the lid on mobile homes


• The Miniature High-efficiency Motorhome


• Men-only RV on show at Caravan Salon Dusseldorf


• Double the fun: Kid Balance bike/scooter design

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1AzRsTC

Save 72% On The Power Vault 18,000mAh Portable Battery Pack

If you thought carrying a backup battery was a recipe for an aching back, it’s time to think again. The Power Vault is barely bigger than a phone, yet it squeezes in a capacity of 18,000mAh — enough to recharge an iPhone ten times over. Right now, you can pick one up at a 72% discount... Continue Reading Save 72% On The Power Vault 18,000mAh Portable Battery Pack



Section: Mobile Technology



Related Articles:

• Save 50% On The ZeroLemon’s SolarJuice 20,000mAh battery pack


• You need the rugged ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20,000mAh battery backup


• Beach Vault hides your valuables underground


• Vault Wallet offers a new home for your credit cards


• Limefuel LP200X: The 20,000mAh Dual USB Battery Pack


• Get The World's Smallest Portable Power Outlet For 31% Off

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1at0vfx

In pictures: The Australian International Airshow

The 2015 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence exhibition showcases a mix of modern jet firepower, heavy-lifting behemoths and attack helicopters, plus an array of personal aircraft, impressive high-flying aerobatics displays and a tribute to aviators of days gone by. Gizmag headed to Avalon airport to check out the action in the skies and on the ground. .. Continue Reading In pictures: The Australian International Airshow



Section: Aircraft



Tags: airshow, Australian Airshow



Related Articles:

• Best of old and new take to the skies at International Airshow


• Grumman TBM Avenger: Classic Warbird


• The 2011 Paris Airshow in pictures


• In pictures: Farnborough Airshow 2012


• Boeing 787 Dreamliner struts its stuff at Farnborough International Airshow


• In pictures: Oshkosh EAA Airventure 2014

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1DYpDFP

Boeing and RAAF triple bomb range with new JDAM-ER kit

Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have carried out tests of the Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER), which showed a three-times increase in range while maintaining accuracy. The add-on guidance kit for bombs was put through its paces at Australia's Woomera Test Range, where the 500-lb (227 kg) ordnance was dropped by RAAF F/A-18 Classic Hornets from altitudes ranging from 40,000 ft (12,190 m) down to 10,000 ft (3,048 m). .. Continue Reading Boeing and RAAF triple bomb range with new JDAM-ER kit



Section: Military



Tags: Aircraft, Australia, Boeing, Bombs, RAAF, Weapons



Related Articles:

• Boeing JDAM-ER munition completes first round of tests


• JDAM Scores Direct Hit in Extended Range Tests


• F-22 scores direct hit in supersonic, high-altitude JDAM drop


• How to make a dumb bomb smarter


• Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Engages Moving Targets with JDAM


• JDAM Countermine System shoots 4000 darts

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/17Cylgx

Google's deep Q-network proves a quick study in classic Atari 2600 games

In an old school gaming party to end all parties, Google's new deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm is likely to mop the floor with you at Breakout or Space Invaders, but maybe take a licking at Centipede. Provided with only the same inputs as a human player and no previous real-world knowledge, DQN uses reinforcement learning to learn new games, and in some cases, develop new strategies. Its designers argue that this kind of general learning algorithm can crossover into discovery making in other fields. .. Continue Reading Google's deep Q-network proves a quick study in classic Atari 2600 games



Section: Computers



Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Games, Google, Learning, Video Games



Related Articles:

• Video games can teach the teachers


• First Google Glass games released


• Get 95% off The Ultimate Game Developer Bundle


• Headshot: Action video games found to improve brain's capacity to learn


• Quantum Leap Learning Pad


• iCam motion controlled games console gets youngsters “edu-physical learning”

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1vED2S4

Net neutrality win: US FCC reclassifies broadband as a public utility, bans internet "fast lanes"

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today voted 3-2 to uphold the principles of network neutrality – that is, to force Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to treat all web traffic as equal. This prevents ISPs from being able to throttle or block users' connections to certain websites, or to offer "Internet fast lanes" whereby large websites could pay for their content to be delivered at a higher speed. Open Internet advocates see this as a huge step to protect the internet's current status as a free and open platform that offers equal opportunities to small and large content providers... Continue Reading Net neutrality win: US FCC reclassifies broadband as a public utility, bans internet "fast lanes"



Section: Telecommunications



Tags: Broadband, Communications, Net Neutrality



Related Articles:

• ISPs exaggerate the cost of data


• Google to launch experimental 1Gbps fiber-to-the-home network


• DonateBandwidth uses Torrent model to increase internet speeds in developing countries


• Measurement Lab detects blocked or throttled ports


• Nokia launches new Linux based Internet Tablet product category


• Two more UK internet service providers block The Pirate Bay

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1APYGls