The idea is to develop a back panel reflector that will harnesses solar energy to power laptop screens. A mirror on the back panel pointed at the sun will be able to direct the sun's rays toward the screen to add natural light to the LED backlight.

The idea is to create a way to make foam from paper mill waste, simultaneously reducing waste and creating a useful product. Some of the finer waste fibers from paper making are excellent feed-stock for nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC). Why not develop a method of processing the NCC into composite foams by adding a furan resin to the unprocessed foam. Paper mills create millions of tons of waste product annually, much of which could be re-used in this new method of foam...

The idea is to launch floating islands in lakes in an effort to improve water conditions and restore natural habitats. The islands will be made up of non-toxic recycled plastics injected with an inert polyurethane foam for buoyancy, and will act as floating treatment wetlands. The islands will mimic a concentrated wetland, eliminating algae blooms and problematic nutrients while encouraging bird and insect populations.

An electronic tongue is able to differentiate between different types of sparkling wine based on the amount of sugar added during production. The device uses mathematical processing combined with chemical measurement systems and an artificial neural network to identify the characteristics of different types of wines. The Electronic Tongue could also be used to detect defects during the wine making process.

The idea is to have a material able to regulate heat above a certain temperature, which could reduce the costs of heating and cooling buildings. The non-deformed storage phase change material will able to absorb heat above a pre-determined temperature and release it when the temperature drops below a certain point. The material will be applied as a microscopic film to the surfaces of buildings, and can be formed into an array of shapes and sizes. The material could reduce...

The idea is to develop a device able to monitor environmental air in real time, detecting the presence of bacteria much faster than conventional methods. The system will use optical technology to detect the size and fluorescence of airborne particulates, determining whether the particle is inert or biological through the presence of intrinsic fluorescence. The analysis of single particles will provide a greater sensitivity of detection, and the device will able to monitor the...

The idea is to develop a device that can smell by grafting olfactory receptor proteins onto carbon nanotubes. The researches can use proteins from mice and create an interface between the proteins and a carbon nanotube transistor. The transistor will convert the chemical signals of the proteins into electrical signals, which will be then read by a device that will notify the user to a chemical in the air.

The idea is to create a biodegradable carpet, which can be shredded and turned into organic fertilizer rather than incinerated. The carpets will be made of organic wool held together by a biodegradable paste rather than the conventional latex backing. The new paste will also use 50 percent less energy in its application, requiring lower temperatures for less time than conventional methods.

In an effort to slow coastal erosion, why not develop concrete cylinders that can cancel out up to 90% of a wave's intensity? The cylinders will be hollow with narrow slits in the sides and will cancel out the wave's energy. The cylinders should even be able to handle tsunami waves, and it will be possible that current wave power generation systems could be adapted to the coastal protector technology.

Why not use sunlight and ethanol to create hydrogen at ambient temperature and pressure? This could make production less expensive while delivering higher yields. The process will involve mixing a powdered form of a photocatalyst and ethanol in a container and then agitating the substances while they are exposed to ultraviolet light. A semiconductor inside the container will generate electrons, which will be captured by gold nanoparticles in the catalyst and react with the alcohol...