“Superomniphobic” nanoscale coating repels almost any liquid
A team of engineering researchers at the University of Michigan has developed a nanoscale coating that causes almost all liquids to bounce off surfaces treated with it. Creating a surface structure that is least 95 percent air, the new “superomniphobic” coating is claimed to repel the broadest range of liquids of any material in its class, opening up the possibility of super stain-resistant clothing, drag-reducing waterproof paints for ship hulls, breathable garments that provide protection from harmful chemicals, and touchscreens resistant to fingerprint smudges.
Made up of a mixture of rubbery plastic particles of “polydimethylsiloxane” (PDMS) and liquid-resisting nanoscale cubes containing carbon, fluorine, silicon and oxygen, the coating is applied to surfaces using a technique known as electrospinning, which uses an electric charge to create fine solid particles from a liquid solution. These solid particles that hug the pore structure of the surface it is applied to and create a finer web within those pores.
Innovating air-quality and environmental technology with Testo AG
Testo may not be a widely-known company, but its products are widely used by everything from chimney sweeps, who use Testo devices to measure flue gas levels, to Airbus staff, who use them to monitor air quality. More recently, to stay at the top of their field, the mid-sized firm, based in Lenzkirch, has had to pay special attention to research and development. DWG reports on how the company plans to overcome the challenge of innovating in a consumer hyper awareness world.
Silica nanofibres product breakthrough
Research by (Optoelectronics Research Centre) ORC Principal Research Fellow Dr Gilberto Brambilla and ORC Director Professor Sir David Payne has resulted in the creation of the strongest, lightest weight silica nanofibres – ‘nanowires’ that are 15 times stronger than steel and can be manufactured in lengths potentially of 1000’s of kilometres.
Their findings are already generating extensive interest from many companies around the world and could be set to transform the aviation, marine and safety industries. Tests are currently being carried out globally into the potential future applications for the nanowires.
Their findings are already generating extensive interest from many companies around the world and could be set to transform the aviation, marine and safety industries. Tests are currently being carried out globally into the potential future applications for the nanowires.
THE FUTURIST Magazine Releases Its Top 10 Forecasts for 2013 and Beyond
Each year since 1985, the editors of THE FUTURIST have selected the most thought-provoking ideas and forecasts appearing in their magazine to go into their annual Outlook report. Over the years, Outlook has spotlighted the emergence of such epochal developments as the Internet, virtual reality, the 2008 financial crisis and the end of the Cold War. But these forecasts are meant as conversation starters, not absolute predictions about the future. With no further ado, THE FUTURIST Magazine’s top ten forecasts for 2013 and beyond.
1. Neuroscientists may soon be able to predict what you’ll do before you do it.
2. Future cars will become producers of power rather than merely consumers.
3. An aquaponic recycling system in every kitchen?
4. The economy may become increasingly jobless, but there will be plenty of Work
5. The next space age will launch after 2020, driven by competition and “adventure capitalists.”
6. The “cloud” will become more intelligent, not just a place to store data.
7. Corporate reputations will be even more important to maintain, due to the transparency that will come with augmented reality.
8. Robots will become gentler caregivers in the next 10 years.
9. We’ll harness noise vibrations and other “junk” energy from the environment to power our gadgets.
10. A handheld “breathalyzer” will offer early detection of infections microbes and even chemical attacks.
Innovators on the Move: Casey Pugh & Jamie Wilkinson of VHX
Unpakt follows the Emmy-award winning duo behind online video platform VHX.tv as they hire their first team and move into their first offices. Co-founders Casey Pugh and Jamie Wilkinson (who previously helped build sites like Vimeo and produced internet favorite ‘Star Wars Uncut’) reflect on the rapid pace of technology and the doors that online video distribution can open for their users.
Stephen Ezell - The Global Race for Innovation
Stephen Ezell, a senior analyst for the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, talks to Global Policy’s Kat Wall about his new book ‘Innovation Economics’, why America is falling behind in innovation, and what the US can do to rectify this situation.
Stephen argues that the US can no longer rely on its historical record and, along with several policy prescriptions, must learn from other leaders in global innovation. Stephen also suggests how education plays a central role in fostering innovation in a globalized world.
The Most Innovative Cities in Asia Pacific
What does it take for a city to be innovative? Why is innovation necessary at a city level? Is your city one of the most innovative cities in Asia?
This short documentary movie is about the Most Innovative Cities in Asia Pacific ranked by Solidiance, based on a comprehensive Solidiance study across the region completed in 2013. It features various innovative ecosystems in Asia Pacific and interviews with key people and/or innovators from different stakeholders (Executives, Government, Academics, Artists, and others) to provide different perspectives about innovation and its urban environment. The documentary was produced by Peter Franklin Agence Audiovisuelle.
Innovation Infanticide
Mr. Biju Dominic co-founded of FinalMile Consulting that combines the two powerful sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Economics along with Ethnography and Design to pioneer the new theory and practice of Behavior Architecture.
In this talk, he talks about how in today’s world, innovation is being culled right in its very onset by discouraging people to think out of the box, and why is it so important that world needs innovation and innovative minds.
MaKey MaKey: An Invention Kit for Everyone
MaKey MaKey is an invention kit for the 21st century. It turns everyday objects into touchpads and combines them with the internet. It’s a simple invention kit for beginners and experts doing art, engineering, and everything inbetween:
It comes ready to use out of the box with everything you see above: MaKey MaKey, Alligator Clips, USB Cable.
How Does it Work?
When you touch the apple, you make a connection, and MaKey MaKey sends the computer a keyboard message. The computer just thinks MaKey MaKey is a regular keyboard (or mouse). Therefore it works with all programs and webpages, because all programs and webpages take keyboard and mouse input.
Make + Key = MaKey MaKey!
The Future is Now by Futurist & Inventor Adrian Bulzacki
Engineering genius Adrian Bulzacki has designed computer systems for Honda, Chrysler & Subaru. Not content with living in the past or present, Bulzacki’s new startup ARB Labs is making the futuristic technology from Hollywood films viable today.
