New tech tools

I don't have quite enough information inputs to need this yet but I can see the day when I might. Pretty creepy that to live in "modern" world we need this kind of thing huh?

This open-source curriculum center sounds really cool. I don't have a current use for it now but I might in the future.

Why you shouldn't go out and buy Blu-ray discs

'Cus they'll probably be replaced by these in a few years

The road to zero emissions shipping

A great article from Wired about various technologies that people are working on with the goal of making international shipping a zero emissions business. I've posted about the resurgence of sails in shipping and here's more in that vein. I find this idea really interesting because one of the assumptions of many local food advocates is that international shipping will always be less environmentally friendly that buying local and I just think the situation is more complex than that. I'll be keeping an eye on this.

Cool wind power design

Wow! This looks so awesome. It probably won't be useful for large scale stuff but using it for small scale home stuff might be really good.

Kinetic Motion Energy storage device

Ok, Winter and I have talked about this for a long time and I've been more on the "con" side that the "pro" side but this charger is really cool! Maybe I'll have to rethink my position.

Neat new energy storage idea

A newish idea for wind energy storage. I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not but it should be looked into.

Cool!

Appropriate tech solar power, nifty!

Energy saving software for your computer

I'll have to download this and give it a try.

New developments in solar tech

I wasn't going to post about this because there's been some skepticism from the scientific community but I haven't seen an outright refutation of the science yet so I might as well post. From MIT a "major" new development in solar energy storage.

Micro-nuclear plants? Sounds creepy to me

The idea of having a "hot-tub" sized nuclear power plant scares me a little bit but it might be neat (assuming the companies claims are true).

Environmentalists get excited

Mr. Williams-Derry seems to be a little bit over-excited about this new solar low interest loan program to California residents. Nonetheless it might help encourage more solar power.

New Energy Mapping tool

Renewable energy maps have been available for a long time, but you had to know where to look and what to look for. This new mapping tool helps makes things easier. I like

Neat biomass energy tech development

So I've been following the development of algae based bio-energy for a while and this was a really clear and concise article that explains how it could be cool (watch the video that he links to, even if it is biased).

I feel like this could be important but I'm not sure why

I feel like there's some opportunity for biomimicry devices or new technology after reading this but I can't see it yet. Anyone else?

Amazingly cool update on the Antikythera device

I'm so excited!!!!! There's been some further developments in figuring out what the device is and what it does. Go here first (you MUST watch the video) then go here for the Long Now take.

Developments in armor technology

Brings a whole new meaning to Dragon scale armor no? Check out this neat article about armor based on an ancient eel's skin.

Solar Power Gathering momentum (again)?

In a new post on Yale's blog Jon Luoma goes over the recent rapid expansion of solar power. My reasons for supporting solar power over other forms are somewhat complex (an not completely developed) so I may post in more detail later but suffice to say I'm glad to hear this. Although it should be said that we've heard this story before.

Exciting developments in physics

So I've been keeping an eye on the debate over Garret Lisi's new theory of everything. It's been making waves in the popular science (not to be confused with the magazine) community. I think that's partially due to Lisi's personality and partially because his theory is cool. Unfortunately his talk at the TED conference does not appear to be available yet but I'm eagerly awaiting it. To slathe my thirst for more news I found this video on youtube. I also went and took a look at the actual paper that codifies the draft of his theory but couldn't make head nor tails of it. *sigh* I wish I could take a couple of years and learn enough maths to actually understand this but I think 'tis not to be.

War Games

Slate paints a frighting picture of future warriors who fight remotely. Nothing super new but it's a scary trend.

New developments in AT

So there's a new tongue motion controller for wheelchairs, I think it's neat.