Technology

Technology

Beer Battery

Researchers in Australia have been working with Foster's brewery to develop what they call a "beer battery."  The technical name is microbial fuel cell, and it uses bacteria to turn the brewery's waste into electricity, clean water, and carbon dioxide.  Scientists expect that the idea can be applied to several other industries as well.

• Engadget Article - A very brief overview of the topic with a nice Foster's graphic.
• What is a Beer Battery? - An in-depth article that is easy to read and lists other sources.
• BBC: Fosters Hops on Green Bandwagon - A short article with details on funding the project.

Football: The Magic First Down Line 

If you've watched any football games in the last few years, you probably noticed the fluorescent yellow or orange line extending from one side of the field to the other -- seemingly painted on the field. In fact, the line is computer generated, representing exactly the spot that the offense must get to for a first down.  Players can run over top of it, the ball can be set down on it, but it doesn't even exist.  It takes a team of people and several computers to make it happen every time you turn on the game.

• How the First Down Line Works - Great article by HowStuffWorks.  The line started in 1998.
• SportVision's Official Site - Visit the link and click on "American Football" for more.
• Wikipedia Entry - The hard to find wikipedia entry on the first and ten line.

Wireless Power

It doesn't just mean batteries.  Researchers at MIT may have found a way to transmit power across a room using frequency coils, and Canada's Communication Research Centre has developed a plane that can fly using power beamed to it from the Earth.

• How Wireless Power Works - Explains modern methods of transmitting power.
• Power Beaming - A wikipedia article on using lasers to transmit power.
• Resonance Power - A BBC News article on MIT's frequency coils.

The Silent Aircraft Initiative

If you've ever heard a plane landing over your head, you know that it's loud.  Now imagine living near an airport and hearing that all day and all night.  The United Kingdom began the Silent Aircraft Initiative and has been working with students from MIT to develop quieter planes.  With the SAX-40, they reached their goal, and the plane is also 35% more fuel efficient.

• SilentAircraft.org - The official website of the Silent Aircraft Initiative, well written.
• What's the Silent Aircraft Initiative? - A quick, easy to read article with all the facts you need.
• MIT News Office - An article directly from MIT and Cambridge on their progress.