STICKY CURRENT: Scientists at SRI International, USA, have created an electroadhesive film that sticks to walls when a small electric current is flowing but peels off when the current stops. The polymer film has a high voltage low power circuit printed on it. Applying a current creates electroadhesion, so the film sticks to things. A robot using the film on its treads can climb a wall. Spiderman had better not forget the batteries. More at Wired and video on Brightcove.
GRAVITY MATTERS: Our universe is full of matter, all affected by gravity - the force that keeps us attached to the Earth. But what does anti-matter do? Would it be attracted or repelled by gravity? Scientists at CERN hope to find out. They've managed to trap and hold 309 antihydrogen atoms for up to 16 minutes. The team now plan to watch how it interacts with gravity: will it fall up or down? Place your bets now, ladies and gentlemen. More at TechnologyReview.
WORK'S CALLING: EnOcean has created self-powering sensors that communicate wirelessly over the Internet. Install them in light switches or on heaters, for example, and then monitor and control the devices from your smartphone. Designed for large businesses and industries they could help save energy and money. The sensors capture energy from their surroundings using solar cells, thermal and linear motion converters. Pranksters could have a lot of fun. More at Wired.
BRICK WALLS LIKE WINDOWS: You might think that if you're in a windowless concrete-walled room no-one can see you. Think again. The Prism 200c from Cambridge Consultants can see through walls, and it fits in a backpack. It's a battery-powered radar device with a processor to analyse the signal and a screen to show what's going on. Data can also be presented on a computer screen, even in 3D. Watch out for people with backpacks leaning against walls. Your secrets are no longer safe. More at CambridgeConsultants and video.
SUPER SPY CAM: Do you like showing off your tiny pocket camera? Well, that's nice. But if your doctor needs to look inside you they'll use the world's tiniest video camera: the disposable 1.2mm Medigus IntroSpicio 120. It's 1.2mm in diameter and 5mm long. It uses an advanced CMOS image sensor that produces images 220 * 224 pixels, with features like white balance, brightness control and freeze. The camera could also be used in industry. Or by stalkers and spies, of course. More at Medigus.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
Tech Universe: Tuesday 10 May
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