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| Today's silicon solar panels absorb about two-thirds of the light that reaches them, but a new nanocoating developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute gives most run-of-the-mill solar panels the ability to capture almost every drop of sunlight. Not only does it grab 96.2% of the sun's rays, but it can do it from any angle, so there's no need for panels to waste energy by mechanically tracking the sun in the sky. This is happy leap forward for solar technology, whose quest for cheapness has been long and hard.
I said it's one coating, but it's actually seven, each between 50 and 100 nanometers thick, made of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods that can be vaporized and deposited on "nearly any photovoltaic materials." PhysOrg compares the tightly hugging nanorods to "a dense forest where sunlight is 'captured' between the trees." There's no word yet on the deployment of this process, it's barely a year since its chalkboard conception, but this efficiency means lower cost to acquire energy, which means solar power is more viable than ever as an alternative to fossil fuels.
http://gizmodo.com/
filed under:
energy,
environment,
physics
Property spectrum: Surface
This property describes the evolution of surface texture.
Surfaces tend to evolve from flat, smooth surfaces towards
bumpy surfaces. The dense protrusions create a forest which
captures almost all the sunlight.
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| In the early 1990s, Swiss engineer Karl Müller realized that both shoes and backache are unknown to the Masai tribesmen - and that there is a causal connection between these two facts. By walking barefoot on the natural, soft, uneven ground of their East African homeland, the Masai activate also those muscles that atrophy when one walks on hard, even surfaces wearing conventional shoes.
MBT's are a revolutionary footwear range first developed to cure back and joint problems and now proven to strengthen and tone legs, buttocks and stomach muscles, improve skin-boosting circulation, correct posture and reduce damaging joint loading. Don't be a slave to the gym - 10,000 stylish steps a day in your MBT's, will boost fitness levels and tone your body for a healthy lifestyle to suit you.
http://www.swissmasai.co.uk/
filed under:
personal care,
textile & clothing,
materials
Property spectrum: Linearity
This property describes the evolution of linear constructs towards 3-dimensional non-linear constructs. Benefits derived from utilizing additional dimensions include improved physical properties like strength, moment of inertia, surface area, as well as improved aesthetics and ergonomics.
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Sure, rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly than normal ones, but they will still consume energy which is generated from fossil fuel. But this gadget can charge your battery in a real eco-friendly way. Just insert one battery into it and suck it on the wall, and then let the wind charge your battery.
http://www.inewidea.com/
filed under:
energy,
environment,
gadgets
Property spectrum: Coordination
This principle describes the coordination between
components, systems, and their environments towards a common
goal. The propellers turn in the wind and produce energy to
recharge the battery inside.
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The idea is based on a common and natural behaviour of putting your hand on the forehead to measure internal heat of their body. Checking the temperature by scanning the forehead with this device is easier and faster, since it eliminates the need to insert an external tool while holding them in a still position. The intuitive shape of the device allows the user to easily understand how to hold and use the device. The organic and ergonomic shape provides a secure grasp in the users hand.
http://www.yankodesign.com/
filed under:
childcare,
gadgets,
measuring/testing
Property spectrum: Symmetry
Changing the asymmetry of an object can greatly increase its
operability. The altered symmetry of this thermometer makes
it fit perfectly between your fingers for easier temperature
measuring.
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It actually sounds a bit too good to be true but Sagem is a trustworthy company and the invention was actually announced sometime last year. Today they announced that they have managed to embed a whole GPS receiver into a traditional SIM card which would make it possible to bring GPS functionality into any phone.
http://fosfor.com/
filed under:
electronics,
technologies,
telecom
Property spectrum: Integration
This property describes integrating different functions in your product to increase the user convenience. Some of the benefits of adding additional functions are: integrating other functions and reusing the available resources. The integration of a GPS
system into a SIM card gives the possibility of GPS to any
cellphone.
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This month we selected the submission of Dirk Wynants from
Extremis. Kosmos, has a round shape in which you can sit or relax, with the added bonus of a table. The seating comfort is guaranteed by the "dry feel" polyurethane foam cushions with white leatherette upholstery. The table can furthermore be lowered to seat height; at its lowest position, with an extra cushion, it offers a completely flat surface transforming this new product into a giant lounger.
The transformation clearly refers to the method used for transforming a caravan's seating area into a comfortable bed. So after a delicious lunch with friends you can all have a little nap together without having to leave. You can relax in exactly the same spot where you have just enjoyed your meal. Two functions combined into one object.
http://www.extremis.be/
filed under:
furniture,
leisure
Property spectrum: Components
Increasing the number of dissimilar elements in a system can
bring additional functionality, improved operability, and
convenience. The different functions are combined into one
product.
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Lo Mejor de la Gastronomía
During one of the most important seminars worldwide concerning gastronomy, Bernard Lahousse (CREAX Food) invited scientists, companies and
top chefs to give a lecture on new insights in gastronomy.
Bernard wanted to emphasis how cooperation between
different disciplines can result in innovation in the kitchen.
Bernard Lahousse also give a lecture on
FoodPairing.
Top chef Peter Coucquyt used this insight to build a savoury dish based on Belcolade Dominican Republic white chocolate
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If you enjoy
CREAX newsletters, you will enjoy our hands-on MoreInspiration course. Our next 2-day
course is scheduled for the
3rd &
4th of December 2008 and the following course for the
28th & 29th of January 2009. 
The following events have been planned for the coming months: