Articles in the ‘Tech‘ Category
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Green architecture – Ellis Park House
Designed by the same folks that came up with the Cliff House we described in our last green architecture series article, the home was constructed on an overgrown infill site, just steps from Bloor Street, which was considered not suitable for building because of its 45 degree slope and shallow… »
Tech »
Researchers made DNA molecules that behave as spider robots
A team of scientists from Columbia University, Arizona State University, the University of Michigan, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have programmed an autonomous molecular “robot” made out of DNA to start, move, turn, and stop while following a DNA track. The molecular robot, nicknamed “spider”, shows… »
Bionics, Tech »
Fish schooling inspires new ideas for vertical-axis wind turbines
In the Los Angeles basin, the challenge of finding suitable space for large wind farms has prevented further progress in the use of wind energy. However, researcher John Dabiri, associate professor of aeronautics and bioengineering at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and head of Caltech’s Biological Propulsion Laboratory, is using… »
Tech »
Green architecture – Cliff House, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
Set on a rock formation overlooking a spectacular lake, the Cliff House integrates building elements with the beautiful natural assets of the site and terrain. Located at Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, the cottage offers private areas with calming views of the surrounding nature. Designed by Altius Architecture Inc, it is completely… »
Bionics, Tech »
Bat biosonar biomimicry for improved sonar technology
Comparable to some other animals on our planet, bats use other methods instead sight in order to navigate or hunt. They are able to “see” in the dark by sending out sound waves that bounce back to the bats’ ears from objects such as fruit on trees and flying insect… »
Gadgets, Tech »
Sharp develops modular 3D camera system
We already wrote about a 3D camera from Fujifilm named the Real 3D W1, however, the folks from Sharp have added a new ingredient to the mix and claim they have achieved an industry first in the process. The company has announced the development of a 3D camera unit compact… »
Bionics, Tech »
Moths inspire perfectly non-reflecting surfaces for displays
Inspired by moths, the research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM, Freiburg, developed a new nanocoating that ensures a perfectly non-reflecting view on displays and through eyeglasses. The necessary surface structure is applied to the polymeric parts during manufacture, obviating the need for a separate process… »
Tech »
Green architecture – Salmon Creek Falls Environmental Center
Environmental Center, part of the Harmony Union School District which will serve grades K-8, became the first public elementary school building in California that reached LEED Platinum certificate. The building design was done by Persinger Architects and Symbios Design – part of the global “green” design and architecture movement…. »
Gadgets, Tech »
Minput provides low-cost and high-precision pointing for gadgets
By installing a pair of optical sensors on the back of a mobile phone or mp3 player, the researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that the entire device could have many of the same benefits as that of a computer mouse when the device was placed against a surface, a… »
Tech »
eyeDriver software enables car steering with your eyes
German researchers have developed a new technology that lets drivers steer cars using only their eyes. The scientists Berlin’s Free University developed the software eyeDriver which is responsible for the steering of their car dubbed “Spirit of Berlin” just by the movement of the eyes. Raul Rojas, an artificial intelligence… »