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Patrik
 
92%
Microbes bearing tiny solar panels may be the next step in creating a more efficient way of converting the sun's energy than is possible with current methods. The process will mimic photosynthesis. By placing tiny solar panels on microbes, it will be possible to create a system for artificial photosynthesis which will harness sunlight and, in turn, create energy to drive the production of hydrogen. The photocatalysts will be able to harness solar energy for the manufacture of...
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Harry
 
93%
The Cloud Machine is a personal weather modification device, able to create small clouds on demand. Designed to create clouds to reflect solar radiation, the cloud machine could help pave the way to new ideas of combating global warming. The device consists of a weather balloon that is launched into the air carrying the cloud-making tools. Once the machine reaches the desired altitude, it releases cloud condensation nuclei, heat and water vapor, causing the moisture in the air to...
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JB
 
93%
Conductive cables able to stretch up to eight times their original length could make electrical outlets more accessible--and let you share your headphones with your friend seated three rows back. The idea is to develop the wire by filling a thin tube made of an extremely elastic polymer with a liquid metal alloy. Made of gallium and indium, the alloy is a good conductor of electricity, and keeping the materials separate rather than embedding the metals directly into the elastic...
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Jay
 
93%
Portable air quality sensors could help people suffering from chronic conditions like asthma and COPD breathe a bit easier by allowing them to check the air condition in their immediate with their smartphones. The system will consist of small air quality sensors that could be carried by the individual or deployed around a particular area. The sensors will be able to measure local concentrations of pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and ozone, and transmit the data wirelessly to...
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Dr. Gibbson
 
92%
The idea is to develop a new microfluidic device able to quickly perform a blood screening for up to fifty biomarkers at once. The chip will be larger and will have more channels than conventional microfluidic devices. Still small enough to be carried in a pocket, the V-chip (volumetric bar-chart chip) will consist of a pair of thin sheets of glass sandwiching wells for: hydrogen peroxide; up to 50 different antibodies to specific proteins, DNA or RNA fragments, or lipids of...
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Jocker
 
93%
12/26/2012
One day, snowboarders may be able to charge down the slopes while charging their batteries with a solar panel equipped snowboard. The snowboard will be equipped with a pair of solar panels fitted to the board's shape and connected to a converter in the center of the board. The board's two rechargeable batteries will be able to power smartphones and music devices, taking advantage of the bright sun on snowy mountain slopes.
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Jay
 
93%
12/19/2012
A sensor system inspired by the blind cave fish could allow autonomous underwater vehicles to navigate more accurately while also eliminating the sonar "pings" that can disturb aquatic animals. The blind cave fish navigates its terrain by detecting changes in water pressure with a row of hair cells down either side of its body. The new system will feature an array of two rows of five sensors each measuring only 1.8 x 1.8 mm. Each sensor will contain a hydrogel surrounding a...
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Max
 
93%
A new plant-based extract used as a clothing dye for over 3500 years could also provide a green alternative to the metal ores used to make lithium-ion batteries. The extract, called purpurin, comes from the root of the madder plant. Purpurin, along with other biologically-based color molecules, contain carbonyl and hydroxyl groups able to pass electrons back and forth in the same way as traditional electrodes. Purpurin can be made and stored at room temperature, with a color change...
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Jared
 
92%
The skies will get a bit safer for birds with the wind turbine, which will use no blades at all. The turbine will capture up to 80 percent of the wind's kinetic energy (current turbines only capture about 30 percent). Instead of spinning blades, the wind will be harnessed by a sail that will move in a non-rotational back and forth motion. The motion will then be converted to a hydraulic pressure that can either be stored or instantly converted to electricity via a hydraulic motor...
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Adam
 
93%
The idea is to develop a self-healing concrete, which could cut building costs by reducing the amount of steel needed to add structural support. Under strain, concrete will develop cracks that will eventually spread and weaken the structure. Why not mix the spores of limestone-producing bacteria and some nutrients into the concrete material. The spores will remain dormant until they are activated by rainwater, at which time they will eat the nutrients and produce limestone, filling...