A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.
FIRST FLIGHT: Virgin Galactic's VSS Enterprise spacecraft is the world's first piloted commercial spaceship. It has now proven it can glide to a safe landing after being dropped from the mothership at over 13Km above ground. If you have a spare US$200,000 you can book now. More at VirginAtlantic and video on YouTube.
SENSING SEALS: There's nothing as good as local knowledge. Scientists attached sensors to Antarctic elephant seals to learn about the shape of the seafloor. The devices record data every few seconds then send it via satellite when the animal surfaces. Free labour for science. Details at Wired.
POWER JELLY: Swedish researchers have taken the protein that causes some jellyfish to glow in the dark and used it to power microscopic fuel cells. A drop of protein on aluminium electrodes under ultraviolet light generates enough current to power a nanoscale device. So, maybe robot fireflies at dance parties? More at Physorg.
WORLD GAMES: The World Cyber Games gathers participants from 90 nations to play Counterstrike, Guitar Hero, Starcraft and other computer games. This year South Korea took winning place overall, while Australia won 1 gold medal. Sit down sports, yeah! More at WCG.
GOLDILOCKS WIND: Wind farms have their down sides, such as changing local weather because they disrupt the usual airflow. But Stanford University researchers found that designing upwind rotors to generate just the right amount of turbulence would make downwind rotors more efficient and disrupt airflow less. Even green technology has its down side. More at ArsTechnica.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
